Choosing an Apartment: How to Make the Final Decision

by | Mar 11, 2024 | Apartment Locating, Moving Tips & Tricks

You searched. You scheduled. You toured. And now it’s time to make the final decision…

But, with the vast amount of information you gathered from each building, the choice between those last two apartments stumps you. Those two final buildings fit an equal number of your lifestyle needs and wants, and any drawbacks to them feel roughly the same as well. Basically, you love them both. 

Now what? For some apartment hunters, the final decision arrives with ease because one building stands out above the rest as tour day comes to a close. However, others never find that clear favorite. If you fall into the “impossible to decide” camp, this guide is for you.

To steer you on the path towards a decision, we asked our expert apartment locators what advice they give to clients stuck on that final decision. Here’s what they say…

Things to Consider When Choosing an Apartment

Scrutinize your pros & cons list. Evaluate how well each building you tour stacks up against your must-have and nice-to-have priorities. Rearrange, reprioritize, and visualize those pros against those cons as you compare buildings.

Evaluate the location, location, location. Give as much attention to the neighborhood and street of each apartment as you do to the building itself. How close is each complex to your work? Your favorite grocery store? The post office? Gas station? Nearest park, restaurants, and entertainment?

Don’t stretch your budget. If your favorites come with a higher price tag than you expected, consider the more affordable options. You won’t enjoy living in the best neighborhood on the planet if you can’t afford to go out and explore it. Sometimes a good deal on an apartment will make or break the decision.

Follow your gut. Perhaps not the most scientific advice, but age-old adages stick around for a reason. Trust Your Instincts. They often know what you want even when your brain gets in the way.

Related: What to Expect on Your Apartment Tour Day

Advice from Our Expert Apartment Locators

What exactly do our rental agents say to clients when they can’t decide? Well, we recorded their answers straight from their mouths. Here’s how they help clients through this sometimes fraught  process:

“I usually tell clients in that situation to think about themselves in the apartment 6 months from now. Is this a place you’d want to renew at, a place you feel excited to call home? Is the neighborhood one you’ll want to explore on walks with your dog? Is it close to all your favorite creature comforts? Do you feel like you can add your personality and flair into this unit, or is it one you’ll just be living in until the next place?” Madison Webb

“Try to break it down between your top priorities, think through price (including deals), location (proximity to work/bars/activities you enjoy), and quality of the complex and unit.” – Madison Meek

“If they have pets, it’s really all about THEM, and we know it. I’ll ask them which one “Fluffy” would be most comfy in while they slay it at work.” Michelle Ellis

“I look at availability and leasing specials. If a client is stuck between two buildings and one of them only has one or two apartment options that work for them, sometimes that helps them make a choice faster.” – Julia McCafferty

“I would say your apartment is your home, your sanctuary, and a place you come back to every day. So, imagine yourself in each unit, what your life would look like in each, and how different they are from each other. What do you want for yourself in this life? Believe it or not, your home sets the tone.” Imoní Chapman

Is Your Apartment Search Just Beginning?

To jumpstart your luxury apartment search, reach out to AptAmigo. We make the process painless and quick by doing the hardest parts for you. With our help, you’ll reach the final decision stage in no time.

Read Next: What Is a Townhouse?

About Us

AptAmigo has a simple goal: to make finding an apartment easy and maybe even a little fun. With concierge-level care and an expert understanding of the local rental market, we’re more than your average apartment website. We’re perfecting done-for-you apartment searching, and we’re doing it all for free. Reach out to us today and start your VIP apartment search.

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About Us

AptAmigo has a simple goal: to make finding an apartment easy and maybe even a little fun. With concierge-level care and an expert understanding of the local rental market, we’re more than your average apartment website. We’re perfecting done-for-you apartment searching, and we’re doing it all for free. Reach out to us today and start your VIP apartment search.

Follow Us