5 Subtle Signs on Apartment Tours

As you look for a new place to live, you'll see many different apartment complexes. Almost all of them will have the same features - bedroom, bathroom, living room, and kitchen. Outside, most of them will have a pool, a gym, and a common area.

In many cases, there is a direct correlation to the amount of rent they charge and how luxurious their amenities are. However, there are a few things to notice when you tour an apartment that you might want to consider before you sign up.

1. Open security gate - If the complex has a security gate, it should be closed and in good order. Although these aren't bank-level protections, they deter some of the more obvious traffic that doesn't belong inside. If the gate is hanging open, you should probably ask the agent about it. If possible, drive by the apartment at night to confirm whether it is open or closed.

2. Smelly or dingy leasing office - The leasing office is the shoes of the complex, in that it is likely the nicest place because the complexes know that it is the first thing potential tenants see. On the flip side, if something seems off about the leasing office, rest assured that things are off elsewhere.

3. The floors - Notice what the floors look like. What they are made of matters - you shouldn't pay for wood floors and travertine tile if there's only laminate and linoleum. However, you should also judge the floors within their own context - a gouged-up wood floor might mean a lesser apartment than a laminate floor with no stains or damage. It's easy to take care of the counters and the fixtures - the floors require more attention.

4. Closed or locked amenities - A good apartment complex doesn't just possess nice amenities. The amenities can be downright luxurious, but it doesn't matter if they are closed or locked. Even if the closures are legitimate, it's a concern because that's part of what you pay in rent.

5. The other tenants - Look at how the people already renting there seem to be. Of course, nobody should be walking around with a Stepford-like grin on their face at all times, but take note if the mood feels grumpy or depressed. In particular, look at how they react to the leasing agent - the agent is going to be perky and nice, of course, but watch to see if the tenant's reaction is cheerful, hostile, or forced.

Hopefully, you now have a better idea about some of the more subtle clues about the apartment(s) that you're touring. Obviously, don't ignore obvious things, such as trash and dirt all over the place. In the end, listen to your gut, but make sure your gut doesn't want you to overpay for something.