Ready To Rent? Here’s Your Guide To A Seamless New Home Hunt!
Whether you’re looking for your first place, moving to Sioux Falls or ready to downsize, finding the perfect apartment truly is just a call or click away.
At Lloyd Companies, the family business behind 605-334-RENT (7368), we make moving simple, seamless and even fun. But keep this in mind: The sooner you start, the better.
“We get very busy in March because many people like to move in the spring,” Leasing Agent Dakota Scott said. “They’re leaving school, or their 12-month lease is up, so demand definitely goes up. Because of this, we suggest starting the process sooner than later.”
Follow this step-by-step guide to get started!
When you’re thinking of a move
Beginning the search for your next home truly is as easy as calling 605-334-RENT.
From there, “you’ll reach our leasing team – one of our four agents who are readily available,” Scott said. “You’ll speak to a real person, not an automated system.”
With Lloyd Companies, “we really personalize the experience,” she continued. “We ask a lot of questions to get to know you and what you’re looking for, and we answer your questions. You’re not sitting there talking or texting with a robot. Customer service is important to us throughout your experience with Lloyd, and it starts with that first contact.”
Your new apartment agent might ask about things like whether you want to be close to shopping, dining, downtown entertainment, bike trails or fitness centers. You can share information about your workplace and preferred commute as well as school preferences if you have them.
“We’ll talk about when you’re looking to move, your price range, whether you have pets, and what you’re looking for in a home – how many bedrooms, and whether you prefer a townhome or more traditional apartment,” Scott said.
After that, the Lloyd team will help narrow down options that could be a great fit, and you’re welcome to tour as many communities as you’d like.
“We’re very flexible and can work with you after hours and on weekends by appointment,” Scott added.
Prefer a more digital or virtual experience? Lloyd offers that too. You can complete the entire leasing process through www.334rent.com.
“We often see out-of-state residents who navigate through their apartment search entirely online because our website is so comprehensive,” Scott said. “We offer tons of virtual tours, great photography, and of course we’re always a phone call away if you have questions. If you’re in town, you’re also welcome to stop by our properties on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on your own and the property manager will be able to offer a tour.”
If possible, though, consider connecting with one of our agents to get the most personalized leasing experience.
“Our leasing agents wil help you navigate the entire process,” said Nikki Johnsen, Lloyd’s On-Site Trainer. “Whether you’re just graduating college, are looking for a new apartment or you’ve lived in your home 40 years and are a first-time renter, you’ll be walked through the whole process. And when you’re ready to move again, you can call that same representative back and work with them again.”
Common questions
Chances are, if you’ve got a question about moving, many others have already asked it. Our Lloyd experts weighed in on these:
What do I need to provide to be considered as a renter with Lloyd?
We will request proof of income. So if you are not currently working but have an offer letter or contract of some sort, you can provide that. If you don’t have proof of income, we will allow co-signers. We also run credit and criminal background screenings as part of our process. And we will look at your rental history and ask for references and verifications. We participate in crime-free housing which requires certain criteria to be met.
Should I be prepared to make a deposit before renting?
We require a security deposit, administrative fee, application fee and occasionally an additional month’s rent payment. Your personal leasing agent or property manager can go through those requirements with you, as they can vary.
How much notice do I need to give in order to find an apartment?
After you contact us with your general requirements, plan for at least five business days. With additional lead time, you will generally have more options available. The most important thing is to know your move in date, because that will affect your rent price.
Moving day and beyond
When you’ve found the perfect next move, it’s time to sign a lease and set the date.
“For the most part, the lease itself is all done online,” Scott said. “You’ll get an electronic version of the lease once you’re approved to live at the property and that will be your introduction to the online resident portal, where you’ll sign your lease, pay your rent, and can request maintenance or contact your property’s office.”
Signing up for utilities is your responsibility, so make sure those are ready to go, and then plan on about 30 minutes with your property manager on moving day.
“You’ll go through frequently asked questions, and they’ll show you how to navigate the mailboxes, parking, the package rooms and other amenities throughout your community” said Johnson.
After that, get ready to meet your neighbors and become part of your new community! Many Lloyd properties include tons of ways to get to know your neighbors including activities organized by your property manager at our pools, community rooms, fitness centers and playgrounds.
“We’re excited to have new buildings opening at many of our properties, so we have available homes right now including some very popular floor plans and locations,” Scott said. “Although we have availability now, we want you to get a head start because as soon as the weather warms up our communities will fill up again.”
