When most people go to look for an apartment in Dallas for the first time, they have a mental list in their heads of what is the most important factor. For some people it is rent, while others have location at the top of the list. A smaller percentage of people have perks like a swimming pool, a workout room or a sauna at the top of the list, but should those perks really help you to decide where you will be calling home? Let’s take a closer look.

When you are trying to decide where to live, you need to sit down and make a list of priorities so you will be able to decide what spot is right for you. If you feel that having a pool or a workout room is a perk that you will use on a regular basis, than go ahead and move that higher on your list, but you need to realize that the more perks an apartment complex has, the more expensive it will likely be. You also need to take into consideration the fact that if you place perks higher than location, you will likely be spending more on gas every month getting to and from work, and you might end up paying more in car insurance, as well, since your commute will be longer.

Deciding on a new place to call home is a hard enough decision as it is and when you factor into apartment complex perks, it can be even harder. Make sure you take everything into account before making your decision.

While finding your first apartment can be an exciting, even liberating, experience. There are a few things to take into consideration before jumping into a binding contract, though.

One of the most important aspects of renting an apartment is the area you’ll be living in. Doing a little homework before hand can mean the difference between living in an area you love and one that you hate. Believe it or not, the area you live in will have a big influence on your enjoyment of your newfound freedom.

Check out the local amenities. This includes such mundane things as the number of grocery stores in the area and how far from the apartment they are. Gyms, schools, bus lines and employment opportunities should also be taken into account.

If you’re getting an apartment while in college or attending a university, the proximity of the school to your apartment will be a big deal. Getting to class easily, on time, will be one of the big considerations you’ll need to make. With a little looking you can find a lot of apartments located nearby school campuses. Choosing an apartment close to your school will have a lot of benefits and will make the experience better.

The same consideration should be made if you’re moving for a job. Making sure you live nearby will drastically cut down on your commute, even if you’re taking public transportation to and from work.

Knowing the type of neighborhood your apartment is located in will help you make a better choice as far as your living accommodations are concerned. Doing your homework before deciding on an apartment will let you find a great place to live in an area that you love.

While getting your first apartment can be exciting, the reality of it can be a little frightening, as well. With the freedom of having your own place comes the responsibility of paying bills. It’s easy to caught up in the excitement and forget about things like paying the bills. On top of that, you’re sure to continually find new things that you absolutely have to have for your apartment and each one of these requires money, as well. Here are a few useful tips to help you save money while in your first apartment.

Utilities:

Saving money on utilities is a practical way of reducing your cost of living. While some bills will remain at a set amount for the duration of your rent, like your garbage bill, others will increase and decrease based on your usage. Turning off the lights when not needed or when leaving a room will save you money on electricity. Don’t leave your computer or television on constantly and set your thermostat above 70 degrees in warm weather and slightly below that in winter.

Furniture:

Furnishing an apartment is often one of the greatest expenses you’ll encounter, other than rent. Buying furniture from flea markets, garage sales and consignment shops will go a long way towards getting your place furnished at a fraction of the cost of new furniture. You’ll find some amazing deals at these places, as well.

Groceries:

Buying food is expensive. Store brands are usually just as good as name brand items and cost considerably less. Buying in bulk if you have the storage space is also a good way to save some money. Eat your leftovers, rather than throwing them out.

In the excitement of getting into your first apartment, things are overlooked. One of the biggest things about getting into your first apartment is furniture. Furnishing your first apartment can be a headache if you don’t know what you’ll need. Many people just starting out don’t realize just how many items that they’ll need as furnishings, or what they can actually live without.
The Necessities:
Cookware- This includes pots, pans and baking sheets in addition to the various spoons, spatulas, tongs and other implements you’ll need. Don’t buy the most expensive set you can find. Department stores have a great selection of cookware for those just starting out.
Plates and stuff- You’ll need plates, cups, bows, forks, spoons and knives to make living in your apartment feasible. Eating out will eliminate the need for this stuff, but it’s far more expensive in the long run.
Something to sit on- Every living space needs comfortable chairs to sit on. Don’t go overboard, but you’ll need something that’s at least comfortable.
To eat off of- While eating in the living area can be done, chances are that you’ll want a table and chairs, eventually. Again, bargain hunting can be the first time renter’s best practice. You’ll find some great stuff in garage and moving sales.
The bedroom- One of the most important areas of your new apartment is your bedroom. You’ll need a mattress, box springs, nightstand, lamp, alarm clock and somewhere to put your clothes. Don’t forget coat hangers!
What You Can Live Without:
Don’t blow money on luxury items unless you just have cash to burn. Big screen t.v.’s and powerful stereo systems are great, but they’re not necessary. Save that cash for things you really need, like food.

Your first apartment is an exciting thing. Whether you’re going to college or just getting out on your own, your first apartment represents independence and adulthood. Beyond that excitement, though, there are some important things to consider before jumping into just any rental you find available.

Deciding what kind of lease you want to sign is the first thing to consider.  There are a few different types out there, so make sure you know the details of the lease before signing.  There are month-to-month leases that can be ideal for people looking for short-term housing and don’t want to commit to a long-term lease.  If you’re going to be in the area for longer than that, but still don’t want to commit to a yearlong lease, there are six-month lease options.  A yearlong lease is the best option if you’re going to be there for a while and want the stability that a lease of this type can provide.

Knowing your needs beforehand will help you find a great lease with the time frame that you want and need.

 Another consideration that will affect your decision will be the amount of rent due each month, what utilities are included in it and your other expenses compared to your monthly budget.  If you’re dead set on an apartment that is out of your price range, roommates can help you get the apartment you want while still keeping you under budget.

Check out the area around you work or school. Finding an apartment close by will help cut down on gas and parking charges and you may even find an apartment within walking distance of where you’ll be spending the majority of your time.

For many people, that perfect apartment is a little more than they can afford. This is especially true when you’re finding your first apartment. A limited budget can greatly affect the size and location of apartment you get. One way to afford a better apartment is by taking on a roommate or two. While this will go a long way towards stretching your budget, it can lead to hassles and headaches of its own. Here are a few tips to remember when getting a roommate into the act.Rent and utilities- Make sure your roommate knows exactly how much of the rent and utilities they are expected to pay and that it is due on a certain day each month. Allowing them to pay on different days every month will send the signal that they can pay their share whenever they feel like it and this will end up making you shoulder the burden alone.

Chores- Apartments, like every other type of living accommodation, get dirty. Dishes pile up, the floor needs to be vacuumed and dusting needs to be done. No one likes cleaning, but it’s part of life. Set up a rotating set of chores or clearly define who has to clean what. This will help keep the apartment liveable and avoid one person having to do everything.

Groceries- You’ll need to define who has access to which foods. The best option is usually to decide that your roommate can only eat what they have purchased. This will help cut down on “empty fridge” syndrome and save you some cash on groceries, as well.