Picture a gigantic kitchen, brand new appliances, ceiling fans in every bedroom and a balcony with a stunning view. With features like these, any apartment can seem glamorous, leaving you eager to sign the lease in mere moments. But before you do, make sure not to become a victim to renter’s remorse!

Once you decide to begin searching for apartments, your excitement and nerves can often pressure you to sign a lease too quickly. Whether you are eager to sign because you are anxious to move out of your existing location or because you are worried the very first unit you like will be soon taken, slowing down can help you happily settle into an apartment long-term. The dreaded state of renter’s remorse spikes when tenants have not evaluated all of their options, and made emotional decisions without considering all of their alternatives. While compromising on some matters is necessary, try to evaluate the importance of all your concerns, small and large. Your best bet is to take your time, shop around, ask questions and contemplate the little things. Below is a list of some of the little details you may have not considered the first time around.

Parking Violations
There is no frustration like a long day at work, getting within feet from your home, only to drive around for an hour looking for a parking space. Does your apartment come with a reserved parking spot? Are there parking spots allocated for guests? If you don’t use a car, is public transportation easily accessible?

Bumper to Bumper
You might have great access to the highway, but the downside may include excessive noise, disruptive sleep and noticeable pollution. Endless traffic may increase your daily commuting time, even if the apartment is relatively close to your workplace. Think about the additional time it takes to travel if the traffic around town never seems to slow down.

Noisy Neighbors
Is there an airport close by? Does your next-door neighbor have four howling dogs? Has the complex next to you been under construction for months? Concerns about noise are valid; your home should be a place of relaxation for you without having to wear earplugs all the time.

Laundry Time
Are there individual washer/dryer units in your apartment or public laundry rooms in your building? Will you need to take your laundry off site? The accessibility you have to laundry facilities can turn an average task into a dreaded chore.

Staying Fit
Is there a facility for you to work out in your apartment complex? Does your rental include a membership to a nearby gym? Having to find a fitness center and finance your own membership can be headache. Ease of access to a gym will make it easier for you to find the motivation to get there, relieve stress and stay healthy.

It Won’t Stop Leaking!
Check out your appliances. It is better to know about a problem before you move all of your belongings in and then have to wait two weeks to have a working refrigerator. View the apartment while it is still light out and go around testing each appliance. Make sure to ask what the procedure is for requesting maintenance service. A fast and effective maintenance team can keep your aggravations about broken appliances minimal.

Making Room
There is nothing that ruins the ambiance of a well decorated apartment like clothes stuffed in corners because you have no closet space. If your prospective apartment lacks significant closet space, you need to determine whether you can still utilize the space and fit your belongings, or if you will need to rent out storage space. Make sure you will be satisfied with the fit.

There are so many details that we often neglect to think about before choosing an apartment. Take your time, weigh your options and choose an apartment you will be happy with for the next couple of years. Your space is your haven; it should be as stress free as possible. Be reasonable with your expectations, but be sure you can live with the compromises you do make.

Just remember, you don’t have to surrender to renter’s remorse.

Good luck finding the best apartment for you!