#1 Start your Search Early! (45 – 60 days)
You know the saying, “luck favors the prepared”, well, when it comes to apartment hunting, this definitely holds true. 45-60 days prior to your target move-in date is typically the best time to land a great deal. This is due to the pricing software that has been adopted by 90% of apartment communities in Dallas. While there are a lot of factors that affect pricing, generally speaking, when there are more units on notice for any given month, the pricing will be lower. As the communities begin to pre-lease apartments, the prices increase incrementally.
#2 Search For Move-in Specials
This is one of the few exceptions to the “be prepared” tip above. As long as Dallas continues to have a steady flow of brand new apartments opening, there will continue to be competitive move-in specials. Most brand new apartments can hold apartments for 60+ days, so you can still get a great deal early if you’re a planner. Common specials include 4 – 8 weeks free (up front and/or pro-rated), gift-cards, and reduced app/admin & deposits. If you’ve waited until the last minute or you’re relocating to Dallas on short notice, brand new is a great place to start your search.
#3 Be Ready to Apply
Be ready to apply quickly. If you are lucky enough to land one of these great deals, be prepared to submit an application. Some move-in specials are time-sensitive. It’s common to see 24 or 48 hour “look & lease” specials, which means you have a set amount of time to submit your application after touring a property. Additionally, competitively priced apartments are highly sought-after and tend to lease more quickly than your average apartment. After the initial application fees, etc, you’ll need to provide proof of income and rental history as well.
#4 Talk to your Roommates
Moving in with a roommate? Two & three bedroom apartments are more affordable approach to begin with, but it can be a struggle to come to an agreement with multiple people. Make sure you start the process with a discussion about these three factors: 1) Max price-range 2) Ideal location & 3)Move-in date. If you can agree on these three things before you start your search, you are going to have a much smoother process. The more people you involve, the harder this can be, but it’s well worth the time it takes in the beginning to avoid the headaches later on.
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