Negotiate the deal
Step1
If you find an apartment you love but is a stretch financially, ask if there are responsibilities you can take on to lower your rent, such as cutting the lawn, sweeping common areas or taking deliveries. Or if you find a great apartment but it lacks services such as utilities, laundry facilities, cable TV and Internet access, ask the landlord to throw some in at no charge. Many newer buildings will. Or offer to sign a longer-term lease or give a higher security deposit in exchange for more services.
Step2
Examine your lease in detail: How much notice is required prior to moving, how large a deposit you have to make, how much cleaning is required upon leaving to get your deposit back, and other provisions. Some agreements require first and last months' rent plus a security deposit--a significant chunk of change. Is the lease month to month, or a 6- or 12-month period? Step3Find out what kinds of cosmetic changes you can make, such as painting walls, or structural changes, such as adding shelving. Step4Ask for a lease with an option to buy if you'd be interested in purchasing the property down the line.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Design Tips for Collectors
Design Tips for Collectors
Sure, when you are living in an apartment, you might not have a lot of space, you probably don’t have a yard and you’re very lucky if you have a little extra storage. So, for all of you collectors, how can you display your most prized possessions without compromising your living space?
The experts at Apartments.com have put together this list of design tips for the “Possession Obsessed”:
Make Your Collection a Part of Your SpaceThere is no reason to hide your favorite dolls, or your record album collection, the key is to not have your collections take up your living space, but instead, make it a part of your space. Think about ways to incorporate your things into the décor of your room. For record album collectors, purchase frames to actually hang the albums on the walls. Instead of purchasing a standard coffee table, find one with storage space in the bottom, perhaps with a glass top. By displaying your actions figures or books underneath, you not only bring your collection into the open, but also create some great conversation pieces for your guests. Think of creative ways to display your collection. One staffer at Apartments.com has a collection of key chains that dates back many years. When she first got married, her husband threatened to throw the collection out if she couldn’t figure out something to do with it. The result? Each year, when the holidays roll around, our staffer pulls out her key chain collection and creates a Key Chain Christmas Tree!
Here are some other ideas you might like to help in creating your display:
• Remember that the purpose for displaying your collection is two fold: one to showcase your treasures, two, to keep them safe and clean. It’s probably not a good idea to display rare china on a shelf with no ledge and no way to secure the piece to the mounting. Especially if you have fragile items, make sure that your display is sturdy and safe.• If you have a huge collection of CD’s, instead of throwing them in boxes, in cabinets or in drawers, invest in wall mounted shelving. By getting them up and off the floor, you’ve got more space and you’ve created a nice display. *As a renter, you’ll need to check with your property manager before you create holes in the walls for mounting. Most landlords will allow this; however, you’ll need to patch up the holes if you ever move. For step-by-step directions to patching holes in walls, check out the “decorating” section on Apartment Living on Apartments.com.• If you are displaying rare photographs, concert posters, autographs or other artwork, when hanging, make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight as it may fade your items, decreasing its value.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Sure, when you are living in an apartment, you might not have a lot of space, you probably don’t have a yard and you’re very lucky if you have a little extra storage. So, for all of you collectors, how can you display your most prized possessions without compromising your living space?
The experts at Apartments.com have put together this list of design tips for the “Possession Obsessed”:
Make Your Collection a Part of Your SpaceThere is no reason to hide your favorite dolls, or your record album collection, the key is to not have your collections take up your living space, but instead, make it a part of your space. Think about ways to incorporate your things into the décor of your room. For record album collectors, purchase frames to actually hang the albums on the walls. Instead of purchasing a standard coffee table, find one with storage space in the bottom, perhaps with a glass top. By displaying your actions figures or books underneath, you not only bring your collection into the open, but also create some great conversation pieces for your guests. Think of creative ways to display your collection. One staffer at Apartments.com has a collection of key chains that dates back many years. When she first got married, her husband threatened to throw the collection out if she couldn’t figure out something to do with it. The result? Each year, when the holidays roll around, our staffer pulls out her key chain collection and creates a Key Chain Christmas Tree!
