“Everything’s negotiable,” we’re always told. But is it true? For example, can you negotiate rent with a property management company or landlord? Read the rest of this entry »

Nothing ruins the summer months more than the appearance of unwelcome pests in your apartment. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do something about it! Take back your apartment this summer with these easy tips on dealing with three of the most common — and dangerous summer — pests! Read the rest of this entry »

Flushing your toilet might not be something you think about twice. In fact, it’s a good habit to be in. But then you get last month’s sewer and water bill and suddenly every flush sounds like money going right down the drain! Read the rest of this entry »

It comes every year, whether you’re ready for it or not. It can pass uneventfully, or it can wreak havoc on your life. It’s invasive, it’s sneezy, and it’s no fun at all.

It’s flu season! Read the rest of this entry »

It’s spacious, below-market price, and doesn’t require a background check—it’s the apartment of your dreams! But if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Here are some of the most common apartment rental scams, how they work, and how you can spot them before you sign a lease that turns your dream apartment into a waking nightmare. Read the rest of this entry »

Summertime sounds like no other season.

From the chirping of nearby cicadas and katydids to the gentle rustling of leaves in the evening breeze, summer’s sounds are music to your ears. You welcome them!

However, other summer sounds aren’t as great. They include loud parties in the unit next door, obnoxious gatherings at the pool, and common area cookouts where guests outnumber residents ten-to-one.

Read the rest of this entry »

College isn’t cheap, and there’s one thing in particular that makes up a significant chunk of the cost: housing. Whether you’re in a campus dormitory or an off-campus apartment, those living expenses can add up fast! Living with your parents? Now that’s a different story. It’s often free! Still not sure if living at home during college is the best plan for you? We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons. Read the rest of this entry »

In many respects, rent-to-own apartments sound almost too good to be true:

• There’s barely a fraction of the maintenance required of a house.
• It can be easier — not to mention more affordable — to find an apartment closer to vibrant downtown areas than similarly located homes.
• It combines the flexibility of renting with the financial security of owning property.

Well, rent-to-own apartments aren’t a dream. They’re real! But they can carry a few real challenges you need to be aware of, as well. Read the rest of this entry »

Do you flinch at the thought of the words “fiscally responsible?” Does your head spin every time the cashier asks if you have a Nordstrom/Gap/PacSun card? Do your nightmares consist of dollar bills flying out of your wallet and into a pool of Wall Street-looking business men? Relax! If you’re new to managing your own finances and establishing credit, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few basic things that all credit card noobs should know. Read the rest of this entry »

We have all heard the stories on the news about how apartment rent is continuing to rise to near-historic rates. As America takes it last few steps to full recovery from the economic challenges that plagued the nation a few years ago, a new discussion has emerged. This one has very little to do with bank interest rates or mortgage qualifications. The new discussion is about value and how we perceive it, and it seems that each generation – stereotypically speaking – has its own take on it. This is especially true when it comes to how and where we choose to live. Read the rest of this entry »