It’s Fine, Except For All The Bees: 3 Tips to Avoid The Wrong Apartment

By Lev Novak

In the pursuit of apartments, lots of things can go out the window. Your ideal locations might soon be forgotten; friends may be abandoned and replaced. Even entire cities may be reconsidered. But one thing that should remain constant is your healthy, constant skepticism to what a guy named “Muffin” is offering on Craigslist.

You’re too smart to be scammed, and you’re right. You won’t be scammed. But if you’re not careful, you’re going to have your time wasted. Read on, though, on how to avoid those pitfalls.

1. If It’s Too Good To Be True, It Is

What luck! You found the perfect apartment! It’s the first one you saw on a site that isn’t as well-maintained as uCribs, and it’s $200 a month cheaper than any comparable option. It’s got roof access and laundry! It’s perfect! Sure, it doesn’t have any pictures or an exact location, but look right there! It says “perfect Brooklyn location!”

I’m going to remind you of one of the fundamental truths of life now: if something is too good to be true, it is. If an apartment is way cheaper than it should be, something is wrong. Maybe construction is going on nearby. Maybe the neighborhood isn’t quite the one that’s advertised. Maybe it’s filled with ghosts. The point is that there’s going to be a flaw, and that’s okay: you’re a student. Your apartment is going to have a flaw, but the trick is finding the flawed apartment that’s right for you. What isn’t okay is that this landlord or broker is trying to hustle you: maybe more things are wrong that you don’t even know about.

Here, it’s better to take an honestly listed good apartment than a “perfect” apartment with problems that the listing lied about.

2. Do your Due Diligence

It’s not smart to fall in love with your first apartment for the same reason it wouldn’t be smart to marry the first person you liked in high-school. Infatuation isn’t going to be enough, and in the end, compatibility is going to be the key.

Look at multiple apartments to get the idea of a range. Your actual budget should reflect what’s available, and, in all likelihood, you’re going to have to raise your wallet or lower your hopes. But looking at multiple apartments will help you find the subtle things that would be invisible otherwise. Compare and contrast to find the best apartment for you. Besides, if you love your apartment, wait until the next one comes along. It might be even better.

3. If You Liked It, Then You Should’ve Put a Lease On It

Don’t get fancy. Sure, go shopping. Absolutely keep looking at places. But if you find a place that you and your friends like, pounce on it. It might seem easy, but for all the factors to come together: three or more people agreeing, the place being in budget, in location, with all the right perks? Well, that place isn’t going to last too long

Don’t be bullied, though: a lot of brokers will say that stuff to try to force a mediocre apartment on you. But if you feel excited about the place, sign on the spot. That excitement is a rare, awesome thing, and hoping to catch it again isn’t a sure thing. And even if it does happen, an extra week of apartment hunting isn’t the ideal.

Part of avoiding the wrong apartment is knowing when you find the right one. If, after a decently long search online and in person, you find the right one, snag it. Don’t hold out for the perfect one- see tip 1- and get one that you love. You’ll be happier and a lot saner for it.

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