July 21: Midday Fix - Tips for Apartment Hunting in Chicago
Apartment Hunting Tips

Decide what neighborhood you want to live in. Chicago is full of unique and individual neighborhoods; it's important to narrow down the search to one or two different neighborhoods. Chicago is a VERY big city with thousands of options.

Walk Score is a resource for people to access when they are deciding on a particular area. Type in a specific address and it tells you your walk score as well as all of the closest things -- from movie theatres and parks to grocery stores and restaurants.


Find a great management company
Search around and find the companies that have been in Chicago for a while and have a good reputation.
Everything is great when there aren't any problems, but when something goes wrong and needs to be fixed it's important that you have reputable and strong company to support you and provide the solutions you need.


Do you research
There are so many online tools that help people find their apartment. Craigslist is one of hundreds of different websites that are popular search tools when looking for an apartment.
There are also free apartment finder businesses like apartment people who will take you on various tours of different units that are in your price range and targeted area.


Know your price range
It's important to be mindful of your price range and keep your bills in mind when you are building your budget. Some buildings offer free cable and gas that is packaged into the price of rent. These are topics that should be discussed when you are touring the apartment you are interested in.


Decide what amenities are important to you
It's impossible to find a place that has EVERYTHING you could ever ask for. That's why it's important to prioritize what you want in an apartment. If an updated kitchen is a must for you, then you might have to do with communal laundry facilities. You have to find that perfect place that suits most of your needs.


READ your lease agreement
Most lease agreements are fairly standard and similar across the board. But before you ever sign a contract. you should read all of it to make sure that everything is up to your expectations.


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