Whether you’re just beginning to explore the idea of living off-campus at Texas A&M University or have been living off-campus and are in search of new College Station rentals, you’ve come to the right place to learn more. Finding the right living situation can provide the stability and independence that you need to be successful throughout your college career, but there are a few key considerations to make before taking the leap.
The first step is deciding what type of living situation will work best for your specific needs: commuting, often the cheapest if it’s an option; on-campus housing, which can often be more expensive; off-campus rental homes; and buying a condo or home. If you decide to go the off-campus rental route, I’ve come up with a few tips to save you time, money and heartache along the way.
College Station Home Rentals
Tip #1: Start Your Search Early. You will not be the only student in search of College Station real estate close to campus, and competition can be high for the good homes or apartment buildings. It is always best to begin your search in the summer or the semester prior to when you need the home. Always leave yourself plenty of time to look around and find the best apartment or home that meets your needs in terms of location, size and budget.
Do you have a specific neighborhood in College Station that you can see yourself living in? Drive through the neighborhood, making note of both appealing and unappealing areas. A local real estate professional, like myself, can help you locate the neighborhoods and apartment buildings that meet your specific requirements.
Tip #2: Visit Several Neighborhoods/Apartment Buildings. This is particularly important for those college students looking for apartment-style housing. It is a good idea to find a few buildings that you like, and schedule a tour of the different floor plans in each. This is also helpful in establishing a backup if you find the apartment you fell in love with was rented to a prior applicant.
As a local real estate professional, I have access to many of the area’s top apartment complexes and can assist you in scheduling tours of the buildings that interest you. One of my current rentals, 2410 B Bosque, is an excellent example of College Station apartment living and is just a ten-minute drive from TAMU.
Tip #3: Make a Checklist Before Viewing. Before setting out on your first day touring apartments and rental homes, make a list of things to look for. Are utilities included? Are pets allowed? Is there space for your king size bed? What is the parking situation? Are you close to the TAMU bus route? What are the lease terms? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you determine the best home for your needs.
Tip #4: Keep in Mind the Lease Terms. Always ensure you fully understand the lease terms prior to signing any lease document. Of course, a Realtor can assist with this process. One of the most important considerations to make is the term of the lease. Is it 12 months or 6 months? Does the term run from August to August? Will you be around campus enough in the summer to justify the amount you’ll pay in rent?
Tip #5: Be Ready to Give a Deposit: With the off-campus housing market being quite competitive, particularly right before the start of the school year, it is imperative to be prepared with a deposit. Because most college students do not have a long credit history, you will often need a co-signer with a strong credit score to assume responsibility in the event that you do not pay the rent. In most cases, the co-signer will be a parent, other family member or friend.
These are just a few tips to help you find your ideal College Station home rental for the school. For the most up-to-date advice and access to all of the College Station home rental listings, connect with me today. With decades of experience helping college students find Texas A&M University housing, it would be my pleasure to share my knowledge and experience with you.
In the meantime, be sure to browse the rentals on my website or use the search capabilities of my site to explore College Station rental homes in your desired price range. I am always just a phone call away and look forward to hearing from you soon!