Answer: | Hi, great question! First of all, lets talk about getting ready to call. Make sure you are calling at a time when you can devote yourself to the call and have no distractions. Barking dogs, yelling kids and the TV in the background, don't make that wonderful first impression. You want to approach the landlord (even on the phone) as if you were going into a job interview. Make sure your phone battery is full and / or you have lots of time on your cell. Ask the landlord if this is a convenient time for you to call, if s/he is busy, you can ask them when a good time to call them back would be - they will appreciate your consideration.
The main questions you need answers to are:
1. where is the apt. located?
2. When is it available?
3. Do you require first and last months rent?
4. Are utilities included?
if not - you need to ask
A. - what type of heat is in the apartment? (keep in mind electric heat is very expensive)
B. for an estimate of the amount for utilities each month - remember that they will be higher in the winter, with the heat costs - so ask for a winter average, not a summer month.
C. ask about water and sewer is it included?
5. When can you go and see it?
Always remember when you do view the apt. to be clean and dressed - and thank the landlord for their time, have references and a deposit ready if you like the place. Good luck!
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