Below is a list of advantages and disadvantages of renting and buying:

Honestly; it all depends on the individual and their financial situation and future plans. This list can help you weigh out your options.

If you think renting is your best option then  check out some of Aspen’s properties:

College Station Apartments

Jacksonville Apartments

Orlando Apartments

Austin Apartments

Carrboro Apartments

Sources:

• MIT Center for Real Estate – web.mit.edu
• www.freddiemac.com
• www.ourfamilyplace.com

Imagine showing vacant apartments or rental houses without leaving the comfort of your home or office. Two University of California Berkeley graduates have invented a device that allows you to do just that.

Making appointments to show rental properties can be inconvenient for both the prospective tenant, and the landlordor property manager. The hassle comes with owning rental property. Every landlord knows the frustration of making an appointment and waiting for a would-be tenant who never shows up. And many tenants don’t want to wait—they’d ratherlook at a rental now, while they’re out searching.

The co-founders of Rently.com created technology that automates the process. Property owners who pay the company $99 per rental receive access to exclusive QR stickers for their For Rent signs or links in their print or online ads, along with electronic lockboxes for their properties.

Here’s how it works: When a prospective tenant scans the QR sticker or chooses the link, they are taken to a site to create a user account, verified by their credit card. Once the account is established, they can receive an entry code that unlocks the lockbox. The access code can be used only once. The tenant can then view the rental property on his or her own.

In addition, Rently.com offers marketing support for each listing, and monitors each property’s visits seven days a week.

What do you think of this idea? Is it too risky? Does the capture of credit card information make it less of a risk? Would you use this service?

http://news.e-renter.com/new-technology-allows-prospective-tenants-to-view-vacancies-on-their-own/

 Generation Rent. The term has become more and more prominent throughout the real estate industry, and the reason is because the term can be applied to more and more of today’s twenty-something’s who are just not ready to settle down. We see it to some degree in communities all across the country – the younger generation seems to be sticking to renting instead of even considering purchasing a home of their own.

Taking a closer look at the circumstances, we’re able to understand why many young people are falling into the generation rent realm. For starters, the job market and economy is a huge factor in the inability to consider buying a home – more and more college graduates are unable to find a job that would grant them the freedom to put a down payment on a house.

Another huge factor is the mentality of young Americans today. The American dream is no longer the same as it used to be. Young adults are found dreaming less about a white picket fence around their pristine home for them and their family, and lean more towards an apartment with less long term commitment, less travel time to work, and a more flexible lifestyle.

And more importantly, renter cities are popping up all over the place. Instead of having to go into the major cities to find something worth your time to rent, people are now able to find apartment communities and cheap house rentals in most cities regardless of size. The option to rent is everywhere, and the younger generation is seizing the opportunity.

The real estate industry has a lot to say on the topic. But I agree with one Multifamily Executive article  which states “’The notion that the next generation won’t buy a home is not realistic, Nadji says. ‘At some point, rents will go up, and home prices will stay down, and [that] should compel home buying by 2014.’” This generation will eventually take a turn towards settling down, it just may be later than we’ve typically expected from previous generations. For now, apartment communities and landlords alike should enjoy the increase in rentals while it lasts!

Interested in getting your own apartment today? Check Out Some of Aspen’s Properties:

College Station Apartments

Jacksonville Apartments

Orlando Apartments

Austin Apartments

Carrboro Apartments

Property managers will be serving light appetizers for guests, but that’s not nearly all! Tours will be made all day to showcase the landscape and the units, so you can get a first-hand look at all of the renovations, and on top of that, they will have a $300 move in special going on for one day only!

So please be sure to join the friendly and welcoming staff at The Landing on 6^th and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce on October 27^th at 4:30 for this amazing ceremony!

California seems to be the state with green living in mind, and the California Governor is inspiring even more awareness and action. A few short weeks ago, California passed a law which requires owners of multifamily housing with five or more apartments to provide recycling services to tenants. This will take effect in 2012, and based on the size of the community there must be recycling receptacles that have been reviewed and approved as meeting the correct standards. No longer will renters have to bring their recyclables across town to the nearest recycling station, or feel defeated enough to throw recyclables away. Though the availability of recycling stations isn’t always the problem – sometimes people just aren’t encouraged to recycle. Here are some great ways to promote your properties recycling stations and get residents into the habit of going green!

First, make sure recycling stations are visible, easy to access, and labeled properly. Sometimes properties will tuck their bins in a hidden area, and residents aren’t sure about the location, or if bins even exist on the property at all! If the residents can clearly see the bins, it’ll hopefully trigger a few more people to start separating their own trash.

