Category: Blog

Rental properties are still in high demand in the new year. In fact, according to recent surveys of new college students, in the U.S., a new unit gets rented out every 80 seconds and a new renter moves into their new place every 30 seconds. With statistics like these, it is easy to see why apartment rentals are in such high demand today. But what can a new student do to make the search for a nearby apartment easier and less stressful? Read on to find out!

Talk to Your Fellow Classmates

If you are moving out of town or out of state to attend college and have friends who are going to the same college, it might be worth checking in with them. See if they have found any good spots to look into for yourself. You may also have the option to become roommates with some of your friends, at least initially. It can give yourself more time to look for a more convenient college apartment.

Check Online Listings and Websites

Before you make your big move to your new campus you should check out online listings for that area. Also, consider browsing real estate websites and classifieds to see what might be available for a quick and affordable move-in option. If you are not moving into on-campus dorms this might be a way to find the perfect apartment without a lot of hassle and running around ahead of your big move.

Browse Real Estate Magazines

If online searches are not giving you the results you want, it may help to find some real estate pamphlets and magazines to look through. It can be time-consuming and feel a little outdated, but there can be some good listings in those pamphlets at times. Some real estate agents specialize in rental properties and apartments, so that may be another option worth considering.

Drive Around and Check the Area Personally

You can help make the search for the perfect college apartment easier by doing some leg work yourself. When you go to visit the campus take time to drive around the local area. Look for apartments that are listing vacancies and talk to a few places if possible. Some places will offer discounts and specials to new college students moving in the area, so it is worth checking out those options as well.

Get the Apartment That is Right For You

While the debate over the merits of renting vs owning a home continues, for college students the best option almost always is finding a college apartment to rent. With these tips in mind, you will be better prepared to take this task head-on and find the apartment that is right for you!

It seems like every year, apartments near college areas are in high demand. With the cost of rent skyrocketing in many areas, it’s hard to find a place that is both affordable and close enough to campus. This is why it’s important to ask the right questions when choosing a roommate. By doing so, you can make sure that you are compatible with one another and avoid any potential conflicts down the road. Below are five important questions to ask a potential roommate.

1. What Are Your Living Habits?

This is a question that can help you determine whether or not you are compatible with your potential roommate. Do they like to keep the place clean and tidy, or do they prefer to live in a mess? Do they like to party all night long, or are they more of a homebody? It’s important to know these things before moving in together.

2. What Are Your Sleeping Habits?

This question is important to ask if you’re a light sleeper. Some people like to keep the house quiet and dark when they sleep, while others are fine with a little noise and light. It’s important to know what your potential roommate’s sleeping habits are so that you can both compromise on what is the best living situation for you.

3. What Are Your Pet Peeves?

It’s important to know what your potential roommate’s pet peeves are before moving in together. This way, you can avoid doing anything that may irritate them. For example, if they hate it when people leave their clothes lying around, make sure to put your clothes away after changing.

4. How Do You Feel About Sharing?

Some people are okay with sharing everything, while others prefer to keep certain things private. It’s important to find out how your potential roommate feels about sharing these items so that there are no disagreements down the road. For example, if one person is okay with splitting food expenses evenly, but the other prefers to pay for the bulk of the food, there could be a potential conflict.

5. How Do You Deal With Conflicts?

Conflicts are bound to arise. But it is important to find out how your potential roommate plans on dealing with these conflicts before moving in together. If one person prefers to communicate and work through the conflict while the other likes to ignore and avoid it, there could be a problem. Be sure that you and your potential roommate are on the same page when it comes to dealing with conflicts.

About one-third of all renters move each year. If you’re one of the thousands of college students out there who will be looking for apartments near college areas this year, be sure to ask your potential roommates these important questions. By doing so, you can avoid any potential conflicts and make sure that you are compatible with one another. If you are looking for apartments near college areas, call us today, and we will help you find the perfect place!

If you plan to live in an off campus apartment, you will have to put down a security deposit. It is unlikely that you can avoid it. Therefore, you want to do everything you can while living there to ensure you will get your money back once the lease ends. Review these tips to place yourself in an excellent position to get your security deposit back when living in an off campus apartment.

#1 — Review the Lease

This may seem silly to you, but most people do not read the lease before signing it. In 2016, roughly 27% of Americans rented their home and a portion of them did not read the lease. The lease provides you with the rules for living in your rented apartment. In addition, it tells you what you are responsible for upon leaving.

