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You’ve finally made that life-changing decision, and feel ready to step into the “adult” world of apartment owners. This is a really big deal so kudos to you for being so determined and brave. Still, buying an apartment is not all fun and games – far from it, actually. You have to be ready to do tons of research, and get disappointed a lot of times before you find your dream place. The following tips will help you in your search, and provide you with useful insight in what should count as a great apartment, and what you should probably let go.
Table of Contents
1. Determine your budget
Budgeting is everything when it comes to apartment hunt. The cost of the apartment is not the only thing you should think about. The size of the place will greatly influence your utility bills, as well as taxes. What’s more, completely furnished apartments on sale are as scarce as hen’s teeth. This means that you’ll need some additional money for décor and furniture, and not to mention any additional renovation work. Therefore, you need to set the figure you’re willing and able to pay beforehand.
2. Neighborhood is important
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Neighborhood is also an extremely important factor to consider when buying an apartment. Not only do you have to pay attention to the neighborhood the building is located in, but also the people who live in that building. Make sure to get all the necessary info from your agent about your potential next-door neighbors, as well as the proximity of all the commercial places you might need.
3. Design and footprint
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Personal décor and furnishing are essential parts of your home. They can affect your mood and energy levels. So, when browsing through all the available apartment units for sale, it’s really important to take everything into account. Try to use your imagination, and visualize the apartment designed the way you’d like it to be designed. This is especially important if you already own some furniture.
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4. Thorough inspection
This might be a bit boring, but apartment inspection is still an important step in finding the right home. You don’t want to pay for something that will end up costing you a lot more later on. Check the walls and paint for mold and cracks. The type of flooring can also allow you to negotiate the final price. What’s more, make sure to take a good look at the apartment’s plumbing. The condition of the entire plumbing system is crucial for your comfort. If you personally don’t know much about all of these, have someone else inspect the apartment for you.
5. Natural light
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In general, apartments have a lot more issues with windows and natural light than houses do. Some apartments even cost less just because they don’t get enough sunlight. The lower price may be tempting, but there’s a reason why this is considered a flaw. Plenty of sunlight is not only beneficial for your mental and physical health, but it will help you cut your energy costs as well as prevent mold and humidity from ruining your walls.
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Keep your communication with real estate agent open and honest so that you don’t have to waste precious time on apartments that are simply no good. A checklist of all the main points can be very useful for first time buyers. While the journey to your own apartment may be stressful and long, it will definitely pay off in the long run. Never settle for anything less than what you think you deserve and are willing to pay for.
