Apartment Blog

If you’re renting an apartment with a pet, you realize some of the financial obligations you are faced with such as pet deposits, monthly pet fees, etc. But what you may not have taken into consideration is having a pet at the end of your lease could cost you a lot more if you aren’t careful. When most people put down a security deposit on their apartment, they usually expect to receive the full deposit at the end. However, pet owners need to be more proactive when it comes to caring for their apartment even before move-out if they want their full deposit back! Here are some tips for pet owners to getting your full security deposit back:

Tip 1:

Document everything. Prior to move in, or on the first day, have a checklist and go through the entire apartment for any problems. This would include the carpet, the walls, counters, etc. If the leasing office hasn’t given you a check list, bring your own. You need to inspect the apartment thoroughly and have documented proof of any incidents. This will help you prove your case should there be any discrepancies at the end of your lease, while also helping you remember the original state of the apartment. Also feel free to take digital photos and keep those for your records.

Tip 2:

Clean up spills/accidents IMMEDIATELY! Obviously if you’re not home when an accident happens you can’t clean it up as quickly, but as soon as you become aware of the mistake you need to clean it up. Use Pet Stain Remover and clean the area thoroughly. Remember that cleaning ‘accident’ spots only cleans the carpet, not the material. Get a vacuum pet powder and use it prior to vacuuming your carpets to help eliminate odor. Cat urine is absolutely the worst smell! I would recommend shampooing your carpet a couple times a year. It’ll add life back to your carpet!

Tip 3:

Be thorough! When you do your initial inspection you should catch any areas in the carpet where threads are loose or fraying. However, while you were moving or vacuuming, some may have ‘popped’ up. You need to inspect your apartment often for these problems as they could potentially be a larger problem if your animal, particularly dogs, find it. If there are any trouble spots in your carpet, purchase a rug to deter your animal’s attention or some object so that it won’t make the problem worse.

Tip 4:

Be proactive! You know your animal better than anyone else. If your dog likes to go after blinds, be sure and pull them up or replace them for curtains (just be sure to keep the blinds for when you move out as you don’t want to be charged for a new set). Or if your cat likes to use the sofa as a scratching post and transfers that habit to a wall; make efforts to block access to that wall or have your cat declawed.

In an apartment rental, you are responsible for damage your pet creates. To get your full security deposit back, you need to go above and beyond to restore the apartment back to its original condition! Do you have any more tips for getting your security deposit back with a pet? Let us know! We animal lovers can use all the help we can get!

It’s no secret that rents are skyrocketing all over
the United
States. People are constantly looking at ways
to save money as the cost of living increases. One thought I find extremely interesting
is that couples are now ‘shacking’ up to save some money!!

According to the Census Bureau’s latest research,
there were an estimated 6.02 million unmarried-partner households in the
U.S. in 2006! Forbes.com researched these cities by
collecting data for 40 of the largest metropolitan statistical areas for five
different categories: marriages per 1,000 people, divorces per 1,000 people,
starter-home affordability, income disparity and availability of couples or
family counseling.

The round-up of the best cities for couples
were:

1. Dallas

2. Houston

3. Minneapolis

4. Denver

5. Austin, Texas

This is interesting news on Valentine’s Day!! We’ve
posted numerous blogs about the benefits of having a roommate, so why not
make that roommate your sweetheart!

For more information about how these cities were
selected, visit Forbes.com or Realestate.msn.

On Sunday we posted Single this Valentine’s Day? Here’s how to find a date, a blog about online dating and how to put your profile out on one of the sites. It seems that not only are generations x and y looking into online dating to find their special someone, but seniors are as well! In fact, seniors are the fastest growing segment of Internet users, and more and more of them are using the Internet to look for love. In fact, according to cbsnews.com, 16 percent of all those active on the top five Internet dating sites are 55 or older. A majority of the dating sites like eHarmony, Match.com and Date.com may cater to a slightly younger crowd, so there are senior specific dating sites popping up like SilverSingles.com and SeniorsCircle.com.

Whether you’re 28 or 57, everyone needs love in their life and online dating seems to be fulfilling a need for many. So why not try your hand at online dating? You never know who you may find!

Visit Find a Date on ForRent.com’s website and set up your profile today! You may even set upa date before this Valentine’s Day!

Source: cbsnews.com

Has someone ever done something truly romantic for you in your apartment? When you got home there was a little surprise? One time I went on a family vacation w/out my boyfriend and when I got back I had a dozen roses lying on my bed strategically mapped in the shape of a heart w/a card!

Given the season of love, we’re posting ideas for little romantic gestures for your special someone. Most of them don’t require too much preparation, but some preparation will make the act that much more meaningful!

- Cooking his/her favorite meal. This idea can be something elaborate such as a starting from scratch entree, sides and dessert. Or it can be something simple and intimate such as breakfast in bed. Either one will truly be appreciated & remembered!

