Apartment Blog

When you are searching for an apartment for rent, what are some key things on your ‘list’? Bet you definitely look for the following five apartment amenities while you’re searching.

1.      Pool. This is obviously going to be a perk that everyone desires. Just imagine the long, hot summer days when you get to hop into your apartment community pool for relaxation.

2.      Exercise Facilities- State of the art fitness centers with spa facilities and personal trainers are highly desirable. Just think of all the time & money saved from going to the gym!

3.      Washer/Dryer and newer appliances. Who wants to carry around clothes to laundry facilities? No one. Having a washer/dryer inside the unit is highly desired. As is having newer appliances in the kitchen, as that is one of the main rooms prospective renters are attracted to.

4.      Security Features-Having a security system inside the apartment is a terrific feature and so is a gated community. Prospective renters will really feel safe and comfortable.

5.      Pet Friendly Apartment/community. As we’ve mentioned in a recent blog, ForRent.com Wants to Help You find A Pet-Friendly Apartment, we understand that your pet is a part of your family; therefore, finding an apartment and community that is pet-friendly ranks high on your list.  And depending on the family, an extremely pet-friendly community (one that goes above and beyond for pets) will really be set a part in your mind.

On ForRent.com, when you go to do a search for apartments for rent in your area we highlight popular amenities right on the search results page (see screenshot). As you can see, just from the search results page, you are able to see if an apartment is pet-friendly, in a great location (close to the beach), has a washer/dryer included or has utilities paid for (which is also a highly desirable amenity).

But we want to hear from you! If you aren’t looking for the amenities mentioned above in your apartment search process, let us know what you are looking for!

With the current economic state many renters are looking for apartments that are ‘cheap’. While the perceived monetary gain may be tempting, it’s important to also look at the safety factors before signing a lease.You should first examine the neighborhood. You have every right to seek out information on whether or not there have been criminal activities. This includes asking the property manager or looking to local authorities. While also examining the neighborhood, you should make sure you visit the property multiples times. Plan on once during the day and at least once during the night. This will help you see how well light the area is and you’ll get a better sense of how safe you will feel when you return home from work each day.

Next, you should check the windows and doors. When you go to a model unit, chances are it’s going to be a better looking home. But check around the community when you visit. Do they tend to be in good shape? You need to also explore the locking mechanisms on the doors and windows. They should always ask when you move in, if the locks have been be changed from the previous owners. Always better to be cautious!

I would also recommend looking at the smoke detector.  This is the most valuable protection you can have-it will save your life! When you choose an apartment, be sure to check where it is located and when the batteries were replaced. Keep a schedule so you know when to change them out again.

Most apartment communities offer, as a paid service, the capability of a security system. They are a great way to protect your apartment. It scares away burglars because it increases the potential and fear of being captured and arrested by the police. But an alarm also does that without anybody getting hurt.

Lastly, protect your belongings by getting renter’s insurance! You can get quotes online by visiting the relocation page on ForRent.com.

Your apartment should be a sanctuary for you and your family, so make sure it’s a safe one.  Take these tips with you when you’re searching for apartments for rent, they’ll really be a lifesaver!

Going along with our ‘Homemade Valentine’s Day Cards’ blog, we thought we’d give you some ideas to make your Valentine’s Day gifts this year.  Even if this isn’t your main gift, doing something creative and from the heart means everything to your loved one!

Here are a few craft ideas from About.com:

Conversation Heart Frame

Materials needed:

• Cardboard
• Paint
• Glue
• Candy Conversation Hearts
• photo
• Tape

Instructions:
Cut a rectangle shape out of the cardboard. The size you make the rectangle will depend on the size of the photo you are using. Cut a hole in the center of the rectangle where you will display the photo. Paint it red (or whatever color you desire). Set aside to dry.

Once the paint is dry, glue the candy conversation hearts all over the frame. Set it aside to dry again.

Once the glue is dry, tape the picture in the opening you cut in the center of the heart frame. Cut a small triangle out of the cardboard and attach behind the picture to make a stand, or you can even add a strip of magnet to the back!

