Making the Most of Your Loft Tour

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Were all busy. Some of us more than others, but we all are trying to fit so much into our busy days that it can get pretty exhausting. Especially in the summer when we try to get all of our tedious tasks over with early so we just might be able to fit in a couple hours on the beach...unless of course its raining! I've been struggling to multitask this summer as well. Trying to fit in time to write entries in my blog, spend time with family and friends, entertain my husband and greyhound, and oh yeah work, I'm pooped!

One crucial bit of advice I always have for my clients during especially busy times is to be as prepared to tour potential homes as possible. What does this mean you ask? Basically what I mean is to tell your agent as much as possible what you and or your family needs/wants in a Loft or apartment. The little details, the seemingly insignificant issues, and the two 80 lb Great Danes you forgot to mention, could be very important bits of information. The moment you wish to yourself: "I hope it has...." is the wish your agent will never be able to fulfill unless we know what you want.

I realize sometimes clients honestly don't know what they want, but...will know when you see it. Sometimes getting a feel for what is available to you in your price range is just as important to a client as being able to put into words what their perfect apartment looks like. Also in busy times sometimes people are either not in the city they want to rent in or can't find the time to tour and have friends or family tour spaces for them. Its important to disclose that the apartment isn't for you so the agent can point out features that may be of interest to the potential resident such as walking distance to points of interest.

If I were to make an abbreviated check list (in no particular order) of how to make the most of your loft tour it would be as follows:

1. Square Footage.
Know what the minimum or average square footage you and your family need to be comfortable and happy is. Also it helps to know what your current square footage is for comparison. It may even be helpful to know what the square footage of friends or families homes that you love are to again compare.

2. Style.
Yes this blog is mostly dedicated to the open Loft style but we do acknowledge that this may not be for everyone. Know what style you are looking for and can consider. You may love the open concept but it might not work if you are not use to being creative with your space or are in a roommate situation. Be realistic.

3. Wall Color.
When you own you are allowed to do whatever you want with your home. When you rent that's not the case. However, a new trend in some Loft buildings is accent wall painting that allows you to pick a color of paint to have one wall (an accent wall) painted the color of your choice. Usually that is not an option however and its important to keep that in mind. Often times you are allowed to paint as long as you are able to return the walls to the color they were before you painted your beautiful masterpiece. Note earth tones are generally the preferred colors to paint walls. Bright colors like fuchsia are typically not encouraged.

4. Parking.
Know what you need. If you only want to park your mint condition Delorean in a garage for obvious reasons that's worthy of mention. Also if distance from your Loft to the car needs to be within a 2 minute walk, that would also be important to convey to your agent.

5. Move in Fees.
It is important to know what your move in budget truly is. After the moving truck, pizza and beer used to bribe friends, and time taken off work to pack, you may not have enough for a security deposit equal to a full months rent. Its important to have this moving budget in mind. Many of the Lofts I use to show had low move in fees, often with only a $500 security deposit, 1st, and last months rent due at lease signing to help ease the transitional costs.

In the end: 
Honesty, articulating you and your family's needs, being realistic, and finding an agent you can trust are all necessary parts of finding the best place for you...your home.