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Fiscal Pros and Cons of an Apartment

A Miami apartment or condo that costs more than 25% of your gross income to rent is too much for an apartment. You want a Miami apartment or condo that matches your financial needs and provides the amenities that will help you in your day to day life. For example, what is food situation in the surrounding area? You need to eat, which means you should pay attention to any nearby restaurants and supermarkets.

Check the area around your Miami apartment or condo and make sure that all your needs are met. Even needs that seem less important than others often become an issue when not addressed. For example, gas stations are not often considered when you are deciding to pick out a home, but what happens when you need to refill your car? This is especially important if you want to join in on all the great party locations Miami has to offer. The city nightlife is famous for the bars and clubs that keep the party going until the sun comes up.

Partying and fun is a big part of moving to Miami, but an apartment or condo should also be a home instead of just some place to wait for the next night out. A home isn’t much of a place to stay if you don't keep it clean. Your budget should include having enough funds keep up personal hygiene for yourself and your home. If you don’t already have them, then you are going to need to buy kitchen supplies and furniture as well. Plan ahead and see if the furniture you already do have will fit in your apartment, and whether you are going to need to sell some things to make some room.

What to Consider When Looking for a Miami Apartment or Condo

Miami is a melting pot of cultures, with every area offering something new and interesting to sink your teeth into. When you are looking into Miami apartments and condos for rent then location is a huge part of the process. Some of the more popular areas to look into include:

Miami Neighborhoods

• Coral Gables: The Coral Gables area is home to generations of high-class immigrants who have made the area into an oasis of culture. The apartments and condos here are sought out due to closeness to highways, the beach, good schools and quality shopping.
• South Beach: The Miami South Beach area is known as a popular hub for the young and famous. The condo rates in the area are reasonable and you are always near the hottest Miami action here.
• Coconut Grove: This neighborhood lies along the Florida shore, and is a popular place for the young and old alike. The home’s here are fairly pricey due to being so close to the waterfront and all the many commercial centers.
• Aventura: This neighborhood is also placed along the Florida coast. It mostly caters to professionals, business practitioners, and the older residents who move to their condos here in the winter months. The condos and homes here have access to highways that can very conveniently get you around Miami.
• Miami Beach: If you want to move into a home at the very forefront of the Miami lifestyle, then this is the place to start. You have a variety of stylish homes available, from modest housing to literal mansions, that put you right next to all the latest action.
• Midtown: AKA “Overtown”, the homes in this locale have the benefits of being near plenty of places of interest. The rent is lower than other nearby areas too, mainly due to the homes here not being on the waterfront.
• Downtown: Also known as the Central Business District of Miami, this area has some of the priciest real estate in Miami. But, if you’re looking for quality housing in an area thriving with activity then this is the neighborhood to see.
• Wynwood: The neighborhood is most known for its more artistic attractions. Look through the galleries or the art adorning the buildings to enjoy the more creative vibe of this neighborhood.
• Brickell: This area is also known as the financial district, and is the perfect area for people already well-versed in the city life. There is plenty of shopping, clubs, lounges and bars for those who are more used to a frenetic lifestyle.
• Little Haiti: This neighborhood is rising in interest as people continue to renovate and refine the many shops and commercial businesses. Costs or rising so invest early and look into renting while real estate quality here is still on the rise.

You are also need to look into how you’re going to get around Miami. A car isn't a bad idea considering the variety of highways and roads that flow through the area. However, when you don’t have a car or any other mode of driving anywhere available then the city has great public transportation. Some of the systems available to help get you around include the:

• Metrorail: This rail system is 25-miles long with a north and south bound track that stretches from Palmetto to Dadeland south. There are even multiple routes, the Orange line train can take you to Miami International Airport (MIA).
• Metromover: This is a free local system used to get help you get around downtown Miami. The mover will quickly drop you off in downtowns most popular hubs of culture and entertainment.
• Miami Buses: The metro bus system has over 95 routes that encompass the majority of Miami. This classic mode of transportation is running constantly throughout the year, with over 1,000 buses currently in service.
• Miami Trolley: If you are looking to live in the city, then it might be best to familiarize yourself with this quaint mode of transportation. The trolley makes its way across the city and acts like a bus would, there are less in service, but they are free to use.

You should also acquaint yourself with the different types of nearby stores Miami has in order to know how to get what you need. The area has plenty of locations to take note of for practical purposes.

1. Pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens, VH Pharmacy
2. Grocery Stores: Publix, Whole Foods, Sedanos
3. Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, Stop'n Shop, Red Apple Market

The Home Itself

The style of the home itself will also change its feel and you should look for a Miami apartment or condo for rent by owner that suits your preferences. Are you more interested in high-rise or low-rise apartments? Do you prefer a home on the ground floor or are you fine living a few levels up?

You should also see what the apartment comes with in order to understand what you will need to bring yourself. Standard appliances in a Miami apartment or condo like the refrigerator, washer, dryer, or air conditioning get old and break down over time. You don’t want any technical issues happening while you’re living there.

Check out the dimensions of the apartment or condo as well. The landlord should provide you with its full layout. Ceiling height, square footage, and storage space all make for a different feel for any Miami apartment or condo for rent. You don’t want to waste money on additional space you’re never going to use. You are not going to want to feel cramped and suffocated either, especially when Miami is experiencing its famous heat.

You need to examine the different rooms and see if their locations, sizes, and numbers are up to your standards. This is especially important for porches, decks, bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchens if it is more than just you moving in. The general floor plan should be provided by the renter so you can acquaint yourself with the different aspects of the apartment or condo.

From here it becomes more about the minor things that may not seem important, but can quickly become a problem if not fixed. Consider the following:

• Light switch functionality
• Location of any electrical sockets
• Plumbing and water pressure
• How much natural light there is
• Elevator and stair locations
• If the home is pet friendly
• Is the apartment or condo in a loud area?
• How does the parking look? Is it furnished or unfurnished?

Questions like these often come too late and at cost to you.

Visit Miami Apartments or Condos

Your best move may be to actually visit Miami apartments or condos in order to see their quality for yourself. Private tours and open houses are available to walk you through different homes for rent. Contact the landlord and see what’s available before researching the home more in-depth.

When you visit make sure to take lots of notes and photos and be on the lookout for any problems like:

• Noisy or rude neighbors
• Condensation on the windows
• Spotted surfaces
• Uneven floors
• Bad water pressure
• Faulty locks
• Any Holes

Don't be scared to ask the landlord any questions either:

• What are the apartment or condo’s best qualities?
• What repairs are needed?
• How old is the building and its systems?
• What are the systems throughout like?
• What are the amenities?
• What utilities are included?

Moving In to Your Miami Apartment or Condo

So you found a Miami apartment or condo for rent by owner you liked and are now in the process of moving in. What now? The first thing to do is inspect the premises, maybe even have a professional do it for you. If any new problems are found, then you need to inform your landlord and discuss how to fix them. You’ll also need to purchase some renters' insurance, which will help you out in emergencies when you need it. After that’s all taken care off, all you need to do is fully move in and enjoy the fact that you're living in one of the most popular destinations in the world.