The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.
Finding an apartment in another state?
facetious
a wit so dryit shits sandRegistered User regular
a wit so dryit shits sandRegistered User regular
I'm looking at possible jobs out of state (various states), and wondered how one goes about finding an apartment to rent there? I've never lived on my own even in my home town, so this is all new to me.
Obviously, I can google and find possible locations, but how do I determine the right place, especially not easily being able to visit?
When should I contact them -- should I wait until I hear back from the job I applied for, before I even know if I'll be granted an interview, or should I contact possible places for information to narrow down my search in the event that the application process does move forward? And just in general, what sort of questions should I ask?
And if I do get an interview that I need to travel into town for, is it a good idea to try to set up an appointment with the/various leaser(s) for when I'll be in town, or again, would that be jumping the gun a bit not even knowing if I'll be getting the job?
Obviously, I can google and find possible locations, but how do I determine the right place, especially not easily being able to visit?
When should I contact them -- should I wait until I hear back from the job I applied for, before I even know if I'll be granted an interview, or should I contact possible places for information to narrow down my search in the event that the application process does move forward? And just in general, what sort of questions should I ask?
And if I do get an interview that I need to travel into town for, is it a good idea to try to set up an appointment with the/various leaser(s) for when I'll be in town, or again, would that be jumping the gun a bit not even knowing if I'll be getting the job?
"I am not young enough to know everything." - Oscar Wilde
Steam: Chagrin LoL: Bonhomie
Robert Khoo wrote: »Real strong, facetious.
Steam: Chagrin LoL: Bonhomie
facetious on
0
Posts
I would probably try a site like http://www.padmapper.com/ to get an idea of what's in the area and what you might end up paying.
Get the job first. It's not worth the travel expenses to go out somewhere and look at a place and then not ending up needing it. Also you may need the job in order to prove that you can pay the rent.
So what I recommend for you is wait until you hear back from your prospective job - make sure that's where you're actually going. Once that's narrowed down a little more, you can start picking places that are convenient in relation to where you work. At that point, I would send out some e-mails to the places that interest you. General questions would probably include what size are the apartments, what will be available in a given timeframe, what amenities are featured in the complex, what kind of prices should you expect, and are there any pictures that you can see. Then if you go to this job location for a face-to-face interview, try and make time to see the apartments that you're interested in in person.
It's not like there's any commitment implied when you're just checking a place out. However, if you apply for a given apartment, there is usually a fee involved there. So I would have a really good idea of where you're going to be before you take that step.
If moving via vehicle:
You can be much more flexible about what apartment you can choose because YOU can determine commute routes and times. You won't have to choose an apartment that is as close as possible to your possible new workplace. You can pick something cheaper or in a nicer (or grittier) part of town. For location, I would choose an apartment complex (or house) that is somewhat near a police station, or at least in an area that is patrolled a lot. Google is your friend when it comes to stations, but as far as patrols, you'll have to ask the apartments about that. Explain your situation, that you're moving out of state for a job, and that you have questions that need answering before even considering signing a lease. Complexes or buildings receive a LOT of these calls and they're designed to handle them. Their business is your new home, so if they can't answer your questions (at all, if they have to call you back, don't worry), then they don't deserve your business. As a long-time leasee, I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. Ask about everything, about the city, about the area, how active a place is it? Is there a college nearby? Do they have a lot of town festivals? What is the crime rate in that neighborhood? What are their leasing options? Floor plans? Are they willing to bend the rules for you or are they strict about payment? Any down-payments or up-front cash upon arrival? Any 'specials'? During what times? Do they have special rules about visitors? How BIG is this complex? Pet policies? All of these are excellent questions to ask to get a feel for your future apartment. If they seem unwilling or are impatient with you, then don't bother. Also, it doesn't hurt to ask for an email or fax of all the information you receive over the phone. Personally, I like being able to see floor plans before I even consider calling. Sometimes the square feet of an apartment can be misused, so checking the layout is mighty handy. Ask yourself what you need PHYSICALLY in an apartment (not what you want) when considering floor plans.