Valentine’s Heart Jar

Materials Needed:

• Mason Jar
• Spray Paint
• Acrylic Paint
• Old Paint Brush
• Ribbon or Raffia
• Stencil Cut-Out of a Heart

Instructions:
Wash jar clean with vinegar, let it dry. Place newspaper under project to prevent making spills with paint.

Make a heart-shaped ’stencil’ and tape it onto the front of the jar. Spray jar with the spray paint and let dry. Spray a second coat and let dry. Once dry, take another type of paint and old toothbrush, and splatter paint around your heart design. Let dry.

Pull stencil off gently, tie ribbon or raffia around the top of the jar and secure with bow. Place a candle in the jar or fill it with candy, and it makes a real cute gift!!!

Another way to do this is have multiple stencil hearts for each color paints. Place that stencil around the jar and gently blot it with the old toothbrush and paint. Let dry and repeat process with another color paint-overlapping when possible.

Valentine’s Day Dinner:

And of course there is always that saying ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ so why not find a yummy recipe to cook for dinner that night! It would be especially nice if you set the mood with music and candles. And made place setting cards out of construction paper! Finish it off with a delicious dessert too.

Change it up:

Does your significant other have a favorite cartoon? You can take whatever cartoon he/she likes and take out the verbiage from the cartoon (by putting white out over the words), then insert your words or a conversation that means something to the both of you (i.e your first kiss or the first time you said ‘I love you’).  Copy the cartoon on a copier machine (so the words you inserted look like it’s in the actual cartoon-instead of just being written over white out). Feel free to color it and/or matte it or frame it for your loved one!

Or, how about you take a poem from his/her favorite author? Or a childhood author? I’m actually doing this for my boyfriend’s Valentine’s Day gift, taking a poem from Dr. Seuss and changing the words (keeping the tempo the same) to make it applicable to him. It’s something very memorable and can showcase all the time and effort you put into it. To make it more decorative, you can use construction paper to add a punch of color or give it the ‘lovey-dovey’ feeling. I also plan on framing it for him as a one of a kind piece of art!

With the holidays so near, I know everyone is searching for the perfect holiday treat to make! ForRent.com wants to provide you with our holiday recipe tips. The first six are regarding essential holiday pantry items and the remaining six are holiday treat recipes!

6 Essential Holiday Pantry Items:

• Chocolate Morsels
• Pam Cooking Spray
• Vanilla Extract
• Holiday Candy
• Sprinkles/Food Coloring
• Cookie Cutters

During our annual Marketing Department treat exchange, here were six of our favorite treats that were brought. You’ll see that some of them require one of the essential holiday pantry items mentioned previously!

                
SALTINE TOFFEE BARS

Ingredients:

• - unsalted Saltine Crackers (not premium-too thick)
• - 1 stick butter
• - ¾ cup sugar
• - 12 oz bag chocolate chips
• - sliced almonds, optional
• - powdered sugar, optional
• - “Pam” cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350-400 degrees.  Line a 9 X 11 jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and spray with Pam.  Place saltines, edge to edge, over the bottom of the pan.  Melt butter, add sugar and bring to a boil.  Boil about 3 minutes to dissolve sugar.  Spoon (not pour) over the saltines and then settle the saltines and bake for about 5 minutes.  The saltines will look like they are floating.  Turn off the oven and remove saltines.  Sprinkle chocolate chips over crackers and return to oven until they are melted then add almonds if desired.  Cool a bit then cut (but do not try to separate- too runny still) and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.  Refrigerate until hard then break into pieces, removing foil from the back of the crackers.

