So it’s the end of another semester and summer is just around the corner. It’s time to start preparing for a new year before packing your bags and heading home!
Finding a new place to live can be a stressful experience, but once you find your perfect future home, it will all have been worth it!
Here are some house hunting tips that will help you avoid some common bumps in the road when looking for housing.
1. Avoid Scams.
Craigslist has been a favorite source for college students to find their future apartment or house. Although a great tool, the people on the internet may not always be trustworthy. Scams can be avoided by remaining cautious. Do not hand out personal information without being positive of whom is receiving it and do not sign documents until you are sure what you are signing.
2. Be prepared!
There is nothing worse than looking for a home when you are not exactly sure what you are looking for. You must prepare ahead of time! Whether you are living with roommates or on your own, make a list of what you are searching for and what questions you may have for the landlord. How many bedrooms do you need? Are utilities included in rent? Is it close to school or public transportation? San Francisco can be an expensive city to live in, so it is also good to know your price range.
3. Don’t let time slip away from you!
Suddenly it is May and you are quickly becoming aware that houses are quickly being filled by fellow students. Do not fret! There is still time and if you are prepared (see tip 2!) you should be just fine. Time is a huge factor in house hunting for many reasons. Making appointments with landlords to see homes is a great opportunity to see the interior and get to know your possible landlord, so do not be late! Public transportation has failed for all of us at one time or another and not allowing yourself enough time to get to a showing can result in disaster, so make sure to give yourself plenty of extra time.
4. Stay calm!
Staying calm will make the house hunting process go much smoother and remember to breathe!
Happy House Hunting!