Searching Tips
Where am I going to live? Is this the question that currently makes you the most stressed? Remember that properties turn over in 30 day cycles. So an ideal property may become available tomorrow or the next day, don’t panic.
a. Give yourself time to explore the city and neighborhoods before you commit to a place.
b. Visit as many places as you can so you will have a good idea of what your money will buy.
c. Research different neighborhoods and determine what areas are suitable for your needs.
Consider:
•What is your budget?
•What type of rental unit? Studio, apartment, a room in a house?
•How close do you want to live to campus?
•What are your transportation needs?
•What features are essential?
d. Ensure the security and safety of the building and neighborhood. Check door and window locks, outside lights, and fire safety precautions.
Consider:
•Do you want an attendant/secure building?
•Are there a lot of people walking around the area (during the day and evening)?
•Are the buildings on the street nicely kept?
•Is there new construction going up?
TIP #1: Develop a budget and know the maximum amount you can spend a month, generally the farther away from the center of the city, the less expensive the housing. When calculating your maximum rent you can afford, do not forget the cost of utilities and transportation.
TIP #2: Check our site often! Properties are updated regularly. Listings are on our site for a month, after which landlords must renew. This keeps our service current. In early to mid spring, summer sublets are prevalent, and there are yearlong leases on the site as well. As landlords confirm whether or not their tenants are staying for another year, more listings will make it onto the website.
TIP #3: Use other resources. There are listing services at other local Universities. Local papers like the Washington Post, Washington Times, and City Paper all have online and print listings.
TIP #4: Come to Georgetown for a weekend during the summer to finalize your search. The University even provides an Off-Campus Housing Search Weekend July 17-22, 2009. Book your spot with the Housing Office for a weekend full of housing advice and assistance from our office, free of charge to transfers, graduate students, and returning Georgetown students.
TIP #5: Use your legs, get out there! Phone calls and emails only do so much. A landlord will have a better idea of what kind of person you are by meeting you. When you make an appointment be sure to be prompt. If the landlord tells you they need time to look over applications, don’t wait for them to get back to you. Without hounding them, check back and let them know you are still interested. Look for an apartment with the intention of signing a lease. Be prepared and bring your paperwork when you meet with a landlord. For example: credit report, employment and rental history, references, and a checkbook. Be ready to put down a deposit and always ask for a receipt!
