Renting an apartment can be stressful, especially if time and money are limited. It’s not uncommon for people to leap before they look just to relieve the pressure of apartment hunting. Selecting a place to live is important. If you’re unhappy with your home, it can have a significant negative impact on your life.
So, once you’ve determined the place is in your price range, take a pad and pen to make notes as you consider the following:
What’s the neighborhood like? If you’re new to the area, ask about the nearest grocery store, bank, video store, etc. Walk around to see what kind of activity is in the area. Ask about transportation routes and how safe the neighborhood is.
Who are the neighbors? You’re not asking the landlord to judge, you’re asking for facts. Do they have kids? Pets? Are they college students or elderly couples? This will help you decide if you’ll enjoy living there. This isn’t as much of a concern if you’re living in a mid or high rise. However, if you are renting an apartment in house, it may set off your allergies if the people below you have a dog.
How is the place heated and cooled? This is of particular concern if you are responsible for paying the utilities. Do you have control over heating and/or air conditioning levels? Also be sure to find out average monthly costs of water and hydro.
Are there enough windows ? Light and temperature can dramatically affect how much you enjoy your home. If you find lack of light depressing, you may want to avoid basements or apartments with tiny windows. If there is a long wall facing north and you’re in a colder climate, find out how well it is insulated to protect yourself from northern winds.
How much closet space is there? You need a place to hang clothes and coats, put away shoes, linen and even the vacuum cleaner. Apartments in older houses tend to have few closets. Look to see how the current tenant (if there is one) manages.
How old is the wiring? Count how many outlets there are and if they have a grounding socket. Few outlets and/or two-pronged outlets often indicate older wiring, which can be a safety concern.
How present is the landlord? You want your landlord to be available when you need assistance, but it can be intrusive and uncomfortable to have him or her around all the time or coming by unannounced.
What are the policies and laws regarding pets? If a pet is already part of your family, make sure it is legal and acceptable to have pets. Otherwise, you may have to face a heartbreaking decision.
How big are the rooms? You can use a tape measure or pace off to get a good idea of the room dimensions. Also notice how much and what size of furniture the current tenants have. For example, if you have a queen-size bed, will it fit in the bedroom? Also note stairwells, hallways and doors. Maybe your couch will fit in the living room, but will you be able to get it in?
Is there parking? If you have a car you’ll want to know if parking is included in the rent, where it is and how safe it is.
Check for insects and rodents. Look in corners, behind furniture and along baseboards for any evidence of critters or repellent. If there are current tenants, they may be forthcoming with such information. And, if possible, visit the apartment at night and turn lights on in the bathroom and kitchen to look for any activity.
If the place is in need of repair or paint, find out what will be done before you move in. If the plaster is falling down and you have to repair it, you may find living there more expensive and annoying than you bargained for.
The key to successful apartment hunting is keeping your wits about you. Don’t just look at the surface of things and make assumptions. Review the notes you made as you viewed the apartment. Jot down your impressions as well. This will be your home. It is worth taking the time to plan ahead, ask questions and weigh pros and cons before signing on the dotted 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. Central NJ Apartments
Friday, June 26, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Burlar Prevention
Sensible Burglary Prevention Measures Start with the Basics(ARA) - It is always a busy season for burglars. According to FBI statistics, the greatest numbers of home burglaries occur in July, with August a close second. In 2004, for instance, burglars entered a house, apartment or condominium every 14.7 seconds, making off with valuables worth an average of $1,607 each time.Art Noparstak, marketing manager for Intermatic, Inc. and spokesperson for the national Burglary Prevention Council, an organization dedicated to the prevention of residential burglaries, states, "Sixty-two percent of all burglaries occur in daylight hours, and almost a third are made without forced entry. Don't make the burglar's job too easy."To prevent burglaries, Noparstak offers the following advice:* Keep all doors, windows and garage doors closed and securely fastened. Doors should have deadbolt locks with at least a 1" throw and reinforced strike plate with 3" screws. All windows should have window locks.* Cut up cartons for TVs, computers, stereos, etc. Tie the pieces together so a burglar going through the garbage does not see any of your highly valuable household items.* Do not leave ladders or tools lying around outside.* Install a wide-angle door viewer (peephole) in your front door so you can see who is at the door.* Don't put your name and residential address on your key ring. If you happen to lose it, a dishonest person could gain entry to your home.* Use timers on lights, radios and TVs. Set light timers to turn on and off and random times of the day and night, making your residence appear occupied.* Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways.* When service or delivery people come to your door, ask for ID. If you're still not sure, call the police first and report the stranger. Next, call the company to confirm.* Make a home inventory list, complete with photos or video. Engrave items with your ID to help the police identify your belongings. Store this list in a safety deposit box.* Post signs in conspicuous locations that clearly indicate that the premises are protected by a burglar alarm."Consumers should also consider installing a burglar alarm around their home," says Noparstak. "It is a myth that burglar alarms need to be high-tech and cost thousands of dollars. There are many affordable options available, including window, door and table top alarms." 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. Central NJ Apartments
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Priorites of Apartment Searching
Renting an apartment, although not as big a commitment as buying a home, is an investment of time and money. The following are a few considerations in finding and leasing an apartment.
The first priority of real estate is location, location, and location. The same can be said of apartment homes. Consider the distance to work, school or other responsibilities. If you ride public transportation, convenience to bus or train stops must be considered.
There are many sources that lead to apartments to rent. First are the want ads, which have general categories such as furnished and unfurnished, plus condos and town homes for rent in some areas. The convenience of the want ads includes general description and (in most cases) a phone number for the initial inquiry. On the down side, by the time an ad is published in the paper, the apartment could be long gone.
