Home is where the heart and all your stuff is, so you probably want it to be pretty nice. Just not break-the-bank nice. There are a few easy ways to save before signing on the dotted lease line, fortunately. Do your wallet a big favor and check out these tips for finding the biggest and baddest apartments with move-in specials.
How to find apartments with move-in specials with Apartment Guide
Apartment Guide is making it easier than ever to know which properties offer the biggest bang for your buck by tagging them with a hard to miss, but easy to use hot deals badge.
Follow these easy steps and you'll be on your way to saving money on your next apartment lease.
1. Search for apartments in your city or neighborhood
Visit Apartment Guide and search as you normally would using filters to narrow in on your desired city, neighborhood, price and features. You can easily select a Hot Deals filter option, which will only show apartments in your search that have an active deal for you.
In addition, as you're scrolling through your full list of properties, you'll notice a friendly red badge that says “Hot Deals" or “Deals" with your special offer.
2. Claim your move-in special
When you click on a property, you'll know if it has an active deal when you see the red word "Deals" in an icon under the photos. Click on that badge or scroll down the page to see what special is currently being offered. It could be anything from a months' free Rent to a gift card when you sign a lease.
Then click on "Check Availability" to fill out your name and contact information and it will be sent to the property along with your move-in special. Someone from the community will contact you shortly.
While you're on the page, you can also sign up for virtual tours, if they are available.
Other tips for finding apartments with move-in specials
There's no reason to stop there. Double (or triple) up on the savings by heeding a few of these tried-and-true tips for scoring the best apartment deals.
Timing is everything
No one wants to move during the busy holiday season, much less when it's oh-so-chilly outside. So take advantage of everyone else's hesitation and cash in on apartment community promotions that run rampant from October to December. Happy New Year, indeed.
Act quickly
If a deal seems too good to be true it probably isn't going to be there long. Starting a few months before the big move, monitor rental prices in your desired area. This will give you a better idea of what's fair to pay and what a true apartment deal looks like. That way, when a truly great promotion or rent reduction pops up you'll be able to swoop in and grab it right away.
Rent new
Although it seems pretty backward, it can sometimes be cheaper to score a brand-new unit. This is because newbie communities have a lot of space to fill, so they run excellent specials to get people in the door. Just make sure your rent and amenity fees won't get jacked up without your consent in a year or two.
Make the ask
Many people don't realize that rental rates aren't set in stone. If a community is struggling to fill units they'll be more likely to throw you a bone or two, in the form of reduced rent or waived fees. Don't be afraid to check out these potential caveats. The worst thing they can say is no, right?
Brag a bit
Now's not the time to be modest. Landlords would far prefer to have reliable renters in place, so if you have an impeccable credit history and references go ahead and drop this info like it's hot. Be sure to include your score, if you know it. The apartment community is more likely to offer discounted rent to a sure thing, rather than someone who's racking up debt all over.
Explore payment options
Some apartment communities have flexibility as to whether you pay month-to-month or upfront for a certain period of time, such as three, six or even 12 months. If you have the savings this could land you a discounted rent rate since they'll already have your money in the bank. This apartment deal will cost you more upfront but will save plenty in the long-term.
Don't be a diva
Sure, you might want a view of the bay or whatever, but if it works better with your budget to rent a middle floor unit it's probably smart to make the concession. The same goes for ultra-desirable first-floor units. It's simply cheaper to snap up a middle unit.
You can also save major bucks by opting for a community with onsite, rather than in-unit laundry. This minor inconvenience can net big savings in the end.
The same concept goes for fixer-upper units. Although it's lovely to move into a turnkey place with a fresh coat of paint, pristine hardwoods and gleaming stainless steel, it's also going to be reflected in the rent price. So think about what you really need, versus what you really want, all with your budget in mind. Many communities will approve minor repairs and upgrades, so check into that option and do the work yourself for a fraction of what they would have up-charged you!
Cast a wider net
Sure, you want to be in the trendy part of town, but it's not worth being near all the hot spots if you have no money left over after rent, utilities and amenity fees to enjoy them. Instead, move a little further out to find the unit you want at a price that won't break you. Then use ride-shares or public transportation to get you where you need to go if you don't have your own wheels.
Find your apartment with move-in specials today
Searching for an apartment can be overwhelming in more ways than one. A little extra diligence on the front end, however, is likely to net big savings in the end.
So whether it's a coupon, selecting a basement abode or a combination of the two, take a beat to figure out what you really want, when you want it and what you're willing to give up to reap the best cash savings possible.
The post How to Find Apartments with Move-In Specials appeared first on Apartment Living Tips - Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.