- Organize a scavenger hunt! In your apartment you can place little items for your honey to find. Sweet notes or poems, little surprise gift boxes, etc. The amount of fun you’ll have planning it and he/she will have searching for it will be remembered for years to come! And always have it end in a place where you’ll meet him/her!

- Dancing! You and your sweetheart can dance the night away. This is more directed to men for women, as women would typically like this gesture more. But when she is doing something else, like cooking, just take her hand and ask for a dance. Music or not make no difference, just as long as you gaze into her eyes! (If you’re a talented singer, serenading her could be a nice touch!)

- Make a soothing & relaxing bath! This tip is also more directed to men for women, as women would typically like this gesture more. However, that’s not to say that some men wouldn’t! When he/she gets home from work, have rose petals leading to the bathroom in your apartment. Candles already lit and peaceful music (or whatever kind of music he/she would prefer) playing. This little gesture will be greatly appreciated as most people don’t take the time to pamper themselves-even when they REALLY need it!!

- Make a picnic in front of the fireplace in your apartment! So you have this awesome amenity in your apartment-a fireplace. Ever used it? Why not make a romantic evening centered around it? Have a blanket laid out in front, a warm fire going, and food that you’ll both enjoy. After dinning, cuddle up next to one another!

- Movie night! Whatever kind of movie your sweetie is into, be sure and rent (or purchase) several in the genre. Even go as far as preparing ‘normal’ movie theater food. Such as popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, candy, soda, etc. Have the lights off and enjoy ‘snacking’ while watching his/her favorite flicks! (A big factor in your sweetie enjoying this is if you don’t complain about his/her movie preferences!)

What romantic gestures have someone done for you? Did a room in your apartment get a total makeover? Let us know! Sharing ideas with us will help someone else this Valentine’s Day!!

Did you know that there is a town called Valentine? It’s the “Heart City” of Nebraska with a scenic backdrop comprised of cliffs and pine trees. It was named after E.K. Valentine, who as a Congressman from Nebraska was chairman of the house committee on Agriculture for six years while in office. From 1870-1885, as a member of the House of Representatives, he was instrumental in passing a bill to protect settlers from ‘land sharks’. Due to his popularity in the region, Valentine, NE was named after him. This small town has a land area of 2.01 square miles with only 1,380 people per square mile! It’s comprised of 46.6% males and 53.4% females with the median resident age of 40 years old.

Something of particular interest for you apartment renters, is the “Heart City’s” median rent asked for vacant units, in 2000, was $283!! The median gross rent in Valentine, in 2000, was $435!! That’s amazing! I know that I pay double that where I live!! View apartments in Nebraska on ForRent.com.

During Valentine’s Day this town is always buzzing with festivities. For example, February 14^th, Valentine’s Day itself, gets many travelers from all over the country wanting to get married there! Another big event that happens on Valentine’s Day in Valentine, Nebraska is the Valentine’s Day Coronation. The Valentine’s Day Coronation, which is a community-wide celebration, is where students from each grade, K through 12, are elected to participate in the ceremony which has a different theme each year. The King and Queen of Hearts are crowned from the Senior class with a dance held afterwards for the high school students.

So if you’re not sure what your plans are this Valentine’s Day, you could always visit the quaint town Valentine, NE to celebrate your love!

I’ve lived in numerous rentals. But I just LOVE living in an apartment; for me the reasons far out weigh any other living situation. Here are mine….what are yours?

Reason #1: Only Tied to a 1 Year Lease

Let’s say I change job and now my commute is a lot longer. I have the flexibility in an apartment to move a lot sooner than say, owning a home. And while some would prefer not to move around numerous places (for the shear hassle of moving things), others may prefer a change of scenery, which again is easier if you rent an apartment.

Reason #2: Who you gunna to call when something breaks/leaks?

GHOAST BUSTERS! Just kidding…..the maintenance personnel! They may seem like heroes when they come, but they don’t have those cool guns to zap rodents!?! But that’s a big reason I LOVE renting an apartment! I don’t have to worry about calling a repair man and how much it’s going to cost me! I just call the maintenance number, or the leasing office, and get someone out there. Sure I may have to wait a day, depending on the severity of the situation, but I’m not paying $400 to get my toilet snaked either! J

Reason #3: Less Responsibility

Yes you’re paying rent, utilities and other items. But the responsibility of owning a home is much greater than renting an apartment. When owning a home you have to continually do maintenance to the outside (yard work, siding, and roofing) as well as periodically make updates to the inside (update appliances, re-surface the floors, etc.). If you’re not ready for that responsibility, you may want to consider renting an apartment!

So there are my top reasons why I LOVE apartment living! Sure, I’ve heard all the benefits of owning my own home, taxes, return on my investments, etc. But for me, it really boils down to these three reasons why I continue to rent! Eventually I’ll be ready to purchase my own home, but for now…..I’ll stick to living in my two bedroom apartment!

