Apartment searches have moved increasingly online. Today, some renters complete the entire process online, from the search and tours to applications and leasing. This makes the apartment hunt convenient and easy, but you need to know how to find your perfect apartment online now that the process has evolved.
Key Takeaways
- Start by defining your perfect apartment, including your total budget with utilities and fees, ideal location, preferred floor plan, and must-have amenities so you can focus only on options that truly fit your needs.
- Search smarter online by using Apartments.com filters for price, beds and baths, home type, and amenities, or try AI Smart Search to describe exactly what you want and find matching rentals in seconds.
- Evaluate apartments like a pro with photos, videos, and 3D tours, review detailed floor plans and resident reviews, and use the Cost Calculator and All-In Pricing badge on Apartments.com to get a comprehensive understanding of the apartment.
Start By Defining the “Perfect” Apartment
Before you even begin your online apartment hunting, you need to figure out what the perfect apartment looks like for you. To choose an apartment you’ll love, think about these factors:
- Budget and total cost: Figure out how much rent you can afford by using the rent calculator on Apartments.com. Don’t forget to factor in utilities, fees, move-in costs, and any other expenses.
- Location and commute: Choose a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and offers convenient access to work, schools, transit, and everyday essentials.
- Floor plan and space: Determine the ideal square footage and any floor plan preferences.
- Amenities and features: Identify your must-have amenities and features, as well as the ones you are willing to compromise on.
Search Smarter Online
Online apartment searches add a level of customization and specificity that helps renters find the perfect apartment within minutes. Renters can use online tools to quickly narrow search results to align with exactly what they are looking for instead of endlessly scrolling.
Refine by price
You know what you can afford, so make sure that your search stays within your budget by using the price filter. On Apartments.com, select the “Price” bubble and enter a minimum and/or maximum rent. Refine your search even further by controlling how listings appear with the “Sort” options.
Choose the right size
Ensure your future apartment has enough space by filtering for it upfront. Use the “Beds/Baths” filter to select the exact number of bedrooms and bathrooms you are looking for. If you’re still exploring your options, choose a range by clicking two tiles.
Search in seconds using AI Smart Search
AI Smart Search has made the apartment hunt even easier by giving renters the ability to use natural language, by speaking or typing to describe exactly what they want. Instead of relying only on traditional filters, renters can use AI Smart Search to find rentals that match their criteria in seconds, without having to navigate menu after menu.
Pick your home type
Whether you’re dead set on a specific home type or open to exploring your options, the “Home Type” filter lets you choose. Narrow your results to apartments, houses, condos, or townhomes or pick multiple options to keep your search flexible.
Filter for must-have amenities
Don’t waste time scrolling through apartments that lack your must-have amenities. Instead, use amenity filters to ensure apartments come equipped with your priorities. From practical perks, like utilities included, to lifestyle upgrades, such as pet-friendly policies or in-unit washer and dryer, simply check the amenities and features that matter the most to you.
Evaluate Apartments Like a Pro Online
The internet not only speeds up the apartment search, but it also makes exploring and evaluating these communities easier than ever. Renters get a comprehensive view of the property and apartment without ever having to leave their home.
Take a 3D tour and browse videos and photos
Photos and videos are one of the first things that renters look at to get a clear idea of the space. Photos give a snapshot that highlights key features while videos add movement and perspective.
3D tours truly immerse renters by allowing them to “walk around” and inspect every detail as if they were there in person. This provides a more engaging way to explore the unit, letting you see how rooms flow, check out appliances, fixtures, and finishes, and get a sense of the size and scale of the place.
Living goes beyond just the apartment, and many communities include expansive amenity spaces full of unique features. To allow renters to check out these areas as well, many properties offer videos, photos, and 3D tours of the community amenities.
Understand the true cost
The price filter keeps you within budget, but the “Fees and Policies” section reveals the exact breakdown of the total cost. Here, you can review how much different fees and add-ons cost, and you can use the Cost Calculator to truly estimate expenses. The calculator adds the base rent, required fees, and any optional add-ons like pets or parking to give you an estimate of your monthly and one-time charges.
Renters value price transparency because they want to know how much they’ll be paying without having to dig through tons of information. The All-In Pricing feature on Apartments.com displays the total monthly cost upfront, combining base rent and applicable fees in one number. Any community that has the “Total Monthly Price” badge has enabled this feature, allowing renters to know the total cost with one glance.
Analyze the floor plan and unit details
Apartment communities often have a variety of floor plans that each look a little different. To help you truly imagine yourself living in the space and understand the specifics of each layout, explore the unit-level details under “Pricing & Floor Plans.”
On the main listing page, each unit displays the base price, square footage, availability, and an image of the floor plan. Once you select the unit details, you’ll see information like:
- Unit features and details
- Property map with unit highlighted
- Photos, videos, and 3D tours
Check reviews
Apartment reviews give you insights that go beyond surface-level tidbits. Past and present residents share details about their experiences at the apartment community and what it’s actually like living there. From this, you can glean whether this community is a good fit for you and help you make a confident decision.
Watch Out for Red Flags and Scams
Though the internet has made the apartment search much easier, it has also introduced new issues to watch for. Rental scams have taken on a different look with online apartment searches. Keep an eye out for red flags like:
- Issues during 3D tours
- Vague listing descriptions
- Unrealistic pricing
- Suspicious requests
- Urgency and pressure tactics
Take the Next Step with Apartments.com
After you’ve narrowed down your options and found the perfect fit, take your next step on Apartments.com. Whether you’re messaging a community, scheduling a tour, or applying, each task can be taken care of right on Apartments.com. From your first search to the final application, Apartments.com makes it easier to find and rent the perfect apartment online.
This article was originally published on March 30, 2020 by Jake Margle.
FAQs
What is the easiest way to find an apartment?
The easiest way to find an apartment is to search online. Browsing listings on the internet allows you to explore available rentals anytime, compare prices and features, and narrow your options based on what matters most to you. Instead of driving from property to property, you can review photos, check details, and tour properties directly from your phone or computer.
What is the 30 percent rule when renting?
The 30 percent rule suggests that renters should aim to spend about 30 percent of their gross income on rent each month. This is a good starting point for your budget, but it can vary depending on your priorities, lifestyle, and location.
What credit score do I need to rent?
Most landlords look for a credit score of at least 600, but the exact requirement can vary. A higher credit score generally improves your chances of approval and may help you secure better lease terms, but a lower score doesn’t automatically disqualify you.
Your credit history carries just as much weight as your score. Property managers often review your full financial picture, including income, rental history, employment status, and any past evictions.
