As a tenant, when you choose to rent a certain type of property, you should be aware of the different advantages and disadvantages of each type. There are plenty of opportunities within every property, but you can also face some unwanted features that, for some might be great quality, but for others, big problems.
For example, renters of apartments or studios might face a lack of storage space or issues with parking. Tenants living in a single-family house can have issues associated with a garden or attic.
Here at First Stay Realty, we are working with all types of properties to find a dream home just for you. To help our clients navigate through the variety of options, we created this list of features to consider when deciding on which property is best for you.

1. Choose the location

Location is the most important aspect when choosing a property. When you’re looking for your future home placement, consider these few valuable points:

  •   Is there any infrastructure
  •  Access to school/shops/entertainment
  •  How busy/quiet is the neighborhood
  •  Is it in a town /city/downtown/suburb
  •  Is there any public transport or transit

Source – FSBC.ca 833 Seymour St apartment complex

When you look through this list and find out all of the specified aspects, you can already decide in which property type you want to live.

2. Decide on a budget

This is the second step to finding a dream home – realizing how much money you are willing to spend monthly on your property. Going for too expensive options for your budget can be quite tricky and can cause unexpected difficulties in the future.

3. Find your ideal layout.

Depending on the size and structure of an apartment or single-family home, layouts can be starkly different. It’s very crucial to pick the right number of bedrooms and square feet for your family.

Source – FSBC.ca 92 Ave house

Also, some of the tenets might need specific working areas or playrooms for kids, maybe even additional storage space. All of this can be considered in an apartment or house layout. Certainly, the place where you live can dictate your lifestyle, so don’t miss out on that.

Source – FSBC.ca West 6th Ave loft
  • So to sum up this chapter, you need to know
  • How big/small the rooms should be
  • How big/small the rooms should be
  • Do you need a workspace/balcony/terrace
  • Open space plan or traditional layout how much storage space do you need

How much storage space do you need?

4. Choose the amenities.

When looking for an ideal place to live you should prioritize all of your needs that should be fulfilled. Do you need a parking spot, or maybe you can’t live without a GYM, or do you need in-suite laundry or an additional storage area? Make sure that the place has an internet connection, and utilities and if you’re the owner of a furry friend get information regarding pet fees. They are all important pieces to take into account when you consider the numbers.

Source – FSBC.ca 833 Seymour st apartment complex

5. Evaluate the space

At this point, you should’ve picked a few places to visit for a showing, and now it’s time for a home tour. A very important step for the housing rental is a visit to the property. While you exploring the place, you should consider these aspects:

  • Are the pieces of furniture new/freshly renovated/damaged
  • Are there necessary appliances in the kitchen
  • How well maintained is the place or is it a new
  • Check all the fixtures and equipment
  • Ask about the neighbors and check the soundproofing

There are many beautiful houses and apartments for you to choose from. Hopefully, our tips can help you find the best home for you and your family! Visit FSBC.ca for more information and helpful articles!

Author: Master in Architectural Science Anastasia Rudenko