Apartment hunting is rarely fun, and trying to find an apartment in a city in which you don’t yet reside can make the process even more difficult. Whether you’re moving for school, work, starting a new degree, or just looking for a fresh start in a brand new city, remote apartment hunting requires careful planning. Contemporary Management Concepts, LLLP has compiled a list of tips to help you find the perfect home for rent in Gainesville, FL.
You may not know anyone in the city to which you’re moving, but it’s possible a friend of a friend does. Use social media to announce your upcoming move and let friends know you’re looking for an apartment. Encourage your friends to spread your post; there’s always the chance your sister’s boss’s cousin is looking to sublet their apartment in your new city. Many social media platforms offer spaces for users to post apartment listings or roommate ads, so try looking for housing groups specifically for your area.
Tip: Don’t announce touring or moving dates on social media, as doing so can inform nefarious people of when you’ll be out of town.
If it’s not possible to visit a potential apartment in person, it can also be helpful to have someone living nearby tour it for you. They can send you pictures, size up the landlord, and warn you of any red flags that may not be apparent from the online listing.
All neighborhoods are different, so it’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for. For students moving to Gainesville to start a new degree program, apartments near UF campus are likely the best option. Other apartment hunters may prefer to be closer to the action of the downtown area. To get a feel for what different Gainesville neighborhoods are like, research online, read local papers, and browse through brokers’ and real estate agents’ websites. Most police departments post records of crime statistics by neighborhood, so check these to get an idea for the relative safety of each neighborhood.
Obviously, one of the most important factors to consider during a Gainesville apartment hunt is the commute to and from work or school. Whether you’re commuting via car or public transportation, it’s important that your daily commute is doable. Research what the commute time is like during rush hour and other times of day that you’ll be travelling.
It’s also important to consider the commute times to other important locations, such as grocery stores, your children’s school, or the nearest gas station. Are any of those locations walkable? Consider how much time you’re willing to spend in the car on a daily or weekly basis, and factor that into your apartment search.
If at all possible, it’s best to visit any potential apartments in Gainesville in person. This allows apartment hunters to meet potential roommates, explore the neighborhood, and get to know local traffic patterns. Sometimes online apartment listings can be misleading, so it’s always a good idea to visit in person if possible.
Bear in mind that it may be necessary to move quickly, so bring whatever documents may be needed to sign a contract. This includes:
If it is not possible to visit an apartment in person or have a friend or relative visit, a reliable real estate agent is the next best option. An agent who is familiar with the area can provide valuable information regarding pricing, neighborhood amenities, and commute times. Make sure the agent is willing to work with clients who are out of state. A reliable agent will be able to send photos and take you on virtual tours of potential Gainesville apartments via video chat.
Even if you don’t want to hire a real estate agent, it can be helpful to chat with one to gather valuable information about renting apartments in Gainesville.