So the girlfriend and I are moving in about 6 weeks and need to line up a place. We had both lived on a college campus because we were working in residence life so this is our first foray into "real" housing. Of course, we have no idea how to avoid being scammed/having a bad experience in this process.

 

What kinds of things should we look for as we look at places - hidden utility costs? Certain features? Some way to figure whether there will be maintenance issues?

 

We'll also be moving to a place that we'll have only spent a few days before we move in; any suggestions for how to evaluate neighborhoods from far away?

 

And if anyone knows anything about Columbus, OH, feel free to let me know anything specific.

So the girlfriend and I are moving in about 6 weeks and need to line up a place. We had both lived on a college campus because we were working in residence life so this is our first foray into "real" housing. Of course, we have no idea how to avoid being scammed/having a bad experience in this process.

 

What kinds of things should we look for as we look at places - hidden utility costs? Certain features? Some way to figure whether there will be maintenance issues?

 

We'll also be moving to a place that we'll have only spent a few days before we move in; any suggestions for how to evaluate neighborhoods from far away?

 

And if anyone knows anything about Columbus, OH, feel free to let me know anything specific.

 

If you are renting from an apartment complex ask if they have a maintenance crew that will fix any problems for free or if there are charges.. See the internet/tv situation and what is and isn't allowed. Ummm make sure you find out everything you are responsible paying for/what is included in the rent charges. Try to find out when buildings were built and see if you can tour an open apartment or wherever your staying.

I've found walking around neighborhoods looking for "for rent" signs is usually best deal/living situation in Chicago. Not sure about Columbus. Also adore http://www.padmapper.com/# for searching for apts. Basically brings in craigslist/other data into google maps api.

I've found walking around neighborhoods looking for "for rent" signs is usually best deal/living situation in Chicago. Not sure about Columbus. Also adore http://www.padmapper.com/# for searching for apts. Basically brings in craigslist/other data into google maps api.

Great advice here, get to know the 'hood and use padmapper for listings. Makes it so much easier to see where each apartment is and the filter is pretty great to find exactly what you're looking for (or close to it).

So, just finished my 4th apartment hunt, should have the place under contract. Right now, for actually hunting, look and see if there are listing sites in the city, but frankly, Craigslist has worked for the last 2. That does not mean there aren't scams, so try to do your homework. Google Maps/streetview the place if you find it, look at the neighborhood, spy on it through satellite, that's a useful start.

 

Best recommendation I think I can give? Find a half dozen places you like, that meet your standards, and go see them in person.

Great advice here, get to know the 'hood and use padmapper for listings. Makes it so much easier to see where each apartment is and the filter is pretty great to find exactly what you're looking for (or close to it).

I'll third the PadMapper recommendation. It's the straight goods.

 

When I was moving to the Twin Cities and didn't know too much about the area I found the city-data forums helpful. Here's the Columbus forum: http://www.city-data.com/forum/columbus/

 

There also used to be a poster here who lived in Columbus. "TheDoctor" I think. Rock probably has some helpful info as well.

Edited June 20, 201411 yr by farmteam

If you have the time, check out your prospective apartments on both a week night and a weekend night. Some places are pretty loud come Saturday night, and that may or may not be a good thing for you.

Two apps / websites that may be helpful are Zillow and Trulia. I like using them to filter neighborhoods. I'm in the same boat, my wife and I are moving and we will be renting the first year or so. By putting in our search criteria I quickly new to look in the east and west sides of San Antonio and avoided wasting my time in the north central. I'm using a Realtor to set up visits to some properties he thinks will work. We're looking for single family homes and we do not have a lot of time so it works out best for us.