So you’ve made up your mind, and you’re going to do it, you’re finally going to move into your first apartment. You’ve been dreaming of this moment for all your life. You know exactly what furniture you want, what color the walls are going to be, all the details about your first major party but WAIT! Before you get too comfortable with your new-found freedom, beware. This is real life and a couple of late rent payments can damage your credit significantly. Have a huge party and the police WILL come. Make sure that your first experience out on your own is a good one and take a listen to a little advice from, perhaps, some folks who’ve learned the hard way.

Tip #1 – Budget wisely. Experts suggest, when you’re looking for a place, the rent should be no more than 25-30% of your annual wages. Although you might fall in love with that two bedroom luxury apartment in the downtown high rise, you’re probably not going to be able to afford it. An eviction will mar your credit report and will be seen as a big black “X” to other potential landlords. Take a look at your income after taxes and subtract your expenses. Include food, household supplies, phone, cell, car payment, car insurance, parking fees, credit card bills, clothing, cleaners, gas, internet, healthcare, school loans, and entertainment. What you have left, is what you will be able to afford for your new place. Keep in mind that this total will need to include rent as well as any additional services, such as natural gas, water, electricity, cable and garbage pick up if it is not included in your rent. Make sure to ask your landlord to put in writing what is covered in your rent and what is not.

Tip #2 – Think about the deposits. Not only will you need to afford a deposit on the apartment itself but you might also need to pay a fee to have your electricity turned on, phone hooked up, cable started, etc. The security deposit is most often equal to one month’s rent and the other deposits will range anywhere from $25 to $100. If you’re moving in the middle of the month (not recommended) you may have to pay for the remainder of that month’s rent as well as your first full month’s rent before you’re allowed to move in. Again, make sure that you plan ahead of time BEFORE you sign the lease and move in.

Tip #3 – Use credit cards in moderation. Let’s face it, we’ve heard hundreds and hundreds of times from hundreds and hundreds of people that we should just take all our credit cards and shred them. Nothing good can come from having them around. If you don’t have the money, don’t spend the money. WRONG! Having credit cards and paying off your debt in a reasonable amount of time will only strengthen your credit report. In order to establish credit, you need to have credit. We need to be real here, there are times in everyone’s life when you need, and I mean, NEED, a credit card. Don’t worry about using it. Don’t feel the guilt. But, don’t be careless either. When you use credit cards, make sure that you pay your debt down and avoid carrying a balance for over three months. Rather than depending on your credit card as a way to make ends meet every month, know that it is there in the case of an emergency (or if you just NEED to have that new pair of shoes).

So, you’re getting ready to move into your first place… Here’s a couple things you’re going to want to do to prepare yourself.

• When you’re selecting your first place, make sure you pay your rent! Seriously, experts suggest that when you’re looking for a place, the rent should be no more that 25-30% of your annual wages. You want that new place, you want to stay there, and you want to make sure that you still have the ability to order a pizza every once in a while (and have it delivered too).

• Make a budget before you sign a lease! Ask your landlord what the average utility bills are (if they are not covered in your rent). Take into consideration monthly food, transportation (gas, public transportation, car payments, etc.), renter’s insurance, entertainment, school loans, phone and other utilities, clothes and credit card bills. Make sure you know exactly what bills are covered in your rental costs and which ones you need to take care of yourself.

• If you use a real estate agent to help you find your apartment, be aware that they will usually charge you a fee for this service. (If you use Apartments.com to research your new place, you won’t have to pay a finders fee!)

• Make sure your new place is really what you want, it’s pretty tough to break a lease, and if you do, there might be some severe fees you’ll have to pay as penalties. If you’re looking for a place that allows pets, or one that has a pool, or one that has central air conditioning, or even one that has a doorman, make sure you ask all those questions before you sign anything. If you visit Apartments.com to find your new place, all you have to do is select which apartment and community features you’re looking for, click one button, and there you have it…. All the places that fit your exact needs!

• The average security deposit is one and a half times the monthly rent but may vary depending on your lease agreement. Be sure that the refunding of your deposit is clearly understood and agreed on by all parties.

• Once you take a look at your income, you’ll need to decide if you’re going to want a roommate. If you get a roommate, make sure that both of your names are on the lease. If you’re the only name on the lease, if your roommate leaves, you’re stuck with the bill with not a lot of legal recourse. Make sure you speak with your landlord about what would happen to the rent if you were to lose your roommate.

