Image via Wikipedia

You want to find a home that will work for your desires and pocketbook. What should you consider? What should you avoid?

• Decide on an apartment, condo or family home. Renting an apartment may include more amenities like a weight room and a swimming pool, but will you use the facilities? A condo usually has more space than an apartment, but may be more costly to rent. A home may be your cup of tea, but what floor will you be renting? If it’s the basement, are there sufficient windows for light?
• Check out the neighborhood. Yes, you’re renting, but the upkeep of yards will tell you a lot about the caliber of folks living in the area.
• Make sure everything works. Check out the stove, the refrigerator, the shower, etc. If something isn’t working, or isn’t working properly, make sure the landlord knows about it before you move in.
• Clean carpets, clean walls and a clean and a mowed and weeded yard will also tell you a lot about the rental. Don’t settle for anything you can’t truly live in.
• Make sure you can afford a first and last month payment and a security deposit. If you have a pet make sure you have extra money for that. Go over your monthly expenses so that you know you can afford everything.

Renting your first home, whether it be apartment, condo or family home, can be a lot of fun. But getting what works for you takes digging. Make sure you have asked the questions and feel good about your decision before signing on the dotted line.