There you sit, starting a search for a truly great place to rent in Providence. The computer is deftly searching the websites trying to find that gem, when up pops hundreds of listings. Now, the only problem you are encountering is where to begin.

Since to date there is no real Providence apartment atlas, you might call the rental scene here ‘uncharted.’ Navigating it can be challenging, especially for higher end flats which are less likely to be posted on Craigslist.

If you’re looking for a modern, high end apartment, you have several great options. Working with a Realtor to help you find the right location is recommended, especially since it won’t cost you anything. Also, Realtors frequently send referrals to most of the complexes, so they can typically help negotiate a better rent price than you can get on your own, and often can get extra amenities which are usually extra, such as parking.

There are a handful of places Downtown and a few best kept secrets only a 10 minute drive to the city. With the latter you can get more for your money and even luxury waterfront living. So if you’re looking for a little luxury, here are some suggestions:

Downtown:
1.  Residences at the Westin
2.  Waterplace Park
3.  The Promenade
4.  Westminster and Peerless Lofts
5.  The 903

Best Within a 10 Minute Drive:
1. Rosedale Landing – Edgewood, Cranston-Luxury Waterfront-Check out this week’s Rental Feature for an Exclusive Video Tour!
2. Rumford Center – East Providence in a fabulous mill restoration (complete w/cafe)
3. Slater Mill – Pawtucket Arts District – Another great mill restoration for Loft Living

Even I am still discovering what’s out there…for more information on these and other Premier Rental Communities, contact me!

Looking for an apartment for September 1st here in Providence? Join the club! The rental scene is nearing critical mass.  Students & faculty are entering the area colleges, the competition for the good spaces gets fierce, and people get desperate to secure an apartment. If you find a place you want, I recommend you be prepared to rent it on the spot, since someone else might take it while you are scrambling to get everything together for the application. Here are some tips on how to make sure you are ready to spring once you find that perfect domicile:

1. Have funds available: You are likely going to have to put down an application fee, first month’s rent and a security deposit, so make sure the funds are already transferred into your account. A Realtor will question your seriousness and stability as a tenant if you say, “I’ll take it!” and then have to call 5 people and work some banking magic in order to give them the money.

2. Have a checkbook on hand: This may seem like a no brainer, but you would be surprised how many people I’ve shown an apartment to on a Sunday who then say, “Ooops, I don’t have any checks. Can you hold the apartment until tomorrow and I will get up early and go to the bank for a money order?” Answer is usually no, and if someone else comes prepared to rent, you lost the apartment to them.

3. Be ready with contact numbers: Most applications call for your current landlord’s phone number and possibly even your previous landlord’s number, as well as your employer, supervisor and personal references. Have these numbers on hand, and let these people know in advance that a Realtor or new apartment owner may be contacting them, especially your current landlord. The biggest ‘faux pas’ is not telling your landlord you’re moving! When a Realtor calls for a reference and your landlord says, “Uhh, she didn’t tell me she was moving,” this makes you look very irresponsible and weakens your chances significantly.

4. Have all your questions written down and ask them up front: Make sure you gather all the info you need from the Realtor or landlord before committing to an apartment. Once you’ve submitted your application and your deposit, if you start calling with questions you forgot to ask, “Oh, by the way, is there visitor’s parking? Can my boyfriend’s dog stay here every other weekend? ,” the Realtor is likely to think you are disorganized, getting cold feet or that you’re going to be high maintenance. They may continue showing the apartment to others.

5. Choose a backup apartment: Just because you submit an application and put down a deposit on your favorite place doesn’t mean it’s a sure thing. Don’t get caught with all your eggs in one basket. Have a 1st and 2nd choice, and tell the Realtor or landlord of apartment number 1 that you need to know within 24 hours whether it’s yours. This is a reasonable request, shows you are serious, and will prevent any shiftiness as well as protect you from having to start all over again.

Feel free to call me for apartment hunting advice! Also, I am still listing new apartments every day, so check the website often www.residentialpropertes.com/rentals

12 Adams Circle Rehoboth, MA

Absolutely beautiful 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home, built in 2001, in premier Adams Farm in Rehoboth. Rehoboth school system. Chef’s kitchen with state of the art appliances and family breakfast nook. Lots of cabinets and storage plus island with granite countertops.

Formal dining room, family room with fireplace and sliders to private deck. Master suite with jacuzzi and walk in closet. Gleaming hardwoods, dramatic entry foyer with cathedral ceilings, very large yard, 3 car garage, washer/dryer, central air-every amenity.

20 minute drive to Providence. Available furnished or unfurnished. Owner will consider short term if kept furnished for $3500 per month, $3200 per month unfurnished.

Stunning home!

Curious to know what it’s like living in downtown Providence?

Experience downtown city living with FREE tours! These tours include information and discussion of all the amenities that accompany a city lifestyle. Seven different properties will be featured across the city. Attendees will not only get a glimpse of these properties, but will also be given recommendations on restaurants, coffee shops, live music venues, theaters and other areas of interest.

Keep your eyes open for event balloons around the city. Free parking (at Regency Plaza, The Promenade, Grants Block, and meters throughout downtown), and free shuttle services are provided. After the completion of the tours at 5 p.m., there will be a reception at Aspire located at the Hotel Providence, to meet with current residents. Don’t miss this great opportunity!

What: Downtown Providence Living Tour
When: Saturday, June 27th 12-5 PM

Featured Properties :

* 333 Atwells
* The 903
* Westminster Lofts
* Regency Plaza
* The Promenade
* Waterplace
* Residences at the Westin