Apartment Hunting - forget the budget, honey.

You might think I'm absolutely fucking NUTS judging by the title of this post. I mean come on - we're absolutely broke recent graduates eating top ramen & apples for... every meal. Trust me, I get it! I'm in the same boat. But I also realize something that you haven't until reading this blog post: THIS IS THE LEAST AMOUNT OF MONEY WE'LL EVER MAKE! Seriously! It is. Think about it....even if you scored a badass job (like me, duh) you're not getting the salary you obvi need to support your fabulous lifestyle. BUT, what else do you have to pay for? If you already own a car, get the whole benefits shebang from work, the only really pressing thing you absolutely need to spend money on is your living situation. I'm not saying sign a lease on an apartment that has a rent amounting half your yearly salary.... but if you don't have loans/other significant payments to make then don't settle on a dilapidated apartment in the ghetto! Eventually you will get promoted, and you will be SO happy you decided to lock yourself into a gorgeous apartment lease. Sure, you might need to cut back a little on the shoe addiction or hold off on your 3438438 girl's trips you have planned this summer. But isn't living somewhere you absolutely LOVE and feel SAFE more important than any pair of shoes you could ever buy? I absolutely think so. 

A few things to think about BEFORE signing that lease (and yes, feel free to knock on resident's doors to ask.  You're pretty! You do what you want.):

- Is there asbestos/lead paint here? Seriously, ASK. Sneaky landlords will put this MAJOR issue in the tiniest print on the lease. Not okay. 

- Decorating - will they let you paint/put holes in the walls? 

- Do I REALLY want a roomie after living in my sorority house? Is splitting costs worth someone else's mess/weird antics/pedophile looking boyfriend being over 24/7 anymore? Can I afford to live alone?

- How close is this to work? What time will I have to wake up with traffic/distance in mind?

- How safe do I feel here? Would I feel comfortable walking to my car at night?

- How practical is the space for my lifestyle? White carpet is NOT compatible with wine.

- Did the management get shitty reviews online? Check Yelp & apartmentratings.com.

- Is there A/C? Heat? Washer/Dryer? Parking Spot? Gate? Security? Where does my package go if it's delivered when I'm not home?

- Does the monthly rent + avg. utilities bill = less than half your monthly salary? You need to have SOME money leftover to keep you fabulous. Oh, and save... I guess.....

- Do they offer renter's insurance? DEFINITELY something to get. If they don't, ask your car insurance provider! Usually they offer some sort of cheap deal. 

- Are there cable hookups in the rooms you want TV's? These are EXPENSIVE to install if not. 

Things to bring with you to the leasing office: 

- Application. duh.

- Proof of income (usually 4 months paystub) 

- Check book for deposit

- Proof of renter's insurance

- Proof that you've turned on electricity (when necessary)