The post 4 Tip’s To Find A Not So Horrible Roommate appeared first on .
]]>Finding a good roommate is though, it can even be torture. And this is bad news considering that between 2007-2010 “the number of shared households had increased by 11.4 percent” according to a report on the U.S census findings for shared housing by Laryssa Mykyta and Suzanne Macartney. They conclude that “In 2010, shared households accounted for 18.7 percent of all households”. This means that it’s not unlikely that you or someone close to you has or is in need of a roommate.
A clear delineation that Mykyta and Macartney make in their study is that it’s likely that such a large percentage of people are in shared living situations to “mitigate challenging economic circumstances”. In a separate article by Jon Bittner the CEO of Splitwise, Jon reiterates this conclusion by showing that “the average savings when switching from a studio to a 2-bedroom with a roommate is 26% per year […] or $3,060 per year.”
So with such a large percentage of the population living in roommate like housing situations; why are there so few tools out there to help people find quality roommates? This is a question that I’ve asked myself, and if you’re still reading this I assume you’ve asked it also. So I’ve decided to do a little of that work for you and put together 4 simple tips to help you find a roommate that isn’t terrible.
Tip #1: Check Your Lease
We spoke with Jamiah, a veteran in the property management field with over 8 years of experience in leasing available apartments in the East Bay off of San Francisco. She told us to that “a common problem we run into is residents allowing their friends to move in without being on the lease” “always be sure to check your lease before anyone moves in.”
PRO TIP: Jamiah said the most common problem that she run’s into is residents quarreling about the security deposit. Sort this out before you move in – she recommends doing it “in writing”.
Tip #2: Finances
Don’t under think your payment arrangements. Trying to maintain a harmonious household in the presence of money troubles can be like holding quicksilver. Work out the details of how the bills will be paid BEFORE you move in.
Tip #3: Credit Checks
If your best friend’s credit can’t pass the landlord/property manager’s pre-screen, stay friends, but don’t become roommates.
Tip #4: Synergy
Is your roommate going to hog your Wi-Fi bandwidth? Do they set the thermostat to 50 degrees? Far too many roommate relationships have soured over small details that could have been avoided. Be sure to communicate openly, be understanding, and follow through.
But when the day is done, what really matters is having a roommate who’s funny. Check out these awesomely funny roommate classifieds.
The sarcastic roommate: http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sfo/488537774.html
The roommate you don’t want: http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sdo/39982285.html
The Creative roommate: http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sfo/10597081.html
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]]>The modern world is a mobile one and as the times change MyNewPlace has changed with it. This future forward approach has been obvious is every iteration of MyNewPlace’s mobile offerings; but is most prevalent in the newest release of the MyNewPlace tablet app.
Back in 1992 RaidoShack published this advertisement – every item in the ad has since been replaced by a smartphone or tablet and for a fraction of the cost. The same is true for the modern day renter. It’s easy to forget that rental finder services (expensive) and thumbing through pages of classified ads (a time suck) were at one time the way that people found their apartments. But today, with intuitively designed apps companies are able to offer an experience that works with a hectic tech driven life rather than against it.
The MyNewPlace Tablet App is, in this reviewers opinion, the best free apartment search app available on the iTunes App Store. Bold statement I know, but it’s the truth. Here’s why: Compared to the apps competition (Estately, Homes.com, Apartment List, Trulia ForRent, Zillow Rentals) the MyNewPlace app is fast, intuitive, and does what the others do in a more beautiful package – and on fewer screens.
For the reviews I searched for Colorado Springs, CO apartments and I found that MyNewPlace was able to consistently populate more information on the screen without cluttering it up. Because of this, I was often able to find the info I was looking for without much searching on my part. In fact, the only thing I had trouble finding at all was the filter button, since it’s sort of tucked away in the bottom left corner.
MyNewPlace is also one of the few companies that offer a true resolution, made for iPad experience. Trulia, Zillow, and Homes.com being the only other sites that have dedicated iPad apps. Just in looking at the MyNewPlace app side-by-side with the Homes.com app you can tell right off the cuff that the MyNewPlace team paid close attention to design and used all the space available to them to make finding an apartment on the go as easy as possible.
