Hi there, I don't know if this kind of post is allowed here, if it isn't I am sorry. I read this sub alot for money saving advice so I figured I would come here for help. I'll tell some relevant details of my situation then say the questions I have, thank you for any help!
I am in my very early 20s and looking to rent an apartment for the first time. I'm trying to stay within 30-40% of my monthly income as rent. So far EVERY single apartment in that price range in my area has been either a super tiny studio, a small one that is in a house that has been turned into multiple apartments, duplexes, ect, all in bad areas. I found a apartment that is about $100 under the cost of those others I just described, not in a great area but in a better one than any of the others, and it is actually a small house with a big yard. It has all the utilities other than a couple small ones included as well. It is a bit sloppy looking, like the yard is unkept and theres dirt on the shingles and it's a older looking house, but it definitely doesn't look unlivable from the outside.
So anyways, I am apprehensive because of how great of a deal it seems to be, from the past few weeks of apartment hunting I havent seen any houses in my area in that price range(theyre normally $200-300 more expensive). On the listing online for it, he has the wrong address(by one number, like 172 xyz street instead of 175 xyz street). I called to schedule an appointment to see it, and when he started describing the place the rent was $50 more than what he had on the two websites he had it posted on. Which is still an amazing deal but I would obviously LIKE to pay $50 less a month lol. I don't even know if any of that is red flags but anyways.
Just wondering, is there anything I should be looking out for to make sure I dont get scammed or the "too good to be true" thing doesnt come back and bite me? Any questions I should ask when I go to see it, or anything to be worried about? How much should I expect to have to put down if I go through with this? I have money saved for apartment hunting, but didnt plan to find a good deal so soon so I dont know if I have enough. I will have enough to bare minimumly furnish the place, and for 3 months of rent(and I am obviously still getting money from working, but thats what I have if I decided to take it). Thanks again for any help.
May 02, 2017 at 09:05PM
