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Few things in life are more stressful than moving. There are so many variables to consider when searching for a new home, from determining a budget to finding a place with the best amenities to figuring out the logistics of moving all of your belongings from one place to another. It can be incredibly overwhelming, especially if you are pressed for time.
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Use this post as a guide through the leasing process, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting any important steps!<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdngeneralcf.rentcafe.com\/\/dmslivecafe\/UploadedImages\/7b6c1dc7-34c4-4ad9-8021-7842a0cac044.jpg\")
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Determine Your Budget<\/h2>\n
This is the first step, because you can’t realistically find a home if you don’t know what you can afford. A good estimate is for your rent to be about 30% of your monthly income. Obviously, you can spend less than that on rent if you are looking to save money, but this is a good estimate to help prevent you from living beyond your means. Your budget will also help you determine what communities are available to you, giving you an idea of the areas to look for your new home in.
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Tour the Community<\/h2>\n
Once you have compiled a list of potential homes, schedule in-person tours to see what the apartment, grounds, and amenities are like off the screen. This step is crucial to determining whether or not an environment is right for you, and it can be a great time to ask any questions you may have, like if there will be an application fee, if the apartment community is pet-friendly, etc. When you view an apartment listing online you might not realize that you will hear the nearby interstate all night, or maybe it’s farther from your favorite stores and restaurants than you would like. You will also see how nice their amenities really are and the condition of their parking lot. You don’t want surprises on move-in day, so tour the community first and thank us later!
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Apply<\/h2>\n
Applying for an apartment can seem like a really stressful step, but it doesn’t have to be! If you find yourself confused at any step of the way, reach out to your contact at the apartment community that you are applying at. They are sure to be willing to help you navigate the process. There are also ways that you can prepare before even opening the application. Gather your last three months of paystubs, government ID, Social Security card, and any references from previous landlords, and set them all next to you before you even write your name on the application. You can eliminate getting distracted or overwhelmed by being organized!
\n <\/p>\n
Sign the Lease<\/h2>\n
You did it! You found the right apartment, you applied, AND you were selected. Now it’s time to make it official and sign the lease. You will want to make sure to read through these documents thoroughly and carefully before signing. Once you have signed, be sure to keep a copy of your lease should you ever need to reference it. Many apartment communities will issue you a digital lease to sign as well as a digital copy for your records, but many still work from paper documentation. This is something else you might ask about in the initial stages of investigating apartment communities.
\n <\/p>\n
Moving In \/ Inhabiting the Apartment<\/h2>\n
While you may be finished with the research, visits, and paperwork, your leasing process is really just beginning. Now that you are the resident of this apartment, you have a responsibility to take good care of it. That means not decorating in a way that might cause damage to the walls, practicing safety by not leaving potentially dangerous appliances unattended, and notifying maintenance professionals in a timely manner when there are any issues to be taken care of. You will also need to pay your rent and utility bills on time to avoid late fees, power or water shutoffs, or other penalties. It all sounds like a lot, but we know that you can handle it!
\n <\/p>\n
And there you have it, the leasing process broken down step-by-step. It seems less scary now, doesn’t it? It’s okay if you are still feeling a little nervous, just remember to come back to this guide as a reference!
\n <\/p>\n
The leasing process is always made easier when the apartment community is led by a friendly, helpful, and professional management team, and that is just what you will find at Weidner Apartment Homes. So, when you find yourself looking for a new apartment, come to us and find a home.
\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Few things in life are more stressful than moving. There are so many variables to consider when searching for a new home, from determining a budget to finding a place with the best amenities to figuring out the logistics of moving all of your belongings from one place to another. It can be incredibly overwhelming,… <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Determine Your Budget<\/h2>\n
This is the first step, because you can’t realistically find a home if you don’t know what you can afford. A good estimate is for your rent to be about 30% of your monthly income. Obviously, you can spend less than that on rent if you are looking to save money, but this is a good estimate to help prevent you from living beyond your means. Your budget will also help you determine what communities are available to you, giving you an idea of the areas to look for your new home in.
\n <\/p>\n
Tour the Community<\/h2>\n
Once you have compiled a list of potential homes, schedule in-person tours to see what the apartment, grounds, and amenities are like off the screen. This step is crucial to determining whether or not an environment is right for you, and it can be a great time to ask any questions you may have, like if there will be an application fee, if the apartment community is pet-friendly, etc. When you view an apartment listing online you might not realize that you will hear the nearby interstate all night, or maybe it’s farther from your favorite stores and restaurants than you would like. You will also see how nice their amenities really are and the condition of their parking lot. You don’t want surprises on move-in day, so tour the community first and thank us later!
\n <\/p>\n
Apply<\/h2>\n
Applying for an apartment can seem like a really stressful step, but it doesn’t have to be! If you find yourself confused at any step of the way, reach out to your contact at the apartment community that you are applying at. They are sure to be willing to help you navigate the process. There are also ways that you can prepare before even opening the application. Gather your last three months of paystubs, government ID, Social Security card, and any references from previous landlords, and set them all next to you before you even write your name on the application. You can eliminate getting distracted or overwhelmed by being organized!
\n <\/p>\n
Sign the Lease<\/h2>\n
You did it! You found the right apartment, you applied, AND you were selected. Now it’s time to make it official and sign the lease. You will want to make sure to read through these documents thoroughly and carefully before signing. Once you have signed, be sure to keep a copy of your lease should you ever need to reference it. Many apartment communities will issue you a digital lease to sign as well as a digital copy for your records, but many still work from paper documentation. This is something else you might ask about in the initial stages of investigating apartment communities.
\n <\/p>\n
Moving In \/ Inhabiting the Apartment<\/h2>\n
While you may be finished with the research, visits, and paperwork, your leasing process is really just beginning. Now that you are the resident of this apartment, you have a responsibility to take good care of it. That means not decorating in a way that might cause damage to the walls, practicing safety by not leaving potentially dangerous appliances unattended, and notifying maintenance professionals in a timely manner when there are any issues to be taken care of. You will also need to pay your rent and utility bills on time to avoid late fees, power or water shutoffs, or other penalties. It all sounds like a lot, but we know that you can handle it!
\n <\/p>\n
And there you have it, the leasing process broken down step-by-step. It seems less scary now, doesn’t it? It’s okay if you are still feeling a little nervous, just remember to come back to this guide as a reference!
\n <\/p>\n
The leasing process is always made easier when the apartment community is led by a friendly, helpful, and professional management team, and that is just what you will find at Weidner Apartment Homes. So, when you find yourself looking for a new apartment, come to us and find a home.
\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Few things in life are more stressful than moving. There are so many variables to consider when searching for a new home, from determining a budget to finding a place with the best amenities to figuring out the logistics of moving all of your belongings from one place to another. It can be incredibly overwhelming,… <\/p>\n