| Now it is time to visit the apartments. You may want to call and make an appointment with the leasing agent. If you make an appointment, it is less likely you will have to wait when you arrive at the property.
Consider preparing a map which shows the location at each of the properties. This will reduce the amount of time and driving to viait the properties.
Before going to the office, drive around the perimeter and drive through the property. Is the property clean? Is it well maintained? Do you see people "hanging out" whom you would not want his neighbors? If the property does not meet your minimum criteria or standards, don't bother stopping at the office.
Next visit the leasing staff at the office. Is the office clean and organized? Is the leasing staff dressed appropriately? Does the leasing staff greet you enthusiastically? Does the leasing staff appear to want you as a resident?
Ask to see both the model unit and the unit you'll be occupying. Expect the model unit to be immaculate with beautiful furniture. The management staff at most apartments is honorable and try to do the right thing every time. However, some residents have been very upset when they moved into an apartment and find it is not like the model unit. Don't let this happen to you. If the unit you would be living in is not available, ask to see other units which have been made available for the resident to move in. Develop a clear expectation with the on-site management staff regarding the quality of the unit they will prepare for you.
Also ask to walk through a large portion of the property if it is a garden apartment complex. Be observant and ask questions if things seem to be out of order. Is there deferred maintenance? Is there peeling paint? Is the landscaping well maintained? Is the property clean? Are people hanging around in clusters on the property? By driving around the perimeter, driving through the property and walking through the property, you should develop a good feel for the character and ambience of the property. If there is a problem, now is the time to learn about it.
When you return to the office, ask many questions if you are interested in the unit. Ask about their maintenance, courtesy patrol, limited access gates, application fee, deposit, first months rent and monthly rental rate. Ask if they are currently running a move-in special. Ask if they have a "look and lease" special. (A look and lease special provides an additional incentive to sign a lease shortly after initially visiting the property.)
It may seem like you are imposing by asking these questions. However, your rent will probably be a large portion of your income. This will be your home for the next six or 12 months. You need to understand any problems before you move into the property. When you complete the application, the apartment management will do the same type of research on you. If it is a quality property, they will carefully check your application.
Take notes as you visit each property. If you visit two or three properties on the same day, the details of the properties will likely become a blur. If you visit the properties on different days, it will be even harder to keep the details straight. You'll be struggling to remember which property had the ice maker refrigerators and the marble countertops. Just make a few notes as you visit with the leasing agent at each of the properties.
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