Tag Archives: rent

Don’t Just Live There – How to Make the Most of Your Home

January 17, 2013 Jon Clark

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If you were to buy a transformer toy when you were younger and use it only to play with it in car mode then no doubt your parents would have suggested that you try transforming it to have a go with it as a robot. It seems almost wasteful to buy something and then only use it for a fraction of what it was meant for and in this case you may as well have just had a car.

Of course for many of us this isn’t an issue any more as most people reading this will have long given up playing with transformers. On the other hand though many of us do have that attitude to our current belongings even when we aren’t aware of it – and something fail to make use of some very important and expensive things we own. Such as our homes…

For many of us you see a home is something we just live in. We consider our property to be a practical tool that we use to store our things and to get shelter in, but don’t really do much else to take advantage of the fact that it’s our own home. And in this case you might as well just rent or stay at a hotel…

So to take full advantage of owning a property and to avoid being wasteful, how can you make sure you’re getting the very most of your property? Here are some other things you can do with your home…

Decorate and Renovate

The first thing you can do to get more from your home is to try making changes to the layout and look of it in order to make it more ‘yours’. This is one of the best things about owning a property – you can do whatever you want to it. If you’ve never repainted a room then, adding a window or knocked down a wall then you really aren’t making the most of living there.

Have a Party

Another big thing you can do with a property is to have a party and invite lots of people around. Again this is something that would be harder to do than it would be if you were only renting or staying with your parents, and at the same time it’s a great opportunity to show off the new place you’re living and share it with others.

Don’t Forget the Other Bits

You might have thought about how you can get the most from your living rooms and bedrooms, but have you also thought about the parts people often forget. For example could you turn your roof into a balcony or roof garden? Could you make more of your garden and put a swing in one of the trees? And does your garage have to remain just a garage?

Rent Out a Room

A property isn’t just something you use, it’s also a great investment and should be a money making opportunity. Of course you’ll make money when you sell up, but you should take full advantage of it by making some extra cash while you live there too by having a lodger in one of your rooms. When you offset this against your mortgage this can actually be cheaper on a day-to-day basis than renting a property would be even.

Jemmy Ford is a home-maker who manages to write blogs in between cleaning her house and cooking for the family. She writes articles related to home improvement, childcare and health. She recommends Freedom Properties in Lanzarote for any kind of real estate advice.

lease

Finding the Unexpected – Questions to Ask Before Signing a Lease in San Diego

December 18, 2012 Jonathan Clark

Living and thriving in San Diego is a fun and enjoyable experience, but it helps to understand the local communities before you sign a lease. Apartments for rent in San Diego are often impacted by their local neighborhoods and events that make each region unique. Take notes on some of the factors, below, that renters don’t always think about before signing a lease.

Walk or Drive?

If you prefer to walk to work, favorite restaurants or bars, there are some neighborhoods in San Diego built just for you. Take time to explore the downtown city blocks, North Park or the popular Hillcrest neighborhood that each boast a distinctive hub filled with all the top eateries, retail and other sought after locations. Some beach towns, including Oceanside, also offer their own positives, filled with countless activities to fill your day.

Sand and Surf

Finding apartments for rent along the San Diego shore is a top priority for many that relocate for the mild climate and year-round sunshine. San Diego is home to several beach towns, including Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and Mission Bay, and each offer perks ranging from specialty bars to prime tourist locations. Expect to find areas more suitable for a younger crowd, as well as quiet, peaceful stretches ideal for relaxing or riding your beach cruiser. It is also common to find higher price tags on rentals along the shore, when compared to those more inland.

What’s Your Age?

Many of the apartment buildings will range in decades from when they were constructed. You can easily locate historic buildings with properties for rent, in addition to new and modern communities such as BRE Properties San Diego. Take time to ask questions about each location and compare the available list of amenities. Chances are, the newer properties can include additional luxuries that you may not find in their older counterparts.

Conventions

San Diego is home to countless conventions that dominate the Gaslamp area, from the legendary Comic Con to trade shows, medical associations, and even top notch sporting events. Living in the city blocks outside of the convention center is an enjoyable experience year round, but increased foot and car traffic can alter your daily schedule once the crowds arrive. If you want to live in the Gaslamp neighborhood, take note of each upcoming event and chat with other locals about the expected visitors or other busy seasons your should plan for.

There are many things to consider before signing a lease. Make sure to ask questions about the area and the rental community so that you can make a rental selection that fits your lifestyle and current needs.

Apartment

What to Look for in a New Apartment – 6 Tips

September 10, 2012 Jonathan Clark

While hunting for a new apartment for rent, people should take all the decisions very carefully, without being in a hurry. Hasty decisions can lead to frustrating results. This article will tell you about some basic things to consider while looking for a new apartment for rent, so that you can enjoy a comfortable and trouble free stay.

Prepare a Checklist

One of the very first things that people should do while hunting for a new apartment is prepare a checklist of their requirements and preferences, so that they can narrow down their search and make the entire process less stressful and tiring.

