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Get out of Debt

February 8, 2010 by Berger Rental Communities

Debt can take over your life with just a little bad luck, or some less-than-perfect spending decisions. Debt can limit you in many ways, including the option to rent an apartment. Even if your debt has not had a tremendous effect on your credit rating, a high debt to income ratio will certainly affect whether you will be approved for an apartment. Below are some steps to pulling yourself out of debt, and increasing your rental qualifications: 

Step 1: Stop using the Credit Card

While Credit Cards always seem appealing at first, they can turn into a burden quickly if they are not managed properly. When you were in need of emergency car repair, that credit card was great, but now, the $400 car repair is costing you $600 because of the interest rate. The monthly payments on the interest and balance is eating away at your bank account, limiting your money available for day-to-day expenses. When you are spending your paychecks on credit card payments, what do you turn to when you need money to live? That Credit Card. The only way to eliminate Credit Card debt is to eliminate using the Credit Card, and using just the money that you have in the bank, unless it is a true emergency. 

Step 2: Good Debt vs. Bad Debt

Yes, there is such a thing as Good Debt. While too much debt is always bad, some types of debt are almost necessary for most people to have in order to live their lives. Good debt allows you to get something for your money over time, when the interest rate is low and the funds you are not using will appreciate in value. Student loans and home mortgages fall into this category. Automobile loans are on the fence-while interest rates on automobile loans are low, automobiles do not appreciate in value. Other loans including personal loans and credit cards are considered bad debt. When eliminating debt, focus first on the bad debt. Of course, you will still need to make payments towards your good debt accounts, however, it is nice to know that those accounts were wise decisions. 

Step 3: Cut Out the Bad Debt

As painful as it might be, cut up every credit card except for the one that has the lowest interest rate. That credit card can be saved for true emergencies. Take out your most recent set of credit card bills, and highlight the minimum payment on each one. Vow to make that minimum on time every month, plus as much as you can afford to pay on top of the minimum payments. Next, start negotiating. Credit card companies do sometimes have the ability to reduce their interest rate. Credit card companies do want your money, so, they might consider reducing your rate if they can get your money sooner. 

Step 4: Make a Plan

Just making minimum payments will not make the debt go away. You need to regularly pay more than the minimum if you want to debt to disappear. Determine what you can live without-brew your own coffee, pack your lunch, cut back on cable. All of your savings in other areas can be big debt reducers. You can consider yourself “debt free” when your bad debt has been paid off and you can comfortably make payments towards your good debt accounts, while being able to save a bit.

Posted in Apartment Living, saving money | Leave a Comment »

Making Grocery Shopping a Bearable Experience

February 5, 2010 by Berger Rental Communities

Grocery shopping can often times be a dreaded task for apartment renters. Fighting the crowds after work, figuring out what to buy, spending the money, carrying the bags up the stairs, unloading, dropping the eggs…Procrastinating the grocery shopping leads to not having food in the apartments, which leads to the increased expenses associated with eating out and take out. Below are a couple of tips that can make grocery shopping pleasant: 

  1. Do not go grocery shopping when you are hungry. You will purchase more than you need, forget about what you really need, be indecisive, and will end up feeling grumpy.
  2. Go to the grocery store during quiet times. Mornings, after dinner hours, and Wednesdays are generally quiet. Sundays are generally the busiest days at grocery stores. When you go to the store without fighting crowds, you will be able to take the time to think about what you need, and have the patience to find it.
  3. Shop consistently in the same stores so that you become familiar with the aisles and locations of food. Shopping in just a few stores also means that you can become familiar with each store’s specialties, and pricing.
  4. Make a shopping list ahead of time. Organize the list by aisle or department to make a quick and efficient shopping trip.
  5. If going to the grocery store just simply does not work for you, order your groceries online. Most large grocery chains have a delivery program, and they can be super easy.

