Looking for the Best Apartment in San Francisco

Top Five Tips for California Rental Apartment Searchers

Picture
Looking for an apartment in California is a time consuming proposition, especially for someone new to the state. With so many towns and neighborhoods that transition quickly, it can be complex and confusing to find appropriate rental apartments, especially if you are on a limited budget.

Here are some tips to make your search for a California apartment a little easier:

  • Figure out what you can afford to pay for rent every month.
Determining what you can afford to pay is the first step you need to take during your apartment search. Landlords will be looking for you to show that you earn 3-4 times the monthly rent. Chances are your budget will eliminate many options. The tighter your budget, the more you need to know what you are willing to compromise (e.g. apartment size, location, and facilities).

  • Double check your rent budget in relation to your total household budget:
Just because the landlord approves you doesn't mean you can really afford the apartment if you have above average expenses in other areas. Follow the expert's advice and make a list of all your household expenses including food, entertainment, transportation, loan repayments and savings. Deduct these from post tax income. This calculation will give you a fair idea of what you can really afford for rent every month.

Now that you know what you can spend, narrow down the alternatives and select apartments that lie no more than slightly above price range.

  • Narrow down your search:
At this stage, see if there are any apartments you can eliminate. Look for ones that are too small or don't have the amenities you absolutely require.

  • Start visiting apartments and doing comparison shopping:
Now, it's time to visit the apartments on your short list. Visiting multiple properties in one area will help you quickly decide which offer the best value and the best quality of life for you and your family.

If you are looking for a California apartment, start looking online on one of the online apartment guides that offer California rental apartments.