Category: Blog

Approximately 33% of renters move each year. Some of them move because they realize that they made the wrong apartment choice. If you feel like you are in the wrong apartment and you want to move, it’s important to find the right size apartment for yourself so that you don’t keep moving. Here are some tips for finding the best apartment for yourself.

Consider Functionality

There is a lot more to consider when looking at apartments for rent than just finding something that fits your belongings. For you to find the right size apartment, you need to think about the functionality. The most common apartments for rent are studios, one-bedroom, and two bedrooms. You can look at these in terms of square footage as well. Studio apartments will typically be about 300 square feet to 1,000 square feet.

You can ask yourself the following questions when it comes to size and functionality.

• How many people will live here now and in the future?
• Are you going to be living alone for a long while?
• Are you in a relationship and will someone move in with you in the future?
• For families, are you going to have children in the near future?

Depending on whether you have a family or not, you can choose a studio apartment, a single bedroom, or two bedroomed apartment. The general idea is to find something that will fit you and your family’s needs well unless you are staying alone.

Check to See if Your Furniture Will Fit

Another thing to consider when looking for the right size apartment is to check whether your furniture will fit. You can go and view the apartment when it’s still empty and have a mental image of where you will put things. If you see that you won’t be able to fit everything properly, then you must continue looking at more apartments for rent until you find something that will fit everything perfectly.

Will You Be Renting it Long-Term?

You won’t always be looking for an apartment for a long-term stay. Sometimes you just want something temporary before you move into your house. If you are in such a situation, then you must look for something that will be comfortable enough until you move out. If you are building a house or buying one, you will also want to get something small so that you can save money and invest it in something more permanent.

Finding the right size apartment is not difficult if you follow some of the tips above. Another thing you must also consider when looking at apartments for rent is cost. Make sure you get an apartment that won’t derail your budget. With these tips in mind, you will be sure to find the perfect space for your needs.

Looking for the perfect off campus housing? You’re not alone. About 87% of students live in off campus housing according to a New York Times article published in 2016. For anyone attending school and living off campus, location is the most important thing when apartment hunting. Here’s why.

Transportation

There may be many beautiful apartments available, but with one catch — they’re too out of the way, and getting to classes becomes a hassle. Imagine getting to work tired because of a lengthy commute and then having to do it again at the end of the day. This can even end up affecting your concentration in class and your lifestyle.

Ideally, you’ll want somewhere that only requires taking one bus and a relatively short journey. Living in an area where you can easily get to class and where you can get around easily can cut down plenty of time for you, which is an important factor if you want an efficient schedule.

Amenities

As a student, you’ll also want a vibrant social life to help you relax in between study hours. That means you’ll probably prefer somewhere with a lot of cafes, restaurants, and other local hotspots where you can hang out with friends.

So, when apartment hunting, it’s worth it to explore the area to find out if the neighborhood vibes are on point. It’s best to explore the area both during the day and night to get the full picture of what the whole neighborhood is like. While you’re out and about, be sure to search for great amenities. Also, figure out if you would want to live in a noisy area, such as a place where there’s a nightclub.

Lifestyle Adaptation

Overall, finding the right location for off campus housing can determine how your lifestyle ends up looking. In most instances, you’ll likely not want to move to a location that requires you to alter your lifestyle too drastically. For instance, if you’re an extremely social person, you may not fit well in a quiet neighborhood where there’s little to do.

As you can see, the area where you find your off campus housing can make or break your student experience. However, finding the perfect apartment that suits your lifestyle and needs doesn’t have to be a hassle. You can enlist the services of a reputable real estate company to help you with your apartment hunting, so you can get the best experience in between classes.

Finding the perfect apartment shouldn’t be a hit and miss if you know what to look for. Fortunately, we have rounded up the top factors to consider when hunting for an apartment that’s right for you. Let’s get started.

