Pierrette Mulumba
Getting your own apartment is one momentous step when it comes to this whole adulating thing. It’s a very exciting time. Once the excitement fades though, the fear creeps in and you start wondering f you’re going to depend the rest of your life homeless. The search can be depressing and disheartening. But fret not my pretties for we are going to give you a few tips on how to find your dream lair.
Scoping Outside
- Have everyone join the search
Friends, family and co-workers. Everyone. The more people helping you find your dream apartment, the more chances of that dream actualizing. You’d be surprised how powerful word of mouth is.
- Sharing is caring.
Sometimes the only way you can get your dream pad is by sharing it. Finding a roommate that doesn’t disrupt your tolerance levels can be difficult and living with family isn’t as blissful as it sounds. Friendships can be tested but sometimes a complete stranger can make the most perfect housemate.
- This is not the time to have high standards
Make sure your standards are realistic. Don’t go to Sandton hoping to find a R2500 apartment with glass doors and granite floors because that’s just painful for the real estate agent to hear. Be aware of what you can afford and stick to this.
- (No) Pets Allowed
Who wouldn’t want to move in with their best furry friend? Sadly not every building allows for pets so if you happen to own a breed of something; look for loopholes. Some asks for an extra fee and some won’t even listen to your argument.
Scoping Inside
- Let’s hope it rains
If you’re going to pick a time to see the place; might as well do it on a rainy day. This way you’ll see if there are any leaks in the roof. You could also visit the place at night to suss out noise levels.
- Are you getting any bars?
You’d be surprised how many people neglect cell service when looking for an apartment. Nothing is more annoying than walking outside to make a phone call or send a WhatsApp because none of the rooms in the apartment have any service. Make sure to check every room when going hunting.
- Water pressure needs to hurt
Personally, I can’t use a shower with a soft water pressure. Also, you’d be surprised to move in to your
- Is that a hole?
Check every cupboard and under every sink. You’d be surprised what you find. Maybe a hole or a rats nest. It sounds nasty but highly plausible.
- Pivot. PIVOT!
You’d be surprised how much smaller your apartment is once you get all the furniture in. Measure all your furniture and carry these measurements to your-possibly- new pad and hope it fits (or not).
- Water and electricity included?
Make sure you ask this question because if these amenities aren’t included in the rent; the apartment is likely will end up being over your budget.
- ON/OFF
Bring along an adapter and check if every socket works. Sounds tedious but would you rather deal with the torture of having power in the house yet you can’t charge your phone?
- Read the fine print
Always. Even if it’s typed in the smallest font and goes on for 25 pages; just do it. Read it twice, give it to someone else to read and then read it twice more.
