Finding Your Perfect Place
Balcony, Deck, Patio or Porch: This is considered a luxury amenity and will be on the higher end of the rent scale. You may pay $200-300 more a month just for this feature.
Yard: You’ll find these in low-rise apartments and may share the space with others in the building. Yard availability is very limited, especially in urban areas.
Kitchen Amenities: New (or newer) appliances, marble countertops, dishwashers and the size of the kitchen will all make the unit more expensive.
Floor Type: Hardwood floors throughout the unit are usually the most expensive: certain kinds of tile will also increase the price of the apartment.
Laundry Facility: While some units do have an in-unit washer/dryer, most have central facilities for the whole building. Having access to the machines might add a small amount to the rent, even if the machines are coin-operated.
Fireplace: This feature usually accompanies an upscale unit so expect to pay premium rent if this is one of your top choices.
Workout Center: This is usually part of an upscale high-rise and also a premium rent feature. You may have to pay an extra fee to use the facility.
Parking: Parking is rarely included in the rent in urban apartments but often is in suburban ones. You can pay anywhere from $50-$500 for a monthly parking space, depending on the type (lot or covered) and the location.
Technology: This includes high-speed Internet and cable connections, or at least the hook-ups that make the technology less expensive to install. If your building offers these services, you will probably have to pay extra. Modern units are most likely to have this amenity.
Doorman: Having someone to open your door and greet your guests is obviously going to cost you. A doorman would be present in a high-rise building.
Elevator: This is included in the cost of a high-rise building apartment.
Special Offer/Willing to Negotiate: A special offer could be a discount for signing the lease early or a company promotion (just like a sale on sweaters).
Now you should be able to pick and choose which amenities are the most important to you. When searching for listings on Apartments.com, check off only those options that you really need or want and the site will bring up matches for those specifications. We hope you’ll find the perfect apartment!
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