6 Questions to Ask Your Apartment Hunting Service

Finding the perfect rental property isn't easy, and sometimes working with a professional apartment hunting service can help lower the stress levels of an apartment search--especially if you're in a new town or city. An apartment hunting service is especially valuable when you're working with a tight budget and don't know anything about the area; not only will you forgo the hours of endless online searching and Craigslist ad-mining, but you're much more likely to work with professional and reliable landlords. Here are just eight questions to ask your apartment hunting service before you get started on your search:

1. Do they offer discounts on moving expense? Many apartment hunting services work with local moving companies that may extend a discount. It's definitely worth asking about professional moving service and options so you don't have to worry about coordinating the entire move yourself.

2. How much time are they wiling to devote to your search? One of the key benefits of using an apartment hunting service is reducing the hassle of scheduling appointments and locating landlords. If your locator isn't willing to devote at least a few hours per week to finding a match for you, find an expert who can offer the maximum time it will take.

3. Can they manage your financial matching options? If you're working with a locator or broker, they may be able to work with your financial situation and approach only the management companies and landlords that will be willing to rent to you. this makes it much easier for you to consider only the apartments that you qualify for.

4. How long have they lived/worked in the area? You want to work with someone who knows everything about the safety of the area, commuting times, and other local information that isn't so easy to learn online.

5. Do they have references? The Better Business Bureau is a good place to start with a quick background check on your apartment service, but simply asking for references can help you make a much better decision.