I reached out to Ruskin Landerth, a product analyst at MyNewPlace who worked on the new app’s function and design. I asked him for his take on the app and how he thinks it sets itself apart from the competition. He said “MyNewPlace’s Rental Search iPad App is the first app on the iOS scene to allow users to browse properties side by side in a comparison view and search among properties in a photo collage view.” He also added that “mobile usage is becoming a bigger and bigger share of their overall traffic profile [in the real estate industry].” Which is why this release of the ipad app is so important; and why I’m thrilled to see it in the iTunes Store.
Features
- Full data base of apartments available on the iPad app.
- Search via GPS or location specific.
- Set appointments directly from the app.
- Take photos and save notes right in the app.
There are many apps to help you with your move on the market today, and the MyNewPlace Tablet app joins the best of them. But I can’t iterate enough that this apps ease of use set’s itself worlds apart from the competition not because of its features but because of its thoughtful easy to use design. You will enjoy using this app.
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]]>The post How To Choose An Apartment Friendly Dog appeared first on .
]]>Do you keep glancing at the corner, noticing a dog bed would fit perfectly? Or maybe you miss the background jingle of license tags and claws click-clacking across the floor. If this describes you – It’s time for a new best friend.
Making the decision to bring a new puppy home may seem like the important part of the whole process, but in reality what might take the most consideration is deciding if your new pet is going to thrive in an apartment setting. Living in an apartment has it’s own set of challenges and constraints; especially when it comes to finding a furry pal.
We spoke with Whitney, a volunteer from the Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation (AARF), and she gave us several particle tips about finding a dog that will adapt well to apartment life; which is very important if you want to land that perfect pet friendly apartment in Richmond, VA. Read on to learn tips from the a shelter that has been uniting animals with people for 31 years.
Community Rules
Learn the rules first and foremost. It’s not uncommon for apartment complexes or property management companies to limit the number of animals in their buildings – if they allow pets at all. Managers also restrict dogs based on breed and size. If you’re looking to add a new member to your family be sure to find out if your building has any limitations in place. It’s best for you to do your research before you approach your management company – know about the breeds energy level and exercise requirements, be sure that you’ve thought through how youre going to meet these requirements. Don’t be surprised if the landlord asks you questions off the cuff about the kind/breed of animal you plan to get, and how/who is going to care for it.
Lifestyle and Temperament
Considering your lifestyle is important for ensuring everyone’s happiness. According to AARF, “people commonly mistake size as the best indicator for apartments, when what they really should be focusing on is the energy level a dog has.” A dog’s activity level should be harmonious with your own. If you are away during the day or are not as active, a larger, mature Great Dane can live happily in an apartment; an easy walk around your neighborhood will suffice for exercise. In contrast, smaller terriers and hounds become restless and require frequent walks to prevent boredom (and barking that can disturb other tenants). If you like to get out and run, you can keep a littler, active dog happy with enough stimulation that he won’t miss having a yard.
The Search
Puppies are undeniably adorable, but researching breeders and training a little dog might not be practical for your lifestyle. Consider adopting a rescued cat/dog. AARF pets are placed in foster homes where the families get to know the dogs’ individual personalities, likes, and dislikes, which helps AARF staff work with you to determine which dog has the temperament you prefer. The organization prides itself on listening carefully to individuals to match them with their perfect companions (who are fixed, vaccinated, and dewormed). Check out http://www.aarf.org to learn more about potential pals.
“Apartment dwellers can make excellent homes if they make the time” for their dogs, according to AARF. If you miss the presence of a furry friend, all it takes is a little research, plenty of thought, and a helping hand to bring home a loyal pal who will thrive in an apartment. If you already have your pal and are looking for a pet friendly apartment, read our tips here.
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]]>The post Finding A Pet Friendly Apartment appeared first on .
]]>Depending on your area and how much you’re willing to spend on an apartment, finding pet friendly apartments can be a real pain. Here at MyNewPlace we love our pets; but unfortunately a lot of landlords that we advertise for have had bad experiences with pet owners in that past.
The first lesson in finding a pet friendly apartment is to obey the rules. If the landlord clearly states that animals are not welcome it is not very likely that they will change their mind. Your effort will be better spent finding a place that welcomes your pets. Please don’t try to sneak your pet in; this can get you evicted and gives a bad reputation to other pet owners.