The ad made it sound like more of a dream come true than an apartment for rent. You are desperate to land this place and know it’s the home you’ve been looking for. Your instincts, however, tell you that your dream pad isn’t as perfect as it seems. But what are the hidden problems and how will you uncover them before signing the lease? The next twelve months are way too long to live with squeaky plumbing, a ferocious dog next dog and a dishwasher that leaks all over the floor during every single cycle. The staff at Apartments.com knows the perfect rental is out there for you and wants to make sure you find it—not its evil imposter. Here are the questions you need to ask when renting an apartment.

When you call about the ad…

• Confirm all the claims made in the ad and clarify any sketchy statements. “Cozy outdoor space” could mean a cute little deck or a fire escape running down seven floors. Ask the owner/management company for exact descriptions.
• Ask for the total square footage of the apartment as well as the footage of each room.
• Make sure the rent is exactly what was listed and that the availability date matches your schedule. There’s no sense in wasting time viewing an apartment that isn’t going to be ready for three months if you’re ready to move next week.
• If you have any special needs, such as a dog that will be moving in with you or an allergy to a certain type of carpet, be sure your requirements can be met.

During the apartment walk-through…

• Do all the appliances work? Check all the appliances and sinks to be sure they are working properly.
• Are there insects or rodents present? If the current tenant is there ask them about the severity of the problem and what is being done to fix it.
• How old is the wiring? If there are very few outlets or if you see two-pronged switches, it probably is older wiring. This may be a convenience and safety issue.
• How much closet/storage space is there? Don’t underestimate how much space your belongings will take up.
• Are there enough windows to provide ample light for your taste and do they open and close properly?
• Are the rooms big enough to fit your furniture? Take a tape measure with to be sure.
• How do guests obtain entry and what type of security is in place? If there is an electronic system, test it out to make sure it works.
• Make sure that the apartment will be cleaned and have the paint touched up before you move in.

Use this handy Apartments.com checklist when you’re visiting potential new apartments.  The landlord should be helpful and should not hesitate to answer these questions or to put the answers in writing.

1)  When is rent due?

2)  Are there penalties for late payments?  What are they?

3)  How long is the lease?

4)  After the initial term of the lease, will I need to renew for a year or will I be able to lease month to month?

5)  What are the lease breaking fees?

6)  Are there any application fees?

7)  What utilities are included in the rent?

8)  What is the approximate cost for utilities that are not included in the rent?

9)  Are there any costs for setting up the utilities that are not covered in the rent?

10)  Is parking included in the rent or are there any additional parking fees?

11)  Where is the parking area?

12)  Is there a pool?  Can it be used by anyone?  Are there any additional fees for using the pool or gym area?

13)  How big is the hot water heater and is the hot water heater shared with any other apartments?  (This is a relatively important question, if there is a small heater, or if there is one shared with your neighbor who likes to take hour long showers right before you have to get up, you may end up taking cold showers more often than you’d like.)

14)  How much is the security deposit?  How much of the deposit is returned at the end of the lease?  What will prevent me from getting my security deposit back?

15)  How long is the lease?

16)  Is sub-leasing allowed?

17)  What happens if I accidentally break an appliance?

18)  How is routine maintenance completed for the unit?  Are maintenance people on call 24 hours a day?  If not, who should you call if there is an emergency?

19)  Am I allowed to paint the walls?

20)  Am I allowed to hang pictures with nails?

21)  Am I allowed to have overnight guests?

22)  What are the procedures if I decide to have a roommate at a later time?

23)  Do you require renters insurance?

24)  Are there any noise level restrictions?

25)  Where are the smoke detectors and do they work?

26)  If there isn’t an in-unit washer and dryer, where is the laundry and what is the cost?

27)  Can you get cell phone reception inside the apartment?

28)  Am I allowed to have pets?  If I don’t have one now, and I get one at a later date, will my lease change?

Two Months or More Before You Move…

• Search Apartments.com for properties you’d like to rent. Call those that are your best choices and arrange to see at least three apartments. If at all possible, try to have a lease signed one month before you move, as this will make the process much less stressful.
• Begin cleaning out your home room by room. Donate, sell or throw away any items you don’t want to move.