Peppermint-Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Ingredients:

1 (16.5 ounce) tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1/4 cup all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Directions:
Decorating suggestion: crushed candy canes or peppermint candies; white, red and green sprinkles; or red and green decorating sugar
Special equipment: a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, and a ½ ounce cookie scoop

Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, knead together the cookie dough and 1/4 cup flour until smooth. Lightly flour a work surface. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thick. Using a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough. Knead together any scraps of dough and roll out again. Continue to cut out pastry circles until there are 24 pieces in total. Place the dough circles on the prepared baking sheets. Bake until the cookies are slightly golden around the edges, about 10 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Reserve 1 parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Combine 1 cup of chocolate chips and the cream in a small bowl. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Whisk in the peppermint extract and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour. Using a 1/2-ounce cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure, place the chocolate mixture in the center of the flat side of 12 of the cookies. Place the remaining cookies on top and gently squeeze to distribute the filling evenly. Place on a baking sheet and freeze until the filling has set, about 25 minutes.

Combine the remaining chocolate chips and the vegetable oil in a small bowl. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Dip the top of each cookie in the melted chocolate and return to the baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store in an airtight plastic container.

Christmas Cupcakes

Ingredients:
Pillsbury Cake Mix Funfetti
Duncan Hines Classic Vanilla Frosting
Eggs
Vegetable Oil
Baking Cups
Directions:
Follow directions on the box for cooking cup cakes. After cup cakes have cooled, put vanilla frosting on the cup cakes. For extra decoration, you can use holiday colored sprinkles!

Peppermint Bark

Ingredients:
12 oz bag of White Chocolate Morsels
12 oz bag of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
8 regular sized Candy Canes

Directions:
Lightly grease a large cookie sheet. Break up candy canes into one inch pieces and put into a sturdy plastic bag. Crush candy canes inside the bag until they are in very small pieces. Next, put the semi-sweet chocolate morsels into a bowl and put in the microwave for 1 minute; stir in 15 second increments until it is completely melted. Pour melted chocolate on the cookie sheet and spread to make a thing layer. Put the white chocolate morsels in a bowl and repeat microwave cycle (while white chocolate is in the microwave, put baking sheet of semi-sweet chocolate in refrigerator for cooling). Once melted, stir in ½ of the candy cane pieces and spread on top of semi-sweet chocolate layer. Top with the remaining pieces of candy cane; be sure to lightly press into the chocolate layer to secure. Cool in refrigerator until hard and then break into pieces!

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE KISS COOKIES 
Ingredients:
1 c. butter
2/3 c. creamy peanut butter
1 c. granular sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 2/3 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
16 oz. pkg. chocolate kiss candyDirections:

Combine butter, peanut butter and sugars; blend until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; blend. Mix flour, salt and soda, add to cream mixture; stir well. Roll dough into quarter size balls. Roll ball in bowl of sugar. Bake dough at 350 degrees for 8 minutes, take out, place chocolate kiss in center of each cookie. Bake an additional 2 minutes.

M&M Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:
Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough
Bag of Holiday Colored M&Ms (could be the regular kind or the mint flavored!)

Directions:
Cut the sugar cookie dough into slices for the appropriate sized cookies (you could also roll into whatever size you choose). Put on greased baking sheet and lightly press to flatten the dough. Place M&Ms on top of the cookies and bake accordingly. Wait for the cookies to cool before taking them off the baking sheet.

Happy Cooking!

Re-gifting….YAY or NAY?? While some find this concept absolutely repulsive, others find this completely acceptable. If you find this option, re-gifting, ‘okay’ then you might want to check out these tips before doing so! Believe it or not, even re-gifting has rules…..

