6 Tips on How To Find an Apartment After Graduation

You just finished college and achieved a huge life accomplishment and finding a new place to live might be the last thing you want to do right now. Starting the apartment search after you've graduated from college can feel overwhelming. Your first rental as a young professional is very exciting and you deserve to find the place of your dreams and also in your budget. Call Balboa Realty: 949-386-8310 and let us help you find the best long term rental that suits all of your needs. Balboa Realty is the leader in Orange County property management. Here are some tips for you to find your first rental after graduation.

View Orange County rentals 

Don't Start Looking Too Early 

Once you've landed your first job and know which city you'll be living in you can really start the apartment search. It is important to figure out a few areas and neighborhoods that you'd like to live in and you can do this beforehand if you'd like. Giving yourself 3 weeks - 1 month is a perfect amount of time to find an apartment. The process can move fast, so looking months in advance isn't actually helpful.

Find a Property Manager

Property Management companies are here to help you in the apartment process. Balboa Realty is the leader in Orange County property management and will give you the best advice and guidance every step of the way so you know exactly what you need to do and when you need to do it. We will find you rentals in your price range, in the neighborhoods you like, and help to overall minimize your stress.

Read More Rental Tips 

Gather Your Forms

When you apply to rent an apartment you'll need to provide important personal information more than just the first application. There are many requirements such as bank statements, a letter of employment. Also, keep in mind that most property management companies and landlords will run credit checks to make sure you are a financially responsible tenant. If you cannot prove this it's common to have a cosigner such as a parent to be financially responsible.

Factor in All Expenses

Living is expensive plain and simple. When you look at how much rent costs, remember to also add in the cost for electricity, water, cable, trash, groceries, household products etc. You don't want to have all money going towards rent and bills and then have nothing left for a slush fund of fun. As a general rule, your rent should make up no more than 30% of your gross monthly income.

Find a Roommate 

When it comes to finding a roommate there are many options. Consider living with a friend. Maybe you've lived with a certain friend in the past and know that it works well or would like to live with someone you knows well and feel very comfortable with. If living with a friend isn't for you, reaching to your friends and finding a mutual friend to live with also often works well. Looking online such as Facebook and Craigslist also can be a very good way to meet great new people our tip is to just meet them in person first to get a good feel before you agree to live together.

Read The Lease

Signing the lease is the most exciting step in the rental process, but before you do be sure to know exactly what you are signing. It's very important to understand all aspects of the legal document because when you sign you are legally bound it the contract. Look into the verbiage on rent increases, miscellaneous fees, subletting rules, and notice of lease termination all of which are important for you to understand. 

Published on Friday, May 26, 2017