When you call about the ad…
Confirm all the claims made in the ad and clarify any sketchy statements. “Cozy outdoor space” could mean a cute little deck or a fire escape running down seven floors. Ask the owner/management company for exact descriptions. Ask for the total square footage of the apartment as well as the footage of each room. Make sure the rent is exactly what was listed and that the availability date matches your schedule. There’s no sense in wasting time viewing an apartment that isn’t going to be ready for three months if you’re ready to move next week. If you have any special needs, such as a dog that will be moving in with you or an allergy to a certain type of carpet, be sure your requirements can be met.
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.
Monday, June 30, 2008
When you call about the ad…
When you call about the ad…
Confirm all the claims made in the ad and clarify any sketchy statements. “Cozy outdoor space” could mean a cute little deck or a fire escape running down seven floors. Ask the owner/management company for exact descriptions. Ask for the total square footage of the apartment as well as the footage of each room. Make sure the rent is exactly what was listed and that the availability date matches your schedule. There’s no sense in wasting time viewing an apartment that isn’t going to be ready for three months if you’re ready to move next week. If you have any special needs, such as a dog that will be moving in with you or an allergy to a certain type of carpet, be sure your requirements can be met.
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.
Confirm all the claims made in the ad and clarify any sketchy statements. “Cozy outdoor space” could mean a cute little deck or a fire escape running down seven floors. Ask the owner/management company for exact descriptions. Ask for the total square footage of the apartment as well as the footage of each room. Make sure the rent is exactly what was listed and that the availability date matches your schedule. There’s no sense in wasting time viewing an apartment that isn’t going to be ready for three months if you’re ready to move next week. If you have any special needs, such as a dog that will be moving in with you or an allergy to a certain type of carpet, be sure your requirements can be met.
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.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Don't look up until you fix that overhead light fixture.
Don't look up until you fix that overhead light fixture.
Lighting is an inexpensive way to decorate and instantly improve the atmosphere of a rented space. First things first: Change out that hideous overhead light fixture that casts a stark, unattractive light on everything. Put up a chandelier, says Jeanie Engelbach, whose colorful apartment has been featured on HGTV's Small Space, Big Style. Engelbach recommends any fixture that expresses your own style. Another simple and effective little change: You can put every light on a dimmer says Ron Marvin, mini-space expert on HGTV's Small Space, Big Style. "No one wants to sit in that bright light when you are relaxing or entertaining. Just adding that dimmer is a small update with a huge impact."
Designer Mark McCauley, ASID, suggests that apartment dwellers use canister lamps on the floors to wash light up the walls. "Try different colored bulbs — in shades of blue, red, amber or green — to get the feeling of a colored wall without painting," he says.
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.
Lighting is an inexpensive way to decorate and instantly improve the atmosphere of a rented space. First things first: Change out that hideous overhead light fixture that casts a stark, unattractive light on everything. Put up a chandelier, says Jeanie Engelbach, whose colorful apartment has been featured on HGTV's Small Space, Big Style. Engelbach recommends any fixture that expresses your own style. Another simple and effective little change: You can put every light on a dimmer says Ron Marvin, mini-space expert on HGTV's Small Space, Big Style. "No one wants to sit in that bright light when you are relaxing or entertaining. Just adding that dimmer is a small update with a huge impact."
Designer Mark McCauley, ASID, suggests that apartment dwellers use canister lamps on the floors to wash light up the walls. "Try different colored bulbs — in shades of blue, red, amber or green — to get the feeling of a colored wall without painting," he says.
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.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Click, Click, Move: How the Internet is Changing How We Move
Click, Click, Move: How the Internet is Changing How We Move
(ARA) - Moving season is upon us. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, half of all household moves take place between May and Labor Day. Overall, 43 million Americans move every year.
Planning a move can be time-consuming and nerve-wracking, but two things can help make the process go more smoothly: educating yourself through research, and working with a realtor you trust.
"In the last year, there has been an explosion of free real estate or rental information on the Internet," says Michael Yang, general manager, Yahoo! Real Estate. "More than ever before, potential buyers are better educated by access to home price estimates, comparable home sales, and satellite pictures of houses on the market and their neighborhoods. And the information is available without paying a penny."
Online research will help you determine price ranges for a particular neighborhood, view homes' proximity to local businesses, and get estimates and historical sales data for individual properties.
Yang points out that one of the most popular features on Yahoo! Real Estate is Schools Search. "Living near a good school is crucial for parents and anyone planning to start a family. But, it's also a good investment factor for any home buyer as houses in good school districts tend to sell faster and at higher prices than homes in other areas."
