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Health & Fitness

How to Select a Luxury New-Construction Apartment in Evanston

For even the most experienced Evanston resident, selecting a luxury new construction apartment before the development is complete can be a very difficult task. Without being able to walk the around home, take in the views or see the finishes, how can renters know which Evanston apartment will be right for them?

This is a question I’ve been asked many times during my years in the apartment industry, as I have been fortunate enough to work on some of the most exciting new-construction apartment communities in the Chicago area. And when these hot properties, like Central Station in Evanston, start pre-leasing, people want to have the first choice of apartments – which often means signing a lease before the property is complete.

To help Evanston renters navigate the process of selecting an apartment that is still under construction, here are four tips:

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1.)    Select your location first.

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Renting a luxury new-construction apartment in Evanston is a lifestyle choice and as such, the location is key. And although the apartment itself isn’t complete, you can certainly get a feeling for the type of lifestyle you’d lead by getting to know the surrounding area. If you enjoy dinning out, visit Evanston restaurants near the building, or if you like to shop, stop by the stores and boutiques. Check out nearby transportation options for ease of getting to work or visiting friends and family. And frequent surrounding parks or grab a seat at a sidewalk coffee shop and take in the community – after all, the people you see may be your neighbors!

2.)    Narrow down what you want.

Being very clear about what you are looking for in an Evanston apartment will help ensure you select the right home – even if you are working from only a floor plan. So make a list of your must-haves such as number of bedrooms, pet-friendly apartment features, space for a special piece of furniture, or a view, and make sure the unit you select meets most if not all of your criteria. Remember – if you sign a lease before the building is complete, you’ll have more options available to satisfy your wish list.

3.)    Utilize virtual tools.

High-end apartment developers know that savvy renters are looking for more than a 2-D paper floor plan when choosing a luxury apartment in Evanston. So they should have additional tools available, such as virtual space planners, that let would-be renters arrange furniture on the floor plan online to help them see how they would live in the space.

4.)    Tour other communities.

Lastly, what can give many would-be renters peace of mind is to tour comparable communities by the same developer and management company. This will give an example of the quality of their work, and a leasing agent will be able to show you what aspects would be similar to the Evanston apartment you’re considering. You could also speak with current residents at another property to learn about their experience with your potential management company.

And, of course, you should feel completely comfortable asking the leasing agent any questions you may have. That’s what they are there for! Although selecting a new apartment is a very big decision, it should also be one that is fun. Happy hunting!

 

Diana Pittro

Executive Vice President, RMK Management Corp.

Central Station, Evanston
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