I think I'm nervous

[eveglass]

As I've mentioned a few times before, I'm starting to look for an apartment for Marc and I, ideally for September 1. I admit, I'm quite nervous about the whole situation. I've never really done any apartment hunting before, and I'm sure there's all sorts of protocol things I have no idea about. It doesn't help that our budget is quite low, so the places we can look for are limited. Unfortunately, that's not going to change for at least 2 years.

I'm sure once I actually start calling places (in, oh, about an hour, when I get home), I'll hit my stride and feel better. But until then, I'm just really nervous and stressed.

Anyone have any sage words of advice for me?

Comments

[concordantnexus.livejournal.com]

0.) Figure out where you need to be - school and work for both of you.
1.) Look at both city and public transit maps - to figure out which neighbourhoods you want to try.
2.) Grab a cellphone and notebook and walk around those neighbourhoods, the majority of good apartments never appear on the internet, write down numbers and make appointments as you go - sometimes you can get to check out the apartment within 30 minutes of calling. The best deals in Montreal are to be found this way, by walking around and dealing with 'less efficient' landlords that don't have the know how or money or time to put stuff up on the net or even in newspapers.

(The rare apartments that are good that hit the net disappear within an hour or two of hitting the net)

[tygrbabe.livejournal.com]

i totally agree with this and also to tell everyone you know that you're looking for a place with general idea of what you're looking for since word of mouth is also a great way to score a nice place (that's how i got my current place). check out the mtl_apts lj too.

good luck!

[susieaily.livejournal.com]

Totally agree with concordantnexus too. Definitively walk around the neighborhood (come to Verdun, come here!) on a day you are free, call, knock, and usually you will get to see the places on the same day. It's worthwhile to get a feel of the price range / quality by visiting many aparts, but if you do see one you want to settle, don't delay too long, some good apartment goes pretty fast.