WEB WATCH

rentnet.com
homestore.com
apartmentsearching.com
apartmentworld.com

Do you know where you are going to live next school year? Many Temple students are currently thinking about getting an apartment. For some, on campus housing may not be tangible, or for a great many the independence of living in an off-campus apartment may seem appealing.

The search for the perfect apartment can be very time consuming – that is why Web Watch has come to the rescue.

Rentnet.com provides a simple search based on the area most desired by the visitor. A search of apartment listings in Center City, the Northeast, as well in suburbs like Langhorne and Ambler are available. Simply click on the area of interest and search from a studio or one, two, three or more bedroom apartment. The search will bring up a sizable listing of apartments, although a majority of the places on the list are located in the Northeast.

The site allows the visitor to go through a 360-degree virtual tour that gives a sense of being in the actual apartment complex.

While rentnet.com is handy, homestore.com must be visited – no exceptions. This site contains every possible bit of information on renting.

The most helpful feature is that the search isn’t just performed by city or zip code, but by college. This means that by simply typing in, “Temple University” in the search box, one can find the apartments available closest to campus, including information on the distance from campus.

Homestore.com is more extensive than rentnet.com in that it narrows down the choices of the apartment seeker. One can perform an apartment search specifying the apartment features (such as air conditioning, patio), as well as the community features (such as laundry facility, transportation). Once an apartment is found, information such as the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and doctor’s office are just a click away.

Photos are provided with the apartment description in some cases, but not all. Homestore.com leaves it up to the visitor to find out more information about the apartments. Prices are not always included with the apartment listing. However, the telephone number of the landlord always is. A roommate search center, as well as information on moving and decorating is practical.

Perhaps on the most valuable features is the information on connecting utilities. The site actually explains who to call for water, telephone, and cable hook-up, saving you a lot of time once you get in your new apartment.

Another site, apartmentsearching.com is beneficial to those who want to search more specifically for either an apartment complex (furnished or unfurnished), a house, or an independent apartment. Apartments are listed by the number of bedrooms, the number of bathrooms and the price range.

The demographics, such as the average income of those who live in the area, are also provided, which is helpful in learning about a neighborhood one might know little about.

A final site that may come in handy is apartmentworld.com. Its advantage is that one can request information on a listed apartment from the landlord through the use of e-mail. Also, a map to the property is extremely helpful.

Remember: the perfect apartment is out there. Visit some sites for research and then get out there and find your lovely new home.