The Search For Your Pet Friendly Apartment
Searching online is arguably the easiest way to find a pet friendly apartment. When I was searching for a pet friendly apartment in San Francisco I found a large inventory offered by online apartment listing sites; the reputable sites will had easy to use search features that helped me navigate to not only pet friendly apartments but also apartments that are within my budget.
Preparing To Apply For A Pet Friendly Apartment
The most crucial part of the whole processes is “applying”. It’s important that you, as a perspective tenet, pay close attention to this process because in the eyes of many landlords you’re not the most desirable candidate.
Many landlords have had issues in the past with pet owners. Common compliments among landlords are, animals who are loud (this may happen when you are away), animals who are aggressive, pets who damage the apartment, and people who sneak pets in. All of these things weigh on the mind of your future landlord and it’s important that you don’t add to the situation by being unprepared.
The best way to be prepared is to anticipate your perspective landlord’s needs and fears. For example, if there is not much yard space at the apartment complex, a question that a landlord might ask before he allows you to rent is how you plan to accommodate your dog’s potty time – since he won’t want animal waste laying around. Here is a list of questions that your landlord may ask:
- Is the animal potty trained?
- Who will be the primary person taking care of the animal?
- Are you willing to put down a large deposit in case the animal damages the apartment?
- Do you plan on taking the animal (if a dog) to training classes?
- What will you do if the animal makes noise and is disturbing other tenates?
If you want to rent an apartment that is dog friendly, it’s likely the landlord will want to meet with you and your puppy before you move in. Plan to bring your animal to the showing so you can introduce him to your landlord; don’t want for your landlord to make the first move by asking to meet him. If you show up to the showing with a well behaved, calm dog, you will put a lot of your perspective landlord’s fears to rest.
Pro tip: for a calm, well behaved dog, take your dog out for a run before you meet with your prospective landlord.
If you don’t actually have your animal yet be sure that you’re still able to answer the questions above. Questions about the animals care and training are particularity important. Know what kind of animal/breed that you plan on getting before you meet with the landlord. It’s important that you choose an animal that will thrive in an apartment setting.
Moving In
The fun part! Now that you’ve gotten the okay for you and your animal to move into your new apartment, it’s time to actually move in. Moving with your animal can be stressful for both you and your pet. We have some great tips on pet transportation on LocalTalk; and remember that loud noises and commotion will make most animals uneasy. Be sure to move your pet to a safe location, like a friend’s house, while you’re moving; and only bring them to the new place when everything is in place for them to be comfortable.
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]]>If you find yourself asking “what is it with all this “Smart Home” business that I’m seeing in the news?” look no further. In this article we will explore the basics of Building a Smart Home.
“Home Automation – or a smart home – is the use of technology to control the basic functions of your home. Functions like lights, appliances, and home security systems.”
Whereas in past years you would have an actual computer that controlled all of these systems, today most of the control is performed by micro controllers imbedded in the individual unit. Those micro controllers can then be managed with your smart phone. There are many options available in the way of Home Automation; everything from custom-built-fully-integrated systems to the more common modular systems. Because of cost and available we will be focusing on the modular systems in these articles. It’s not that the other systems are bad; it’s just that they are not practical for apartment renters.
What products should I get to build my Smart Apartment?
This can get really complicated fast, but don’t worry because MyNewPlace not only has great apartments for rent, but we also have your back when it comes to the latest apartment trends. Our take on home automation for apartments is that there are 3 key product types that make up the ideal modular system.
Lighting System for Smart Apartment
The first product type in our Connected Apartment Trifecta is a smart phone controlled lighting system. This is a great place to start for apartment renters just getting their toes wet when it comes to building a smart home. Look at the links below for our recommended lighting system.
Energy Management System
These kinds of systems often look like power strips or wall-warts that you plug your electronics into. The Energy Management System then monitors and tracks the power usage of your appliances, displaying helpful efficiency information on your smart phone. Many of them also have auto on/off timers built right in making it easy to limit the amount of power that is consumed in “stand by” mode. Check out the links below for recommended products.
