Rental Report: When You Have No Time to Find an Apartment

Editor’s Note: This biweekly sponsored column is written by Rick Gersten, founder and CEO of Urban Igloo, a rental real estate firm that matches up renters with their ideal apartments, condos or houses. Please submit any questions in the comments section or via email.

A new job offer across the country just hit your inbox, and you start in two weeks — congrats! Now what?

Packing up your stuff, tying up loose ends your old job, and figuring out where you are going to live can feel a bit overwhelming. So you book your plane ticket, and you have two days to find a place. What do you need to do?

First, enlist some help from a real estate agent, especially if you can find one from a rental brokerage. Give them as much detail as possible. In order for someone to find you a great place that meets your needs in just a few days, they need to know a lot about you. Tell them all of the deal breakers — how much rent you can afford, the types of apartments you like, amenities you need, if you have pets, if you need parking, and what your commute will be.

But you also have to get a little more personal. Remember, an agent knows the area better than you, and can steer you in the direction of a neighborhood you may not have considered because of your hobbies and lifestyle.

An agent is also going to be able to get appointments booked for you with buildings that have what you want, when you want it. You don’t have to pound the pavement on your own, going into building after building, only to have them tell you, “No vacancy.”

Second, be prepared before you go.  Make sure you have ready:

• Your camera
• A photo ID — you will need this for every building. This is for security of the agent and the onsite staff
• Proof of income — this could be an offer letter from your new job, previous pay stubs (usually at least the last two,) or tax documents
• Your credit score — make sure you know your credit and be up front if you think there could be an issue.
• A list of questions for the buildings:
  • What are the fees? Fees are likely to include an application fee, a move in fee, an amenity fee, a security deposit, a pet fee and so on. Make sure you know exactly what you need when you go to apply for the apartment you choose.
  • Can you use a credit card for the fees? Do they need to be in certified funds? Or do you just need your checkbook?
  • Does the building have a floor plan with measurements? You need to make sure your furniture will fit.
  • What is the turn around time for an application? If you need to move in right away, how quickly can they give you a decision? Think about whether you will you have enough time to move on to a backup if your first choice falls through. And in the event that does happen, make sure your second choice will be able to work with you electronically since you may already be out of town.

Lastly, if you have a roommate or significant other, and they won’t be along for the search, remember they will have to be a part of the application process and be named on the lease as well. Make sure both your agent and the building of your choice are aware.

Searching for a new home in a time crunch doesn’t have to be stressful. Don’t try to do it all yourself. Trust the help of a professional agent. Be sure to give them as much information as you can so they can get you in a great new home in no time, and maybe you’ll still even have time to play around in your new neighborhood.

Have a rental-related question you’d like Rental Report to answer? Email it to [email protected].

The views and opinions expressed in the column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARLnow.com.