One Month Before You Move…

• If you haven’t already done so, make arrangements with a mover or truck rental company. Get quotes at the Apartments.com - Moving Center and be sure to get the best rate.
• Fill out a change of address form with the post office.
• Fill out an IRS change of address form.
• Arrange for newspaper and magazine subscriptions to be transferred or cancelled.
• Research your new town. Look into organizations that you may want to join including churches, gyms, clubs, etc.
• Research schools if you have children. Arrange for a visit at the school so that your child will feel more comfortable. Have your child’s records transferred from the old school.
• Ask your current doctors for referrals for practitioners in your new town. Call and make appointments for general check-ups after you move.
• Look into your new town’s laws regarding parking, pets and any thing else that may apply to you.
• Research banks and open an account at the one that best suits your needs.
• Make arrangements for moving day, including travel plans, a babysitter for kids and care for your pets.

Two Weeks Before You Move…

• Transfer or cancel all your utilities, including gas, water, electricity, garbage pick-up, telephone, cable and Internet services.
• Have your credit cards and/or bank statements transferred to your new address.
• Confirm the time that you will be able to pick up your keys to your new home and the time the moving truck will arrive.
• Get quotes on renter’s insurance and consider purchasing a policy to protect yourself and your belongings.
• Apply for a new vehicle registration if you are moving out of state.
• Close your current bank accounts and have remaining funds transferred to your new account.

Grocery spending may be the most under-estimated area of the typical budget.  It is very easy to spend anywhere from a dollar to a hundred dollars more than you planned because of impulse buys and marketing schemes that are easy to fall for.  Apartments.com has some advice to keep your shopping cart full without leaving your wallet empty.  You’ll be amazed at how much money you can save with just a little planning!
 
Budget Your Grocery Spending
 
Each month, decide how much money you “need” to spend on food.  Because you’ll be stocking up your pantry, plan to spend a little extra the first month in your new apartment.  Put the exact amount of cash aside in a grocery shopping envelope.  This will prevent you from making impulse purchases since you only have a specific amount of money to spend.  Using a debit card, check or credit card will enable you to spend as much extra money as you have in your account, a dangerous grocery-shopping habit.
 
Watch Sales and Cut Coupons
 
You may feel like grandma with the scissors and Sunday’s ads spread all over your kitchen table, but those 50-cent off coupons really add up.  A co-worker at Apartments.com once saved $60 off her grocery bill just by using coupons!  Smart shoppers know that by limiting their shopping to just one store they can be left out of the loop on many a good bargain.  Be willing to visit two stores and you’ll often hit more deals.  Check the ads each week and see what sales meet the needs of your refrigerator. 
 
Besides the traditional grocery store, consider purchasing a membership at a warehouse store.  You can easily make up the membership fee in one trip, as the savings really are significant.  The downside of these memberships is that some people buy items in bulk and can’t use them before they expire, wasting money.  Buy only those items you know you will be able to finish before the expiration date and that you would normally purchase.  A giant tub of chocolate pudding is only a great deal if you really, really like pudding.
 
Make a List
 
Making a list is the first step.  Sticking to your list, aisle after long aisle is a much bigger commitment.  If you can get into the habit, sticking to a list will save you time as well as money.  Make your list at home with the ads, checking your refrigerator and pantry for what you need to avoid making multiple trips.  If you find that no matter what, you can’t stick to your list, try an online grocery delivery company.  You can set up a set shopping list for those items that you run out of regularly.  Pop online to quickly type in your order and select a delivery date.  Although there is often a delivery fee, you’ll end up saving money because of the lack of temptation for those impulse buys.  Most online grocery delivery companies also accept coupons.
 
Try Generic
 
Generic brands are often passed over because of the notion that they are of lesser quality than name brands.  The truth is that generic brands are often ignored because they don’t have the same quality of marketing—less colorful boxes and lack of advertising makes them the least popular items on the shelf.  Consider the generics your “secret” and you will quickly realize that most of the time, you can’t even tell the difference between your old cereal and the off brand or store version.   
 
Also don’t be afraid to try a different brand or variety of your favorite foods if one is on sale.  If you always buy cheddar cheese but Colby is on sale, try it out.  Use sales as a substitute for items you usually buy rather than as additional items and you’ll also be broadening your palate.
 
Know What You are Buying
 
Wasted food is often the result of products that were bought under false pretenses.  The box claimed that brand X crackers have less fat than the ones you usually buy and you promptly put two boxes in your cart, heading over to the cheese aisle to celebrate your new cracker find.  Munching on them later, you realize that the brand X crackers have double the calories of the ones you used to buy.  That’s two boxes in the trash and another trip to the store to befriend your old brand.  The point here is to carefully read labels and examine products before you toss them into your shopping cart.  We don’t want to discourage you from trying new foods but you should be a smart consumer for those foods you do choose to purchase.
 
