Finding an apartment can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, however, if you are moving to a faraway city, put that haystack thousands of miles away and it turns into a seemingly impossible task.

Hence, some careful planning can help you find a place to live. Let’s see how we can make it easier for you! 

1. Hiring a Local Rental Agent

Generally, when people buy a house, they seek advice from an agent to help them in the best neighborhoods and, streamline the process. Especially if you have recently moved or thinking to move to a new city, you may not realize that some agents can help you find better options.

While I know that you are exposed to technology and can find everything online, you don’t know that you could have found an area that would have been a much better option for less money than you’re paying. Who knows?

Hiring an agent can be useful for you in many ways. For example, they know the area well enough to help you find a suitable area of the town, and they can do all the setting-up and, vetting landlords before you even set foot in the city.

In addition to this, they’ll know the intricacies of the local market, since the real estate dynamics vary by geographic location.

Agents can also help negotiate your rent and the lease terms. However, just make sure you hire someone with a good reputation in the market. Try to get reviews from past clients; if you know anyone in the city, word-of-mouth can go a long way.

2. How You Can Lower Your Rent Cost

You must have allotted a specific budget for your apartment. Here is how you can lower the cost and find a suitable apartment that fills within your budget.

2.1. Maybe Look for a Suburban Area

 City life is definitely more happening than that in the countryside. However, it doesn’t appear to be very pleasant if you cannot afford to pay the rent. But there’s always a midway to resolve this.

Perhaps, you could check out apartments in the suburban areas around the big cities or small towns a little further than the main city that is at a conveniently commutable distance from your workplace.

2.2. Be Mindful of Transportation Costs

 An advantage of being a resident of urban areas is that; it generally lessens your transportation budget. Why? Because you are more likely to take public buses to move around the city. However, it is needless to say, if you choose to live away from the main city, you still need to take transportation costs into consideration; whether it’s a bus pass or your own car.

2.3. Finding a Roommate Can be Helpful 

Unless you’re not planning to take your family with you, finding a roommate can be a deal maker. You can split the price of an apartment in half simply by sharing it with your roommate. Not to forget, you need to have your landlord’s approval before doing so.

The bottom line is, a roommate can significantly help to lift the pressure of financial worries in the case of renting. Free advice: Just make sure you have signed a written agreement with your roommate which states all obligations and clauses with mutual understanding. 

3. Narrowing Down Your Search by Location

Every city has its own charm, but within big cities like Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, or any other city for that matter, you’ll find distinct neighborhoods. Some of the neighborhoods may be better suited to you than others. Once you know what you want in an apartment, you may want to start narrowing down your search by location.

If you have opted to work with an agent, they can give you a bundle of information about the area you’re interested in. However, if you’re doing it alone, you’ll need to work more diligently.

3.1. Use Social Media as a Tool

 If you have friends in the city, give them a call and ask about their experiences. (Even if you don’t think you have friends in a given city, use the power of social media.

Do a search on Facebook first — type “friends in Karachi” into the search bar — and you might be surprised to find an old friend who moved there without you realizing.)

If you’re moving for work, your new co-workers may be able to point you in the right direction.

3.2. Google Maps Can be Your Best Friend

Once you find a few areas you think might be a good fit, take your search a little deeper. Guess who’s your best friend? Well, too bad if you couldn’t guess. It’s “Google Maps” Duh!

 Find the neighborhood on Google Maps and drag the yellow “Street View” guy to take a virtual tour of the area. Google Maps can also give you an idea of your public transportation options, especially when it comes to your commute for work or school etc.

4. List Down Your Must-Haves

Just like a to-do list that some people usually make before jumping onto a task, a must-haves list can also help you a lot when you start thinking to buy an apartment. But, it’s doubly important when moving to a faraway city.

Trust me, you wouldn’t want to waste time debating whether you really want in-unit laundry or a gym in the basement of your apartment building when you take a long weekend to visit the city and look at apartments.

So, better safe than sorry, come up with your list of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” now so you know what’s off the table of negotiation.

5. Schedule a trip to the Neighborhood

After all the research, eventually, you’ll want to actually visit the city yourself and pound the pavement. It is generally not recommended to rent an apartment sight unseen. You may want to plan a long weekend (or if you can spare the time, a week) to visit the city and see apartments.

If you’re working with an agent, they’ll line up listings for you beforehand. If not, you can set up viewings yourself before you leave.

If you can give yourself time to find the perfect neighborhood, it will be much easier to settle into your new home city.

Good luck with your quest. You can also find rental options at Gharbaar.