If moving via plane (w/out vehicle availability):
You will need to find an apartment as CLOSE to your workplace as possible. Can you walk there? Is there a bus stop nearby to make commuting easier? What is the bus fare? IS there a bus fare? You'll also need to find bus routes and times and things of that nature. Less flexible here, but it allows you to live within the city. For places like these, I would give myself a timeline and plan on getting a vehicle. Sometimes inner-city (or town) apartments are not always the best apartments and your end goal would be to move to a safer, cheaper, nicer location. Unless, of course, you like that sort of thing. Then by all means, stay. Otherwise, choose a short lease, or something close to how long it might take to procure a vehicle. If you plan it right, you should have a vehicle before your lease ends, so that when you DO, you can move to a safer, cheaper, nicer location with relative ease while keeping your job at...wherever it is you end up.
Oh, and you DON'T need to physically go there to get a feel for the place. Usually if the employee you speak with is relaxed and ready to answer your questions, then its likely that employee is happy at their workplace (and probably a little spoiled there, which is very good). If someone is irritable or short with you, or unwilling to assist you in even the smallest way, don't waste your time or breath. Thank them for their time and hang up. And don't call back. Be clear that you are just looking for info as you are job hunting and you may or may not call back to set up a lease when you know you have a job. They'll cross their fingers FOR you. What ever apartment you find, they should want your business. When you find out about your job, learn about your paycheck. Will you be comfortable paying rent with it? Or rather, how much of your paycheck(s) in a month are you willing to spend on rent/utilities? When you DO land a job, you should have all the information you need to make an informed decision about what apartment complex you want to move in to. Call them back ASAP, let them know you got it (don't be surprised if you hear streamers, champagne, etc
Padmapper is awesome both for research and finding places in your preferred area.
Living out of a duffel bag wasn't the best, and it ended up costing me a little more between renting the room for a couple of weeks and paying month of storage fees, but I got to get the new job adjustment done and get to know the city a little bit before I stressed out with finding a permanent place and locking myself into a lease.
When we moved from Texas to Oregon, we had to stay in a hotel for a week while we found a place, got a lease signed, and did all that. You don't ever, ever want to sign a lease at a place until you've seen it, so you should plan for some kind of stay in a hotel.
There's one thing I forgot to mention which ties into another question I have: most of the jobs I'm looking at are only summer positions. I'd probably end up moving back home at the end of the season, so how should I approach that someone I might be renting from? Should I be upfront from the beginning that I'd probably only be staying for, say, four or five months?
Steam: Chagrin LoL: Bonhomie
I hopped on craigslist and saw what was around, prior to knowing what padmapper was. I moved down 4 weeks later and stayed a week in a hotel while working, and called listings for apartments. I luckily got one right towards the end of my week at the extended stay hotel I was living in.
Depending on your area you may or may not be able to secure a month to month lease. Some cities have large rental corporations, others, like mine, are full of smaller rental companies that own 2-3 properties, as well as lots of people that rent out garage/basement apartments in their homes. Usually the smaller companies/individuals will be willing to negotiate terms of a lease. Let them know your situation and see what comes of it.
This is a more detailed description of exactly how we did it when we moved from Texas. Except the map part...I was from this area, so I mostly knew where to look already.
@facetious: Are you going to be living alone? It sounds like it. Consider renting a room, rather than a whole apartment. Most room rentals will be much more flexible on terms, and a lot of times you will be renting from someones home, so a lot of amenities like a TV and cooking area are provided. The rates tend to be very reasonable to.
She's decided on renting a room instead of an apartment, as she's moving up to NYC/Surrounding areas, so rent is fucking expensive. She's had success with things like roomster and roommate websites, in at least getting leads.
Something that I can actually vouch for is airbnb.com We used it last year went we went to NYC for a week, and ended up snagging a full apartment in the city for like a quarter of what a decent hotel would have cost me. I don't think it's great for long term arrangements, but you might be able to find a place for you to stay for a week or so while you hunt around for an apartment.
Good luck.