Posted in Apartment Living, saving money | Leave a Comment »

Using Outside Storage Facilities

February 3, 2010 by Berger Rental Communities

Storage space is a priority for many apartment renters. While Berger Rental Communities apartments feature a ton of closet space, many other apartments leave residents needing more storage space. Instead of ruling out a particular apartment due to its storage situation, compare the cost of an apartment with more space to the cost of renting a storage locker at an outside facility. Some renters find that renting a storage locker is more economical and convenient than selecting a different apartment, or, choosing to leave some belongings behind. The following are some tips for using outside storage facilities:

Renting a Storage Locker:

  • Find a storage facility close to your apartment. The easier it is to get to, the more comfortable you will feel. Ask your leasing staff for a referral to the closest storage facility.
  • Determine the type and size of storage locker that you will need. Most storage facilities have a variety of sizes to choose from. Storage facilities also have a variety of security features-depending on what you are storing, this may be your top priority. Think about whether or not you will require a temperature-controlled storage locker.
  • Some storage lockers feature shelving and other organizational systems. If you require systems like these, be sure to inquire about the availability at the storage facility.
  • Remember that your belongings remain your responsibility while they are in an outside storage facility. Ask your renter’s insurance company if off-site items are included in the coverage.
  • Read your storage agreement carefully, just like your apartment lease. Be sure to ask questions about any items that you do not understand. Keep this agreement in  a safe location.

Packing for a Storage Locker:

  • It is important that your belongings in your storage locker are easily accessible, and well preserved.
  • Do not store hazardous, flammable, explosive, perishable, environmentally harmful items (some paints, pesticides, fertilizers, etc.) or anything that may be a risk to the property of any person (acid, gasoline, etc.).
  • Use boxes of high quality so that they will not break easily inside of the storage locker. Using boxes of the same size will make them easier to stack. Each box should be completely sealed to keep out dust and debris.

Posted in Apartment Living, Berger Rental Communities is fabulous, Feeling Great in Your Home, saving money | Leave a Comment »

Protecting Your Security Deposit

February 1, 2010 by Berger Rental Communities

Most apartment communities require that residents pay a security deposit prior to moving in. The amount of security deposit required can vary, however, a security deposit equal to one month’s rent is common. Security deposits are retained by apartment communities to use in the event that a resident damages the apartment during his or her residency. Unless the resident damages the apartment, security deposits are generally refunded after the lease expires. The following are some tips to use to insure that your security deposit is returned to you.

Before Moving In

Make a written list of any damage that is in the apartment when you take possession of the apartment. At Berger Rental Communities, all new residents complete a pre-move in inspection form to document any imperfections that were not caused by the resident.

While Living in the Apartment

Take care of your apartment as if it is your own.

  • Clean your apartment regularly.
  • Call the maintenance department to make repairs as need be. Read Don’t Hesitate To Call For Maintenance for more information.
  • Do not attempt to make repairs on your own-contact your maintenance department for all repairs. If you caused the damage for reasons other than normal wear and tear, the apartment community might charge you for the repairs, or, inform you to make the repair on your own. Regardless, it will save you time and money to handle repairs and damage before moving out.

Before Moving Out

While most apartment communities will not keep your security deposit for items of normal wear and tear, it is important that you restore your apartment to a condition similar to when you moved in. After you have packed up and cleared some space in your apartment, there are a few tasks that you will want to do before surrendering possession of your apartment:

Bathroom(s):

  • Scrub the bathtub/shower.
  • Scrub the inside and outside of the toilet.
  • Clean the sink.
  • Dust and clean the inside and outside of the medicine cabinet.
  • Clean the mirror.

Kitchen:

  • Clean the inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers.
  • Wash the floor. Be sure to get all of your corners and areas that are normally difficult to reach.
  • Clean the countertop and backsplash.
  • Clean the sink.
  • Clean the stove, oven, microwave and broiler.
  • Defrost the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Make sure any ice trays or refrigerator/freezer accessories are in place.
  • Empty and clean the garbage disposal and dishwasher.

General:

  • Have all carpets professionally cleaned.
  • Remove all tacks and/or nails from the walls and spackle the holes left behind.
  • Clean windows and window sills.
  • Clean your patio/balcony.
  • Don’t forget to pack everything that you brought into the apartment, including shower curtains, shower hooks, and rugs.

If you are concerned about the condition of your apartment prior to moving out, schedule an appointment with your apartment community staff to walk through your apartment.