Consider the Layout

While checking out an apartment, people should crosscheck whether the layout of the apartment and the size, number of rooms etc., meet their requirements or not. There is no point of taking an apartment on rent, which is much bigger than what they actually require, as it will not only be more costly, but will also require a lot of maintenance.

Don’t Forget Natural Lighting

People hunting for apartments must ensure that the one they finalize is well ventilated and airy and has sufficient natural light coming in during the daytime. Lack of these can cause depression and suffocation in a few days’ time. Also, lack of natural light will add on to the electricity bill, as lights have to be kept on even during the daytime.

Review the Amenities

Choosing apartments with the basic amenities and appliances readily available always proves to be an added advantage for the tenant. However, one should remember that more facilities offered would mean higher rent. Therefore, if you do not require them, better not go for them.

Safety and Security

Another important thing to consider while looking out for new apartments on rent is the safety and security measures. Some of the most important things to look out for include fire extinguishers, fire and smoke detectors, burglar alarm and eyehole in the main entrance of the apartment.

Explore the Neighborhood

The neighborhood and the neighbors are also important factors, which need to be considered before arriving at a conclusion. If the neighborhood is not a good one and the neighbors are not friendly and helpful, one will not enjoy his stay in the apartment, even if it has to offer the latest facilities and amenities.

Last but not the least, a decision should be taken very carefully after shortlisting few apartments and comparing them with one another. By doing so, one can ensure that he has made the best available choice for him and his family.

Uncategorized

Everything You Need to Know to Get Cheap Rent

May 23, 2012 Jon Clark

There are several things a person is going to need to know in order to get their rent as cheap as possible for their apartment. The first thing is to set a budget. Typically, this means that you will need to make sure your rent is no more than 30 percent of your income. Once you have figured this out, you’ve made the most important decision and every other decision will be simplified.

1. What and Where

Avoid using a broker, because they charge exorbitant fees. Instead, look in local newspaper ads, apartmentpublications, college bulletin boards, and on Craigslist. Next, be sure to find a neighborhood you’ll enjoy and feel comfortable in. To make sure of this, visit said neighborhood during both the day and night, and do a few Google searches to see if there are any hidden crime problems you’re unaware of.

2. Extras

Determine what is included in your rent. This could include heat, water, electricity, cable or satellite, and/or internet. Then, when you know what’s NOT included, figure out how much the average utility bills are. The landlord should be able to tell you these numbers. Never sign a lease without knowing this, because you could really be hurting if you don’t!!

3. Details

Make sure that you read every little detail in the lease before you sign it. This means that you will also need to get a copy of all the rules and regulations. There are a few things that you are going to want to look for beyond this, including the beginning and end of the lease, the amount of the security deposit, reasons why the landlord could end the lease, and penalties that might occur if you move out before the lease is over. For instance, if there’s a chance you’ll move early, you don’t want to be charged a month of rent to find a sublease. Furthermore, you don’t want to find out when you move out that you weren’t supposed to drill holes in the wall!

4. Inspections

Make sure that you inspect the apartment before you sign the lease. This is important because you want to look for any damage that can be fixed before you move in, ensuring that you are not going to have to pay for those damages later on. You are also going to want to make sure that the landlord does not have access to yourapartment when you are not there. A person should always be notified before the landlord shows up at their apartment. It’s the law, and if you sign that right away, you could potentially end up in a “gotcha” situation, where your landlord isn’t happy with the state of cleanliness or a houseguest.

5. Negotiations
Try to negotiate your lease. This is usually a lot easier if you know your landlord or at least some basic information about the deal. For instance, if you know that the area is close to a dangerous part of town or you know that the windows are drafty, you could use this to your advantage. They may not lower the rent, but they may agree to take care of some repairs or comp you some extra expenses.

Nolan Gellar likes to write about real estate, saving money & www.grouphealthinsurance.org.

Moving

Moving with Pets: How to Keep Your Furry Companions Infographic

May 18, 2012 Jonathan Clark

In the United States we really love our pets. From the moment they enter our homes we treat them like they are our children. We feed them, cuddle with them and often even dress them (but who knows how they feel about that?) Unfortunately, many landlords and condo associations don’t allow pets and, sadly, that leaves many cats and dogs out in the cold.

Too many people are forced to abandon their pets when they move to a new home. We asked our readers if they were able to take their pets with them the last time that they moved. We learned that many movers are forced to leave their pets at shelters because their new landlord doesn’t allow cats and dogs, their new roommates are allergic or their new apartment isn’t a good home for an animal.

My Move created this infographic to ask pet lovers to take the pledge never to abandon their pets, no matter where their new home may be.

Do you know a pet lover? Share this infographic with them now!

Visit MyMove.com for tips, customizable checklists and hand-picked deals to make moving with pets more rewarding and less stressful or check out these pet friendly apartments!

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