Visiting an apartment community can be intimidating, whether it is your first apartment home or your fifth. You’re looking for your ideal apartment home at the price, location, and size that fits your needs. Get it right the first time by using these three tips to ensure you select the best fit for your new apartment home.

1) Define Your Preferences and Wish List

Don’t be afraid to get specific. You’re looking for your next home! Your preferences will include several factors such as budget, what floor level you live on, views, and finishes such as carpet or hard flooring. Let’s not forget about appliances, work-from-home spaces, and amenities such as the fitness center and dog parks. Think of the things you really want and/or need and mention them before you tour a Camden apartment community.

Practicality is important, but think of your wish list, too. What would take your next apartment to that next level? Do you want more space? How about a patio? Do you ever think about how only some walls have power outlets? What if your leasing consultant could show you an apartment home with outlets on every wall?! It’s the little things that go a long way, and a Camden Leasing Consultant may have just the apartment you’re envisioning.

Attractive grilling area at Camden Hillcrest in San Diego, CA

2) Book An Appointment

If you are driving by and see a Camden apartment community, take a moment to call ahead and ask if they have availability to show you an apartment home. When booking an appointment, tell them your preferences/wish list (see item #1 above), and they can ensure the apartment tour is tailor-made for you. During this call, you can also discuss your move-in date range, availability, and contact information so they can send you information to review before your tour.

The leasing consultant may ask questions about you during your tour, but you can ask questions about the property as well. Take time to ask about any of your deal-breakers so you can save your time on places that have what you’re looking for. If you want a large bathtub and the property does not have garden tubs (many Camden communities do!), you just saved time touring the property.

When you book an appointment, you get enough time to do research, like reading the reviews. Researching the reviews is a great way to hear from other prospective residents and current residents to help make your decision on the property. Also, leave a review after your tour, and update it after you become a resident so you can help others who come behind you.

3) It's OK To Learn Your Preferences While You Tour

Sometimes you do not know your preferences until you get into an empty apartment home, and that’s okay. Be honest with your leasing consultants about your likes and dislikes of an apartment because all apartment homes do not look the same. Camden has 26 apartment communities in Houston, and although some floor plans may be similar in size, they differ in many ways in each community.

When you get a quote, don’t be ashamed to ask if they have anything lower in pricing or if you need a longer or shorter lease term. Camden has a wide variety ranging from 5-15 months!

Use these tips to find the apartment home that best fits your wants and needs!