There’s No Place like Home!

It's 2012 and that means spring semester is here! It brings new classes, new opportunities, and the last few months living in a dorm, or the expiration of a lease. If you haven't started thinking about your living arrangements for next fall, it's time for you to start! If you want to live off campus, it's best for you to sign a lease for the fall as soon as possible. You want to be able to find the right apartment or home for you before they're all taken. But don't stress and worry; you have time to find the right place for you! I understand how stressful it can be to start looking for a place to live. There are so many different places to look and so many different real estate agents to consider, but it's good to look at all your options and figure out where your new home could be. By assessing your options, figuring out what to do will be a breeze.

Before you begin your search, there are several questions you need to answer. How many people do you want to live with? What's your price range? What's your roommates' price range? Knowing how much everyone is willing to spend should be the first thing on your list. The second should be location. Would you like to be walking distance or off campus? Also, would you like your utilities to be included in rent?  If that's not an option, how much would bills usually run a month? Does the apartment complex allow pets? There are so many questions and concerns when it comes to looking for an apartment. Thinking through each question is very important! Image: Poolside at The Woodlands of Tuscaloosa

When you know your price range and the details about an apartment that are important to you, it's time to look for a place to live! Tuscaloosa has several real estate agents that can help you find the right house or apartment. Some real estate agencies work with the University, so they offer a utilities package. This package includes water, electricity, heat and AC, and all other utilities in the monthly rent payment, so you only have to pay one bill. Properties in Tuscaloosa that offer this option include: Sealy Realty, Landmark Properties (which owns The Retreat and The Woodlands of Tuscaloosa), Campus Way, University Downs, and Sterling Crimson. Some of these places also offer a furniture packages, as well.