Chicago has tons of apartment options for you to sift through, which can make it difficult to determine what to buy. Aside from staying in your budget, consider these must-haves to help you make a decision while looking to lease an apartment or another commercial real estate option in Chicago.
Location
From the West Loop to Edgewater, there are many options to choose from. If you have a location in mind, it should be on your must-have list. Choosing the right place can help you find the perfect neighborhood for your needs. Be sure to also note if you would like to be close to public transportation—consider your commute time and if you would like to be close by, or farther from, nightlife hot spots. Let your realtor know exactly what area you’d like to live in so they can show you the proper options within your budget.
Amenities
When looking for an apartment in the Windy City, make sure you are asking about the apartment’s amenities, whether it’s an in-unit laundry machine or a fully equipped gym. Make a checklist of your top two or three amenities for your next leasing decision. Unfortunately in a big city looking for more than two or three amenities with a tight budget can make your search much more difficult, so it’s important to understand what you can afford.
Utilities
One utility that many buyers list as a must-have is in-unit laundry. This can sometimes be a tall order in many Chicago apartments, so if this is a top priority for your next lease, you may have to compromise other amenities to find a space in your price range. Utilities can either be included in your rental cost or paid separately so if there is a separate fee for utilities you will want to be sure that it will not push your monthly lease over budget.
Pet-Friendly
If you’re looking to move with your furry friend, make sure you are only viewing pet-friendly spaces. Most of the time apartments are less strict with cat owners, which means you will have less difficulty if your companion is a feline. On the other hand, if you are planning on moving with your dog, you might be in luck in Chicago. Nearly 90% of commercial real estate in Chicago is dog-friendly, but make sure to keep the size and breed of your dog in mind when looking at property restrictions for dogs.
If you’re in the market for commercial real estate in Chicago, visit Frontline Real Estate Partners’ webpage, and we will be happy to help find your next dream space!