7 Questions to Help You Find a Memphis Apartment Over The Phone
Oct 21st, 2007 by Memphis Apartments
You have looked up the information on hundreds of Memphis apartments in apartment magazines and online. You’ve scanned the pictures, floor plans, maps, amenities, and details of the Memphis apartments that you’re interested in. After looking at the information for hundreds of apartments, you have finally narrowed it down to your top ten Memphis apartment choices and now comes…The phone call.
The key to success in the phone call is knowing the right questions to ask. That’s why we have compiled a list of the top 7 questions to help you find your Memphis apartment.
Memphis Apartment Search Question 1: What size is the Memphis apartment and when is it available? Feel free to begin your Memphis apartment questioning any way you like, but your most important question should be do they have the Memphis apartment that you’re interested in and is it available on your target move-in date.
It’s a common misconception that Memphis apartments are simply sitting empty, waiting for a tenant to show up to lease them. This is frequently untrue. To meet your needs, the community must have the Memphis apartment you want in the timeframe you need to move. If it isn’t available, unless you have some move-in date flexibility, you should go on to your next Memphis apartment search choice.
Memphis Apartment Search Question 2: Do they take Fluffy? If you have a pet, this
question is as serious as a parent asking if their Memphis apartment will take their child.
Unfortunately, Fluffy isn’t protected under any laws and it’s completely up to the Memphis apartment community if they’ll accept your dog, cat, monkey, or pet ferret. They are allowed to set the rules regarding pets.
They also set the price to pay for the opportunity to keep your pet. Don’t be surprised if it’s over $300 per pet plus monthly pet rent. That can be a starting point for some Memphis apartment properties. So if you’ll be bringing Spot, then see if someone’s going to have to “spot” you some cash to pay the fees.
Memphis Apartment Search Question 3: What’s the #1 reason people love to live
there? This is one of the best ways to find out what makes a Memphis apartment community special. Is it the walking trail behind the property? The social atmosphere? The famous pork roast every July or the swedish bikini team that likes to sunbath outside of apartment building E?
This question can be a key in setting one Memphis apartment community apart from the others. The answer may be something that really peaks your interest or may unlock hidden potential in a place you wouldn’t be able to see from a picture or by just driving-by.
Memphis Apartment Search Question 4: How much? Initially, it’s human nature to stop listening if we hear that the price is remotely out of our budget. And yet, seeing an awesome apartment in person may actually sway us that it’s worth the extra cost.
Think about this: Have you bought a car that was more than you set out to spend? Have you paid more for that purse you just had to have (but didn’t know you had to have it until you saw it)?
Was it worth it? Nine times out of 10…Absolutely. So give cost an open mind before you say no to a place for breaking the bank. You might find it’s perfect in the end and well worth it depending on the added features.
Memphis Apartment Search Question 5: Do I qualify? Asking the price question and overshooting your budget goals won’t matter if you don’t qualify for the apartment anyway.
What is the general qualifying criteria? Making about 3x the rent, having a clean criminal record (no felonies or crimes against persons), and no prior evictions.
What do you do if you don’t meet their criteria? You could keep looking for a place with less strict qualification restrictions or take the gamble of losing your application fee and/or deposit just to see if you qualify anyway.
Memphis Apartment Search Question 6: Do you have any specials? Specials can change from day-to-day, so make sure to ask this question last. Remember to keep in mind that some of the best communities don’t have the best specials because they don’t need them. They’re special just for being so awesome.
Memphis Apartment Search Question 7: Can I set an appointment to come in? Don’t
you still need to visit to make the final judgement call? Yes you do. At the end of all the other questions, if you’re still interested, ask to set an appointment to come in and take a tour. Seeing your possible new Memphis apartment in person more than likely will be the best way to make a decision.
Now you have a little guide of the right questions to ask a leasing professional over the phone. Good luck in your Memphis apartment search.