Here are some other ideas you might like to help in creating your display:
• Remember that the purpose for displaying your collection is two fold: one to showcase your treasures, two, to keep them safe and clean. It’s probably not a good idea to display rare china on a shelf with no ledge and no way to secure the piece to the mounting. Especially if you have fragile items, make sure that your display is sturdy and safe.• If you have a huge collection of CD’s, instead of throwing them in boxes, in cabinets or in drawers, invest in wall mounted shelving. By getting them up and off the floor, you’ve got more space and you’ve created a nice display. *As a renter, you’ll need to check with your property manager before you create holes in the walls for mounting. Most landlords will allow this; however, you’ll need to patch up the holes if you ever move. For step-by-step directions to patching holes in walls, check out the “decorating” section on Apartment Living on Apartments.com.• If you are displaying rare photographs, concert posters, autographs or other artwork, when hanging, make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight as it may fade your items, decreasing its value.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Living with a Roomate
For those of you who decided to move from roommate living to solo living, the transition can be a difficult adjustment—especially if this is your first experience of this type of living situation. This can be the case even for those who couldn't wait to get rid of their roommates.
If you're feeling lonely, follow these tips to revive yourself.
Cultivate a collection of music that uplifts you.With roommates, outside sounds are constantly filtering through, even when you're in your own room. There's the muffled sound of the television, the phone ringing, conversations flowing and music playing. Many of us take this for granted, but you may be surprised to find yourself missing this when all that is suddenly gone and replaced with...silence. To alleviate the weirdness, play your favorite albums—and get new ones when they start to get old. Or listen to the radio or have the television playing in the background.
Get a pet, such as a cat or dog.Pets make great companions for those who live alone. Yes, there is a reason that the "Cat Lady" stereotype developed. Rather than see her as pathetic, think of her as smart for realizing that our friends in nature provide emotional support. Not only do they provide affection and playfulness, but they force you to maintain the habit of addressing the needs of another living thing—something that could be easily forgotten when you have only you to think about.
Establish a regular night when friends come over.Host a gathering of friends at your apartment every week. It could be for any reason: poker night, watching the latest episode of Heroes, enjoying a potluck dinner together. A weekly event will infuse your apartment with the memories of the gatherings and give you something to look forward to.
Decorate your walls with photographs of your friends and family.Photographs are great reminders of the wonderful times you've shared with your loved ones. These images will make your apartment feel like home and rekindle fond memories. And you get the best of both worlds: the spirit of your friends without having to endure them hogging the remote or taking 30-minute showers.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
If you're feeling lonely, follow these tips to revive yourself.
Cultivate a collection of music that uplifts you.With roommates, outside sounds are constantly filtering through, even when you're in your own room. There's the muffled sound of the television, the phone ringing, conversations flowing and music playing. Many of us take this for granted, but you may be surprised to find yourself missing this when all that is suddenly gone and replaced with...silence. To alleviate the weirdness, play your favorite albums—and get new ones when they start to get old. Or listen to the radio or have the television playing in the background.
Get a pet, such as a cat or dog.Pets make great companions for those who live alone. Yes, there is a reason that the "Cat Lady" stereotype developed. Rather than see her as pathetic, think of her as smart for realizing that our friends in nature provide emotional support. Not only do they provide affection and playfulness, but they force you to maintain the habit of addressing the needs of another living thing—something that could be easily forgotten when you have only you to think about.
Establish a regular night when friends come over.Host a gathering of friends at your apartment every week. It could be for any reason: poker night, watching the latest episode of Heroes, enjoying a potluck dinner together. A weekly event will infuse your apartment with the memories of the gatherings and give you something to look forward to.
Decorate your walls with photographs of your friends and family.Photographs are great reminders of the wonderful times you've shared with your loved ones. These images will make your apartment feel like home and rekindle fond memories. And you get the best of both worlds: the spirit of your friends without having to endure them hogging the remote or taking 30-minute showers.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Timing is Crucial
Timing is Crucial
The housing market is competitive, especially for affordable apartments. Be prepared to make decisions quickly and be flexible by a week or two with your plans. Start your search no earlier than four weeks before your desired move-in date since tenants are not required to give landlords more than 30 days’ notice of their move-out dates. Make apartment hunting your life for two or three weeks - that should be enough time to get familiar with the market and find what you are looking for.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
The housing market is competitive, especially for affordable apartments. Be prepared to make decisions quickly and be flexible by a week or two with your plans. Start your search no earlier than four weeks before your desired move-in date since tenants are not required to give landlords more than 30 days’ notice of their move-out dates. Make apartment hunting your life for two or three weeks - that should be enough time to get familiar with the market and find what you are looking for.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
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