#2 — Document

Before you move in, walk around the apartment and look at everything. If there is any damage, document it in writing and take pictures. Often, the landlord gives you a document on which to do this. If not, create your own. You should give a copy to your landlord and keep one for yourself.

#3 — Understand the Rules

When living in an off campus apartment, follow the rules. This includes how long you are staying in the apartment. If you try to leave early and break the lease, you might give up your right to your security deposit. Also, there are rules about how many people can live in the space. For example, you want to be careful not to let your best friend move in if that is not allowed.

#4 — Know Your Landlord

If you can, establish a rapport with your landlord. Maintaining a pleasant relationship can help you substantially while living in the off campus apartment and when it is time to move out. For example, you could ask your landlord to do a walkthrough with you to ensure you fixed everything that might prevent you from getting your deposit back.

#5 — Clean

When you are ready to leave and remove your possessions, give the apartment a deep and thorough cleaning. You want it to look like it has not been lived in. Remove any stains on the carpet, wall scuffs, clean the windows and baseboards.

With these five tips, you will be much more likely to get back your security deposit. In addition, you’ll have a much better experience both as you live in the apartment and when it comes time to move out.

Renting a new apartment can be so exciting. It might be a taste of independence or it might be a fresh start. No matter what your plans are, you need to make sure that you will be protected in your home. Before you sign your lease, make sure you know these four things.

Can You Afford It?

Experts say that you should not spend more than 30% of your income on rent and utilities. If you struggle to cover your expenses, you might not be able to afford this apartment. Unfortunately, you might not be able to get out of your lease before it ends. This will leave you on the hook for the money you owe, whether you can pay it or not. That’s why it pays to plan ahead and decide if you can afford it before committing.

How Can I Terminate the Lease?

While you might intend to stay in your apartment throughout the entirety of the lease, things change. You might have a major life change that will require you to leave. Before you sign your lease, you need to know how to break it. Many places will include that information in your lease, so ask for it upfront. It might be something as simple as giving your landlord notice and paying a fee, or it might get more complicated. You need to know this upfront, so make sure you ask the questions and get straight answers.

What Is Included in the Rent?

Your monthly rent might include other things, like certain utility payments. If you’re moving into a new apartment, you need to know what you’ll be required to pay for and what will be covered when you move in. Otherwise, you’ll struggle to budget or you might end up paying for things that you didn’t know you would have to.

Is There Parking?

If you have a car, it is essential that you know the parking situation at your new apartment. Some apartments have plentiful free parking while others have nothing at all. Make sure you know what you’ll get going in.

When you’re moving into a new apartment, there are so many things that you need to consider. However, before you do any of that, make sure that you’ve got answers to these questions. Not only will they help you plan for your time in the apartment, but they can also potentially help you get away from an apartment that does not work for you and your situation.

Living in a student rental does not mean you cannot save money. There are about 111 million people in the US that live in an apartment. Having a plan to save money while you live in a student rental can help you to build a nice nest egg.

Start Tracking Your Expenses

If you are like most people, you are likely spending a lot more money than you realize. Your student rental is likely to be very affordable, but you may still be having a problem making ends meet. It is not the “budgeted” expenses like rent and insurance that drain your bank account, but the everyday expenses that you are not planning that do.

Tracking your expenses is essential to saving money. Track every dime you spend for a week. Write it all down, then evaluate how much you are spending on what. Knowing where your money is going will help you to cut fat out of your budget.

Set Goals

Let’s say you find that you are spending five dollars a day on a coffee on your way to work. That is $25 a week. What else could you do with $25 a week or an extra $100 a month? Set a goal for that money. Instead of stopping to buy a coffee, consider making coffee at home in your student rental and paying yourself to save for a goal.

Buy Used

Saving money on furnishing your student rental is easy when you know where to shop. Used is a great option. Buying furniture from a thrift shop or through an online ad is an easy way to save on furnishing and décor.

Use Coupons

Everyone needs food for their student rental, but that does not mean we have to pay full price. Cut coupons, look for coupons online to find savings. Why pay the full price when you do not have to? Using coupons and looking for sales is an easy way to save on the cost of food.

You Can Save

Make savings a priority. You can find savings in a student rental if you make it a priority to look for it. You may have to make some behavior changes when it comes to spending and looking for ways to cut out unnecessary spending. Saving is possible if you follow simple steps.

