Renting

Renters Beware: These Hidden Costs May Be in Your Lease

By Leigh Raper Savvy consumers know that companies do all kinds of things to increase the bottom line. Airlines, for instance, charge for a checked bag, while others tack on fees for extra leg room.  And cereal companies keep costs down by putting fewer flakes in the same size of box. But renters sometimes forget their

The Top 5 Renting Nightmares and How to Face Them

Renting offers its fair share of perks, but with great flexibility in your living arrangement comes a unique set of challenges – most of which are out of your control. Here are a few tips to help you face the top five renting woes. 1. Pest infestation Pests can be an all-too-common occurrence for renters.

6 Ways to Score a Lease in a Competitive Rental Market

In a competitive rental market, you’ll need to do quite a bit more than simply fill out an application and put down a deposit. Since 2005, there has been “an uptick in renters, with people in their 50s and 60s making up the largest chunk of the increase,” CNN Money reports. With large numbers of millennials

Looking for A New Apartment? Here’s What You Need to Know

No matter what your local rental market looks like, the process of finding a place that works within your budget, timeframe and wish list can be a balancing act. Understanding the current market and typical search process process can help you mitigate some of the stress involved. Today’s rental market In many metros, renting takes

6 Clever Hacks for Landing Your Dream Apartment

Finding a new apartment is a time-intensive process. It typically takes an average of 2 ½ months and includes plenty of paperwork, research and calling potential landlords. In fact, according to a 2016 study, 82 percent of adults say moving is somewhat stressful or very stressful – more stressful than getting a root canal, being

Your Lease Is Up? Here Are 3 Good Reasons to Renew

If you’re approaching the end of your lease, it’s easy to think of reasons to move – new neighborhood, change of scenery, different amenities. But there are many compelling reasons why staying put might be a better choice. Take these three considerations into account before packing up and making the move. Dollars and cents From

How to Choose a Property Manager for Your Rental Home

You would never turn your home over to a stranger, so choosing a property manager shouldn’t be any different – finding one you trust is vital.  “You are entrusting probably one of the biggest investments you’ll make into the hands of someone else, so you want to make sure you feel confident that they’ll handle things

Renters: Are You Ready to Buy a Home?

For renters planning to buy a home, preliminary steps like creating a budget and saving for a down payment are obvious. Here are five more advanced steps toward moving out of your rental and into a dream home of your own. Understand the full cost of homeownership As a renter, a single rental fee covers your monthly

Renters: 5 Must-Do Tasks to Handle Before You Move

Editor’s note: For many people, spring kicks off prime moving season. Wherever you’re headed, being well prepared to relocate will help minimize the upheaval and ensure that you can get settled into your new place as painlessly as possible. Every day this week, we’ll be giving you the resources you need to get ready to move. When Barry Blanton

6 Factors to Consider When Seeking a Family-Friendly Rental

Anyone who has ever rented knows it has its advantages. You don’t have the stress of a mortgage, the landlord is on the hook for repairs, and, best of all, it’s easy to move when you desire a change in digs. The same benefits hold true for families that rent, but with so many individuals’