Past Tense

If it is time to move it is time to come up with a game plan. If you are new to renting these tips should help and if you are not these can help as well. Think about what worked for you with your last move and what didn’t. No need to make the same the mistakes.

If you are going to look at a new place it pays to look responsible. Shower, wear clean clothes and don’t have a cigarette butt hanging out of your mouth. Baseball caps and flip flops will impress no one, even if the person showing the place is wearing the exact same thing. You are the one with something to prove.

It’s not a bad idea to bring your checkbook with you when you go to look at a place. Maybe there is an application fee or you fall in love and want to make sure it doesn’t get snatched up from underneath you, you are in a position to take care of business right then and there. It also helps you look like you mean business, which is a good thing (in case you didn’t know).

Start putting your financial life in order as soon as you even think you might be moving. The more you can do in this area in advance the better off you are going to be. You can start saving for the deposit, clean up some of your credit, check your credit reports and make yourself as attractive as possible of a candidate. More is always better in this area.

When you finally find that place and you are ready to sign on the dotted line, make sure you actually read the document for the love of pete. Think about it. You are putting your name behind every word in that document and making promises to be responsible for every single stipulation. Don’t you think it makes sense to know what you are promising? Be smart and thank me later.

So once you get your new place and you sit down to sign your lease make sure you read it. You might have certain hobbies that are prohibited or be responsible for further fees. Know what is in anything you put your name to. It matters to your life so don’t be lazy about this.