Things You'll Need:
- money
- critical reading skills
- stamina
- a pen
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Step 1
Look for houses that are for rent in the area you want to live in. You may want to try Craiglist, your local paper, scouting the neighborhood in your car or a realtor.
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Step 2
Call the contact numbers for the houses you are interested in. It is helpful to maintain a notebook with the dates and times of the people you contacted. This is also a good place to keep notes about how much the house cost, amount of deposit, address, etc.
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Step 3
Make an appointment to see the houses that you can afford. When you look at the house with the owner or agent, be sure to ask lots of questions. You will want to know which, if any, utilities are included in the price, if appliances come with the house, who will be responsible for home repairs and who will maintain the yard, for starters.
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Step 4
Narrow your list down to no more than three houses. Make a point to introduce yourself to your potential new next door neighbors, and ask them about the history of the house and the neighborhood. Drive by the house at night to get a sense of what goes on in the neighborhood at night. Is it quiet or noisy? Are there people hanging out in the streets? You want to get the entire picture.
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Step 5
Make an appointment to sign the lease for the house you've decided on, if it is still available. Read the lease carefully. You can not hold the landlord to anything he promises you if it's not written down. Ask any questions that come to mind. This is not the time to be shy.
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Step 6
Congratulate yourself on your new living arrangement!
Comments
TheGlamSquad said
on 11/20/2008 This is a good article and very informative. Very helpful. Thanks! 5*****
RENorton said
on 11/20/2008 Excellent advice. Thanks!
WordWhizKid said
on 11/18/2008 Thanks for the tips, very helpful!
Wasatch said
on 11/18/2008 Good article 5*