How to Save Time & Money on Your Apartment Search
November 8, 2024
Finding a rental apartment, townhome, or home can be stressful, time-consuming, and downright expensive. With the right strategies and professional guidance, you can save valuable time and money on your apartment search!
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Many renters waste time and money by falling into common traps:
- Not Understanding the Market: Rental markets move quickly, and without having insider knowledge, you could miss out on great deals, unique availability, and end up overpaying.
- Hidden Fees: Some apartments might lure renters in with attractive prices but later reveal hidden costs for parking, valet trash, utilities, pest control, or pricey application charges.
- Wasting Time on Inaccurate Listings: Unfortunately, there are a lot of online predators that pull the bait-and-switch. Online listings can be outdated or misleading, causing unnecessary tours, frustration, and a lot of back-and-forth.
- Wasting Money on Applications: Life happens! Whether you are building your credit, have a blip on your rental history, or a background issue you'd rather forget, it can be frustrating to apply for a great apartment only to be rejected.
How Perch Apartment Locating Can Help
When you work with Perch Apartment Locating, you gain access to:
- Genuine Market Expertise: Meet the locals! Our knowledge of Central Texas neighborhoods and rental trends allows us to recommend the best properties, property management groups, and taco recommendations (available upon request). 🌮
- Time Savings: We will conduct your search, share your results, and even go on tours for you! We'll also manage communication with properties on your behalf, so you don't have to stress through the call center loop and leasing agent phone tag.
- Cost Savings: We leverage our connections to negotiate better deals, secure special move-in rates, and longer hold periods on behalf of our customers. A Perch agent is your advocate, making sure you get the most value wherever you choose to lease.
- Enjoyable Experience: Apartment hunting is stressful, but it doesn't need to be! We can find a place to land for nearly anyone. We have been trusted for over four decades to adapt and serve every customer as they prefer.
Success Story: How Sarah Saved Over $1,200 in Rent
Sarah was new to Austin and overwhelmed by her apartment search. After consulting with Perch Apartment Locating, she not only found a beautiful place in South Congress but also saved over $1,200 in rent through special promotions that we negotiated on her behalf.
5 Tips to Save Time on Your Apartment Hunt
- Create a List of Must-Haves: Know what features you can’t live without, such as a yard, attached garage, or state-of-the-art fitness facility.
- Set a Realistic Budget: Be clear about your budget and prioritize options within your range, keeping in mind additional charges such as utilities and rental insurance.
- Research the Neighborhood: Cities, like San Antonio, are big and ever-changing! Explore neighborhoods before you tour to understand what is available to you in each area of town.
- Start Early: Give yourself at least two months to find the right place. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have.
- Use a Professional Locating Service: Too busy? Got a challenge? New to renting, or to town? Contact Perch and we'll take of everything for you - for free!
FAQ
Q: What’s the biggest mistake renters make in Austin? A: One of the most common mistakes is not starting early enough. Rental markets move quickly, so it’s essential to give yourself time to explore all options.
Q: How can I avoid hidden fees? A: Work with a professional locating service to clarify all costs upfront, including utilities, parking, and pet fees.
Ready to Start Your Search?
Connect with an agent that delivers results. Begin your search with a local expert today!