Finding a new apartment can be a real headache, especially when the market is tough like it is currently. In this article, I will explain how to create an apartment search spreadsheet that will make your life easier and help you find the perfect apartment within your budget.
Download Our Apartment Search Spreadsheet Templates
What is an Apartment Search Organizer?
Creating an apartment search spreadsheet is a quick and accessible way to ensure you find the ideal apartment. You might think that every apartment is different and you can keep them separate in your mind, but when you visit multiple apartments, they can all start to blur together. However, an apartment search spreadsheet can help you stay organized and remember specific details about each apartment.
An apartment search spreadsheet is a simple table that allows you to track information such as size, cost, and amenities of the apartment. After visiting, when you’re ready to make a decision, it helps you organize your thoughts.
Why Use an Apartment Comparison Spreadsheet?
There are several reasons to use an apartment comparison spreadsheet. Here are a few:
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Visualization: Creating an apartment search spreadsheet allows you to visualize the data. You can add information from different apartments you visit and easily compare them.
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Customization: You can easily download pre-made templates like the ones we provide in this article. However, they might not fully meet your needs. Fortunately, you can easily add or remove elements to ensure you have all the essential data.
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Collaboration: With Google Sheets, you can easily allow others to view and edit the spreadsheet with just a few clicks. So you can add potential roommates or family members to help you make a decision.
Key Elements to Consider when Creating an Apartment Search Spreadsheet
When embarking on an apartment search, there are a few key elements to consider. Here are some of them:
Price
Determine your budget and use apartment search websites. Calculate your monthly rent by doing a few calculations. Don’t forget to take into account additional fees, as renting an apartment incurs expenses other than rent, such as utility fees, parking fees, etc. It is essential to stick to your budget to ensure you choose a place you can actually afford.
Once you know your spending limit, research rental properties in the area. Look into the prices of standard apartments. You can choose an apartment with an average price and even negotiate if you have this information. If you think there is a possibility for negotiation, try to lower the rent. If the unit needs to be repaired for multiple issues, it can be an excellent opportunity to negotiate the rates.
However, keep in mind that most people looking for an apartment prioritize affordability. Remember that exceptionally low rents are often a sign of fraud.
Location
The ideal apartment should be easily accessible and well-located. Consider your usual destinations, such as work, schools, etc. A good tip is to choose a place that will not make your commute longer than 30 minutes and will fit your lifestyle rather than forcing you to change it.
Before signing a lease, consider getting a feel for the area by taking a test drive to your favorite places from the property to get an idea of the traffic and routes in the area.
Of course, you’ll want to choose a place that is in a safe neighborhood. Explore the area to familiarize yourself with the community. You can also check the area’s safety history to further reassure yourself.
Quality
An apartment may look fantastic in photos, but seeing it in person is the best way to determine if it’s in good condition. To get a perspective on the place, arrange a visit. Ask the landlord if they will take care of aesthetic issues such as peeling paint or faulty appliances.
Additionally, be mindful of more significant problems. Important warning signs include broken windows, leaks, rust, insects, etc. Calling in a specialist who can inspect the apartment for pests before signing your lease and looking for localized pest control treatment can be a good idea.
Pet Policies
Whether you own pets or not, it’s important to know if animals are allowed in the building. Some people prefer to live in a pet-free complex. Others may need to move because they have pets. Before signing the lease, make sure you understand the property management’s pet policies.
Inquire about dog breeds and other animals that are not allowed on the property. For example, many landlords prohibit fighting dog breeds. If you have an exotic animal, you should directly discuss it with the building manager. Asking if pets are allowed is especially important if you don’t have pets but have allergies. For example, if the apartment prohibits pets but you’re allergic to cats, you may still rent it.
Ask if there are any additional fees and deposits required for the pet.
Emotional support animals are generally exempt from the pet ban in rental properties. Therefore, a landlord must allow your animal if you provide a letter requesting an emotional support animal.
Amenities
Amenities are a nice addition to the other features of the apartment. They can include hot tubs, private clubhouses, a gym, or an external laundry room.
Sometimes, the cost of amenities is included in the initial application fees, but sometimes it’s included in the monthly rent. Before committing to these payments, think about the features you really need and those you can do without.
How to Create an Apartment Search Spreadsheet
Now that you understand how to create an apartment search spreadsheet, let’s see how you can create an apartment comparison spreadsheet template.
Here are the steps to follow:
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Add a header. You can do this in two ways. The first method is to merge cells and use a larger font to create a label. You can merge cells by selecting them and clicking on Format, then Merge cells in the top toolbar.
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Add the data. When creating this spreadsheet, we have taken into account the factors mentioned above. However, you can add or remove categories based on your needs. (You can add checkboxes by going to Insert > Checkbox)
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With the added data, the apartment search template is technically complete. However, it is visually unappealing. You can enhance it by adding borders and colors to the cells. You can do this by clicking on the icons in the main toolbar. Some useful options include Fill color, Font color, Borders, Font, and Font size.
How to Use the Apartment Search Spreadsheet Template
Conduct Thorough Online Research
The first step is to gather ideas. Ask yourself questions like: What are the alternatives nearby? What is the average price of an apartment in this area? What is the range of sizes they offer?
Take advantage of the era of online research. Take the time to save all the rental listings that catch your attention. You can then narrow down your search. Start by checking out as many apartments as possible online. Zillow, Facebook, Apartments.com, and Craigslist are excellent resources for apartment hunting.
Organize Visits
Once you have numerous options, it’s time to focus on a single choice. Select your favorites among the apartments you’ve viewed online and contact the landlord to schedule a visit. After the contemplation phase, you should have a clearer idea of what you’re looking for.
Make a note of a few important points here. First, try not to overreact. Everyone has a different level of endurance as we are all unique. We recommend visiting a maximum of five apartments per day. Beyond that, it can become tiring and disappointing rather than enjoyable.
Having too many options can also make you more confused. You’ll start overthinking every little detail, which will only delay your decision. Make sure your apartment comparison spreadsheet includes only the apartments that genuinely interest you before you start visiting. You can simply exclude the apartments you don’t like from your spreadsheet.
Take Notes
Feel free to take notes and photos during the visit. When choosing an apartment, you always want to see the bathroom and kitchen, so having good pictures on hand is very helpful.
There are a few approaches for this step. You can opt for a notepad and pen and take notes along the way. Make sure to enter the information into the apartment comparison spreadsheet as soon as the visit ends to ensure you remember everything.
Another option is to take notes during the visit on a smartphone or tablet and input them directly into your apartment search spreadsheet. This way, you can ensure that each piece of information is properly recorded.
Make Your Final Decision
The notes and images will assist you when it comes time to make a decision. Gather all your notes, review your photo gallery, and select the apartment that best suits your needs. This is the most enjoyable step as you can choose a new home for the next stage of your life and prioritize your wants and needs.
Take your time with this. After all, you’ll likely be living there for a significant part of your life.
Conclusion
The apartment search spreadsheet templates we provided in this article are just a small part of what can be an emotional process. Remember to enter logical information into the spreadsheet, but also your impressions of the apartments in the notes section. Being excellent on paper doesn’t always guarantee happiness.
The reverse can also be true. The apartment you prefer may not necessarily be the most financially responsible choice. Make sure to carefully consider all your options.
Creating an apartment search spreadsheet and using it to make an informed decision will greatly simplify your apartment search process. Good luck finding your perfect apartment!