Be a Savvy Shopper
 
Shoppers who are aware of what they are buying, as well as what each items costs, escape the grocery store with more cash.  Store scanners can easily overcharge you for more than half of the items in your cart, so be sure to watch it as you check out.  Never pay full-price for items that are offered at a lower price for those who belong to the store’s membership club.  Ask to join on the spot if you don’t have a card.  Lastly, never go grocery shopping hungry!  Your primal instincts will kick in, making you more likely to buy anything that triggers your taste buds.  Of course, if it’s sample day, you could get a free meal out of the trip…

If you’re moving into your first place, you might be intimidated with the amount of “stuff” that you need. Part of that intimidation may include the amount of money you’re going to need to get going. Don’t fear, there are a million ways to bargain hunt. Take a look at:

Flea Markets and Yard Sales

Look in local newspapers and on community boards for flea market postings. These sales are usually held on a weekly basis in the same location and are like a constant yard sale. Don’t let the name mislead you—flea markets often have a huge collection of items that are anything but junky. From books to furniture to odds and ends, most flea markets carry a huge selection of items you’d never guess came from a flea market. You do have to have a discerning eye and be willing to barter to get the best deal but here you can find some terrific items at a very low cost.

Yard sales are smaller versions of flea markets, you can buy other people’s unwanted items at a minimal cost. The sales vary greatly based upon the individual. Check newspaper ads or keep your eye out for signs and look for sales that are selling something you may be interested in, such as “Women’s Clothes Size 10” or “Baby Furniture.” If a phone number is listed for a sale, call and ask what types of items are available to save yourself an unnecessary trip.

These sales take patience and time but can be well-worth the effort. Bring cash when shopping and remember, if you didn’t need it, it’s not a bargain! Only buy things that you were planning to purchase at a retail store anyway so that you won’t end up having to hold your own sale to get rid of all that junk.

Warehouse Stores

Warehouse stores are a great deal for people who buy a lot of the same foods or have a big family to feed. You will need to pay an annual fee to shop but you can more than make up for it if you shop just a few times. The rule for warehouse shopping is to only buy those items you know you can use before they expire. If you got a great deal on fruit but threw half of it away, you would have been better off just buying a smaller amount at a regular grocery store. You will do well buying items like paper goods, office supplies, home appliances and electronics. As with a regular grocery store, bring a list with you and stick to it so that you don’t end up buying things you don’t need.

Online

Many warehouse shopping websites can offer items at a lower price than you would find at a retail store. Some are bought in bulk, sent directly from the warehouse or have minor defects that prevent them from being shipped out to stores. In any case, the savings are passed onto you.

Moving can often be a very stressful experience.  Last minute details, finances, packing and unpacking is enough to drive anyone insane.  The hard part is already done, now you just need to start putting it all together. Apartments.com has some advice to help you as you settle in after your move. 
 
Unpack one box at a time. 
You might feel overwhelmed if you look at all your boxes and think that it all has to be done at once.  Face it, that’s not going to happen.  Unpack what you’re going to need first, like your clothing, alarm clock, toiletries and a few dishes.  After a few hours of unpacking, relax and enjoy your new space.  Put clean sheets on your bed and get a good night’s rest.  Tomorrow, unpack a few more boxes.  Take a week or so to completely unpack.
 
Get to know your neighborhood. 
Take a walk (or a drive) around your new area and explore.  Go to a bookstore and check out the local scene.  Take a trial class at the gym and decide if you’d like to join.  Go the community center and pick up a calendar of events. 
 
Meet new friends…but keep the old, too. 
Keep your old contacts but one of the best things about moving to a new neighborhood is meeting new people too!  Stop by your neighbors’ with a plate of cookies and join a club to meet people who share an interest with you.  Churches, community classes and volunteer organizations are all great ways to meet new people.  
 
Establish a routine. 
Get back into a daily routine that is familiar to you.  If you’re used to working out every morning before work, join a gym.  Prepare some of your favorite meals and watch a television show you enjoy.  Find the closest dry cleaners, grocery store and post office so that running errands won’t be like navigating through a maze.
 
Take care of necessary tasks. 
In about a week after your move, you should make sure that all your post-move business is settled.  Each task you complete will bring you a sense of accomplishment.  Each box you unpack is one less box.  Take everything a step at a time and before you know it, it will be done!
 
Take on a new hobby. 
Begin a new hobby.  If you aren’t sure what to join or do, check out your local stores and newspapers for listings or suggestions. You’ll likely learn a new skill and meet new people too. 

