How to Find the Right Apartment Without the Stress

       Apartment hunting can be a stressful experience, and with good reason. Not only might it require much of your time, but the process can leave you feeling frustrated, disappointed, desperate, or even overwhelmed. For your search to be as effective as possible, you need to try your best to keep stress out of the picture.

Fortunately, this isn't as tough as it sounds. Here are five tips to help you find the right apartment without the stress:

1. Know what you want. Before you venture out there to look at apartments, take the time to decide on what you want in an apartment. Ask yourself questions such as:

How many bedrooms and bathrooms do I need?

How much closet space do I need?

How important is size?

How important is location?

Are any features -- such as a good view, crown moulding, an updated kitchen, or built-in shelves important?

Where will I park my car, or where can people who visit me park their cars? Where can I put my bike?

What amenities are important to me? Do I need a pool, laundry in the building or on the floor, or a washer/dryer?

Are pets allowed?

       As you ask yourself these questions, decide what your limits are. For example, if you need to live within a short distance of work, shopping, dining, or transportation, actually take a drive around the area so you can decide just how far away you'll be.
 

       Once you're set on exactly what you're looking for in an apartment, go hunting while keeping all your criteria in mind. Don't waste time checking out listings for apartments that won't fit the bill. For instance, if you must live with your dog, then ask a potential landlord whether she allows pets in her building.
 

2. Stay focused and don't get discouraged. When you start feeling frustrated with your apartment search, don't despair! Instead, stay focused and keep your eye on the prize. Remember just how excited you were when you started your search, and try to visualize how happy you'll be once you find the right place.
Many apartment hunters also get discouraged when they find what they think is the right apartment only to lose out to someone who beat them with an earlier deposit. If this happens to you, tell yourself that it wasn't meant to be, and just keep at it. So many people have stories about how they missed out on their "dream apartment" only to wind up with something even better. Just think that you'll have such a story to tell one day.
 

3. Set realistic goals and expectations. It's hard to find tenants who can tell you that they found the perfect apartment without much effort. Don't expect anything different for your search, and you won't be disappointed. This way, if you find an apartment immediately, great. If not, you'll just take it in stride and know that it's just a matter of time until you reach your goal.
 

4. Stay organized and take good notes. Once you start to see more than a few apartments, it's easy to get them confused. Stay organized by taking good notes about your apartment hunting efforts. For example, make a chart (by hand or on your computer) that lists the following:

          •    An apartment's address
          •    The owner or tenant and their contact information
          •    The number of bedrooms and bathrooms
          •    The pros and cons
          •    Any promises that were made
          •    Additional notes
 

       Use an accordion file to hold any brochures, advertisements, floorplans, listings, photos, or other printed material you have.
 

5. Ask questions. Choosing a place to live is a serious matter, so don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't like the answers you hear or you suspect that a landlord isn't being honest with you, move on.
Hopefully, you're already feeling less stressed just from having read these tips. If you keep them in mind as you search for your next apartment, you can look forward to a more pleasant path toward finding that perfect place you'll soon call home.
 

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How to Qualify for a Rental

It can be a scary process doing the financial paperwork to qualify for a rental in the Greater New Orleans Area.  The expert sales staff at Tonti Management properties are here to help you every step of the way, but below are some tips of how to get started with the qualification process. If you feel overwhelmed by this process, do not hesitate to contact Tonti Management at 504-889-6800, toll-free: 1-800-315-3365 or by e-mail at info@tonti.net. 

To qualify for a rental, you'll need to prove to the landlord that you can meet the terms and conditions of the lease.  Follow the steps below to start this process:

Step 1:

Know the addresses of previous residences and have telephone numbers of previous landlords on hand when you start the application process. This is basic reference information that is always required.

Step 2:

Present yourself, your personal history and your ability to pay rent in a favorable light. This is particularly true if you're in a special situation - say you're a recently divorced woman who finds herself stretched financially; if you get alimony or child support from your ex, make sure the landlord understands this.

Step 3:

Be completely honest in all the information you give. If you supply false information, the landlord has just cause for denying your application. False information could even be cited as a reason to cancel the lease after you've signed it, or to evict you after you move in.

Step 4:

Be patient while you're waiting for your application to be processed. Normal processing time is between one and two days.

Step 5:

Create a good first impression. Dress neatly and groom yourself well. You are trying to present an image of someone who the landlord would like to have living in their property.

Tips to Remember:

Take action to clear up any unpaid rent issues with your previous landlords before you start filling out rental applications.  A bad payment record is a big hindrance to finding another rental.

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How to Win Over a Prospective Landlord    

Finding an apartment is only half the battle when looking for a new apartment in New Orleans and Metairie, Louisiana.  Apartment landlords and apartment managers want to make sure that your credentials, credit, and rental history are a good fit for the apartment rental you are wanting to rent.  In order to make that important "first impression," you will need to be armed with more than your good looks and a smile!  Make sure to be prepared.  But relax, Tonti Management has MANY different Apartment Communities as well as MANY different price ranges from which to choose.  There is a great probability that your apartment choice is waiting for you.

Tips to Consider

How to Inspect a Prospective Apartment

Once you sign a lease, your options for improving the conditions in and around your rental will be limited. Take the time before you sign to make sure the place you are considering meets your standards.

Inspect the Outside

Inspect the Unit

 

Check the size of the rooms and the doorways to make sure they will accommodate your furniture.

Make a note of the number and size of closets, and try all the doors to make sure they work.

Examine the bathroom. Give everything a test run. Watch out for leaks, bad water pressure, poor drainage and poor ventilation.

Examine the kitchen. Make sure everything works well, and look for easy-to-clean surfaces, good ventilation and adequate work and storage space.

Find out about heating and cooling arrangements for your unit.

Tour the utility room and storage spaces. Check for adequate lighting, cleanliness, security and signs of vermin.

Inspect Common Areas

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