Pricing

Pricing is an important factor to all renters, especially those who are starting out. The Rental Protection Agency says that about 40.6% of renters in the U.S. are those between the ages of 15 and 34. If you’re part of this age group, you’re probably living on a budget and want an apartment that’s decent and affordable. Therefore, it pays to do your research and find out the cost of apartments in the area you’re looking at. From there, you should consider whether to look elsewhere, find roommates, or negotiate the price.

Overall Conditions

It’s normal for property owners to post beautiful pictures of their apartments online. However, in some cases, the reality may be different. Before you pay rent or make a deposit, it’s up to you to arrange a viewing so you can see everything up close. During your inspection, look out for common problem areas, such as leaky faucets, bug and rodent infestations, broken AC, damaged roof, broken stuff, and mold. Talk to the landlord or property manager to see how they plan to deal with the problem and make it clear you’ll only move in after the problem is fixed.

The Landlord/Property Manager

Your renting experience is always a smooth and pleasant one if you have a great landlord. Besides viewing the apartment, be sure to meet the landlord in person to get a feel of what they’re like. If there are already other tenants living there, if possible, ask them what the landlord is like. Ideally, you want a landlord with good ethics, who respects boundaries, and who is reliable when emergencies occur.

The Neighborhood

Your apartment may seem perfect for you, but if it’s in the wrong kind of neighborhood, then this may be a problem. For instance, if there’s a high crime rate, it’s best to eye other apartments to protect your safety. You should also investigate neighborhood factors such as whether there’s enough parking or access to amenities such as shops, gyms, and a laundromat.

Browsing apartments in search of a place to live can be time-consuming and a hassle, but it pays off once you find the perfect one. Keep the above factors in your mind during your search, and good luck!

Most pet owners do not view their pets as just animals they keep but valued family members. As such, it is essential when looking for new housing that you find something that’s pet friendly. However, it is important to note not all houses that allow pets are pet friendly.

An estimated 33% of renters move each year due to several different reasons. Some of those are pet owners looking for pet-friendly housing. In this article, we will look at what to look for in pet-friendly accommodation.

Located Near Basic Pet Amenities

Pet-friendly housing must be located near an area where you can take your pet to relieve himself. There are apartment buildings with a pet waste station and trash receptacle that is frequently emptied to control odors. You can also check whether there is a drinking fountain for pets. Apart from having the amenities, there should be proper signage pointing you to the relief area to quickly locate it.

Located Near an Animal Park

There are off campus student apartments located close to animal parks where you can take your pet for exercise. If there are none in the area where you’re looking, you can also consider something that has a facility for pets to play and exercise.

Proximity to a Veterinary Hospital

Your pet will fall sick at one point or the other, and you will have to take it to the veterinary doctor. Therefore it is essential to ensure that the accommodation you pick is close to a veterinary clinic or hospital.

Enough Space for You and Your Pet

When you live with a pet, you must ensure that the accommodation you pick has enough space for you and your pet. This especially applies if you want off campus student apartments. For instance, it is not good to get a tiny room when you have a dog. The dog will need ample space to run around and exercise.

Roommate or No Roommate?

When looking for accommodation in off campus student apartments, and you plan to move in with a roommate, you must first ensure that the roommate is okay with you moving in with your pet. Some people prefer not to live with animals. Apart from that, they may also be allergic to your pet. For instance, some people are allergic to cat fur.

Any Allergens in Proximity?

If you and your pet are looking for a place to stay, you must make sure you don’t move to an area with many allergens that can affect your pet.

Be sure to do plenty of research about prospective new housing facilities on their regulations when it comes to finding pet friendly housing.

In 2017, more than 11 million individuals were renting an apartment in the United States. But the pandemic is transforming the commercial real estate sector in many different ways. In this article, we explore the trends to watch out for in the coming years.

Changes in Building and Construction

After the pandemic, property managers have been looking for solutions to manage costs. Before, property prices for building new apartments were high. Those expenses have since become unsustainable for investors.

Additionally, property managers have to address crowding in apartments. Congestion is forcing tenants to move to remote locations to find housing options with more conducive spaces.

Enhancing the Tenant’s Experience

One of the factors influencing the changes in new apartment construction is to improve the tenant’s experience. The challenges of the pandemic are prompting property managers to improve engagement with tenants.

