If you are embarking on the exciting journey of finding an apartment in Boston, you may be wondering what you can do to ensure you get the home of your dreams. Since this metropolis is as popular as ever, you will want to learn some of the best insider tricks to give you an edge up on the competition. Luckily, we’ve curated the best pieces of apartment hunting advice so you can get out there and land the perfect property. Read on to learn more!

 

  1. Determine Must-Haves – Before you can start viewing apartments and narrowing down your choices, you need to determine exactly what your property must-haves are. Not only will this help you focus your search, it will also help you discern what you would like to have, and what you can’t do without. Taking the time to think this through will help make the whole search process that much more efficient.

 

  1. Research the neighborhood – If you view a home and fall in love with the architecture, rooms, amenities and more, you may feel tempted to place an offer on it right there and then. Before you jump ahead, you may want to see if there is a good school system, proximity to your current place of employment, gyms, nightlife, greenspace and other important criteria.

 

  1. Take pictures – If you are viewing plenty of apartments back to back, you may find yourself struggling to remember which property had which features when you review your search later that evening. By taking pictures of each listing, you will have a clear and unambiguous point of reference down the road. Top agencies can also send you gallery lists of all the properties you viewed to make it even easier.

 

  1. Come Prepared – Along with jotting down a list of the apartment features you need and researching the neighborhood, you also need to pack a few items for your hunt. Make sure to have your employment records, letters of recommendation, references, a check for the deposit, and possibly your credit score information handy so that you can make an offer as soon as possible, and secure your future home.

 

  1. Don’t Procrastinate – Since apartment hunting can often be confusing and exhausting, you may be tempted to put it off until the last minute. Make sure not to procrastinate when it comes to your property search so you can give yourself time to view enough listings and think through your decision without having to feel rushed. Generally speaking, Boston has an incredibly low vacancy rate compared to the rest of the country.  A properly priced apartment in Boston will usually rent within 7 days of hitting the market!  Don’t over think your choice, if you really like a place you have seen – grab it!  Do not expect that apartment of your dreams to last long, chances are if you like it, so does everyone else!

Whether you are ready to move to a new home as soon as possible, or you just want to get a better sense of what’s out there before you take the plunge, stay armed with the tips above to ensure you make the best decision. Happy hunting!