If you are planning to move to a new Branson apartment that suits you, there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to renting an apartment.

Similarly, you will find a lot of choices when it comes to apartment types. Your budget, the style of apartment and its location will play an important role in choosing what you want. Before you sign the lease for your next Branson apartment, you should first learn more about the most common apartment types, which are listed below.

1, 2 or 3 bedroom Apartment- The most common type of apartment is a standard 1, 2 or 3 bedroom unit. This is the typical type of apartment most people think of when they consider renting a unit. This space usually will have a living room, kitchen, bathroom and separate bedrooms, depending on the floor plan.

Studio Apartment- A studio is a one-room apartment that comes with a bathroom and a kitchen, or a smaller scale kitchen, which may only have a compact refrigerator and microwave. The type of kitchen will depend on the individual unit you are looking at. The main room serves as both the living room and bedroom quarters. A studio apartment is generally the most cost effective apartment type. 

Loft - A loft is a large room apartment with high ceilings. It is often an open floor plan and has the “bedroom” exposed to the rest of the unit.  This type of apartment usually exists in commercial buildings that have been renovated to become residential apartment units.

Duplex - A duplex is usually a home that has two living spaces on either side of it. Each residence has all of their own amenities and private living space, however there is a shared wall between the two sides of it. 

Garden Apartment- A garden level apartment is always located on the ground level and has access to the “backyard” of the apartment building. It is most often located on the lowest level of the building.

Commercial - Some commercial buildings also have areas that are zoned as a living space. This type of apartment is located in a building with businesses. There is usually an exterior entrance for residents to use without having to go into the place of business or storefront. 

After learning about apartment types, you need to consider the other factors that will help you choose the apartment that best suits you.

Focus on the location. This aspect is possibly the most important consideration before you commit to renting the property. If the area you prefer is near your job, school or family, make sure the site of your soon-to-be rental is either a short drive away, within walking distance or close to public transportation. You should also keep in mind the area's potential traffic during rush hour. Even if your job is just 10 minutes away, it could take you considerably longer than that during heavy traffic.

Choose your ideal layout. Depending on the structure of an apartment or single-family home, layouts are always different. Even in the same complex, you might find a handful of varied styles all with similar square footage. Some may include reading nooks and office spaces, while others are a more simple layout; enough area for a dining room, living room and bedrooms. It is always crucial to determine whether or not a layout will work with your lifestyle and furnishings. If you have a home-based job, try to find a designated area for a small office.

Consider the amenities. Be sure to know the amenities of the rental unit. Find out if the apartment is equipped with a washer and dryer. Does the apartment complex feature a shared gym, additional parking spots or storage areas? Make sure also to get information regarding pet fees, building costs (water, trash, maintenance), utilities and internet and cable services, too. They are all essential things to take into account once the monthly bills start to pour in. Your monthly rent might jump a few hundred dollars depending on additional fees.

Ask yourself if you can afford it. This is the most important thing to consider. Before you sign a lease, compare the price to neighboring properties. Is the price more or less the same as other rentals in the area? If it is slightly more expensive, does it include amenities that make it worthwhile? It is always important to ask yourself whether or not you can comfortably afford the monthly rent.

If you lose your job for some reason, do you have enough savings to shoulder the monthly rent? While you're evaluating the cost, take account of your other monthly expenses, too. If you fall short, consider adding a roommate to help fill in the financial gaps.

Move quickly. When you start your apartment search, be prepared to act fast. Properties can be swiftly taken. That means when you find your ideal Branson apartment, it might require a speedy decision — sometimes less than a couple of days. Before you begin your apartment search, it is best to have some of the logistics in place (such as you already have selected a moving company and cardboard boxes already purchased).

Before you sign the lease, read carefully. Once you've found the right apartment for you, make sure to read the fine print, in order to fully understand what you are committing to.



If you are searching for a Branson apartment or Branson rental home to lease long-term, Thousand Hills Realty is the premier management company in the Branson/Tri-Lakes area. Call us today at (417) 337-8081 to learn more about our current units available.