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3 Steps to Renting your 1st Apartment in Shreveport

A Guide to Renting your 1st Apartment in Shreveport La

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3 Steps to Renting your 1st Apartment in Shreveport LA

Apartment Renting in Shreveport LA

The search for your first apartment is an exciting time! You may be eager to find the perfect apartment that will fit you all your needs and be at monthly cost that you can afford. Whether you are looking to see if you can even afford an apartment. Or just want a step-to-step guide for renting your first apartment. These 3 Steps will be helpful to get you to your first apartment.

Step 1: Calculate Your Budget

                It is important to know your monthly budget for an apartment. You don’t want to move into an apartment only to find out that you can’t afford to buy your groceries. To prevent that it is wise to determine all your monthly expenses before you start touring apartments. Here are some simple questions to help you calculate how much you can afford:

  1. Start by writing down your monthly income. Note that this is your net income (after taxes) not your gross income (before taxes).
  2. Make a list of all your set monthly bills, such as car payments and insurance, credit cards, loans, etc.
  3. Subtract the list of monthly expenses from your net income.
  4. Add an additional 10-15% of current bills to have for unexpected expenses and savings.
  5. Estimate groceries and entertainment like dining out.
  6. The remaining amount is for your apartment rent, utilities, and water.
  7. If you can’t afford your apartment with this amount, reevaluate all the step and make cuts where you can. Repeat until you have come to a realistic and practical budget.

 

Step 2: Decide Between a Roommate or No Roommate

                If you have calculated only to realize you cannot afford an apartment by yourself, a roommate may be a good choice for you. It not only splits the cost of rent but the cost of utilities is cut in half too, which can drastically cut apartment expenses. Also, a roommate might be your best option if you don’t have a good credit score. A credit score is very important when renting apartments. Leasers look at credit scores to consider if you are dependable and responsible.   

                Some people cringe at the thought of having a roommate, but what if you have a bad credit score but can afford an apartment? You could consider a co-signer. A co-signer is someone you know who has a good credit score (a family member or close friend) that can sign the lease agreement with you. By them signing, they are agreeing to take to responsibility to pay any bills that you fail to pay. Of course, the purpose isn’t so that you get free rent, but that the apartment can ensure that your rent will be paid, even if you for some reason are not able to pay it.

 

Step 3: Know Your Specific Needs and Wants

                Before you begin touring apartments it is best to be prepared by knowing what you want and need for apartment features and amenities. Here is a list of things to consider:

  • What location is best for you to get an apartment?
  • Do you have a pet? What pet rent/deposits are you willing to pay?
  • Do you want a washer and dryer included or not?
  • What Wi-Fi internet provider is allowed?
  • What amenities do you want versus which ones you need?

 

After you have gone through these 3 steps, you can consider calling and touring potential apartments. Touring different apartments can help you figure out what you need and get an idea of additional fees among the variety of apartments. Aptshopper.com  is your guide for renting Apartments in Shreveport / Bossier LA

 

               

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