To enhance the tenant’s experience, managers have to change how they handle incidences. Refining communications is essential to maintaining good relations with customers. That may involve the application of business tools to boost engagement and the client’s experience.

The Application of Digital Tools

In the past, managers were utilizing different software applications for running the business. Some of the records would be in the form of spreadsheets, and the rest in hard copy. In those circumstances, making software updates and retrieving information could be cumbersome.

Cloud solutions can be valuable for both tenants and property owners. Individuals looking for rentals can make an application conveniently online. Such options make it easier for managers to get clients in the climate of the pandemic.

Integrating Smart Building Features

A smart building has a network of devices that link to the water pump, HVAC unit, fire alarms, and lighting fixtures. Advanced digital features reduce the repetitive task of checking on the various systems. Therefore, automation cuts down expenses for owners seeking to rent an apartment.

Utilization of Business Intelligence

While cloud solutions make it easier to update and retrieve information, business intelligence provides the bigger picture. It refers to the collection, analysis, and application of data to boost business operations.

Business Intelligence (BI) allows managers to gain insights into real estate administration without complex configurations. The application of BI in property management is primarily for financial and tax processing.

Significant Shifts in Demographics

Real estate experts are anticipating a demographic shift in the future. From a market dominated by millennials, the focus is moving towards generation Z. They are young tenants who grew up with technology and are likely to be underemployed.

Also known as Zoomers, they are receptive to novel concepts when looking for a new apartment. Some statistics suggest that more than 90% are looking to buy a house in the future. That means property managers have to rethink their offering to appeal to Generation Z.

The real estate market is constantly changing, ushering in exciting housing concepts for a younger market. However, it is safe to say that technology will play a significant role in shaping the sector. Managers can take advantage of those tools to gain a competitive advantage.

Making the big move from college dorm to off-campus housing is among the most significant decisions most students make. After finding the perfect apartment that suits student housing and reviewing the lease, the next challenging step is to make your move as comfortable and cost-friendly as it can get.

Transitioning from dorm life to off-campus housing isn’t always easy. It requires a well-thought plan and thorough preparation. However, this doesn’t mean that it has to be a nerve-wracking move. A new unit is rented every 80 seconds in the US, and a new renter moves in their belongings to an apartment every 30 seconds. Therefore, you should remember you are not alone as long as you make calculated moves. Read on to learn some of the things that can make your off-campus move easier.

1. Get Yourself a Roommate

One of the advantages of moving to off-campus housing is that you can choose who you want to share your apartment with, and at the same time, save lots of money.

Having a roommate means that you get someone with whom you can split bills. Ensure that you both plan on how much you’ll be contributing to avoid conflicts later on. Also, discussing how much you can raise before the move will ensure that you both get into a manageable apartment.

2. Have a Budget in Place

This being your first move, there might be some things that you may not be anticipating. An off-campus move requires a lot of new expenses. From new furniture to utilities, not to mention you’ll be buying your grocery. Therefore, ensure that you create a budget that enables you to live with ease.

3. Consider Second-Hand Shops

Buying everything at once for your move is very expensive — therefore, finding a good bargain shop might come in handy. A lot of second-hand furniture is always in mint condition. Save money by buying these used items but be very careful of furniture that has bugs.

4. Learn to Do Things by Yourself

Now that you’ll be living off-campus and there will be no janitors or cafeterias, it’s advisable to learn to do your grocery shopping and clean. Avoid eating out to save on cash.

Living off-campus is one of the life-changing decisions you will ever make. You learn how to manage your money and at the same time get to enjoy freedom away from your parents or dorm administrations.

Dorm rooms can feel confining. As a result, many college students would rather live off-campus because of the freedom and independence it comes with. But renting off-campus can be a tricky affair.

It is estimated that 33% of renters move each year largely due to unmet expectations. Thus, before you move into Newark DE rentals, here are questions you should ask your landlord before signing the lease.

What’s the Rent Amount?