Manning has won it again! Eli Manning has emerged from the shadow of father Archie and big brother Peyton to become the Super Bowl XLII Champion and MVP winner. In an upset this Sunday, the Giants defeated the Patriots 17-14 to put an unexpected end to New England’s undefeated season. It was said to be “The greatest victory in the history of this franchise without a question” according to Giants owner John Mara.

For Rent Media Solutions would certainly like to hear Eli’s ‘rules for success’. But one thing is for sure, we must take a queue from Eli, and the Giants team, about perseverance, determination and heart. Being picked as the underdog by 12 points, they stepped up to play their game against the all favored Patriots. Their hard work and determination to not go down without a fight made them quite the opponent for the undefeated team. And of course, the immense amount of heart and dedication that was shown when they made history!

Congrats Giants!

Source: The Link, a Publication of The Virginian-Pilot, February 4^th, 2008

When you’ve lived in various apartment communities, you’ll learn to appreciate different amenities. Here’s a list of apartment & community amenities that I truly LOVE!!

Apartment Amenities:

1. Vaulted Ceilings
2. Fire Places
3. Bay Windows
4. HUGE Walk-in Closets
5. Washer/Dryer INCLUDED in the rent
6. Garden Tubs
7. Microwave & Garbage Disposal
8. Large Pantry
9. Hardwood Floors/Tile
10. Automatic Outside Lighting

Apartment Community Amenities:

1. A REAL State-Of-The-Art Fitness Center
2. Pool/Sauna/Jacuzzi
3. Dog Park
4. Putting Green
5. Car Washing Stations (w/vacuums)
6. Jogging/Walking Trails
7. Tennis/Volleyball Courts
8. Playgrounds
9. Grilling Picnic Areas
10. Gated Entrance

What about you? Did I leave any off that you absolutely love about your apartment and/or community?

Last year’s Super Bowl Winner Peyton Manning, quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, spoke to For Rent Media Solutions and the multifamily housing industry at the 2007 National Apartment Association Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas, NV. Peyton spoke on his success and accomplishments over the years that lead him to victory. He gave us all eight rules to follow for increased success, rules such as: ‘Enjoy the journey, not the destination‘, ‘Learn from your failures and quickly move on‘, ‘Trust those around you to do the job they are hired to do‘, and ‘Make it your time!’ Following his inspirational speech, For Rent Media Solutions went on to have its best producing year!

Will this be a trend to follow suit in 2008? Will another Manning win the Super Bowl, then speak to our staff and we’ll shatter records again? The Manning family has a lot of talent on the branches of its family tree, so the question in everyone’s mind is will Eli Manning beat Tom Brady in the Super Bowl to bring home another victory? For Rent Media Solutions hopes that whatever the outcome of the game, our record will still stand at undefeated!

What are your thoughts?

According to a new research study by Clarity and The EAR Foundation, one of the biggest fears for senior citizens is the loss of independence. This fear even outweighs the fear of death for most!

This study produced some key statistics for seniors. For example, “the vast majority of seniors (89%) want to age in place or grow older without having to move from their homes.” 1 And because they are so determined to maintain that independence, half of them are open to using new technologies to help them do so.

Clarity president, Carsten Trads says “….Independent living is a key determinant of quality of life for seniors….” Therefore this shows that not only do older American’s value their ability to live independently, but they will also try any means to enable them, i.e. technology.¹

This study also showed that almost half of seniors are comfortable using personal computers, Internet and email. “Seniors are clearly more open to technology than many people believe,” commented Trads. ¹

So in essence seniors are willing and able to be independent, and are open to using technology to help them attain that independence.

Here at For Rent Media Solutions, we are committed to providing resources that make apartment hunting for seniors uncomplicated. After 55 Housing and Resource Guide, a For Rent Media Solutions publication, worked in collaboration with the AARP Foundation to create Exploring Life After 55, an annual supplemental publication geared towards adults age 55 and beyond. This new publication serves as an education resource, addressing subject matter important to baby boomers that are planning their retirement, and aging adults and adult children who are researching housing options for their parents. The first issue covers a variety of topics including: an assisted living and health check list, a description of housing and care options, estate planning basics, how to guard against identity theft and so much more! Exploring Life After 55 will be published once a year and distributed to AARP Foundation offices nationwide as well as to local industry events and senior centers.

In addition to Exploring Life After55 and After 55 Housing and Resource Guide, For Rent Media Solutions offers online resources at SeniorOutlook.com. Resources include: moving services, storage, Medicare and Medicaid information and more. SeniorOutlook.com also helps our consumers navigate through the website by providing ‘How to Use SeniorOutlook.com’ instructions to help make the process easier.

We at For Rent Media Solutions strive to improve the process of apartment hunting for all apartment seekers, After 55 or not. Your independence and peace of mind is important to us. Please let us know if you have any suggestions as to how we can improve our services.

Source: Research Brief: Seniors Want to “Age in Place,” and Want Technology to Help; Thursday, November 8^th, 2007.