Apartment hunting can be a daunting task when you’re looking within your own state, but a long-distance apartment search adds a number of extra challenges into the mix. Regardless of whether you’re moving out of state for a new job, pursuing a new degree, or just in need of a fresh start, the tools and tips that follow should make your sight-unseen apartment search a little less difficult.
Visit Your New State
If your timeline allows, it’s best to visit your potential new home in-person. Getting the feel and vibe of your potential home in-person is a great way to start the apartment search process! If you are lucky enough to have a corporate relocation package, you may be provided with temporary housing while you’re visiting. Either way, there’s no better way to see if a city is for you than experiencing it in-person.
Research, Research, Research
It should go without saying, but the internet is your best friend when you’re trying to move out of state. Research the area to get a feel for its most popular neighborhoods, local hangouts, and points of interest. It’s also in your best interest to research apartment candidates as much as possible. Look up the history of the building: when it was built, where it is, and if there are any reviews. Dig up some background on potential landlords if you’re not dealing with a management company. It may seem like overkill, but every bit helps when you’re miles away.
Seek Local Help
Your employer’s HR department or university housing may be able to shed some light and guidance on where to live in your city. Check with someone there for the inside scoop on popular neighborhoods to live and nearby amenities.
You should also reach out to apartment communities and connect with their leasing agent. They can help you understand layouts, send you pictures of the apartment, and answer more complex questions. After all, it’s their job to rent units and assist renters, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Take a Virtual Tour
Many renters can attest to the experience of touring an apartment that looked ideal online, but disappointing in real life. Thankfully, 3D touring tech is becoming much more commonplace. Many apartment communities and listing sites offer virtual tours to give renters a much more accurate sense of their prospective apartment.
Apartments.com offers 3D modelling that can even be viewed in VR on your smartphone and other devices. It’s the next best thing to an in-person tour when you’re trying to get an apartment from across state lines.
Be Aware of the Local Market
Keep track of your target city’s supply and demand for rental housing, as that can be dependent on your rates! Cities like Boston and New York have red-hot markets; when you see something good available, you must act quickly or risk missing out. In cities with gradual economies, like Tampa, renters can take a more relaxed approach to apartment hunting.
Put Emphasis on Location
When looking for a new apartment, it’s a good idea to try and find a home near your employer or school. There’s enough stress that comes with figuring out the layout of a new city, settling into a new job, and making new friends, so don’t add a complex commute on top of all of that. If your budget and time constraints allow, look for an apartment near a main thoroughfare or a public transit stop. Your nerves will thank you.
Be Prepared to Put Down a Deposit
You’re probably on a tight deadline to move to your new state, especially if it’s for a new job. Make sure you’re not setting yourself up for failure by being unprepared when it comes time to secure an apartment. You should have all the necessary paperwork and other requirements ready to go (bank statements, references, and security deposit) so that you can act fast when you find the right rental.
Money Matters
Before choosing to visit any potential apartments, be certain that you can comfortably afford the payments. Include utility costs and transportation expenses into the calculation, as well.
Many (if not most) landlords and property managers are very interested in your credit score ratings. When you have good credit, the world is your oyster. Hope is not lost if you have less-than-stellar credit. You might just be required to follow some additional rules when applying for an apartment:
- Be honest with the landlord/property manager about your credit situation.
- Offering to pay a larger security deposit may help you to close the deal.
- Agreeing to automatic payments might make the landlord more comfortable renting to you with a less-than-stellar credit score.
Because pulling a credit report can have some negative impact on your credit score, bring the most recent copy with you to avoid a pull from all your prospective communities.
Apartment hunting is stressful, even more so when you’re doing it from thousands of miles away. We can’t promise that your out-of-state apartment search won’t be stressful, but if you get familiar with your soon-to-be home and stay prepared to put down a deposit, there should be no cause for concern. Good luck, renters!
