Apartment Tours: Your Ultimate Checklist

Finding the perfect apartment can feel like a full-time job. You spend hours scrolling through listings, comparing floor plans, and trying to imagine your life within those four walls. Once you've narrowed down your options, the next crucial step is the apartment tour. This is your chance to see beyond the polished photos and get a real feel for your potential new home.

A thorough tour is essential for making an informed decision. It allows you to inspect the property's condition, test its features, and assess the overall environment. Knowing what to look for can save you from future headaches, unexpected costs, and renter's remorse. This guide will walk you through a comprehensive checklist of what to watch out for before you sign on the dotted line, ensuring your next apartment in Wilson, NC, is a place you'll be happy to call home.

Before the Tour: Do Your Homework

Preparation is key to getting the most out of your apartment tour. Before you even step foot on the property, take some time to do a little research.

Read Online Reviews

Check what current and former tenants are saying about the apartment complex. Websites like Google, Yelp, and ApartmentRatings.com can provide valuable insights into the management's responsiveness, the building's maintenance, and the community atmosphere. Look for recurring themes in the reviews, whether positive or negative. A few bad reviews are normal, but a consistent pattern of complaints about noise, pests, or poor management should be a red flag.

Drive by the Property

Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day and on different days of the week, including evenings and weekends. This will give you a better sense of the area's vibe.

Is there a lot of traffic?
What's the noise level like?
How is the parking situation for residents and guests?
Does the neighborhood feel safe at night?

Driving by will also help you gauge the commute to work, school, or other places you frequent.

Prepare a List of Questions

Don't rely on your memory during the tour. Come prepared with a written list of questions for the leasing agent or landlord. This shows you're a serious and organized prospective tenant. Your questions should cover everything from lease terms and utilities to community policies and maintenance procedures. We’ll cover some essential questions later in this guide.

During the Tour: The Ultimate Checklist

When you're on the tour, it's easy to be wowed by a spacious living room or a modern kitchen. However, it's the small details that often make the biggest difference in your day-to-day living experience. Use this checklist to stay focused and thorough.

Inside the Apartment

General Condition

Walls and Ceilings: Look for any signs of water damage, such as stains, discoloration, or peeling paint. These could indicate a leaky roof or plumbing issues. Check for large cracks or holes that need repair.
Flooring: Inspect the condition of the carpet, hardwood, or tile. Are there stains, scratches, or other damage? Walk around to check for any creaky or uneven spots.
Windows: Open and close all the windows to ensure they work properly and have secure locks. Check for drafts, which could lead to higher energy bills. Make sure the window screens are in good condition without any tears.

Kitchen and Appliances

Appliances: Test all the appliances—refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Make sure they are clean and in good working order. Open the fridge and freezer to check for any strange odors.
Cabinets and Countertops: Open all the cabinets and drawers to check for storage space and signs of pests. Inspect the countertops for any stains, burns, or cracks.
Plumbing: Turn on the faucets to check the water pressure. Look under the sink for any signs of leaks or water damage.

Bathroom

Plumbing: Flush the toilet and turn on the shower to test the water pressure and temperature. Check for any leaks around the base of the toilet or under the sink.
Ventilation: Turn on the exhaust fan. Proper ventilation is crucial for preventing mold and mildew. If there's no fan, is there a window that opens?
Storage: Look at the storage space in the vanity and any closets. Is it enough for your toiletries and towels?

Bedrooms and Closets

Size: Can your furniture fit comfortably in the bedrooms? It’s a good idea to bring a measuring tape with you on the tour.
Closet Space: Open all the closets to see if there's enough storage for your belongings. Consider both hanging space and shelving.

Utilities and Tech

Outlets and Light Switches: Test the electrical outlets with a small device like a phone charger. Flip all the light switches to ensure they work.
Cell Service and Wi-Fi: Check your phone's signal strength throughout the apartment. Poor reception can be a major inconvenience. Ask about the internet providers available in the building.

Outside the Apartment and Community Amenities

Your living experience extends beyond your front door. Pay close attention to the building's exterior and the shared community spaces.

Building and Grounds

Cleanliness: Are the hallways, stairwells, and elevators clean and well-maintained? The condition of the common areas often reflects the management's overall attention to detail.
Security: Look for security features like controlled access, well-lit parking lots and walkways, and security cameras. Do you feel safe walking around the property?
Trash and Recycling: Where are the trash and recycling receptacles located? Are they conveniently placed and well-maintained, or are they overflowing?

Community Amenities

Parking: If you have a car, ask about the parking policy. Is parking assigned or first-come, first-served? Is there a fee? What is the guest parking situation?
Laundry: If the unit doesn't have an in-unit washer and dryer, inspect the communal laundry facilities. Are they clean and are all the machines in working order? How do you pay for laundry?
Other Amenities: Check out any other amenities offered, such as a gym, pool, or community room. Are they clean, well-maintained, and accessible during hours that work for you?

Essential Questions to Ask

During or after the tour, make sure you get clear answers to these important questions:

Lease Terms: What is the lease duration? What happens if I need to break the lease early? Is there an option to renew?
Costs: What is the total move-in cost (security deposit, first month's rent, any fees)? What utilities are included in the rent, and which ones are my responsibility? Are there any monthly amenity fees?
Maintenance: How do I submit a maintenance request? What is the average response time for repairs? Is there 24/7 emergency maintenance?
Policies: What is the policy on pets? What about guests? Are there any rules regarding decorating or making alterations to the apartment?
Community: How are packages delivered and secured? What are the quiet hours?

Find Your Next Home in Wilson, NC

An apartment tour is your best opportunity to vet a potential new home before making a commitment. By being prepared and thorough, you can identify potential issues and ensure the apartment meets your needs and expectations. Taking the time to inspect every detail, from the water pressure to the cell service, will help you choose a place where you can live comfortably and happily.

If you're looking for apartments in Wilson, NC, we invite you to experience the difference at Oasis at Heritage. Our modern apartments and top-tier amenities are designed to provide a welcoming and comfortable community for our residents. Contact Oasis at Heritage today to schedule a personal tour and see for yourself why so many people are proud to call our community home.