There are a number of reasons why you might be looking for temporary housing (also known as extended-stay housing). Maybe you’re in the middle of a home renovation, and need to live outside the chaos of contractors and dangerous tools and materials. Maybe you’ve taken a new job in an unfamiliar city, and haven’t sold your old house and need someplace to stay right away. Maybe you’re a globe-trotting cosmopolitan, traveling from one city to the next but not wanting to lay down roots anywhere. OK, maybe that last part is unlikely, but for whatever reason, if you’re looking for extended-stay housing you need to know the best way to find the best housing.
One way is to contact a Realtor. Thought they might initially try to talk you into buying a house, if you stick to your guns it is likely that they have contacts all over the city you’re looking in, and they can give you some good recommendations. If that doesn’t work for you, try the Realtor’s assistant. They often get calls and marketing materials for the larger corporate housing firms, and might have some names or phone numbers they can share with you.
Another option is to check local listings. Most temporary housing-providers advertise in Apartment Guides, real estate websites, and other mediums where one might look to find a place to live. If you don’t see anything right away, take heart. You can probably call the business office of some such publication and they can likely put you in touch with a person who can help you.
Once you find a list of contacts, you will need to know what you’re looking for in your extended-stay housing. For instance, do you want to live in the city, or in the suburbs? Do you want lots of amenities, or are you looking more for something that is very inexpensive? Depending on the length of time you intend to spend in your temporary housing place, you will want to think about your comfort level, and the ease at which you can get to your place of business, your old house, or any other place you need to go.
Ultimately, the internet is the best source to seek out the best extended-stay company in any given city. The ideal provider of corporate housing has more than just one type of housing to offer. The best corporate housing companies have properties in multiple areas of town, at several price points, and with several different styles of housing to choose from – houses, townhouses or condos, and apartments, so that they have something that suits everyone’s needs.
Never forget that although temporary, this is where you live – if even for a little while, so it’s important that you feel safe, comfortable, and happy. Additionally, if your family will be living there with you it is important to think about proximity to schools, playgrounds, daycare centers, and the like.
The best corporate housing providers will not only have the right place for you to live, but they will care enough to take the time to introduce you to the area, provide the proper tools (maps, advice, menus to restaurants, etc), and welcome you to the city to ensure you have a great visit – or make sure you are off to the right start in a new town.