Once you're feeling smarter about your target neighborhood and price range, it's time to team up with a realtor. If you're well established in the area, ask friends and family for a recommendation.
If you're moving into a new area, consider turning to the Internet for help. The "Find A Realtor" service on Yahoo! Real Estate allows you to interview realtors anonymously by email before choosing the one that best fits your needs. You can compare the agents' experience and sales commissions as well as their proposals on how they would work with you.
Once you have found and closed on your new home, it also helps to look for ways to save money on moving. Shop around for the best deal on movers, either online or in the phone book. Once you have a few candidates in mind, ask to speak to references. When it comes to your precious belongings, a few extra steps never hurt. For those who prefer packing themselves, one tip is to find previously used boxes from grocery or wine shops. This is not only a cost-effective means of packing but is also eco-friendly. Consider it keeping both your bank balance and the world "greener."
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.
(ARA) - Moving season is upon us. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, half of all household moves take place between May and Labor Day. Overall, 43 million Americans move every year.
Planning a move can be time-consuming and nerve-wracking, but two things can help make the process go more smoothly: educating yourself through research, and working with a realtor you trust.
"In the last year, there has been an explosion of free real estate or rental information on the Internet," says Michael Yang, general manager, Yahoo! Real Estate. "More than ever before, potential buyers are better educated by access to home price estimates, comparable home sales, and satellite pictures of houses on the market and their neighborhoods. And the information is available without paying a penny."
Online research will help you determine price ranges for a particular neighborhood, view homes' proximity to local businesses, and get estimates and historical sales data for individual properties.
Yang points out that one of the most popular features on Yahoo! Real Estate is Schools Search. "Living near a good school is crucial for parents and anyone planning to start a family. But, it's also a good investment factor for any home buyer as houses in good school districts tend to sell faster and at higher prices than homes in other areas."
Once you're feeling smarter about your target neighborhood and price range, it's time to team up with a realtor. If you're well established in the area, ask friends and family for a recommendation.
If you're moving into a new area, consider turning to the Internet for help. The "Find A Realtor" service on Yahoo! Real Estate allows you to interview realtors anonymously by email before choosing the one that best fits your needs. You can compare the agents' experience and sales commissions as well as their proposals on how they would work with you.
Once you have found and closed on your new home, it also helps to look for ways to save money on moving. Shop around for the best deal on movers, either online or in the phone book. Once you have a few candidates in mind, ask to speak to references. When it comes to your precious belongings, a few extra steps never hurt. For those who prefer packing themselves, one tip is to find previously used boxes from grocery or wine shops. This is not only a cost-effective means of packing but is also eco-friendly. Consider it keeping both your bank balance and the world "greener."
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.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Rethink Your Rental
Rethink Your Rental Make a rental space your own on a modest budget by creatively updating your current wares and adding a few new items to the bunch. Check our tips and inspiration below.
Living Room
Think of your apartment as your own -- ask your landlord for permission to paint (offer to repaint when you leave), hang plenty of art, and install draperies. If wall color is off-limits, rethink the furnishings. Use large pieces, even in small spaces, to create interest in place of paint. Trying changing the shape of the room by placing a room divider in a corner -- it allows the eye to flow evenly across the room rather than interrupt it with abrupt corners.
Apple green is stylish without being too trendy. Pair it with a neutral brown sofa -- this custom design boasts clean lines and didn't cost much more than a retail sofa. A $99 IKEA coffee table makes a modern statement (and adds precious storage) in the small space.
It's the little things that make a white-box rental a home, such as adding graphic accent pillows for the couch and a rug to cover up standard apartment flooring. Even something as simple as placing a table lamp on top of a stack of books sends the message that the space belongs to you, not your landlord. If your living room must double as a home office, don't let the work space overpower the room. Opt for spacious filing cabinets topped with an inexpensive sheet of melamine for lots of storage space and minimal impact on the rest of the room. The lamp is a $10.95 thrift store find with a new shade.
Looking for another deal? These floor-to-ceiling drapery panels are sewn from silk shantung found online for only $11 a yard.
Keep office supplies from taking over your work area by storing them on a vintage tray. Adding personal trinkets affords you a moment's distraction while checking e-mail or paying bills.
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.
Living Room
Think of your apartment as your own -- ask your landlord for permission to paint (offer to repaint when you leave), hang plenty of art, and install draperies. If wall color is off-limits, rethink the furnishings. Use large pieces, even in small spaces, to create interest in place of paint. Trying changing the shape of the room by placing a room divider in a corner -- it allows the eye to flow evenly across the room rather than interrupt it with abrupt corners.
