Are you ready for your first apartment in Philly? At Post Brothers Apartments, we try to make it easy, so we are sharing four questions you absolutely have to ask before you sign on the dotted line!
1. Do I need a roommate? Generally most people out of college do not make a ton of money and having a roommate (or two) might allow you to live in a nicer place if there are more people helping to pay the bills. Often times, if you don’t have anyone to room with (friends don’t automatically make you good roommate material), you can check out listings for roommates in the classifieds, Craigslist and other good roommate sites. Of course you won’t know the person at first and might have to meet them for coffee to get a better sense of their personality, but this is one way to find an affordable apartment or condo.
2. Do I Understand the Lease or Rental Agreement? When you do find a place you like, make sure to read all the fine print of the rental agreement — as that is a binding legal document. If you need help, ask a friend or family member to read it over as well. Many Philly apartment rental sites like Rentals.com will also have information on what is a good rental agreement. It is not a crime to ask questions or negotiate with your perspective landlord or property manager.
3. Do I need furniture? Most young people out of college have a bed, desk and shelves – but couches, a kitchen table and other necessities usually need to be acquired. If you find that furniture is something you need – there are many affordable ways to do so. For instance, Craigslist is where people often sell their used furniture. There are also discount furniture sites like Overstock.com, as well as Goodwill stores that sell second hand tables, chairs, sofas and more. You can also do “the family plan” – getting parents to pay for some of the furniture or donate their old stuff.
4. Will I get a pet? Pets are an important part of our lives – they make us happy and calm in the face of often stressful lives. That said, you often have to pay an extra security deposit for a pet and the pet upkeep can cost money too (food, veterinary care, etc.). So if you do want a cat or dog for instance, you will have to allow that into a budget and target your search for an apartment in Philly carefully so you find a building, like any of the Post Brothers apartments, where pets are allowed.