How to Do the PERFECT Apartment Tour – Graduating Texas Aggies Guide

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Moving to a new city after graduating from Texas A&M is one of the biggest moments in your early adult life. Your new apartment will influence your safety, lifestyle, commute, social life, mental health, and daily happiness. Touring apartments the right way is essential — and this guide will show you exactly how to do it like a pro.

Before we jump into the step-by-step process, there’s something every graduating Aggie should know:

⭐ Start by Getting an Expert Apartment Locator (It’s Free!)

Get an expert in apartment locating for the city you are going to. Their expertise will save you hours and even days of time, and they are typically free. Apartment locators make their money by collecting a small commission from the apartment community — not from you.

You don’t pay extra rent.
You don’t get different pricing.
You don’t miss out on specials.

You get the exact same rent deals, but with expert guidance. It is truly a win-win for new grads.

That’s exactly where our free Howdy Apartments service comes in.
We specialize in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio — and we work exclusively with graduating Aggies and new young professionals.

👉 Free signup here: https://howdyapartments.com/start

Now let’s walk through how to perform the PERFECT apartment tour.

1. Before the Tour: The Aggie Preparation Phase

Touring apartments without preparation is the #1 mistake new grads make. It leads to rushed decisions, missed red flags, and signing leases that don’t fit your lifestyle. Preparation gives you confidence and clarity — and Aggies are great at preparation.

Research the Area in Advance

Before your tour:

  • Look up the neighborhood’s safety reputation

  • Study Google Maps for walkability

  • Check nearby grocery stores, gyms, and coffee shops

  • Review evening lighting on Google Street View

  • Test commute routes to your future workplace

Your apartment is only as strong as the neighborhood around it.

Read Reviews With Strategy

Don’t stop at the star rating. Look for patterns:

  • Are complaints recent or older?

  • Are issues about noise? Safety? Parking?

  • Does management respond politely and quickly?

  • Are positive reviews mentioning clean facilities or friendly staff?

Reviews are a goldmine when read correctly.

Prepare Your Question List

Creating a list helps you ask about:

  • Real pricing

  • Move-in dates and availability

  • Amenity hours

  • Hidden fees

  • Parking

  • Pet policies

  • Safety

  • Lease flexibility

A leasing agent’s job is to answer your questions — use that to your advantage.

Save the Exact Address

Apartments often have multiple buildings, entrances, or even multiple phases.

Always confirm:

  • The correct address

  • Where to park

  • Which door to enter

  • The building where your unit would be located

Showing up confused starts the tour off on the wrong foot.

Dress Smart, Not Formal

First impressions matter. Wear something comfortable but presentable:

  • Polo or clean top

  • Nice jeans

  • Comfortable shoes

Expect to walk a lot.

2. Arriving for the Tour: First Impressions Tell the Truth

When you arrive, slow down and observe everything. First impressions often reveal what daily life will feel like.

Parking Lot Conditions

Ask yourself:

  • Is it clean and well maintained?

  • Is it well lit for nighttime walks?

  • Do cars look well cared for?

  • Are there plenty of guest spots?

Parking is one of the most underrated quality-of-life factors.

Maintenance & Cleanliness

Look at:

  • Sidewalk cleanliness

  • Landscaping

  • Trash areas

  • Building entrances

  • Smells in hallways

Good management maintains what you see outside just as well as inside.

Front Office Friendliness

If the staff seems disinterested or irritated before you’re a resident, imagine how they’ll respond when you need a repair.

3. During the Tour: The Official Aggie Apartment Checklist

This is where you take control. Here’s what every Aggie should do during the tour:

✔ Arrive 5–10 Minutes Early

Give yourself time to observe:

  • Noise levels

  • Tenants walking around

  • Building cleanliness

  • Parking behavior

✔ Take Photos and Notes

Every apartment begins to look the same after touring three or four locations.
Document everything:

  • Views

  • Closets

  • Bathrooms

  • Kitchens

  • Windows

  • Hallways

  • Parking garages

  • Amenities

Your phone becomes your memory.

✔ Test EVERYTHING

Don’t be shy — this is normal:

  • Turn on faucets

  • Flush the toilet

  • Test water pressure

  • Open windows

  • Turn on lights

  • Try the oven and stove

  • Open every cabinet

  • Check for water damage or musty smells

  • Test cell reception

Your future frustration depends on what you check today.

✔ Listen Carefully

Noise complaints are the #1 reason renters move out early.

Check:

  • Footsteps above

  • Street noise

  • Elevator noise

  • Dogs barking

  • Air conditioner units

A quiet model unit doesn’t guarantee a quiet building — always ask to see the actual building you would live in.

✔ Inspect Natural Light

Light affects mood more than most people realize.

Check:

  • Window direction (south = brightest)

  • View (parking lot vs. courtyard vs. wall)

  • Shade from buildings

  • Trees blocking light

Dark units feel smaller and lonelier quickly.

✔ Ask About the Community Vibe

Your neighbors will shape your experience:

Ask:

  • Is the building mostly young professionals?

  • Quiet or social?

  • Any community events?

  • Who uses the gym?

  • Are amenities ever crowded?

You want the building that fits your lifestyle.

✔ Get Full Pricing in Writing

Texas apartments often have additional monthly fees.

Ask for:

  • Rent

  • Utility estimates

  • Technology fees

  • Valet trash

  • Amenity fees

  • Parking fees

  • Pet rent

  • Admin fees

  • Deposit amounts

Leasing teams should be able to give you an all-in number.

✔ Understand Next Steps Clearly

Know:

  • How long your rate is locked in

  • How to apply

  • Move-in specials

  • Application requirements

  • Exact move-in dates

  • Whether you can hold the unit

The best units lease quickly, especially in Dallas and Austin.

4. After the Tour: Smart Decision-Making for Aggies

Once tours are complete, you’re not done. Now it’s time to evaluate.

Revisit Safety First

If anything felt uncomfortable, eliminate that option.

Compare Commutes

A long commute drains you daily.
Happiness increases dramatically when your drive is under 25 minutes.

Compare Lighting, Noise & Walkability

These factors affect your happiness more than granite countertops ever will.

Review Your Pictures and Notes

You’ll notice details you missed on-site.

Request a Video of the EXACT Unit

Flooring, cabinets, and finishes may vary. Always verify.

Revisit at Night

Visit again at 8:30–9:30 PM:

  • Is it loud?

  • Is lighting adequate?

  • Is parking still available?

  • Does it feel safe?

Nighttime reveals the truth.

5. Why Your First Apartment Matters More Than You Think

This is where you’ll:

  • Sleep after long workweeks

  • Host friends

  • Build routines

  • Recover from stress

  • Grow as an adult

  • Build confidence

  • Create your first “home” outside College Station

Choose wisely — choose confidently — and choose with clarity.

HOWDY APARTMENTS CONTACT 

Aggies—find your perfect apartment in your new city for FREE with Howdy Apartments!
We’ll guide you on the best areas, recommend the right places, and even set up your tours.
100% free and Aggie-focused.

👉 Sign up here: https://howdyapartments.com/start
📲 Call or text me anytime: Grant – 214-492-9791