Another source is an apartment locator service. These days, most of the apartment services are paid by the landlord or apartment management company, so be aware that the service is inclined to serve who pays them and may not have the renters best interest in mind. If you do use a locator service, do some footwork on your own to find out what the average rent is in that area and what other tenants are paying, so that you are not overcharged.
The third source is word of mouth and other unconventional sources. Some recommend reading the obituaries to find vacancies but this can be time consuming and yield unexpected results, as many people in mourning do not appreciate apartment hunters ringing their bell. However, cold calling the management of an apartment building that looks attractive to find out if there have been recent vacancies could be profitable.
Once you find a place that looks good, there are several questions to ask about the grounds. Is it a gated community? What amenities such as pool, hot tub, gym, and Laundromat. These items can save money on items like gym memberships and can be factored in the decision process.
Next most places will have applicants fill out a form and ask for reference as well as run a credit check on the prospective tenant.
Next is the lease, or rental agreement itself. Does the apartment allow pets and visitors? How much security is required and what are the terms to have it refunded at the end of the lease. Who is responsible for damages, water leaks etc. When is the rent due (what day each month) and what late charges occur if the rent is late.
Questions about utilities are also important. Who controls the heat and air conditioning? How well insulated is the apartment. Who pays for fuel, electric, gas, trash pickup, waste, water and hot water. How much are your neighbors paying for an average bill during the winter and summer months. All of these factors will determine your total monthly costs.
Last but not least, before signing a lease, it is wise to have it reviewed by a lawyer. Be particularly careful if this is a sub let agree ment to make sure your rights are protected. If you are signing with a roommate, have it spelled out who is responsible for what. If you cannot afford a lawyer, try a paralegal or real estate professional. If this is also not an option the main rule is to read all documents over carefully, make sure landlord and tenant(s) sign and keep a copy. 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. Central NJ Apartments
The first priority of real estate is location, location, and location. The same can be said of apartment homes. Consider the distance to work, school or other responsibilities. If you ride public transportation, convenience to bus or train stops must be considered.
There are many sources that lead to apartments to rent. First are the want ads, which have general categories such as furnished and unfurnished, plus condos and town homes for rent in some areas. The convenience of the want ads includes general description and (in most cases) a phone number for the initial inquiry. On the down side, by the time an ad is published in the paper, the apartment could be long gone.
Another source is an apartment locator service. These days, most of the apartment services are paid by the landlord or apartment management company, so be aware that the service is inclined to serve who pays them and may not have the renters best interest in mind. If you do use a locator service, do some footwork on your own to find out what the average rent is in that area and what other tenants are paying, so that you are not overcharged.
The third source is word of mouth and other unconventional sources. Some recommend reading the obituaries to find vacancies but this can be time consuming and yield unexpected results, as many people in mourning do not appreciate apartment hunters ringing their bell. However, cold calling the management of an apartment building that looks attractive to find out if there have been recent vacancies could be profitable.
Once you find a place that looks good, there are several questions to ask about the grounds. Is it a gated community? What amenities such as pool, hot tub, gym, and Laundromat. These items can save money on items like gym memberships and can be factored in the decision process.
Next most places will have applicants fill out a form and ask for reference as well as run a credit check on the prospective tenant.
Next is the lease, or rental agreement itself. Does the apartment allow pets and visitors? How much security is required and what are the terms to have it refunded at the end of the lease. Who is responsible for damages, water leaks etc. When is the rent due (what day each month) and what late charges occur if the rent is late.
Questions about utilities are also important. Who controls the heat and air conditioning? How well insulated is the apartment. Who pays for fuel, electric, gas, trash pickup, waste, water and hot water. How much are your neighbors paying for an average bill during the winter and summer months. All of these factors will determine your total monthly costs.
Last but not least, before signing a lease, it is wise to have it reviewed by a lawyer. Be particularly careful if this is a sub let agree ment to make sure your rights are protected. If you are signing with a roommate, have it spelled out who is responsible for what. If you cannot afford a lawyer, try a paralegal or real estate professional. If this is also not an option the main rule is to read all documents over carefully, make sure landlord and tenant(s) sign and keep a copy. 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. Central NJ Apartments
Monday, June 1, 2009
Renting an apartment can be stressful
Renting an apartment can be stressful, especially if time and money are limited. It’s not uncommon for people to leap before they look just to relieve the pressure of apartment hunting. Selecting a place to live is important. If you’re unhappy with your home, it can have a significant negative impact on your life.So, once you’ve determined the place is in your price range, take a pad and pen to make notes as you consider the following:What’s the neighborhood like? If you’re new to the area, ask about the nearest grocery store, bank, video store, etc. Walk around to see what kind of activity is in the area. Ask about transportation routes and how safe the neighborhood is.Who are the neighbors? You’re not asking the landlord to judge, you’re asking for facts. Do they have kids? Pets? Are they college students or elderly couples? This will help you decide if you’ll enjoy living there. This isn’t as much of a concern if you’re living in a mid or high rise. However, if you are renting an apartment in house, it may set off your allergies if the people below you have a dog.How is the place heated and cooled? This is of particular concern if you are responsible for paying the utilities. Do you have control over heating and/or air conditioning levels? Also be sure to find out average monthly costs of water and hydro.Are there enough windows and which direction(s) do they face? Light and temperature can dramatically affect how much you enjoy your home. If you find lack of light depressing, you may want to avoid basements or apartments with tiny windows. If there is a long wall facing north and you’re in a colder climate, find out how well it is insulated to protect yourself from northern winds.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. Central NJ Apartments.
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