Finding the Right Apartment
242 Franklin Ave -- Minneapolis, MN
There’s a dream apartment waiting for you, it’s just a matter of finding it! From your individual wants and needs to horror stories about landlords and finding the right fit for your budget, there can be a lot to consider while apartment hunting.
Instead of walking in and touring every apartment out there, these are items we have found that will help you organize your search and find the perfect fit for you.
Create a Smart Budget
Your apartment budget is important because it must be sustainable, as well as allow for the discretionary lifestyle you desire. Although the general rule is that rent should be no more than a third of your income, try to stay within the 25% range. This will give you the wiggle room to enjoy more of the amenities surrounding the great location you choose as well as feel secure about other financial obligations you have. Saving a ‘buffer’ or emergency fund to allow for unforeseen circumstances is also possible with a well-planned budget for your rent, which can be one of the bigger expenses you have each month. Hornig Companies’ income approval standard allows rentals up to 1/3 of gross income and encourages smart budgeting to ensure you get the most out of the home you select with us.
614 Portland Ave -- St. Paul, MN
Make a List of Needs & Wants
Create a list of things that are deal breakers and a list of items that would be nice to have. For example, a certain number of bedrooms might fall on the list of “need” and cat friendly might fall on the “want” list. Creating a list gives you the chance to be more subjective about your apartment search and you’ll be able to see quickly how each apartment checks the boxes with your expectations.
2222 Harriet Ave -- Minneapolis, MN
Be Aware of How Well the Apartment is Maintained
How well your maintenance needs are responded to as well as the care the apartment owner puts into the repair and upkeep of the building are important indicators of how happy you will be with your apartment in the long-run. The same pride you have in showing off your new apartment should show in the pride the apartment owners put in to the upkeep of the building. (In case you were curious, Hornig Companies prioritizes maintenance and prides itself with our attentive and approachable maintenance staff!)
1810 Bryant Ave S -- Minneapolis, MN
Consider Location
Location, Location, Location! Location can make a big difference in the long-term satisfaction you have with your home. Make sure you consider all factors in the life you are creating; work, family, friends, appointments, neighbors, regular shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities. If work, family and the locations that you love to visit are more spread out, consider a middle-ground and look at apartments in a location that is central to all of the areas in which you wish to spend time. Luckily, Hornig Companies boasts many locations across the Twin Cities metro area, with easy access to all the places you love. And for those looking for less hustle and bustle, check out our Greater Minnesota properties with easy access to smaller towns and rural country living as well!
There's a dream apartment waiting for you.
3252 Girard Ave S -- Minneapolis, MN
Ask if Video Tours are Available
Technology has made finding your apartment just that much easier. Many companies have video tours available for you to see the actual available apartment before you even set foot on site. Seeing the floor plan, room sizes and unique features through a video tour can save a lot of time as well as help the leasing department direct you to the apartment that fits you best. Your time can then be spent visiting only your final choices for a last look at the area and the building as a whole to ensure it’s the place you see as home.
1325 W 27th Street -- Minneapolis, MN
Use Your "Google-Sense"
Look for Trends. We know you can’t help yourself from checking out the Google ratings, we can’t either! We’re proud that our residents have let us know when we’ve done a great job; but we also know that some searches result in self-diagnosing one’s self with a disease that was eradicated in 1912. Ignore the comments of individuals that just appear to be out to complain, but look for trends in the comments and the owner’s response to the issues presented. Things happen, but repeated issues may be an indicator of a larger problem; and when things do go wrong, finding a management company that will work with you to solve the issue is key.
3400 Harriet Ave -- Minneapolis, MN
You Deserve a Home You Love!
If you’re tired of finding apartments that don’t fit your budget, have amenities that you don’t use, are poorly maintained or just don’t suit you; consider following some of these tips. Having a plan and some guidelines on which to base your search can make what may be a stressful process for some, go much more smoothly for you. Visit www.hornigcompanies.com to find a great selection that will fit your needs and wants!
2626 Fremont Ave S -- Minneapolis, MN
