The Apartment -

When viewing an apartment, look beyond the surface to identify potential red flags.

: Be wary of weird smells, signs of pests (like droppings along baseboards), water damage on ceilings, or peeling paint. The Apartment

: Focus on high-priority items first, such as a mattress, basic cookware, and cleaning supplies (broom, all-purpose cleaner, and a plunger). When viewing an apartment, look beyond the surface

Use modern tools to narrow down your options based on your lifestyle needs. When viewing an apartment

Before looking at listings, establish what you can realistically afford.