Finding an apartment in Kansas City can be overwhelming, but is doesn’t have to be. There are a few things that you can do to make your apartment search go smoothly with less stress. Finding a new apartment should be an exciting time for you and your family. Don’t let the home search blues get you down.

Make a List

Before you ever search the classifieds or go on an apartment tour you need to make a criteria list. This should include the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage you desire. Evaluate your household and create the list accordingly. Keep in mind that you may also need a laundry room in your private residence and don’t forget to add that as well. If you cook for your family every day you may need certain items in your kitchen like a disposal, dishwasher or pantry. It is recommended that you measure all of your large furniture such as tables, couches and beds and write these down. Take a tape measure to any prospective apartments and measure the space to ensure it can accommodate your belongings. Take your list with you to all home tours. It is easy to bypass essential items your family needs, especially if a leasing agent is trying to sell you on the space aggressively.

Explore All Options

Finding apartments for rent in Kansas City MO is easy to do if you know where to look. Pick up apartment guides and newspapers from your local convenience store. Most ads will have all of the information you need such as pricing, amenities and layout. These resources are great for narrowing down your search. Also use the internet to maximize your options. There are quite a few sites where you can enter your specific criteria and see only the results that fit your needs. Many times you can find a link to the apartment complex you are considering on these sites for easy access to their information. If you still feel like you are missing out on apartment options, you can use the phone book or simply drive around the area you want to live and see the apartments for yourself.

Make a Budget

Make a strict budget and adhere to it. It is recommended that you make at least 4 times the amount of rent you pay. Some facilities will not even consider your application unless you can prove this. If you are unsure if you make enough, just take your monthly income and divide it by four. The end result will be your maximum financial rental capacity. On top of the rent you will need to consider the down payment or initial deposit, pet deposit, application fees and required upfront costs such as the first month’s rent. You may be able to trade some things off financially. For example if you previously lived 10 miles further away from work, you will save money in gas. If you currently pay for a gym membership but the complex offers a gym as an amenity you can save money there as well. The most important thing to remember is to never live beyond your means. There are plenty of apartments for rent in Kansas City MO, so make sure you choose one that you can comfortably afford.

If you have been searching for apartments for rent in Kansas City MO, look no further! Carrington Park offers a variety of layouts starting at $769. Amenities include but are not limited to attached garages, resort style pool, game room and internet café.