Posted in Apartment Living, Apartment Maintenance, Berger Rental Communities is fabulous, Feeling Great in Your Home, saving money | Leave a Comment »

Stocking Your New Kitchen

January 29, 2010 by Berger Rental Communities

Moving can be stressful and hectic. Your move will be less stressful if you are able to quickly feel settled in your new home, and quickly be able to use your new home. Stocking your kitchen quickly will help you feel settled in your new home. Below is a list of kitchen basics to have when you move. Of course, not all apartment renters will need this full list-what you choose to get will depend on how frequently you cook, eat at home, and what you like to cook.

Appliances:

  • Toaster
  • Microwave
  • Blender
  • Electric mixer
  • Coffee pot/Tea kettle

Pots and Pans:

  • 1-quart saucepan
  • 2-quart saucepan
  • 4-quart saucepan
  • 8-quart stockpot
  • 8-inch skillet
  • 14-inch skillet
  • Roasting pan
  • Casseroles/baking dishes
  • Grill pan

Preparation tools:

  • 8-10” knife
  • 3-4” knife
  • Serrated knife

Other items to use for basic cooking and baking:

  • Wet and dry measuring cups
  • Measure spoons
  • Meat thermometer
  • Timer
  • Various sized mixing bowls
  • Chopping board
  • Can opener
  • Eggbeater
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Metal spatula
  • Tongs
  • Wisk
  • Slotted spoon/cooking fork
  • Cake pans
  • Cookie sheets
  • Ladle
  • Grater

 Pantry essentials:

  • Herb and spice rack with a variety of spices
  • Baking supplies: flour, white and brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch and vanilla extract
  • Condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, jam
  • Dry red and white wine
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Potatoes
  • Canned beans and vegetables
  • Spaghetti sauce
  • Cake mixes
  • Canned fish
  • Vinegar
  • Sauce mix packets
  • Broths or stocks
  • Peanut butter
  • Coffee beans and tea bags
  • Cereal
  • Bread crumbs
  • Easy snacks

Posted in Apartment Living | Leave a Comment »

Cleaning In a Hurry

January 27, 2010 by Berger Rental Communities

One of the many reasons why people choose to live in apartments is because they do not have the time to take care of their own home. With time being so valuable, apartment renters do not always have the time to do a full, floor to ceiling cleaning. When you are in a time crunch, use the following checklist as a cleaning guide to get the best bang for your buck in the least amount of time: 

  • Gather all of your cleaning products and supplies that you will need and put them in one place before the cleaning even begins.
  • Plan your starting point. It is most effective to start on one side of each room, and clean your way to the other side, and move on to the next room.
  • Always dust before you wash your floors or vacuum the carpet.
  • Use different rags or paper towels with each cleaning product. Residue from a different cleaning product can leave streaks or even cause damage.
  • Use an extension cord with your vacuum so that you don’t have to stop to unplug and re-plug as you move around.
  • If you use a dust wand with an extension handle, you will not need to climb on chairs to get the cobwebs.
  • Use the right tools: Newspapers area great on windows. Do not use a lint producing cloth for dusting.
  • Don’t overuse your products. Using too much cleaning product will leave a buildup, which will take longer to clean.
  • If you only have time to do just one thing, go for the vacuum. Clean carpets will give the impression and feel of a clean home.  
  • Get all of your dirty dishes out of your sink.
  • Create a good scent. A fresh smelling apartment is essential for a clean feeling apartment.

Posted in Apartment Living, Apartment Maintenance, Feeling Great in Your Home | Leave a Comment »

Household Items That Are Also Great Cleaners

January 25, 2010 by Berger Rental Communities

Common chemical based cleaners can do a great job at cleaning, however, they can also be quite expensive, harmful to the environment, and potentially harmful to you and your pets. Below are some household items that can also be great cleaning products. Before cleaning your apartment with any of these items, we suggest that you do a spot test to make sure that these products will not cause damage on particular items. In addition, if you are intending to use these products on your apartment floor, walls, appliances, bathrooms, fixtures, etc. we recommend that you verify with your property management staff that these products will not damage the apartment.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Believe it or not, apple cider vinegar can work wonders on hard wood floors.

Baking Soda: Baking soda can be used in many ways.

