How Long Will it Take to Find an Apartment in Bradenton and Sarasota?

Are you looking for a new apartment in the Bradenton and Sarasota area? It’s important to start early, particularly if you’re looking for a luxury unit with lots of amenities. The best places can fill up fast, but it’s worth the wait to get your dream home. Here are some of the steps you’ll need to plan for in your apartment search and how much time you should allow for each.

1. Starting Your Search

There are numerous websites that will help you find local apartments. Simply search for apartment communities in Bradenton or Sarasota to get a list of nearby options. Decide on your must-haves so you can quickly weed out units that don’t fit. Depending on how niche your needs are, you may have a list of potential apartments in a matter of minutes, or your search could take several hours.

It’s best to begin your apartment search at least three months before your move-in date so you have time to wait for an opening if your desired community doesn’t have an apartment home available right away.

2. Scoping Out Areas

Once you have a list of hopefuls, it’s time to check out the area. Drive through the community and look for warning signs like broken vehicles that haven’t moved in months or trash that’s piled up beside the dumpster. You may even want to drive through after dark to see if that part of town is safe and quiet, or loud and busy at night.

Plan 30 to 40 minutes to investigate each area, as well as drive time to get between them if you’re visiting several spots in one day.

3. Taking Tours

If you’re satisfied with an apartment’s area, it’s time to drop in and take a tour. Most communities will offer same-day tours, but it never hurts to call ahead. Take the time to inspect each unit thoroughly. Look for things like closet space, cabinet and drawer space in the kitchen, and linen storage in or near the bathroom, as well as the placement of windows and doors to consider how your furniture will fit.

If possible, ask to see a vacant apartment home as well as the model so you have an idea of how apartments are maintained between residents. Give yourself at least an hour to tour each one and the property.

4. Completing Applications

Once you’ve found an apartment that you love, you'll complete an application. Depending on the area and time of year, you may find several units immediately available, or you may need to put your name on a waiting list.

Processing and approving your rental application can add some time to the process as well. Your leasing agent will be able to give you a better idea of how long this will take.

You’ll also want to thoroughly review any contingencies and policies. As an example, when you lease a Springs luxury apartment home, we will release you for any reason within 30 days of move-in. It’s part of our Springs pledge and our commitment to serving you.

Do you have additional tips to add, to help residents find the right apartment community? Share your top strategies for a successful search in the comments section below.