Everything I know about apartment renting I learned from my Dad

This Father’s Day, I thought I’d celebrate Dad by sharing some of the great real estate advice my fabulous father has given me over the years. As a licensed real estate professional, Dad has a wealth of expertise in the apartment rental arena and he’s always given me the best free insight. Now, I can share it with you!

By the way, if you’re a parent or planning to become one someday, don’t leave your kids hanging out to dry when it comes to helping them out with renting a place, finding housing when they go to college or other real estate-related tasks. They’ll benefit from your experience and probably be very grateful for the help. Just make sure you let them make the final decision on their own.

Here are some quick tips on apartment renting straight from Kombucha’s Dad:

• Location matters – and is often worth spending a little more money on rent. This is especially true if you’re a student, a woman living alone, without a car, or perpetually late. The convenience of an apartment near your school or workplace simply can’t be understated – it’s just as valuable as a rooftop hot tub or reserved parking place.
• Online searches are awesome, driving by is better. Dad’s an old school Realtor so often his approach to finding an apartment or house is just to drive around the desired neighborhood in circles until he spots some signs. Not the greenest way to go, but it will help you identify exactly what streets/buildings you might want to live in so you can target them in online searches later. Take notes!
• Be nice. Dad’s No. 1 rule of real estate – and why he’s a great Realtor – is to treat all other human beings the way you’d like to be treated. That means your potential future landlord or property manager, neighbor, roommate, even the guy who picks up the trash. Your courtesy might earn you a friendly smile or a free pass the first time you play your music too loud, so make an effort to be friendly and courteous.
• Always pay your rent at least one day early. An old school practice, certainly, but one that demonstrates your stability and responsibility as a renter. Your landlord will love you and if your finances are organized enough to do this, you’re probably sitting in great shape with the bank, too.

Happy Father’s Day to all the great Dads out there, including mine!

 

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