Are you in the market for a new apartment? Have you outgrown your one-bedroom and need something a little larger, perhaps three-bedroom townhomes in Charleston? It may seem like the shopping for a one-bedroom and a three-bedroom is quite the same, but there are some differences. Not only is one larger than the other, but it comes with a hefty price tag as well. This article focuses on how to shop more effectively for a larger rental, ensuring you get the best mixture of cost and amenities.

Don’t Be Hasty- But Get Your Application In

It's important to shop around for the perfect home. You want to feel at home and have the best features while remaining on budget. That being said, we do recommend that you don't wait long when it comes to three-bedroom rentals. Why? Three-bedroom rentals often go very fast. They are in high demand. There are also fewer of them available compared to one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. For that reason, if you find a three-bedroom that you are particularly fond of, get your application in and start the process for renting.

Consider Your Budget

You really should have your budget in order before you start apartment hunting. Something to consider is how much money you gross each month. The apartment will want the information. They'll also want paycheck stubs or proof of income. The standard rule of thumb when renting is that you shouldn't spend more than 30% of your monthly income on rent. This is a max. 30% is a significant portion of any paycheck and will leave you scrambling. Overextending yourself could impact your budget in many ways, like food costs, transportation, and entertainment. 

Location, Location!

There is no replacement for location. Once you choose an apartment building, it can't be moved. For that reason, we urge you to really consider the location first and foremost. Once you have the area nailed down where you want to live, you can start comparing and contrasting available units that work for your budget and style of living. You may find that there are tons of apartments in one area of town, whereas there are fewer in others.

Collect Questions For The Property Manager

After you have found an apartment that you're interested in, you'll need to take a tour. The tour is a good time to ask questions of your property manager. You may want to know things like how much rent is, how long a lease is if you can have pets, what is included with your rent, and what could happen if you needed to break your lease early.