In the final leg on our article series regarding avoiding common apartment rental mistakes, we’re going to discuss moving in to a house or apartment sight unseen. Renting a place is not without its risks, including not understanding your lease and foregoing renters insurance. As we mentioned in our previous blog, moving in without seeing the place first is a risk most aren’t willing to take. While this is a less than ideal circumstance to determine where you’ll likely spend the next 6 months to a year, it can be done with a few considerations. Most importantly, protect your new dwelling and your belongings with a Boston Renters Insurance policy.
Life throws curveballs, and depending on your circumstances, you might not be able to visit the place before moving in. But, that doesn’t mean you have to end up in a dingy apartment in an unsafe part of town. With a lot of thanks to the internet, you can ensure your search is thorough, even without physically visiting, to avoid some serious rental mishaps.
Research.
If you can’t physically be in the apartment, then you need to find as much information as you can to make you feel as though you are there. This means beyond just requiring pictures—ask the landlord to give you a Skype walkthrough. Next, get on Google maps and explore the area. Street view is going to be your new best friend, explains Rent Blog.
Check out local amenities, including grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, restaurants, etc. Google maps can show you what your building looks like, along with your neighbors’. This is a great way to get accustomed to a new place even if you can’t visit beforehand.
Scope out reviews.
Another great way to get a feel for your new place is to read any online reviews that past tenants have posted. Take each complaint with a grain of salt, though, as some of them might be petty or not relate to you at all. (I.e. loud neighbors, slow mail service, parking, etc.)
Enlist friends.
If you have friends or family in the area, ask them politely to scope it out for you. Give them an idea of what you’re looking for and ask them to compare the place against your needs.
About Metro Boston
As you set out to get the best renter’s insurance coverage, give yourself the gift of peace of mind. Contact us at Metro Boston Insurance Agency, 617.884.5480, and get the best coverage at a price you can afford.
In the final leg on our article series regarding avoiding common apartment rental mistakes, we’re going to discuss moving in to a house or apartment sight unseen. Renting a place is not without its risks, including not understanding your lease and foregoing renters insurance. As we mentioned in our previous blog, moving in without seeing the place first is a risk most aren’t willing to take. While this is a less than ideal circumstance to determine where you’ll likely spend the next 6 months to a year, it can be done with a few considerations. Most importantly, protect your new dwelling and your belongings with a Boston Renters Insurance policy.
Life throws curveballs, and depending on your circumstances, you might not be able to visit the place before moving in. But, that doesn’t mean you have to end up in a dingy apartment in an unsafe part of town. With a lot of thanks to the internet, you can ensure your search is thorough, even without physically visiting, to avoid some serious rental mishaps.
Research.
If you can’t physically be in the apartment, then you need to find as much information as you can to make you feel as though you are there. This means beyond just requiring pictures—ask the landlord to give you a Skype walkthrough. Next, get on Google maps and explore the area. Street view is going to be your new best friend, explains Rent Blog.
Check out local amenities, including grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, restaurants, etc. Google maps can show you what your building looks like, along with your neighbors’. This is a great way to get accustomed to a new place even if you can’t visit beforehand.
Scope out reviews.
Another great way to get a feel for your new place is to read any online reviews that past tenants have posted. Take each complaint with a grain of salt, though, as some of them might be petty or not relate to you at all. (I.e. loud neighbors, slow mail service, parking, etc.)
Enlist friends.
If you have friends or family in the area, ask them politely to scope it out for you. Give them an idea of what you’re looking for and ask them to compare the place against your needs.
About Metro Boston
As you set out to get the best renter’s insurance coverage, give yourself the gift of peace of mind. Contact us at Metro Boston Insurance Agency, 617.884.5480, and get the best coverage at a price you can afford.
Written by Metro Boston Insurance Agency on Jun 16, 2017