When you do a search on a Search Engine for “apartments” you are going to come across two types of Website resources: apartment locator sites and apartment database sites. Do you know which is the best for you? Your needs and the circumstances it dictates is what this will all depend on. It also has a great deal to do with your privacy comfort level.
Facts about the Apartment Locator Site
If the place you are relocating in is an area of the country that is totally new for you, someplace where you are with unfamiliar schools, job centers, neighborhoods, transportation, etc., then the apartment locator may be the best choice for you. To respond to your query, these folks will make telephone contact with you. Your circumstances, budget, needs, and other preferences are what you will describe. Usually extremely knowledgeable about the area and the local rental market is the apartment locator. They will be quite helpful in finding you rental accommodations that suit your particular needs. In most cases, this will be a totally free service. The apartment locator is normally paid a commission or “finder’s fee” from the landlord or rental agent. However, keep in mind that with regard to your privacy, you have to be open to the idea of personal contact and that you are required to share your telephone number. You need to decide if, or how much, that is acceptable to your sense of privacy.
The Apartment Database Site
Unlike apartment locators, apartment database sites offer a broad selection of on-line apartment listings. Intricate descriptions of apartment complexes are what they give you and these include, but are not limited to, maps, amenities, rent ranges, contact information, etc. Pictures of the apartment units, inside and out, are usually included. An excellent amount of data helps you decide if any particular rental unit meets your needs and satisfaction. When you are relocating to an area that you are totally familiar with or when you are moving to an apartment that is located within your present living area, then the best choice for you may be an apartment database site. Most require a simple registration process which usually asks for name and email address. It is not necessary to submit your telephone number nor will you be contacted personally by anyone. Most apartment database sites are free to you, just like the apartment locator. A bonus of $100 or more will be offered to you sometimes if you list their site as your referring source when you sign your apartment lease.
Now you should decide which is better for you, the apartment locator site or the apartment database site? You need to answer your own unique needs, desires, situation and limits of personal privacy in order to answer that question.
Good luck on searching for an apartment and good luck in your new apartment.