Smart Home Security System
The Smart Home security industry is really booming right now. There are a lot of options available including ones like the aforementioned fully-integrated systems. These systems are offered by big companies like Verizon and ADT and do work really well but are over board for most apartment renters. Look at the links below for products that we recommend.
Recommended Products:
Lockitron Keyless Entry System for Apartment Renters
We reached out to a Lockitron spokesperson and asked why their product is perfect for apartment renters:
“Lockitron installs over deadbolts rather than replace them which means that if you’re a renter you can keep your current keys (and landlords won’t get angry for you changing your locks). Other systems on the market today require you to remove all or part of your of your lock, however, Lockitron can be removed within a few minutes without leaving a trace that it was ever installed in the first place.”
– Cameron, Co-Founder, Apigy Inc.
Indeed a great soulation for apartment renters who are looking to make their apartments a little bit smarter.
Belkin WeMo Power Management System
Belkin had this to say about their WeMo offerings:
“An on-ramp to the Internet of Things, WeMo is reinventing the way people live by making housewares and electronics intelligent with one simple, integrated system. Perfect for renters, WeMo is designed to be completely scalable and customizable, allowing you to automate as much or as little of your home as you would like without custom installation or a large financial commitment.”
– Leah Polk, PR Manager at Belkin
We are still awaiting comment from Canary and will update this article when they respond.
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]]>Searching for an apartment can be a major pain, but with these great (and free!) apps moving can be pretty simple. But before you start your move be sure to do your research. Our Renters Survival Guide has tons of useful information on renting apartments. Learn about everything from Signing Your Lease, to Making A Moving Inventory.
Step #1 Help With Finding Your New Apartment or Home
MyNewPlace iPad app
MyNewPlace iPad App
A must have if you’re looking for the most intuitive apartment hunting experience. The new MyNewPlace iPad app lets you take photos and notes so you can keep track for all your favorite apartments in your local area.
Step #2 The Paperwork, Yes There Is Always Paper Work
Hello Sign
Signing all that leasing paperwork can be a real hassle. To really streamline the apartment hunting experiance, get Hello Sign. This free app allows you to take a picture of a paper document and add your signature – saving you trips back and froth from the leasing office.
Step #3 Make a List, Because Tapping Your Phone Is The New Check Box
Make moving easier with the Any.Do app
Any.Do
Right now Any.Do is said to be the best To-Do list app out there, and it’s free! Use Any.Do to keep track of when you need to put in your 30-days notice, apartments you want to see, leasing paperwork that you need to drop off, and everything else that comes up!
Image Credit: Moving Day – Mighty Ants
Moving Day
This is a great way to inventory everything that you’re moving. You can even keep track of the value of each box, which helps with insurance claims! The app is free so don’t be afraid to try it out!
Step #4 Rent Some Wheels & Muscle
Uship
Uship is a great app that will truly make your more more affordable. This is because their service gives you the ability to bid on the extra space on big-rigs, getting a discount when you need it most!
A Few More Tools For Getting Settled
Image Credit:http://www.sherwin-williams.com/
ColorSnap Studio – The iPad Version
This app is both great and disappointing. Great because it offers the amazing ability to virtually “paint” your walls to see how they will look with a selected paint color; and disappointing because that tool is only available on the iPad version. Still, if you have an iPad definitely get ColorSnap Studio. Alternatively, try ColorSmart by BEHR.
Image Credit: Yelp
Yelp!
This might actually be the most important app of them all. All that moving is going to make you h.u.n.g.r.y. and what better way to subdue that appetite (and subdue your hungry friends that are helping you more) then a few pizzas! Find great restaurants near your new apartment with the Yelp App!
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]]>Moving across town isn’t easy, and moving across state or even across country can be down right daunting. But before you can get to the packing part you have to ask yourself, is it the right time to Relocate? Below we have a few tips on knowing when it’s the right time to move.
Relationships:
Are you single? Do you have kids? A special partner in life? What about your friends and support circle, including co-workers and community leaders? When ever you decided relocate you’re bound to lose a few close relationships, but don’t let that discourage you – tight relationships will last beyond city boundaries. If you feel like moving will give you more relationships then it’s likely a good time to move.
