The Basics (and not so basics) when apartment hunting

Learn the step by step to find a good apartment.

-It should fit what you need
-It has to go with your personality
-And above all, it has to fit your budget.

Let's start with the basics:

         1. Prices
In general, this depends on each person, but experts say that you should not spend more than a third of your salary on rent.

Get this total as follows: 50% fixed expenses (rent), 30% leisure, 20% savings.

         2. Zone
When choosing the area, think about the expenses that you can reduce.

Many people move to be close to work, reduce transportation costs, and avoid wasted time in traffic.

I recommend you to check neighborhoods near the one you want, you may find slightly lower rents.

         3. Contract papers

Gather all the necessary papers so that when you like an apartment, they don't beat you to it for not having any of the requirements.

The most common requirements are:

• Lease application (this application is given to you by the administration or owner of the apartment to rent)
• A local guarantor 
• Copy of the deed
• Copy of the official identification of the guarantor
• Account statements of the last three months
• Copy of your official ID
• Information about where you work and what you do

Some papers, such as a local guarantor, are difficult to obtain, but there are real estate companies that accept guarantor in the state area or renter's policy.

The renter's policy is a procedure that you as a landlord pay to a law firm. They are dedicated to giving security to the landlord in case the tenant does not pay the rent.

What I investigated that they ask you is:

• Account statements that prove 5 times the rental value of the apartment you want to rent
• Payment of research expenses

         4. Roomies or alone
Living with a roommate is good because you share expenses, but sometimes it's difficult because of living together.

“They may very well be your friend but living under the same roof is totally different”.

The expenses that you can share with a roommate are:

• Rent
• Services
• Groceries
• One or another piece of furniture for common use
• Department emergencies (locksmith, plumber, or electrician)

I recommend the Splitwise app to find out who paid what and who owes whom.

If you prefer to live alone, take into consideration that the expenses will go 100% to your account.

         5. Square meters
Normally apartments could round the 800 square foot, so if you find a larger one, do not hesitate to see it. I recommend you research the size of your current apartment and compare.

         6. Pets
Ads usually make this clear, but it doesn't hurt to ask and wink.

"Noooo, my puppy is very small, he doesn't even bark."

The not so basic:

         1. The foundations of the building
When seeing an apartment, ask what's the load-bearing capacity of the walls, where the pillars of the building are and what condition are they in.

• Ask if the building has been reviewed by experts to ensure its safety. Some have a framed legend at the entrance to the building.
• Check the walls to see if they are drywall or concrete
• Look out the windows and see the building, remember that cross cracks are alarm signals.
• Research the age of the building

         2. Solar light, ventilation, and distribution of spaces.

When you make an appointment to see an apartment, I suggest you organize it early in the morning or before sunset.

• Check if there's enough air current and look at the places where the sunlight hits
• See all the spaces and imagine yourself in all of them, don't let your room be the only priority

         3. Neighbors
If you really liked an apartment, it's worth asking about the neighbors or going around to see if you see any.

-"You found the best apartment! But surprise! You have neighbors who spend a lot of time fighting, they have parties with terrible music or they have pets that make a loud noise like a rooster... it can happen”.-

         4. Surrounding streets
Know where you are going to walk and make sure it is safe.

"My first room was next to a place that sold dubious substances."- 

Evaluate all of this, make the rent worth every invested dollar, and make your house a place where you can spend 24 hours without getting bored or feeling confined.

Try to cut costs as much as you can, but keep in mind the importance of increasing your quality of life and peace of mind.