The first thing you should ask is the rent amount. By asking about the cost, you’ll get the chance to negotiate the amount with the landlord. Additionally, you’ll learn more about whether there are any penalties for late rent or pet fees.

What’s Included in the Rent?

Living in an off-campus apartment can be exciting. Until you get a bill you hadn’t anticipated. In some student rental units, utilities such as gas, electricity, cable, and internet aren’t included in the rent. Thus, before you sign a lease, ask your property manager what’s included in the rent so that you’re not hit by unexpected bills.

What’s the Transportation Situation?

Moving into an apartment for rent and finding out there’s no convenient transportation to campus can be a nightmare. If you use public transportation or the university shuttle, find out whether the ride times are convenient with your class schedule.

Is There Parking Available?

If you are driving yourself to campus, find out about the parking situation. While some student rentals include parking in the fees, others don’t. If your apartment falls in the latter category, finding out about the parking cost will prevent you from the surprise cost later. Additionally, you should find out whether the parking is secure. In some student rentals, there are dedicated parking lots for residents, while in others, there is just street parking. Finally, inquire about visitor parking as well, when family and friends visit.

Are Visitors Allowed to Stay Overnight?

Dorm rooms tend to have strict rules regarding visitors. Off-campus apartments tend to be less strict. However, before you move into Newark DE rentals, ask about the visitor’s policy. Like dorms, some student rentals have fairly strict overnight guest policies. Therefore, ask about it to avoid disappointment later on.

Are Co-Signers Necessary?

Some landlords may need co-signers to get a glimpse of your rental history. But, if you’re renting for the first time, you won’t have any. Therefore, you should ask whether co-signers are necessary so you can tag along your parents to sign the lease with you.

What are the Amenities?

If you decide to spend more to live in an off-campus apartment, you’ll want certain benefits. Inquire about them before you move into the apartment. Amenities such as a pool, game room, fitness center, and laundry room can make your stay more pleasurable. As a rule of thumb, the more you pay, the more you should get.

What’s the Neighborhood Like?

Neighborhoods close to campus tend to be more student-centric, while those far away are usually more family-friendly. If you’re looking for a quiet environment conducive to studying, you’ll want to look for student housing in the latter.

These are just some of the questions you should ask your property manager before you sign the dotted line. But if other questions come to mind, do not hesitate to let your property manager know your concerns to avoid disappointment or surprise later on. If you’re looking for Newark DE rentals, contact us. We’ll be ready to answer your questions and help you find the right apartment for you.

College is coming up for high school graduates, and there are so many plans that have to be made if they get accepted. They are going to need school supplies, money to get through school, and a place to live. Planning your college years will take plenty of work. However, it does not have to be a nightmare. There are many tricks and tips to help with college life. Let’s start with looking for a place to live. Your best bet would be to try an off campus apartment. According to a New York Times article from 2016, 87% of students live off campus, and it is easy to understand why after looking at the benefits. Here are five reasons that you are better off living off-campus.

More Freedom

Dorms in general can feel like a sleep-away camp, but there are strict rules that you have to follow at times. There might be a time to turn off the lights and go to sleep. There are rules with having people stay over for the night. Plus, there are rules for what you can bring to the dorm. With an off campus apartment, you are granted a little more freedom with your living space. Sure, there are some rules that you will still have to follow, but living off-campus isn’t as strict as living in a dorm.

More Space

In the past, dorms have been small. Some of them are smaller than a hallway bathroom. It just depends on how the building is built. This isn’t good if you have large furniture moving in with you. With an apartment, you will have more space to move around in. It helps that apartments are usually empty when people first move in. When you live in an off campus apartment, you will be able to move in any large furniture that you could be bringing with you.

Independence

You are about to enter your 20s, so it is about time for you to get used to living on your own. An off campus apartment can help you achieve this. You will get the feeling of living on your own for the first time. You will have to be in charge of paying your bills, calling for maintenance, and shopping for your basic needs. It may be challenging at first, but you will find it rewarding when you get used to it.

