By Mike Robbins

1.Be sure to check and see if utilities are included with the price of the apartment. If they are, ask which ones. Sometimes gas and/or electric aren't included.

2. Ask about a broker's fee ó find out what their help will cost.

3. If you're an Internet dork like myself, see if there's a DSL connection in the building. This way you can get Net access without tying up your phone lines.

4. Check to see if the apartment comes furnished, and if so, what is it furnished with?

5. If you don't have a car, is your place going to be within walking distance to a grocery store or a laundromat?

6. If you do have a car, is there a safe place to park?

7. If you're living in an apartment complex, is there 24-hour security?

8. If you're living on one floor of someone's house, make sure to check out who lives there and if your schedules will conflict or not.

9. Many places require you to pay an extra month's rent before you move in as a security deposit. Just be prepared for it.

10. See how long your lease is for. Then find out if there is an early termination fee if you decide to move before the lease expires.

11. Figure out if your commute is going to be worth it. An hour on the subway every morning doesn't sound so bad, but try it a few times to see.

12. If you plan on getting a pet, make sure the building allows you to have one. Also, make sure there's a place you can walk him to do his business. There are fines for things like that, you know.

13. If something is too good to be true, it usually is, so take the extra time to double check before signing the lease.

14. Never settle for the first place. Even if the seller tells you it's going to be sold if you wait, ignore him and think about all of your other options. After that, if the first place is still available, go for it.