What to check at an apartment showing

Take this to your showing

Bring a tape measure, a few questions and the dimensions of any furniture coming with you.

• Walk from the nearest stopFollow the route all the way to the front door. Notice steps, street crossings and where you could leave a bike or stroller.
• Listen with a window openStand quietly in the bedroom. Try the same with the window closed and ask what the street sounds like in the evening.
• Measure what matters to youCheck the space for your bed, sofa or desk. For bulky furniture, measure the narrowest doorway too.
• Try the everyday thingsWith the owner’s permission, open a window and run a faucet. Check where you’d need outlets for a desk or bedside lamp.
• Ask about regular billsRequest a breakdown and an example of a recent bill. Note which costs you’d pay separately.
• Write down what you still need to knowIs the storage unit included? Which pieces of furniture stay? Make a short list of what to follow up on a second visit.

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