Saving the Money

Let’s face it, college alone will eat up most of your money. Your temporary place of living should not be part of the reason that you go into debt. Roommates can help with paying rent. You can also keep track of how much your rent and utilities are. Learning how to cook can also help you save on a meal plan and eating out.

Privacy

This one is a must. In an off campus apartment, you get your own room and bathroom. You don’t have to have a roommate in your room. Plus when you are having out for the day, you can lock your door with your own key. The only things that you will have to share are the kitchen, public rooms, and the washer and dryer. Having your own room will cut down on the stress of college life.

Off-campus housing options often boast affordable student rentals that provide housing options for students that want apartments near school without having to rely on campus housing. Today, many students are choosing off-campus housing as more and more housing options become available. In fact, according to a New York Times article from 2016, approximately 87% of students live off-campus. If you are looking for a new apartment or space for lease near the University of Delaware, then off-campus housing options may be the right decision for you. Below are some advantages of off-campus housing.

Apartments Near School

Off-campus apartments offer both the freedom of living independently and the convenience of being near school. Newark student housing options include a variety of apartment types close to campus to make traveling convenient and easy. Close proximity to campus allows you to still feel like part of the campus community while also giving you the freedom and flexibility of an off-campus apartment.

Pet-Friendly Housing

Living off-campus also gives you more options, including a pet-friendly student apartment. While pets aren’t allowed on campus, apartments near school may offer the option to bring your pet from home, or even get a cat or dog of your own. Many apartments for rent in Newark, Delaware offer pet-friendly housing for a small additional monthly fee. To find pet-friendly apartments for students, search ‘student housing Newark DE’ to find the best housing options for you and your pet.

Amenities

If you are bringing your car to campus, then off-campus housing may be the best option for you. Many apartments either offer on-site parking or are adjacent to parking garages for your convenience. Additional amenities include on-site maintenance, flexible leases, and a variety of property types that make living off-campus enjoyable, affordable, and convenient.

So Many Choices

Finding apartments near school has never been easier when you choose University of Delaware off-campus housing. Single to multi-tenant properties, pet-friendly housing options, and a variety of apartments near the college make finding the best off-campus housing a snap.

Many students choose off-campus student apartments because they want to feel like they are part of the campus community while also having the freedom to live independently. If you are looking for student rental units near the University of Delaware, then contact the Lang Development Group today to find the best student housing options available.

Across the United States, colleges and universities offer on-campus residences to their students and sometimes their faculty and staff. You probably think that you know campus housing pretty well, but how well, but how well do you know college life?

Fact 1:

Approximately 33% of students move each year, which is true for off-campus residents, but not for people who live on-campus. The majority of students live in the residence halls for one to two years, and some students remain in the residence halls all four years of college.

Fact 2:

You might get corrected if you refer to it as a dorm, as calling it a dormitory went out in the 1980s. They are now more commonly called residence halls. Most schools provide a women’s residence hall, a men’s residence hall, and a mixed-gender residence hall. At some schools, like The University of Oklahoma, residence halls house students in high-rises. Each floor has a men’s side and a women’s side, while one floor gets devoted to coed housing.

Fact 3:

Campus housing refers to a plethora of options including residence halls, apartments, and temporary housing. Students get to choose from those options if they want to live on campus.

Fact 4:

Many universities require students to live in residence halls their first year or freshman year. You will not get off campus housing options unless you live at home and commute to campus. If you do not reside at home with your parents your freshman year, you must live in the residence halls.

Fact 5:

Campus housing allows students, faculty, and staff to reside in it. Many staff and faculty members rent on-campus apartments.

Fact 6:

Some universities have constructed apartments in their residence halls for a faculty-in-residence program. In this program, a faculty member and his or her family move into the apartment and live in the same building as the students for a year. They host gatherings and hold chats with the student to build rapport.

If you did not know these fun facts about campus housing, then living on a United States college campus might be a new and exciting experience for you. Contact your first-choice university to book an overnight visit. Most universities will let you spend the night in the dormitory to experience college life before you matriculate.