It’s a new world out there, and it can be hard to know where to start. Your recent experiences at college have given you valuable insight into what life might be like as you transition from living on campus to living off campus. As you make the transition, you’ll be able to settle into new routines. Let’s examine things to be aware of to help ease the transition.

Consider Your Living Arrangement Preferences

When you leave campus, you’ll most likely be renting a room or small apartments like a studio or a one-bedroom. It might be difficult for you to choose, so think about your ideal living arrangement. Would you like to have things quieter, especially if your new job starts early in the morning? Would you like to live with others who have pets? Will the new place be close to accessible public transportation? Renting is common, according to the Rental Protection Agency. They estimate that around 40% of people between the ages of 15-34 make up renters in the United States. So know that you aren’t alone as you go through this process.

Read All the Fine Print

When you consider renting a place, you must read the rental or lease agreement very carefully. Private homeowners may not provide you with state-specific contracts or may try to include clauses into their contracts that aren’t legally required or enforceable in your state. More prominent property owners or property management companies may require you to abide by specific rules while on the property. There may be restrictions on modifications you can make or personal items you can store or not store.

Experiment With Cooking Skills

Life outside college brings the ability to start learning healthy recipes. Brushing up or learning new cooking skills will take time but will serve you well during your life. Throwing a dinner party is also a different life activity after college, so don’t forget to have some friends over for a meal. Consider investing in cooking tools that make creating meals easier and faster, like an electric pressure cooker.

Living off campus is a big adjustment for many students, but it’s also an exciting time of new experiences and independence. It will take you some time to settle into your new place, learn the bus routes, learn where things like grocery stores and hospitals are, and more. Keep moving forward with your plans and reach out to trusted people in your life if you find yourself in a situation you’re not quite sure how to handle.

The majority of college students go off to school away from home. While some choose to stay in student dorms throughout their time in school, and some are required to spend at least part of their education on campus in dorms, others are able and prefer to stay in off campus housing. Off campus housing is usually defined as any type of housing that is not owned or managed by the student’s university, even if it is technically on campus. With a new unit being rented in the United States every 80 seconds, and a new renter moving into an apartment every 30 seconds, the competition can be quite stiff. But the more you know before choosing student rentals, the better.

1. Location Matters

Location is incredibly important for those shopping for student housing. Students need to be able to get to class quickly and efficiently. It’s often easier academically and socially for students to stay as close to campus as possible.

2. Consider Internet Connection

Yes, your internet connection is important, and especially while you’re in college. Make sure that you understand who the internet service provider in your area is before committing to a student rental, and what the connection level will be.

3. Safety

A lot of students live on their own for the first time while attending college. Both they and their parents feel a lot safer knowing that their rental housing is as safe as possible. Consider the benefits of a building that has built-in security measures like a security system or a doorman.

4. Social Opportunities

Living off campus can be less expensive, but you may miss out on social opportunities. Living closer to campus is a good compromise in this case.

5. Cost

, Of course, cost is important. But take the whole package into account, not just rent. Remember to consider utilities, bills, and the cost of commuting.

6. Neighbors

It can be difficult for newly independent college students to live in neighborhoods full of families. Make sure you or your loved one is aware of the neighbors they’ll be living near.

7. Roommates

Remember, sharing a rental with a roommate can not only cut costs but provide quick friendships. However, roommates must be carefully vetted first.

Choosing a student rental can be difficult. But don’t stress because it’s also fun and exciting!

How to Choose a Roommate

The college experience is what you make of it. Part of this experience is your living situation. Roughly 2,654 individuals are in the rental market every day and in need of housing, according to the Rental Protection Agency. For many students, choosing off campus student housing is a huge step in their college experience. This is why it is imperative to make sure you are not only choosing a reliable landlord and place to live, but also a good roommate. After all, you will be spending a lot of time with them!

Living With Close Friends

Living in off campus student housing with your close friends can be a great way to grow even closer. You probably already have similar interests with this person, and you are familiar with their level of cleanliness and responsibility. However, living with people, especially in a small space, can also take a hindrance to a friendship.

The dynamic of your friendship may be a lot different when you are living together. There are responsibilities to spit up, bills to pay, and levels of cleanliness that each person prefers. Be sure to evaluate your friendship with this person on a deeper level before deciding to live with a close friend in a student rental.

Living With a Stranger

The word “stranger” often has a negative connotation. However, many people find that living with someone you are not friends with ahead of time alleviates a lot of stress and diminishes expectations.

