Finding an apartment can be a very stressful process. We’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions below that we hope will help you enjoy the process a little more.
What is the first thing I should do when looking for an apartment?
There are a couple of things that you, and your roommates if you have any, should do.
1. Everything in real estate is location, and you need to decide where is best for you to live. Maybe the ideal location is close to work, or school, or near public transportation.
2. Decide the size of the apartment. Usually that is the easy part and each person gets 1 bedroom, but often our clients want office space, an eat in kitchen and dining room, storage space, a certain amount of square footage, etc.
3. Determine what the budget is for the property and let the agent know of how flexible that is.
4. Contact an agent by calling us at 617-756-3029 and we can send over a list of properties matching your criteria in a matter of minutes. Most of our listings have full HD video walk-through tours, making finding a great new home as easy as possible.
5. Look over the list of properties and let us know when is a good time to see properties. Keep in mind that seeing our properties is a completely free service.
When can I see apartments?
We show properties between 8AM and 9PM every day of the week, and during most holidays as well. Let an agent know when is convenient for you, and we will try and accommodate.
How much money do I need to move into an apartment?
Most landlords and property managers let us know immediately that they are looking for a certain amount of deposits for move in. That may include the First Month’s Rent, the Last Month’s Rent, a One Month Security Deposit, and a small fee for making the keys and switching the locks. Many landlords and property managers will take less than that (maybe First Month and a Security Deposit only).
Is there a fee for the services?
Proper Realty Group collects a brokerage fee for our services, that may be paid in whole or in part by the tenant or the landlord. Our fee is One Month’s Rent. We always try to collect that One Month’s Rent fee from the landlord, since they are the party that is profiting from the rental transaction. Everything in real estate (and life) is based on supply and demand, and when a landlord is having a difficult time renting a property, they will usually pay the fee in full. On the other hand, when a property is in high demand, the landlord might not pay any part of the brokerage fee.
I found an apartment I like. How do I secure it for myself?
To secure a property, a formal application for the property must be made. Applications can be filled out at our office at 1298 Commonwealth, or at your own convenience by downloading the application off our website from here. With the applications, we attach copies of ID’s, proof of income for you or your cosigner, and credit reports for you or your cosigner. This gives the landlord the confidence that the rent can and will be paid.
Some landlords are easier going than others and might require less. Some might require more documentation, such as proof of employment and previous landlord references.
Usually, within 24 hours, we hear back from the property owner about the applications, and then schedule a time to do the leases for the property
Do I need a cosigner? and what is a cosigner?
A cosigner is someone who shares the liability of the rent with you. Cosigners are typically needed when the applicant doesn’t meet sufficient income requirements, or doesn’t have a strong financial history. Most students need cosigners since there is usually no income.
Do different agents have different listings in Proper Realty Group?
Every agent in Proper Realty Group has access to the same listings.
Can I work with 2 Proper Realty Group agents at once?
Our policy is that each client can only work with 1 Proper Realty Group agent at a time.
How does the pricing of off campus apartments compare to living on campus?
That really depends on the pricing of your on campus apartment. We typically see apartments near the major universities in Allston, Brighton, and Brookline starting at about $1200 for a studio, $1400 for a 1 bed, and $1600 for a 2 bed. It is always much more expensive to live by yourself. Getting a roommate will save more than 50% of your rent expense often.