Unpacking boxes and arranging furniture sometimes isn’t the first priority for many apartment dwellers. Setting up the Internet, cable and utilities is often what’s on the mind of those fresh off the moving truck. And that’s as it should be—after all, what’s the point in having a big fluffy couch if you don’t have 150 channels to peruse and a high-speed Internet connection flowing into your laptop? The Apartments.com staff wants to make sure you have the “hook-up” on how to get “hooked” up as smoothly as possible. We’ll fill you in on everything from your basic electric to your gaming-ready Internet connection.

Electric/Water/Gas

These are the most essential set-ups, so do these way before your move. Before you do, however, speak with your new landlord or review your lease as some utilities may be covered in your rent payment. To find utility companies, use the local yellow page directory or ask your landlord for a list of local companies. You will be limited to the providers in your immediate area and be prepared because you may have to pay connection fees or make a deposit if you are a first time customer.

Heat

Ah, the trials and tribulations of staying warm. Heat costs are projected to rise 21% for the 2006 winter season, so getting your landlord to foot the heating bill is a major renter’s victory. If you are stuck paying for heat you may also be stuck using a certain company, especially if you are renting from a managed company. You may also get a document that states the projected average monthly heating costs for your review and signature at the time you sign your lease. You can use this as a budgeting tool but always overestimate as you don’t want to find yourself roaming around in your winter coat inside your apartment because you’re short on cash come January.

Phone

Today, many cell phones are replacing their land-line friends as the only phone connection an apartment dweller owns. If you aren’t home much or use the phone infrequently when you are home, you may not benefit from a land-line. However, don’t waste your money gabbing on the cell phone at all hours when you could be doing that talking for a very low unlimited monthly rate through a land-line connection. If you plan on becoming a “bundler,” a person who owns a package phone/cable/Internet connection, it may be worth having a land-line since you may not end up paying extra for it when all is said and done.

The newest in electronic chat is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). This connection uses your Internet connection to make phone calls. To ensure high voice quality you should have a DSL or cable Internet connection. You will get a phone adapter that connects your phone to the computer and then to your Internet connection. This means you can check your voicemail through the Internet and control all your phone settings from your computer. Check online for VoIP service availability in your area.

Your new apartment is the perfect place to entertain throughout the year! Apartments.com staffers love nothing better than a good party and one with a fun theme is even better. From decorating ideas to serving ideas, we’ve got some great tips that are sure to please. Pick and choose to make your party all your own. Our ideas are only the beginning of an unforgettable event. Let’s party!

Spring

It’s time to celebrate all the blooming colors and warmer weather, so your party should be bright and cheerful. Your meal can reflect the lighter feeling in the air and the new bounty of produce. Try these ideas on a warm spring afternoon or evening, just before the weather starts to turn hot:

• Chicken is the perfect spring meat: lighter than hearty winter meats but still satisfying and a perfect compliment to the produce that is now in season. Carrots, asparagus, rhubarb, potatoes, mint, onions and beets are all available fresh in the market right now. Try out a recipe that blends some of these flavors together.
• Prepare cocktails with mint or lemongrass to celebrate the arrival of these plants. Vermouth is a good liquor to have on hand.
• Incorporate lemon or mint in your desserts to tie together the meal. Lemon curd with berries, mint brownies and flower-shaped sugar cookies make a beautiful spring dessert plate that will please any guest.
• Decorate with floral accents and hanging paper butterflies to capture the essence of the season.
• Some themes to consider: Easter Gathering, April Fools, Daylight Savings Celebration, Mother’s Day, Love Being Single.

Summer

Time to get hot! Summer meals are light but the drinks are strong. The atmosphere is loud in sound and in color. To make your bash sizzle, try out these suggestions:

• Lay out a buffet with salads, fruit and cheese plates and light meat or fish dishes. Try a goat cheese and strawberry salad, apricot shrimp kabobs and an assortment of fresh cheeses with berries.
• A light summer feast may be the perfect trendy crowd pleaser but if your old college buddies are around you probably want to serve a heartier meal. Barbeque steaks or hamburgers and set out a toppings bar so that guests can personalize their meal.
• Summer drinks are all about the fruity and fun versions of your favorite concoctions. If you like martinis, try incorporating a new fruit like watermelon or raspberry. Margaritas in flavors like peach and mint will cool off even the hottest summer day.
• A Hawaiian or Tiki theme with leis and torches makes it hard not to have fun. Or try out something different like a “Midsummer’s Night Dream” party for the slightly more intellectual crowd or a camping party for your outdoorsy friends.