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November 2015

couple worrying about heating billDoes the thought of your heating bill make you shiver? If you live in an apartment, you may think there isn’t much you can do to reduce you heating bill this winter. However, even those living in cities with colder climates, like apartment dwellers in Columbus or Seattle, can make small changes to cut back on expensive heating costs. Here are a few ways to save on costs with little time and effort.

AS_frozenpipesIn colder climes, frozen pipes are a real danger during the winter. When frozen pipes burst, you could be looking at flood damage and ruined possessions. And worse, depending on your renters insurance coverage, you may not be covered for reimbursements and repairs. That’s why renters should be especially vigilant about preventing frozen pipes during the wintertime. After all, the last thing you want is to come home from a winter vacation to a sopping wet apartment.

Speaker at Optech conferenceOne of the great proving grounds for technology lies within the apartment industry. In an effort to offer greater amenities for their residents, while staying one step ahead of the local competition, property management companies have been on the forefront of lifestyle-based technology. And, as society’s craving for technological offerings have steadily increased along with the preference for the apartment lifestyle, apartment communities that do not evolve with the times are doomed to fall into obscurity within their marketplace. This week, apartment industry professional meet for the annual Optech Conference to focus on the present and future of the technology that proliferates today’s apartment communities. Here are a few of the exciting new developments they will discuss:

couple works on redecorating apartmentGreat home staging for an apartment can be the difference between a quick turnaround and a sluggish sale. When a prospective tenant walks in, they should instantly feel at home in the space, and an effective home staging job can make that happen. However, there are some common blunders that you can make when setting up an apartment. Take note of these top 5 mistakes, and you’ll be on your way to a successful partnership.

leaving apartment for winter vacationAs we move into the holiday season, it’s important to think about better ways to prep your apartment for a vacation. Leaving your apartment in the summer is fairly easy – but in the colder months, there are new weather conditions and security concerns that can have lasting effects on your apartment, if not taken into consideration before you leave town.

Whether you’re leaving your apartment in Detroit or brownstone in New York, here are some key insights to keep in mind to prep your home for a winter vacation.

group of frAs we near Thanksgiving, those of us who live in apartments have a few extra things to be grateful for. We reflect on how great life is when we are not burdened by a home mortgage – in addition to hefty monthly expenses that include utilities, home maintenance and repairs as well as yard upkeep. In addition to cost savings, there are many additional things to be grateful for when you live in an apartment versus a home.

apartments with colorado mountains behindEvery winter, Colorado residents bundle up and crank up the thermostat to fend off freezing temperatures. But are you keeping your apartment as warm as you can? Neglecting your apartment in Denver, Boulder, Aspen, or in any of the other freezing cold cities in Colorado can cause severe damage down the road. Try following these steps so that your apartment won’t be damaged by winter weather.

1. Fix and Seal Your Windows

The first point of contact with the elements is often the windows in your apartment, so making sure they are in proper working order is essential. Cold air will crack the window frames and could even lead to extensive structural damage to your apartment. Fix any cracked or worn-down windows, and make sure to seal them with caulk, weather strips, or insulation film to prevent unnecessary drafts.

veterans day flagsLeading up to Veteran’s Day on Wednesday, November 11, we want to salute those who have served our country, living in apartment communities throughout the world.

Many veterans choose to live in apartments that are affordable and close to military bases – where their friends and family live and work. Active duty military members and veterans who live in apartments realize that this type of housing offers them the best opportunities and lifestyle for themselves and their families.