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself during the roommate searching process:

• Do they have pets?
• Are your lifestyles similar?
• Do they have a reliable source of income?
• Will they sign a lease and abide by it?

Many students may choose to live with more than one roommate, these concerns might compound. It is important to have a strong sense of how comfortable, respectful, and cooperative potential roommates might be.

Conclusion

Whether you are choosing to live in off campus student housing with an existing friend or a stranger, taking the time to evaluate your potential living dynamic is important and can seriously impact your off campus student rentals experience.

So you’re a student and you’ve decided to get off campus housing for students. You’re one of 87% of students who live off campus, according to a 2016 New York Times article. Perhaps you had been living on-campus and decided it was time for a change, or perhaps you weighed the housing options and you’ll be moving in for the first time. Either way, you want to make sure you have a good experience. It’s one thing to shop for apartments for rent and move-in, but another to live in them for the school year. Here are some things to keep in mind to make sure you have a great time.

Surround Yourself With Friends

If it’s not too late, ask around to see if any of your friends want to room with you. Having roommates takes a burden off of paying in full for apartments for rent, and you can benefit from this too. Additionally, having your friends close will help you have a better experience. They’ll prevent you from getting lonely or homesick and in general offer up a fun time. Ensure that you know your potential roommates well and don’t ask just anybody, otherwise, the purpose might be defeated. Sometimes living with someone is a different experience than just hanging out with them, so keep that in mind.

Don’t Overdo It

There are a lot of things you could end up overdoing. From trying to move too many things into your apartment, to going to too many parties because you feel you want the college experience. Remember that apartments for rent are not the same size as a full house, so pack accordingly and think about what you most need and what you’ll most use. This will save you time later and prevent your living space from being overcrowded. Also, keep in mind that you don’t need to go to every party you get invited to. If you get burned out, you’ll have a worse time than if you pick and choose where you most want to go. You can gain the college experience from many aspects of your school year, not just the parties or the housing, so take your time and soak everything in.

Balance Your School Life

Don’t forget the number one reason why you’re here: to get an education. However you decide to live your life and spend your time, it’s important to save time for school work and studying. You might be tempted to blow off an assignment here or there, but it’s not worth it. Doing your best and getting good grades will set you up for the rest of your life. You might regret not taking that hour to go out with friends, but your 30-year old self will be grateful for it. If you balance both your school and your personal lives, you shouldn’t have problems with either.

Remember to keep these things in mind when you move into your off campus housing. Find friends to move in with you, don’t overpack, and balance your time to have the best possible experience. If you do these things, you’re sure to have a great time, as well as a great year.

In the United States, someone rents a new unit every 80 seconds. Also, a new tenant gets into a new apartment every half a minute. Some of these tenants are students. If you are a student and feel like you are ready for off campus housing for students, there are a few things to consider. Here are some common signs that you are ready for off-campus life.

You Want to Live With Your Friends

If you stay in a dorm room, chances are your friends will not stay close to you. They might even be in a different building. However, if you stay in an apartment, you can live with some of your friends. Depending on your arrangement, you might even pay for off campus housing for students with your friends and become roommates. This way, you and your friends will not be assigned random rooms. Off campus housing for students is also ideal if you want to stay with a significant other.

You Want a Pet

There are some dorm rooms that will allow you to have a small pet. For instance, most will not have a problem if you decide to keep a hamster. However, if you want to have a pet dog, you might have problems keeping it in a dorm room. If you feel like it’s time to have a bigger pet, then you might need to consider off campus housing for students. If you have your own pet-friendly apartment, then you can get to keep your pet without any problems.

You Want More Independence

Most dorms tend to have a lot of rules and restrictions. If you are tired of living in such a controlling environment, then it might be a sign that you are ready for off campus housing for students. The next step would be to find a nice place and move out. When you have your own apartment, you can set your own rules and enjoy your space as you should.

You Are Ready for More Responsibility

This is another sign that you are ready for off campus housing for students. When you are staying in a dorm, most of your responsibilities will be taken care of. However, when you start feeling like you want more control over your life, it might be time to leave the dorm room and have your own place where you can take care of things on your own.

These are some of the signs that you are ready to start staying off campus. From living with friends, to getting a pet, to wanting space for yourself, living the way you want is not out of reach. Once you have made the decision, make sure you find a safe and nice place to live and study.