Life is a constant flow and always has something new in store for us. It is a wonderful thing when a family grows and a child enriches a partnership. But right after the euphoria, the worrying usually begins. Is our apartment big enough for children? Is the location still suitable for a family? So that you don't have to think about this for too long, we have put together the most important points as a checklist so that you can take a step-by-step approach to your dream property:
How many people will be moving into the rental apartment?
This important point should be well considered. If a baby is on the way, you should also think about whether a sibling might follow soon, so that you don't face the same problem again in a few years. If children are already enriching the family, it is important to involve them in the search for an apartment. Admittedly, it doesn't make the search any easier, but it is certainly better than having to listen to your children complain that their rooms are too small or simply 'uncool'.
How big should the apartment be?
Once the question of the number of people has been clarified, the size of the apartment can be addressed. At this point, you should evaluate how many rooms the new apartment should have. Does mom or dad need a home office, or does every child need their own room? Would you prefer a garden, a terrace, or a balcony? It is best to get information from all family members and check what the priorities are.
What needs to be considered regarding the location of the apartment?
Another point to consider carefully is the location of the apartment. While couples without children might prefer to be as close to the city center as possible with many options for going out, the requirements change as soon as children arrive. Many families decide on an apartment on the outskirts of the city, perhaps even with a small garden, so that the children can let off steam outside in the summer. Furthermore, you should take a close look at public transport accessibility, whether there are schools or kindergartens nearby, and, of course, how long it takes you to get to your workplace. It is also practical if there are shopping facilities nearby so that you can run errands with the stroller and don't always have to take the car.
Where can I find suitable advertisements for rental properties?
In principle, you can find advertisements for rental properties in daily newspapers or, of course, on the internet. I can recommend the Findmyhome type search. Here you can choose between family person, investor, youngster, or newly in love, then select the federal state, and with the next click, you will be suggested suitable apartments.
One piece of advice that can definitely be given here: call everywhere and ask. Even ads that might not seem suitable at first glance can hide beautiful apartments. Also, don't shy away from real estate agents. It often happens that once you are saved in the database with your wishes, you are considered for apartments much faster before they can even be advertised on platforms or in newspapers.
The viewing appointments
Once you have made a few calls and arranged many viewing appointments, it all comes down to the first impression. Therefore, make sure you have a well-groomed appearance, because the landlord must be able to imagine you as a considerate tenant with regular and punctual payment behavior. Definitely show up on time and, if possible, be prepared with a checklist of questions about the rental property.
Viewing the apartment
When viewing the apartment, the main focus should be on the general condition of the apartment. What is the condition of the floors, walls, windows, and electrical appliances? There should be no damp spots or even mold visible. Also, check the windows to see if they seal well so that you don't experience any drafty surprises in winter. Also, find out about the type of heating in the apartment. The electrical appliances must function perfectly, and operating instructions or even warranty certificates should be available. All of this must justify the amount of rent.
Extra tip: Definitely note down the most important information after or even during the viewing. At the latest after the second apartment viewing, you will get the data mixed up.
Is an important point missing here? Then I would be happy to receive constructive comments or emails.
Photo by Andreas, meinhaushalt.at
Also read: Painting rooms: DIY color samples
Yes, one point that is missing here in my opinion (and might seem a bit strange at first glance): If you take a closer look at the apartment and want to check if everything fits (windows tight, floor straight without dents, mold on the walls), you should if possible NOT do this in the presence of the agent – it is ideal if you are there as a pair, then one can distract the agent in another room with questions. I once checked in the presence of the agent whether the windows were tight and whether everything was okay with the heating – I was immediately snapped at by the agent, asking what on earth I was doing and that I should stop immediately. After a few minutes of arguing and increasingly absurd claims on his part (An oil heater is the cheapest form of heating!), I was thrown out of the apartment. So be careful, it seems (logically) not to go down very well with agents if you want to know things exactly or know a little bit yourself!