<p>Hi just a few tips and pointers for parents and students looking to live off campus I was a Berklee College Alumni and did this myself. Best of LUCK</p>
<p>Real estate agencies:
Will save time by setting up all the appointments
Will guide a client through the rental process
Will match properties to a clients needs
Will explain about different landlords, buildings, and areas
Can try to negotiate on behalf of the client
Largest selection of properties
Depending upon the season and landlords, there are realtor fees
2. What are the advantages of living in a condo versus an apartment complex?
Condo complex:
Typically will be professionally managed
Have owner occupancy (thus a higher possibility of mixed age of occupants)
Typically nicer common areas
Tenants have to be more quiet due to owner occupancy
Individual units can differ dramatically
Occasionally will have a move-in charge</p>
<p>What factors play into pricing of Boston rental properties?
Supply vs. demand. There are over 25 schools in the Greater Boston area in close
vicinity to one another. Most Boston-area schools have increasing enrollment while
the housing quantity stays constant.
Landlords who own large amounts of properties can influence the pricing.
Most schools do not have enough dorms to fulfill housing needs. (Many schools even
rent apartments from landlords and use them as dorms.)
Convenience of being close to school. (Properties outside of the Boston area are
significantly more affordable.)Fenway/Kenmore/Symphony
Studio $1050-$1400
1 Bed $1400-$1900 1 Bed Split $1400-$1950 (1 or 2 people)
2 Bed $1800- $2000 2 Bed Split $2100-$2700 (2 or 3 people)
3 Bed $2700-$3600 3 Bed Split $3200-$3700 (3 or 4 people)</p>
<p>What you need before you look Figure out the area where you want to live.</p>
<p>begin as early as January for September listings.
. Decide on an apartment that suits your needs.
. Make sure your cosigner is creditworthy, as landlords review your cosigners credit report
and verify employment.
. Make sure you have at least one months rent in your bank accounts.
. To secure an apartment, it would be in your best interest if the owner took the apartment
off the market to prevent other realtors from showing/renting it. To do this, the owner
requires a deposit equal to one months rent. This is due the day you decide to put forth an
application. Note: Some landlords will not even consider an applicant unless they have a
deposit of one months rent. If the owner accepts your application, your deposit gets
applied to your first months rent payment. Should the owner reject your application, your
deposit will be returned. remeber a Broker usually charges a 1 Month realtor fee for service. sometimes the landlord will cover 1/2 or all but it is a market condition if it is hard to get an apartment you will most likley pay a fee in softer markets you will not.
. You should have two and a half months in reserves, in addition to the month rent you
already put down, for last month, security, and any misc. fees. The remainder of the last,
security, fees will be paid on a schedule set forth by the owner/property manager.</p>