Visiting an apartment is a bit like a first date—you want to make a good impression, you try to analyze everything… and sometimes, you get so dazzled by one charming detail that you overlook the hidden flaws. To make sure your future home doesn’t become a source of regret and frustration, here are five mistakes to avoid.
1. Don’t Let a “Love at First Sight” Moment Blind You
Yes, those stunning stained-glass windows are GORGEOUS, but have you checked if your beloved velvet couch will actually fit in the living room? Falling for an apartment is great, but making sure it works for your daily life is even better. Keep your essential criteria in mind, and don’t let a charming décor make you forget the basics. Otherwise, be prepared to say goodbye to your favorite piece of furniture on Marketplace—hopefully, it finds a good home!
2. Not Asking Questions
You’re not just there to admire the place, so come prepared with a list of questions to ask the landlord. Are appliances included, or were they just for show in the photos? Who pays for electricity? Is there parking available? (And for the paranormal enthusiasts: is the place rumored to be haunted? Okay, maybe not that one… but hey, you never know!)
3. Not Taking Notes
After three or four apartment visits, everything starts to blur together. “Was the one with included WiFi on the ground floor or the second floor?” “That perfect balcony—was it in the place with the weird moldings or the one with the double living room?” Unless you have an elephant’s memory, jot down everything that seems important on your phone or in a notebook. It’ll save you a lot of second-guessing later on.
4. Skipping the “Walk Around the Block” Test
An apartment might be perfect, but the neighborhood can make all the difference. Take a little stroll around the area. Is there a nice café nearby? Is the street quiet, or is it plagued by relentless traffic? Feeling good in your neighborhood is just as important as feeling good in your home!
5. Not Getting a Second Opinion
Even if you’re searching for a place to live alone, getting a second opinion is always helpful. A friend, sibling, or (thank you, Mom!) a parent can help you weigh the pros and cons. Sometimes, just saying your doubts out loud makes things clearer. And if, after talking it through, your list of positives far outweighs the negatives, that’s a good sign you’ve found the right place!
In Summary
Apartment hunting requires a bit of discipline and a lot of attention to detail. Avoid these classic mistakes, take the time to analyze each aspect, and most importantly, trust your instincts. The perfect place may not exist—but it should be perfect for YOU!
Happy apartment hunting!
See also:
How to prepare for your spring apartment search