Employment:
A great time to relocate is if you plan on leaving your job. If you plan far enough ahead you can secure a job in your new city and save money for the move. This will undoubtedly be the most adventitious scenario. If you are looking for a new job you can see average rents and income, as well as a bunch of other statistics on our City Pages.
Education:
This one should be a no-brainer. If you’ve just graduated, or if you’re trying to go back to school – move. If you’re a graduate find a city that you can get a job in and go there. And if you’re a future student you’re likely going to be getting some kind of financial aid so use that opportunity to go to a school that is in a new city.
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]]>The Apartment Hunt can be daunting. With options like price, location, square footage… it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this simple list of things to look for in an apartment.
Price
Cheap is always better, right? Well, yes but you also need to look at the bigger picture when it comes to your new apartment. For example if your transportation costs are higher in area “A” vs. area “B” – it may actually be cheaper to take the apartment that’s only a few hundred more in area “B”. Be sure to factor all the costs associated with an apartment before choosing one over the other.
Location
If your apartment costs more then the average in the area, it’s likely due to its amenities, and its location. Location is important because it will dictate your ease of life in the apartment. having a good location will mean going out more often, being more social, and having less stress when it comes to shopping and meeting friends. Don’t underestimate your apartments location – above all else we recommend you rent in the best location that you can afford. period.
Size
This topic is mostly personal. i say that because how big your apartment will need to be will be decided on: the size of your family (don’t forget about pets), if you work at home, your income, the amount of storage you require, and on your furniture. Our advise, check the local market and figure out the average price per square foot for the number of bedrooms you want to rent – this will give you a bench mark to abide by.
Amenities
Are there washer/dryers in the unit or building? Yards? What about paid utilities? These are all things to look for in a new apartment and all of them will influence the finial cost of living in your new home. When comparing one place to another, pay close attention to amenities and be sure you’re not paying extra for something you don’t need.
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]]>It can be hard to get used to life in a new town. While staying home every day can be tempting, especially with stacks of unpacked boxes and decorating to do, it is important to resist the nesting impulse. Having fun and seeing what is around you is the best way for you to shake off the relocation blues and start to feel at home. After weeks of planning and executing a move, you deserve to get out and have fun and here’s how to do it:
Read Up
Most city’s have published guide books and these are a great place to start. Not only will they give you the basic hot spots; but they should also shed some light on the cities history. Also, remember that the internet has great resources too!
See The Outdoors
Exercise and fresh air are great cures for the uncertainty and stress that can come along with moving to an unknown area. Even if you are not exactly an athlete, seeing the beautiful natural scenery is a great way to develop affection for your new home. Plus, getting an early jump on establishing an active lifestyle can save a lot of headaches in establishing an exercise routine down the road. Look for parks, trails, swimming holes and bike paths.
Drive Around
A great way to experience a lot of a city in a short period is to go for a drive. It’s simple, but it’s effective.
Go Out on the Town
And the best thing you can do to really get to know your new city is to go out and enjoy it! Check out Yelp for reviews, find a bar that suits your style and go make friends. …What are you waiting for – GO!
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]]>Continuing the trend today we are talking about surround sound for apartments. We’ve already covered the best small speakers for your apartment, as well as the best turntables but if you’re looking for full realistic sound that is mostly used for movie watching, you’ll want a surround sound system.
There are a few speaker options available, but most common is the 5.1 systems. The first number of the “5.1” is for the number of satellite speakers, and the second number is for the number of sub woofers. Remember, for these systems you’ll need an A/V receiver as well as a input source to get them playing sound; so they are not quite as simple as their Stereo brethren.
Below I’ve rounded up 3 options for you and these are my top picks for Apartment Surround Sound. I did all the hard work, now all you gotta do it buy.
Energy Take Classic 5.1
Price: ~$400
For the full surround sound system, look no further then the Energy Take Classic.
Image Credit: Best Buy
Vizio S4221w-c4
~$250
It’s only a 2.1 system but for a small apartment that would be a good thing, and it’s highly rated, and it’s looks are sexy.
Image Credit: Sennheiser
Sennheiser RS 160
~$150
It may not be a “ture” surround sound system, but really for a small apartment you probably don’t need much more then a great pair of comfortable, high quality headphones.
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