Apple green is stylish without being too trendy. Pair it with a neutral brown sofa -- this custom design boasts clean lines and didn't cost much more than a retail sofa. A $99 IKEA coffee table makes a modern statement (and adds precious storage) in the small space.
It's the little things that make a white-box rental a home, such as adding graphic accent pillows for the couch and a rug to cover up standard apartment flooring. Even something as simple as placing a table lamp on top of a stack of books sends the message that the space belongs to you, not your landlord. If your living room must double as a home office, don't let the work space overpower the room. Opt for spacious filing cabinets topped with an inexpensive sheet of melamine for lots of storage space and minimal impact on the rest of the room. The lamp is a $10.95 thrift store find with a new shade.
Looking for another deal? These floor-to-ceiling drapery panels are sewn from silk shantung found online for only $11 a yard.
Keep office supplies from taking over your work area by storing them on a vintage tray. Adding personal trinkets affords you a moment's distraction while checking e-mail or paying bills.
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.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Dos and Don'ts of Dorm Decor
Dos and Don'ts of Dorm Decor Check out our firsthand knowledge of everything you must know about decorating your first dorm room.
By Kaelin Tripp
Buy RightDon't: Overpurchase for your dorm room. The room will be small, so buying everything you see may not be the best -- for your room or for your budget.
Do: Wait until you settle into your room to add the small accessories. While it's tempting to buy all the cool dorm frills, take your time to make those purchases. Plus, items will go on sale a couple weeks after school starts.
Pack Up WiselyDon't: Bring everything you own from home. Paring down your possessions, and your clothes, will make it easier to move into your new space.
Do: Bring the essentials. Remember, you are sharing a room with someone else so there isn't room for everything, especially when it comes to clothes. If you live close to school leave most of your winter clothes at home until Thanksgiving break. Then swap for your warm-weather wardrobe during spring break.
Avoid an Overly Matched LookDon't: Declare that you and your roommate must have everything matching. After all, you could have a new roommate next year, or next semester.
Do: Chat with your roommate before you head to school to choose a color scheme that suits both of your tastes. Then choose your own coordinating items. This makes it easy to incorporate your own personality into your part of the room. Choosing bold colors with large patterns will add life to the dull white walls of a dorm.
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.
By Kaelin Tripp
Buy RightDon't: Overpurchase for your dorm room. The room will be small, so buying everything you see may not be the best -- for your room or for your budget.
Do: Wait until you settle into your room to add the small accessories. While it's tempting to buy all the cool dorm frills, take your time to make those purchases. Plus, items will go on sale a couple weeks after school starts.
Pack Up WiselyDon't: Bring everything you own from home. Paring down your possessions, and your clothes, will make it easier to move into your new space.
Do: Bring the essentials. Remember, you are sharing a room with someone else so there isn't room for everything, especially when it comes to clothes. If you live close to school leave most of your winter clothes at home until Thanksgiving break. Then swap for your warm-weather wardrobe during spring break.
Avoid an Overly Matched LookDon't: Declare that you and your roommate must have everything matching. After all, you could have a new roommate next year, or next semester.
Do: Chat with your roommate before you head to school to choose a color scheme that suits both of your tastes. Then choose your own coordinating items. This makes it easy to incorporate your own personality into your part of the room. Choosing bold colors with large patterns will add life to the dull white walls of a dorm.
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.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Five Designer Secrets for Creating Fabulous Windows
Five Designer Secrets for Creating Fabulous Windows(ARA) - It's easy to see your windows in a whole new light with insights from a professional designer. With just a little bit of thought about the look you are trying to achieve, combined with the design savvy of window treatment experts, windows like those seen in the top design magazines are just days away.
To get you started, Smith+Noble, America's leading catalog and online retailer of custom window treatments, rugs and fabric décor, suggests following these five tips from top interior designer Michael Payne. Payne is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers whose weekly show, "Designing for the Sexes," can be seen on HGTV.
* Don't be afraid of color. Many people play it safe and select neutral window treatments. Yet, mixing two colorful window treatments is a simple way to inject energy and excitement into a room. Select tones from opposite sides of the color wheel -- for example, pair a golden honeycomb shade with deep aubergine velvet panels -- to brighten and add punch to your windows.
* Vary textures when mixing neutrals. If bright colors aren't what you are after, mixing subtle colors in wonderful textures can instantly bring elegance and ease to your rooms. For example, combining rich silk in an earthy bronze with delicate, sheer georgette in a creamy color results in a beautiful effect that goes with any décor. Woven reeds, grasses and bamboos used in Smith+Noble's Natural Roman shades perfectly complement tailored herringbone edge bindings.
