(HELENA BOLOGNA/The Daily Campus)
With only a month left of classes, the time has come to explore living arrangements for next year. If you plan on moving, most lease contracts require 60 days written notice. So whether you are moving or looking for a brand new place, today is the day to take some action.
Apartments, condos, duplexes, houses—the options can be overwhelming. It’s best to narrow your search based on a few criteria.
Set a budget and define what is most important to you. Each person has different priorities, so there is no perfect housing situation. Make sure you feel 100 percent comfortable in your new home before signing that lease agreement. After all, you will be spending the next 12 months of your life there.
The bottom line tends to sway the final decision. Obviously properties closest to campus tend to be relatively more expensive but don’t be afraid to see what’s out there. Realtors like Rogers Healy and Mustang Realty specialize in helping students find rental properties. Depending on amenities, it is possible to find a rare steal within walking distance for as low as $500. But paying a premium for walking distance may be worth it.
Prices drop significantly by crossing the other side of the tracks. Renting east of Central Expressway may stretch your dollar. While some of the buildings may be older, apartments near The Village have some of the lowest rents in town. For those who want to get the best savings and not endure a long commute, this may be a good find.
What do you want? Do you throw parties where you’d want wood floors or granite countertops? Is proximity to bars or restaurants desirable? Walking home from the library might be nice. Being steps away from the Katy Trail is something to consider. You can’t have it all but you should to be content with your choice.
Talk to your friends who found a great place you admire and ask them how they got it. It might be a good idea to sublet for the summer and keep looking to find the right place.
Don’t settle or jump at the first thing you find but be aware that there are thousands of other people looking for housing in Dallas. Summer tends to be the busiest season for leasing.
If you are already in an apartment, consider the cost of moving. Rates tend to go up slightly but it may be worth it to stay in the long run. Obviously if you hate your current residence, bid your farewells and move on. There are plenty of options in this city. If you aren’t living in a traditional large apartment complex, negotiate with your landlord and use some leverage. Just as moving out is time consuming and expensive, so is finding another tenet to lease the unit. Reach an agreement that serves both parties.
With 70 degree weather this weekend, it’s the perfect time to put on your sunglasses and hit the streets to find a new humble abode. Happy house hunting!
