There has to be an easier way to do this!

dabuddha

Lifer
Apr 10, 2000
19,579
17
81
I'm planning on moving from Maryland back down to Northern Virginia next month. I'm looking for an apartment and the method I use is quite tedious.

First I'll bring up a few websites (apartments.com, rent.com, apartmentguide.com) since I can't find a single one that gives all the information I need (this might be the main problem)

Then I specify what I'm looking for. (2bdr, 1.5 bathroom (which the search engines for these websites dont seem to like), allow cats and have high speed internet)

Then I have to go into each listing and then look to find out what utilities are covered (which they rarely ever list (could be a crap website issue again)) and whether they have a shuttle bus that goes to the metro or how far they are from a bus stop/station.

I then check out aptratings.com (to see if there are any legit bad reviews for the particular apt. I wonder if there are any better sites out there for this)

I then have to usually call up the apt complex because those 3 sites listed above are lacking some information (And finding the damned number for them is a chore as well since those sites list a freaking 1800 number that you have to call)

Maybe this is the only way to do it? If not, I would love some suggestions. If so, then consider this a minor rant :)

 

dabuddha

Lifer
Apr 10, 2000
19,579
17
81
Originally posted by: jaedaliu
you could always find a real estate agent.

Will they help to find an apartment? I always thought you use one only for dealing with houses or bigger.
 

homercles337

Diamond Member
Dec 29, 2004
6,340
3
71
Originally posted by: dabuddha
Originally posted by: jaedaliu
you could always find a real estate agent.

Will they help to find an apartment? I always thought you use one only for dealing with houses or bigger.

Yep realtor FTW. Depending on the area be prepared to spend some money though. My current apt in Cambridge had a $1000 realtor fee.