1. Hold onto the gift a full season or holiday, this way enough time passes that it may be forgotten by others
2. Give it to someone in another social circle, for example if Grandma gives you your thousandth trinket make sure to steer clear of family and pass it on to a co-worker or friend
3. Make the most of White Elephant opportunities- half of the gifts given are gags anyway so use the game as an opportunity to unload unwanted items
4. DONATE them at the holidays- those angel trees never share about the person’s interest or hobbies, so you’re safe dropping off something “random”, just make sure it serves as a little extra in their bag and not the primary gift
5. Embellish it- feel like it was shafty when you got it?  Then add something to it like a gift card or bow to make it worthwhile…then pass it on!
6. Consignment shop here you come- this is mostly limited to clothing and accessories, but if your special gift fits the bill then take it in and see what you can make!  Note: this mainly benefits you and the store, but shouldn’t the gift have benefited you initially?  I see no crime here.
7. Door prize!  Ever throw parties like ornament decorating, holiday book club, wine tasting, or Bunco???  Why not giveaway a nice little treat to the first person in the door?
8. Is Secret Santa going on at work?  Make sure you sign up to participate and empty out your stack of “desirable” gifts to that special name you drew.  The plus to this is, you make space in your closet and seem generous at the same time!
9. Obligation gifts…we all know what these are!  Next time someone unexpectedly gives you a gift during the holidays, be prepared.  Have your gift wrapped and ready, they’ll appreciate you thought of them as well and it saves you from spending money on people who didn’t make your shopping list the first or second time around.
10. Knock, knock- The holidays are the perfect time to build a relationship with your neighbors.  They will appreciate the gesture and hopefully will remember it the next time you ask them to keep an eye on your apartment when you’re away!
11. And they didn’t even see it coming!!!  Take time to re-gift presents to people who wouldn’t expect anything in the first place.  Your mailman, maintenance staff, kid’s bus driver, office receptionist, and security guards work hard everyday- give them a little something to show that you notice!
12. Lend a helping hand.  Have you ever been to something where a person forgot to bring a gift or was unaware they needed one?  Save them from shame and let them use yours.

By Simon Phillips 

If you live in a furnished apartment, a great way to add your personal touch to the décor is to use furniture slipcovers on the couch and chairs.  Not only can slipcovers hide unattractive or unfashionable upholstery, they have the added bonus of protecting your landlord’s furniture from wear and tear.  If you accidentally drop a slice of pizza on the sofa or your friend’s kid leaves mucky fingerprints on the arms, it’s much easier to wash a slipcover in the machine than to scrub the stains out of the upholstery by hand.

Slipcovers also come in handy if you’re furnishing your apartment yourself, especially if you’re trying to decorate on a tight budget.  It’s easy to find cheap or even free secondhand furniture from yard sales or family.  However, the disadvantage of secondhand furniture is that it’s not necessarily going to be to your taste.  Used sofas tend to look their age, with outdated, dirty or worn upholstery.  Also, it’s common for thrifty renters to acquire separate items - an armchair here, a loveseat there - rather than be lucky enough to find a matching 3-piece suite.  The beauty of slipcovers is they can solve all these problems, by making random seats match and giving old furniture a more modern style.

It’s relatively inexpensive to buy ready made slipcovers, especially if you shop around to find the best offers and clearance sales.  A 2-seat loveseat cover typically costs around $40 to $50.  A bonus of buying one-size-fits-all, mass-produced covers is they are designed to fit pretty much any furniture.  So, you can re-use them if you move to another apartment or if you buy your own furniture in the future.  The fabrics are usually hardwearing cotton or polyester, or a blend of both, and can stand up to lots of use and regular washing.  Stretchy fabrics that contain Spandex are also available, and are good for getting a really tight fit.

Of course, couches and chairs come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so sometimes a ready made slipcover might not fit properly.  Custom slipcovers are more expensive and really only worth it if you’ve got a good quality seat you’re going to use for a long time.  But for renters on a budget, there are a few tricks you can use to help get a slipcover to fit.

For instance, if a slipcover is slightly too big and there’s a lot of loose fabric, tuck it all tightly behind and to the sides of the seat cushions.  Poking it in with a wooden spoon helps.  To secure it and prevent it becoming untucked when you sit on it, either buy some purpose-made plastic grippers or make your own from rolled up magazines and rubber bands.  You can push these into the gaps around the seat to stop the excess fabric untucking.  Another trick worth knowing is to use an old blanket or towel to add padding to narrow or wooden arms. 

So, if you’re looking for a way to put your own stamp on your apartment’s décor and get a coordinated look without spending much money, why not invest in some slipcovers?

Simon Phillips is a professional writer, interior design enthusiast and co-founder of www.GetSlipcovers.com.  He particularly enjoys finding ways of furnishing and decorating his home for less.