by leah and elina furman

Paying the price Sometimes we set our sights higher than the tally of all our bank accounts, credit limits, and investments combined. While this is only natural, don't let your overinflated standards bamboozle you into shelling out your last dime for an apartment you can't afford. Thirty percent of your gross (pre-tax) income is the bottom line on rent. Exceed this figure at your own risk. You can cut corners all you want, but chances are you'll tire of the mac-and-cheese routine before your lease expires. Location plays a huge part in your property's value. Rents can fluctuate dramatically within even a single residential zone. What's a five-minute walk to the action when you're saving hundreds of dollars in rent each month? Don't forget to calculate the cost of utilities and amenities into your budgeting. Consider cable, heat, electricity, phone, and parking. Your landlord shouldn't have a problem giving you an estimate, or even summaries, of the previous year's heating bills to help you out in this department. And if he or she does see something objectionable in your asking for documentary evidence, you'd be wise to a raise an eyebrow yourself. Maybe this chap's a sheister. next Leah and Elina Furman are freelance writers living in Chicago, and are currently writing The Everything After College Book, to be released by Adams Media in the fall of '97. © 1997 Tripod, Inc. All Rights Reserved.