When a move to a new apartment is on the horizon, indulge yourself in imagining all the things you would like it to be: close to the downtown but with beautiful scenery? A quiet suite in a vibrant neighbourhood? Being able to walk or cycle to work but also quickly access main routes to the ferries or airport? Exceptional design features and a reasonable price? Now, keep that picture in mind but allow yourself to be open to new possibilities that you haven’t even considered. Stay positive – that perfect apartment is out there waiting for you!
Obviously, location is a prime consideration when looking for new rental accommodation in Victoria. You may know you want to be as close to downtown as possible but have an impression that costs may be too high. A consultation with a property management company that specializes in downtown or nearby locations may open up new areas to consider. If you think that the cost of being in a prime location may be too great, look at it another way: what savings might this location provide for you? Perhaps your gas and vehicle maintenance will be much lower because you are not involved in a daily commute. Perhaps you don’t need a second vehicle or a vehicle at all. Time is valuable, and if two hours of your day is spent in traffic just getting to and from work, there is a cost associated with that.
For many people looking to rent an apartment in Victoria, a building’s pet policy may be a deal-breaker. If your pet is part of your family, make sure that the building you are looking at has a pet-friendly policy. Don’t even think of trying to overlook this aspect of your new home. Your ‘purse-puppy’ can’t stay in your purse forever, and it is just a matter of time before your un-pet-friendly neighbours notice. Some buildings specify you may have one dog or cat – this does not mean one boa constrictor or one Vietnamese pot-bellied pig.
When it comes to actually choosing a suite, have a list of ‘must-haves’ and ‘preferences’. For example, a good security system may be a must-have, but a south-facing unit may be a preference. In-suite laundry may be a must-have, but a dishwasher may be a preference. Does your existing furniture have to come with you, or are you open to purchasing pieces that are a better fit for an appealing suite?
The buildings property manager can be a goldmine of information on a particular suite. They also have an interest in having satisfied occupants, and should be able to answer your questions. Does the apartment have adequate sound insulation to ensure it really is a quiet building? Are the appliances reasonably new? How accessible is the property management team in case of emergency or to fix a leaky faucet that is driving you crazy? Is there an inspection schedule for smoke detectors and fire alarms?
Once you’ve determined that your basics are covered, you can enjoy touring a suite to see what it has to offer. Perhaps the kitchen has just been updated or the floors replaced. Maybe the colour scheme isn’t one you’ve considered before, but you find it very appealing. Take time to walk through the suite. Check out the sight lines from the windows. If there is a balcony, spend a couple of minutes out there to get a sense of the neighbourhood sights and sounds.
After you’ve covered off all the ‘nuts and bolts’ of what the suite has to offer, you probably will have a gut feeling of whether or not it is right for you. Can you see yourself being comfortable in this new apartment? Will it contribute to the lifestyle you are seeking? Does it seem like the correct ‘next step’ along the way? If ‘yes’ is the answer to these questions, then congratulations! You’ve found your new home!