Arsineh Boghozian

7 Important Factors to Check Before Buying an Apartment Buying an apartment doesn’t have to be challenging By Arsineh Boghozian Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash Buying an apartment might be the biggest purchase you’ll make during your lifetime. It’s very exciting; however, it comes with lots of decisions and challenges at the same time. Choosing the perfect apartment for your needs is crucial, and there are several factors you need to consider. In this article, we’ll explain seven important elements to look for to buy an excellent apartment. Check out the space and light When you’re looking around at apartments, consider scheduling a visit to view them during daylight hours. Does it get good sunlight during the day? It’s very important because studies show that people who live in apartments that get sunlight are less likely to become depressed. Besides, sunlight reduces dampness in buildings and eliminates the chances of mold growth. Another factor to consider is the amount of space that you need. If you have kids, and each one wants their room, choose an apartment with two or three bedrooms, otherwise your home could become a warzone for your kids in the future. Kitchen space is also crucial. The more space you have, the easier it is for you to move around and cook and clean. You should also think about how much stuff you have, how big bedrooms are, and in general how much space you need. Pay attention to building condition Ask your real estate agent how old the building is. Mold and termites are some of the most significant problems you can encounter in your living space. Furthermore, for your convenience, gather information on the history of termites and mold for the specific unit that you want to purchase. Also, having an elevator in the building can significantly improve your quality of life, providing added comfort for you. In most cases, an elevator is necessary for the building. Additionally, dealing with these issues later can be very challenging, so it’s best to avoid properties with such problems. Photo by Huy Nguyen on Unsplash Research the neighborhood One of the most important things to research is the neighborhood. However, it depends on your budget and how much you set aside for buying an apartment, but with a little bit more exploration you can find the perfect neighborhood that you like. In addition, buying an apartment close to grocery stores, shopping malls, parks, schools, and freeway entrances will save you lots of time and will be more convenient. Besides, check out how decent your neighbors are. Living next to respectable and good people brings a great feeling. Additionally, if you have a pet, or if you want to adopt one in the future, look for pet parks in the area. These elements can significantly enhance your ease and quality of life. Check the location of the apartment Where the apartment is located inside the building is very important. If it’s on the first floor, it won’t benefit from sunlight during the day and it’s more likely to be home to bugs and insects. But, of course, it’s more accessible. If it’s located on the second floor or even higher floors, it’ll be warmer during the day because it will get sunlight, therefore reducing the likelihood of bug and insect infestations. Keep your pets in mind If you have pets check if neighbors are okay with having a neighbor that takes care of a pet. For example, birds make different types of noises that could disturb your neighbors. Pet clinics and hospitals are very important for pet owners also. It’s better if you buy an apartment close to a pet hospital just in case something goes wrong with your pet, so you can have access to the emergency room quickly. Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash Ask around about HOA board members When you are buying an apartment ask neighbors about HOA board members. Having an HOA board that is abusive and takes advantage of its power can be nerve-racking. Believe it or not, many frauds and scams are going on, especially this year since inflation is so high. In addition, ask around how often they hold meetings. Do they take care of broken stuff in the building? if something is always broken and stays damaged for a long time, that will cause you problems in the future. Doing a quick search before you buy your apartment will save you lots of dissatisfaction and headaches. Look for storage and car parking You’ll need storage and car parking. Street parking can become a hassle most of the time. Usually, it’s street cleaning day, or the street is completely packed with no space for you to park. Storage is another thing you have to pay attention to. You can never get enough of storage. Having a big space gives you peace of mind that you can fit all your extra belongings. So…what do you think of this list? Did I miss anything? Now I’d like to hear from you. Let me know by leaving a comment below.