* Use a corner to your advantage. In homes with wall space between two corner windows, use panels or draperies with one side stacking to the left, the other to the right. Panels meet in the corner for the dramatic look of one continuous window. In contemporary homes where windows meet without wall space in between, honeycomb shades are a wonderful solution. When closed, the windows appear as bold bands of color; when open, shades virtually disappear for an unobstructed view.
* Give small windows big impact. Don't be stumped by small or unattractive windows. One terrific way to make small windows appear larger and more dramatic is by using light-colored panels that start well above the window and puddle onto the floor. To enhance the width of a narrow window, specify panels significantly wider than the window and hold them open with tiebacks-the effect draws the eye outward. Then, build on the visual impact with details like ring tops, prominent wood poles, finials and brackets.
* Design in stages. If your dream windows are a little out of reach right now budget-wise, don't fret. Designing windows is an evolving process that doesn't have to be finished all at once. When you move into a home, privacy and light control are most important, so focus on installing functional blinds and shades that will be the foundation for your window treatment masterpieces later. Then, when time and budget allow, layer luxurious panels and draperies or add architectural details like cornices and sconces.
"Designing beautiful windows can seem intimidating, but it's really not," says Karin Miller, vice president of merchandising for Smith+Noble and member of the Color Marketing Group. "Smith+Noble has taken the hottest design trends and edited them into easy-to-work-with color palettes and fabric groupings. Whether you want the function of wood blinds or the luxury of silk draperies, Smith+Noble has the right design solution for you."
Smith+Noble, America's leading resource for custom home decorating solutions, offers innovative, high-quality window treatments, custom area rugs and fabric décor items that are well-priced and backed by superior customer service and support. The company is based in Corona, Calif.
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.
To get you started, Smith+Noble, America's leading catalog and online retailer of custom window treatments, rugs and fabric décor, suggests following these five tips from top interior designer Michael Payne. Payne is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers whose weekly show, "Designing for the Sexes," can be seen on HGTV.
* Don't be afraid of color. Many people play it safe and select neutral window treatments. Yet, mixing two colorful window treatments is a simple way to inject energy and excitement into a room. Select tones from opposite sides of the color wheel -- for example, pair a golden honeycomb shade with deep aubergine velvet panels -- to brighten and add punch to your windows.
* Vary textures when mixing neutrals. If bright colors aren't what you are after, mixing subtle colors in wonderful textures can instantly bring elegance and ease to your rooms. For example, combining rich silk in an earthy bronze with delicate, sheer georgette in a creamy color results in a beautiful effect that goes with any décor. Woven reeds, grasses and bamboos used in Smith+Noble's Natural Roman shades perfectly complement tailored herringbone edge bindings.
* Use a corner to your advantage. In homes with wall space between two corner windows, use panels or draperies with one side stacking to the left, the other to the right. Panels meet in the corner for the dramatic look of one continuous window. In contemporary homes where windows meet without wall space in between, honeycomb shades are a wonderful solution. When closed, the windows appear as bold bands of color; when open, shades virtually disappear for an unobstructed view.
* Give small windows big impact. Don't be stumped by small or unattractive windows. One terrific way to make small windows appear larger and more dramatic is by using light-colored panels that start well above the window and puddle onto the floor. To enhance the width of a narrow window, specify panels significantly wider than the window and hold them open with tiebacks-the effect draws the eye outward. Then, build on the visual impact with details like ring tops, prominent wood poles, finials and brackets.
* Design in stages. If your dream windows are a little out of reach right now budget-wise, don't fret. Designing windows is an evolving process that doesn't have to be finished all at once. When you move into a home, privacy and light control are most important, so focus on installing functional blinds and shades that will be the foundation for your window treatment masterpieces later. Then, when time and budget allow, layer luxurious panels and draperies or add architectural details like cornices and sconces.
"Designing beautiful windows can seem intimidating, but it's really not," says Karin Miller, vice president of merchandising for Smith+Noble and member of the Color Marketing Group. "Smith+Noble has taken the hottest design trends and edited them into easy-to-work-with color palettes and fabric groupings. Whether you want the function of wood blinds or the luxury of silk draperies, Smith+Noble has the right design solution for you."
Smith+Noble, America's leading resource for custom home decorating solutions, offers innovative, high-quality window treatments, custom area rugs and fabric décor items that are well-priced and backed by superior customer service and support. The company is based in Corona, Calif.
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.
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