  1. To absorb odors in carpet, leave some baking soda on the section of carpet overnight, and vacuum it in the morning.
  2. Add two tablespoons of baking soda to boiling water and pour this mixture over pans or dishes that have food stuck to them. Let this baking soda mixture sit for ten minutes before rinsing.
  3. Combine baking soda and water to rinse hair combs and brushes.
  4. Sprinkling some baking soda can reduce odors in garbage cans, diaper pails, shoes, and litter boxes.
  5. Sprinkle on a wet sponge to use on pots and pans.

 

Club Soda: Club soda is great to use after a spill to avoid a stain setting. In addition, club soda can be useful for making countertops shine.

Lemon: When wiping the refrigerator down with water, add some lemon juice to create a fresh smell. Fresh cut lemon is also great for removing light stains from porcelain sinks, and removing stuck particles from glassware.

Pine Essential Oil: When diluted, pine essential oil is a great all purpose cleaner, and works especially well on tile and linoleum floors. Use caution with all essential oils as some people may have allergic reactions to the oils.

Vanilla Extract: Put just a tad of vanilla on a cloth to add a nice scent to whatever you are cleaning.

White Vinegar: White vinegar can be used in many ways.

  1. To absorb odors, leave a cub of vinegar standing for a few hours.
  2. When added to the final rinse cycle on a dishwasher, white vinegar will help prevent and remove water spots from glassware.
  3. Dampen a cloth with white vinegar to use on stainless steel to remove water spots.
  4. To remove hard water residue from a coffee pot, run vinegar through the coffee pot and then run 3 or more pots of water only.
  5. For cleaning windows, add 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar per 1 gallon of water.
  6. To remove soap residue in the shower or tub, use some white vinegar on a moistened sponge.  

Posted in Apartment Living, Apartment Maintenance, Being Environmentally Friendly, Feeling Great in Your Home | Leave a Comment »

Your Rental History is Important

January 22, 2010 by Berger Rental Communities

Your rental history is very important-it is another facet of credit history that shows how  responsible you are with making rent payments. Keeping your rental history strong will allow you to have more options for future housing. Because most landlords will look for landlord references, if you have bad rental history, you will not have as many choices of apartment communities to move to.

Your rental history is a record of your rental behavior. If you have ever been involved in  legal action while renting an apartment, the court actions can be found when your new landlord conducts credit checks using your social security number. Many landlords will not approve an application from someone who has legal judgments against them from a landlord.

In addition to what might appear on your credit report, most prospective landlords will want to contact your previous landlords to ask for references. When prospective landlords look to previous landlords for references, they will usually ask the former landlord if you have had any late payments, any rent checks that have been returned, and if you have had any lease violations or other problems in the apartment.

Lack of rental history is generally better than having bad rental history. Everyone needs to rent their first apartment at some point. If you are renting your first apartment, your prospective landlord might look harder at your credit history as an indication of your responsibility with making payments.

Your rental history, like your credit history, will follow you for a very long time, so guard it carefully.

Posted in Apartment Living | Leave a Comment »

Apartment Search Checklist

January 16, 2010 by Berger Rental Communities

Finding a new apartment can be very stressful, and confusing. After evaluating dozens of apartment communities, they will usually all start to run together. The following is a checklist to use to keep your search organized.

