Apartment Hunting Made Easy with Reside Living

Naecha Roberts • August 6, 2024

The Complete Guide to Touring a New Apartment

Apartment hunting can be an exciting journey filled with possibilities, yet it often comes with its fair share of stress and uncertainty. At Reside Living, we understand the importance of finding not just an apartment, but a home that truly suits your lifestyle and needs. To help alleviate any anxiety and ensure you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to navigating your apartment tour effectively. Here’s everything you need to know—from scheduling your tour to what to look for during your visit.

Why You Should Tour a Potential Unit

When embarking on your apartment search, touring potential units in person is essential. It allows you to experience firsthand what online listings can't fully convey. Beyond just seeing the layout and size of the rooms, visiting in person lets you gauge the neighborhood ambiance, assess noise levels, and truly feel if the space aligns with your expectations and lifestyle.

Setting Up Your Apartment Tour

Setting up your apartment tour with Reside Living is simple and flexible. Start by browsing through our diverse portfolio of properties online. Once you've pinpointed a few options that catch your eye, scheduling a tour is a breeze. Use our user-friendly online scheduling tool to book an appointment. We offer a variety of tour types across our portfolio, ensuring that everyone can tour with ease and according to their schedule. Choose from in-person guided tours, self-guided tours, or virtual tours for those unable to attend in person or living out of town.

What to Bring to Your Apartment Tour

Come prepared with essential documents and tools for your tour. Keep a notebook and pen handy to jot down notes and important details as you explore the property. Consider bringing a measuring tape to assess room dimensions and ensure your furniture will fit comfortably. If you forget to measure something during your visit, many of our units have a Matterport scan available. You can use the measure tool within the scan to ensure that your furniture will fit perfectly in the space.

Essential Questions to Ask During an Apartment Tour

It is essential to prepare a list of questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the apartment. Here are some areas to consider forming questions around.

Roommate Policy: Inquire about rules and restrictions if you plan to have roommates.
Pet Policies: Understand any pet fees, breed restrictions, and deposit requirements.
Rent Details: Clarify the total move-in costs including first and last month’s rent.
Admin Fee: Understand the admin fee amount and its application process.
Utilities: Determine which utilities are included in the rent and which you will be responsible for.
Parking: Ask about availability, costs, and whether spots are assigned.
Subletting: Check if subletting is allowed.
Maintenance Procedures: Understand how to request maintenance and the typical response time.

What to Look for During the Tour

During the tour, it's crucial to inspect various aspects of the apartment to ensure it meets your standards. Pay attention to these key details to make an informed decision about your potential new home:

Storage Space: Assess the closets and overall storage capacity to ensure it meets your needs.

Kitchen Amenities: Check if there is a dishwasher and if the refrigerator has a water filter.

Bathroom Features: Determine if there is a shower or bathtub according to your preference.

Plumbing and Utilities: Test faucets, toilets for flushing, and check for any leaks.

Appliance Functionality: Verify that lights, fans, thermostat, stove, oven, refrigerator, and electrical outlets are in working order.

Safety Measures: Confirm the condition of door locks and inquire about building security protocols.

FAQs About Touring a New Apartment

Virtual Tour Options: If visiting in person isn’t possible, inquire about virtual tour options. These tours allow you to explore the apartment remotely, ask questions, and get a detailed view of the space from wherever you are.
Tour Duration: Typically, apartment tours last around 30 minutes. This timeframe is designed to accommodate your schedule while ensuring our leasing team can provide you with detailed insights into the property.
Running Late: If you’re running late for your appointment, it’s courteous to notify the leasing office promptly. They understand delays happen and will appreciate the communication.
Application Submission: Once you’ve found the right apartment, make sure to submit your application promptly. This helps secure your desired unit quickly and efficiently.

By following these guidelines and asking the right questions during your apartment tour, you can ensure that your next move is a well-informed and satisfying one. Remember, the right apartment is not just a place to live but a reflection of your lifestyle and needs.

If you’re seeking a seamless renting experience in vibrant neighborhoods with diverse living options, explore properties like Reside Living. With a commitment to exceptional service, convenient locations, and a range of amenities tailored to enhance your living experience, Reside Living ensures you’ll find a place you can truly call home. Start your apartment hunt today and discover why renting with Reside Living is the ideal choice for your next chapter!

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Moving to Chicago? Here’s Your Complete Checklist 🏙️📦

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