Choosing the right apartment goes beyond scrolling through online listings or checking out a few potential homes. It involves pinpointing the aspects that make a place truly feel like home. With my experience as an apartment locator, I've helped many renters make this choice. Here's what I've noticed renters tend to focus on when deciding to apply to a rental community.

1. Prime Location

The saying "location is key" holds strong. Renters often begin their search with a clear picture of their desired area. They seek communities that provide:

• Close Commutes: A short commute enhances daily life so your leasing agents should make sure to discuss where the potential renter works and explain how living close to where you work can save them countless hours of drivetime. It's very important to understand that renters often target neighborhoods that minimize travel time and offer easy access to highways or public transit.
• Neighborhood Feel: Renters want to connect with their environment. Whether it's a lively urban scene with nightlife and dining or a calm suburban spot with parks and schools, the neighborhood's vibe is crucial. Highlight what your community can do to enhance the potential renters lifestyle.
• Security: Safety is critical. Renters are drawn to areas with low crime rates, often looking up crime stats or getting input from current residents. If your community offers nightly security guard community drive throughs or gated access - LET THEM KNOW!

2. Lifestyle Amenities

Newer is better but not always best. Modern rental communities offer a variety of amenities, but preferences vary among renters. A good match comes from understanding a client's lifestyle and budget. Key amenities renters consider include:

• Fitness and Leisure: Health-focused renters often look for communities with gyms, pools, and wellness facilities that are open at odd hours in case the tenant needs to get an early workout in. If the community can bring a personal trainer in that is just 1 more special perk that your competitors ARE NOT OFFERING.
• Pet-Friendly Features: Pet owners seek communities that accommodate pets, offering dog parks, pet washing stations, and friendly policies. If you offer dog treats on tour clearly explain what your pet policies are it's not going to leave the potential renter wondering. Point out dog runs or areas that are designated for their k9 friends.
• Remote Work Spaces: With more people working remotely, renters might prioritize communities with co-working spaces, fast internet, and quiet work areas. Fast internet speeds throughout the community with mesh-networks and podcast rooms are the new norm. If you don't have these amenities you might miss out on those independent influencers that might even leave a review on Google about your community.

3. Cost and Value

While budget plays a role, renters assess overall value for their money and how much space they are getting for their money. Be clear about price per square foot and MAKE SURE to follow through with how concessions affect what they'll pay over the course of the lease. When advising renters, I stress the importance of:

• Bundled Pricing: Some places include utilities, internet, and cable in the rent, which can attract budget-conscious renters.
• Special Offers: Many communities have move-in deals like a free month or reduced deposits. Renters often seek these offers to stretch their budget and if you require an additional 1 month deposit - consider working with Jetty to offer your potential tenants another option that won't break the bank.
• Affordability Over Time: Renters are aware of potential rent increases - especially during those busy Summer months. They might ask about past rent hikes and weigh the cost of renewing a lease against moving elsewhere. If you aren't aware, many new communities now offer flexible rent payment options that break the monthly rent into smaller payments.

4. Community and Management

The feel of the community and its management can heavily influence a renter's choice. Renters often evaluate:

• Resident Feedback: Reviews from current and former residents can offer insights into living in the community. Positive comments on maintenance, noise, and events can be decisive factors so make sure to reply to Google reviews and if you have tenants that are coming and leaving positive feedback to your leasing agents make sure to train your staff to remind those renters to leave a review on Yelp or Google!
• Effective Management: Good property management with attentive staff can greatly improve the living experience. Renters often consider how management deals with maintainence, communication, and issues. Point out the community on-site maintainence team, how they can contact them during an emergency and who their point of contact will be.
• Social Interaction: Renters, particularly those new to an area, may value chances to meet neighbors. Communities that host social events or have spaces encouraging interaction are attractive. Don't just offer donuhts or bagels in the leasing office; coordinate a community happy hour at a nearby restaurant or bar. 

5. Apartment Features

While amenities and location are vital, the apartment itself must meet the renter's needs. Key features renters often look for include:

• Modern Upgrades: Updated kitchens, energy-efficient appliances, and stylish finishes make an apartment appealing. If you still have carpet in your community consider upgrading to a newer LVP style flooring.
• Layout and Space: Renters consider if the apartment's layout suits their lifestyle, looking for functional spaces with plenty of storage. If the closets are tight, offer a discount on monthly storage if the community has them on-site.
• Light and Views: Apartments with lots of natural light and nice views often stand out. Renters may favor units with large windows, balconies, or scenic views which can result in additional income since these are premiums over other available units. Make sure to keep these areas clean including any windows with views. Renters don't like bugs, cockroaches or spiderwebs!

6. Lease Flexibility

Flexibility is increasingly important for renters today. Whether they're new to the area or have unpredictable job demands, many prefer communities offering:

• Short-Term Leases: Some renters like the option of short leases, especially if uncertain about long-term plans or job prospects. Not everyone wants to sign a 13 month lease!
• Subletting Options: Renters who might need to move unexpectedly may look for communities that allow subletting or lease transfers. If the community doesn't - clearly state and have the on-site leasing staff point out what to do if and when that becomes an issue.
• Early Termination Policies: Understanding lease-breaking terms is crucial. Renters often ask about penalties or conditions for ending a lease early. Be upfront and clear about how much it's going to cost to cover those nail holes they made when they chose to hang that painting from high school they've been lugging around with them forever.

Final Thoughts

Renters benefit from personalized guidance tailored to their needs when working with an apartment locator. Whether finding the right neighborhood, securing a deal, or ensuring the community vibe suits their lifestyle, an experienced locator helps renters confidently navigate the rental market while ensuring the apartment community obtains a high quality tenant that meets the community's rental guidelines.