  • Evaluate what you are looking for in your new apartment. List all of your priorities for your new apartment including size, amenities, features, location, and community features.
  • Set a price range for your monthly rent. When establishing this price range, consider the cost of utilities-for example, if a community includes utilities or provides a utility package, you might be able to spend more on the monthly rent.
  • Make an apartment search folder where you can keep your budget, list of priorities and list of locations you are considering.
  • Search for apartment communities online. Apartment search websites such as www.apartmentguide.com, www.rent.com, www.move.com, and www.apartmentfinder.com can be very helpful. All of these websites will allow you to inquire about availability directly from the website.
  • Pick up apartment search books that are offered at no cost at most convenience stores and grocery stores. Look for communities that seem to fit your criteria.
  • Write a list of apartment communities that you saw online and in books that seem to fit your criteria.
  • Ask your friends and co-workers for suggestions. They might live in a community that would be perfect for you, or, they might tell you to avoid the community they live in. 20% of new residents in Berger Rental Communities were referred to their community by satisfied residents.
  • Start calling and/or e-mailing the communities on your list to ask questions relating to your specific needs and priorities.
  • Cross communities off of your list as you eliminate them. When your list of contenders is narrowed down, make appointments to visit the communities.
  • Visit apartment communities to get a feel for which one you might want to live in. Items to take with you may include:
    - Your list of apartment priorities
    - Information on the property you are visiting
    - A list of questions to ask
    - Pen and paper to take notes
    - A digital camera to take pictures
    - A friend for a second opinion
  • After visiting the communities, continue to narrow down your list.
  • Visit www.ApartmentRatings.com to see reviews of the apartment communities you are considering. Berger Rental Communities has established our own reviews website at www.BergerReviews.com. On this site, our prospective residents can see real feedback from real residents-the good, the bad, and the ugly feedback as well.
  • If you are still considering more than one community, weigh the pros and cons of each. Remember that a warm and welcoming management and maintenance team is very important. If more than one community meets all of your needs and priorities, select the community where the team seemed to be the most knowledgeable and helpful.
  • Gather the application materials you will need to apply for an apartment. These may include:
    - Your checkbook or credit card
    - Social Security Number
    - Rental history information-list of previous landlords and dates of residency.
    - Pay stubs or bank statements to verify income
  • For information about common apartment deposits, read Understanding Apartment Deposits

Posted in Apartment Living | Leave a Comment »

Which Floor Plan is Right for You?

January 14, 2010 by Berger Rental Communities

Which style apartment is right for you? When shopping for an apartment, you are dependent on using your imagination to picture your furniture and belongings in the model apartment you see. Below are some floor plan design elements to consider to decide if the apartment space is right for you.

Evaluating floor plan space
The most first thing to look at in a floor plan is space. The best floor plan design might not have enough actual space for you, your family, and your belongings. On the other had, some floor plans might have too much space.

Looking at the amount of square footage on a paper floor plan is not always a good indicator of how usable the space itself will be for you. An apartment might be a good size on paper, but when you get all your possessions in it, it may be too small. So how can you tell if the square footage is enough? Interior designers recommend looking at the space and classifying all the rooms into three categories: private areas, service areas, and public areas.

Private areas include the spaces where you want to be alone: your bedroom, your office, and your bathroom. In a good apartment floor plan, these private areas will be separated from busy public areas by physical barriers.

Living rooms are an example of public areas, the social spaces where you entertain, relax, and live most of your day-to-day life. These should be spaces where you can do a variety of activities from hosting a party to simply reading a book.

Service areas include the kitchen, which is a highly functional space that you use for a particular purpose. When you evaluate these spaces, look for logical layouts that will make your life easy.

Thinking about separating floor plan space into these three areas should give you a better idea of whether or not an apartment has enough usable space.

Storage considerations
Don’t underestimate the importance of storage space in your new apartment. Everybody needs a place to put food, clothing, and important valuables.

Evaluate the built-in storage space like closets, cabinets and pantries. Look for an apartment design that incorporates these storage features throughout the home and makes them easily accessible.

If you look around an apartment and don’t see as many built-in storage areas as you’d like, don’t write it off just yet. The floor plan may still work for you if it’s spacious enough to hold a lot of non-built-in storage furniture like dressers, shelves, or trunks.

Foot traffic
Traffic patterns are another important floor plan consideration. A floor plan’s traffic pattern refers to the way a person has to walk through the apartment to get from room to room. The best apartment designs are arranged so that you can move easily from space to space as well as enter and exit easily. It is best to look for floor plans where foot traffic patterns do not create too much movement in the private areas.

Questions to ask about floor plan design
When you’re evaluating an apartment floor plan, ask yourself the following questions to decide whether a space will work with your lifestyle:

  • Will each person in your apartment have enough space to him/herself?
  • Are bedrooms separated enough from living areas?
  • Is there room everyday living?
  • Does the apartment design include a logical foot traffic pattern?
  • Are entrances and exits conveniently located?
  • Is there enough storage space?

The key to finding the right apartment floor plan is to consider what really works for your specific needs. Think about how you need your space to function, and you’ll make the right choice.

Posted in Apartment Living, Feeling Great in Your Home | Leave a Comment »

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