Charlotte, NC is a thriving, southern, growing city with a population of approximately 1 million people. The city consistently ranks highly in quality of life and affordable living.
If you're planning a move to beautiful Charlotte, you must study the market to figure out where to live. Charlotte's rental market is thriving, so you'll have plenty of options when searching for your next home.
The tips below will guide you if you're thinking about moving to Charlotte, NC.
Consider Your Family's Present and Future Needs
You have to know your family's needs first if you're thinking of living in Charlotte NC. Consider the number of kids you have, their ages, and what kind of clothing and belongings you regularly add to your home.
Think of these sorts of details as you shop for the perfect place:
- The number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- The layout and floorplan of the home
- Whether you want a one-story or two-story
- Garage space and parking
- Storage space for the family
You'll be better able to appreciate the benefits of living in Charlotte when you choose a house that suits your family.
Explore Charlotte's Neighborhoods
Location is everything when shopping for houses in Charlotte NC. Consider the vibe of the neighborhood, and whether you're looking for something more traditional or near the hustle and bustle of the city. Other neighborhoods are situated in historic areas.
Think about things like your commute time and where your kids will be zoned for school. Charlotte's Mecklenburg County is home to about 180 schools in different grade levels. Consider how many years you intend to spend in the home, and how that dictates what middle and high school your child will attend as they get older.
Here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte that you can consider:
- South End
- Freedom Park
- Ballantyne
- Myers Park
- Dilworth
- Uptown
- Midtown
- North Charlotte
- Revolution Park
Weigh the most important attributes in the neighborhood that you're looking for. From there, you can compare them to each other, and scope out rental properties in the best areas.
Stick to a Budget
Once you've found some family homes in Charlotte NC it's time to crunch numbers. Calculate how much income you bring in monthly and annually. Make sure that you earn two-and-a-half to three times the rent amount so that you never have a problem with on-time payments.
Ask whether any utilities are included, and factor those expenses into your monthly budget. You'll also need a renter's insurance plan to protect your rental interior and the building.
Maximize Your Square Footage and Yard Space
When looking for the best rental home, consider the amount of space that will make your family comfortable. Make sure you have enough space to decorate to your liking while leaving room for walkways and a natural flow of traffic.
The rental company should provide you with a layout that lets you see the exact dimensions of the home and how it is arranged. This lets you envision living there, and know what furniture pieces you can bring with you.
Assess the outdoor space as well. Find out if the property comes with a front yard, back yard, or common area space. Consider whether the yard is enclosed, and with what kind of fence.
Speak to a Leasing Agent
Your hunt for houses to rent isn't complete without speaking to a leasing agent. These professionals can explain every detail of the property and let you know when it's available. They'll schedule tours and facilitate the application process for you.
Leasing agents also typically advertise and manage several properties all over town. If you don't get approved for one property, they can let you know better options that might open up at other properties.
Working with a leasing agency minimizes the time it takes to find a new place and can help you weed out options sooner.
Get Your Credit in Order
Credit is crucial when you're searching for a rental home. Property managers will need to see your history of borrowing and paying back, and whether you have any bankruptcies or evictions on your record.
If you have time before your search, boost your credit score a few points so that you can get approved without needing a co-signer. Talk to a credit coach and pull your report and score to know where they stand.
Take a Tour
Never sign your name to a lease without touring the rental property in person. You'll get a feel for the environment and whether you like the neighborhood.
Property managers with homes for rent in Charlotte NC will often let you choose between a guided or self-guided tour, and you'll be free to view it at your own pace. Give yourself plenty of time to rent a home since they fly off the market every day. Know your timetable, and whether you're moving for work or just looking for an upgrade.
Advice on Moving to Charlotte NC
Moving to Charlotte NC can help you live the life of your dreams in a thriving southern city. You'll love the environment, commerce, and access to plenty of things to do. Take advantage of the tips above so that you can find your next Charlotte dream home to rent.
Let Bottom Line Property Management help you find your next home. We have years of experience and are happy to help you with your next big move in life. Shoot us a line, or give us a call at (704) 379-7492.
