Rent an apartment or a single family house?

Rent an apartment or a single family house? So you just moved into the area and you need a place to call home. But you are not sure where you want to live, so buying a home is out of the question. Do you rent a single family house or an apartment? Good question. It depends. Yes, it depends on your needs and wants. The first thing you need to do is come up with a check list of your needs and wants. The differences between renting an apartment and a single family home can be large. Next, contact a local realtor to gather information on houses and an apartment locator to assist in your search for an apartment. They will be able to do a majority of the search leg work thus save you a ton of time. They can also assist you in evaluating the various leases, which can vary drastically from landlord to landlord. Once you identify a few prospective places to call home, its time to comb over your check list again. Do you want privacy or do you want control over maintenance? Do you need a yard for your kids or pets? Do you need a garage for your car or extra storage? How much do you have allocated for rent in your budget? Do you need a short term lease? These are just a few of the questions you need to answer prior to signing a lease. The final area of concern should be the rules and regulations that both apartments and houses (HOA) have established. Don’t be surprised!!! Be sure to gather all the facts so you can make an informed decision that works. Good luck and Happy home hunting!