Next, make sure you keep up the appearances of the station. No one wants to contribute to an overflowing bin, or put up with a terrible odor while separating plastics from glass! Make sure the area is clean and green, and keep up with new labels when necessary!

Be sure to promote recycling and green living to new residents, and include recycling information in  move in packets. Also, promote clean and green living via social media outlets, like your property’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Set an example! Have recycling bins in the office and have property managers and employees use them! The best way to lead is by example, and if your residents see you engaging in a green lifestyle and see how easy it is they will be more likely to follow suit.

Don’t let California get too ahead of the game! Just because it may not be a law in your state, make sure you’re promoting green living at all of your properties! Hopefully, other states will follow suit and use the great example that California is setting to their advantage.

Interested in an apartment in California? Be sure to check out our California apartments, as well as our other fantastic Aspen Square apartments Nationwide!

College Station Apartments

Jacksonville Apartments

Orlando Apartments

Austin Apartments

Carrboro Apartments

The gorgeous white sand and sparkling, warm waters will make anyone feel relaxed! Gulf Shores is located right on the Gulf Coast and has incredible beaches, golf courses, shopping, and more. With the vacation atmosphere you’ve been looking for, Gulf Shores is the perfect place to go to for resort style relaxation at a much more practical cost. Here’s a look at some of the must-see spots in Gulf Shores, AL.

Gulf State Park – For the person who wants nothing more than to relax on a beach day. This peaceful place is not crowded and has tons of room to spread out, so bring the whole family! Be sure to visit the pavilion and snack bar as well. Or if you are looking for more action out of your day, check out the nearby Lake Shelby Recreation Area and pay a small fee for waterskiing, boating, and more!

Kiva Dunes Golf Course – Rated the #1 Golf Course in Alabama, this incredible place offers a village of its own to those who play. With amazing accommodations to go along with this phenomenal, winding course, you can even get golf lessons, shop, dine, relax on Keva Beach, and more! You’ll never want to leave Kiva Dunes once you enter!

Gulf Shores Museum – This museum is set in a quaint cottage and offers constantly changing, engaging exhibits. Learn more about Gulf Shores at this free to the public museum.

Historic Fort Morgan – Active during 4 wars in its time, this massive fort now features an active living history program that interprets all the military periods and holds an annual event commemorating the Battle of Mobile Bay. With an incredible background and breath taking architecture, you won’t want to miss out on this bit of history.

Gulf Shores is definitely the hidden gem of the south. If you’re looking to take advantage of the sunshine and sandy beaches, check out our Gulf Shores apartments  today!

First off, you should be aware of what renters insurance covers. This will vary state by state, and by policy. Renter’s insurance policies take into consideration what you are at “high risk” for based on your location, and the coverage and plan stems from there. Of course, if you aren’t located in Tornado Alley you can still get coverage for tornados, just be sure you consider what is necessary versus the cost.

Make sure you figure out what you’re property manager or landlord has included in the terms of the lease. “A "tenant homeowner policy" or renter’s policy covers personal belongings that  may be damaged from the storm by wind. Damage from flooding may be covered under some renters policies, although most require separate policies be purchased from the NFIP. Damage unrelated to your personal possessions, such as part of the apartment’s structure like walls and floors, is covered under the policy of the building owner.” – Surveying The Damage: What Is Covered By Insurance?

Learn all the ins and outs of the policy you choose, just like any insurance plan. Be aware of the rates and the deductibles, and be sure you can afford the policy. “Often times properties have been able to reduce the costs of property insurance coverage by raising deductibles. In addition, mandatory liability coverage has been seen to reduce claims and losses at properties and this improved loss ratio has also led to lower insurance costs. Some carriers may also offer a substantial discount on premiums when a property implements a mandatory program.” – Benefits of a Mandatory Renters Insurance Program

Think a renter’s insurance policy is right for you? Get in touch with a few local insurance agencies and explore your options before making any decisions. You can never ask too many questions when it comes to finding the policy and insurance company that’s right for you. Learn from our tips and find the prefect renters insurance so you can be prepared for anything!

Interested in getting your own apartment today? Check Out Some of Aspen’s Properties:

College Station Apartments

Jacksonville Apartments

Orlando Apartments

Austin Apartments

Carrboro Apartments

This vibrant community has a lot to offer both visitors and residents alike. From amazing sights and attractions to incredible real estate and job opportunity, Largo has whatever you may be looking for.

City Highlights:

Florida Botanical Gardens – Come be surrounded by vibrant colors and incredible smells that you’ve never experienced before! The Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo promotes  environmentally friendly living while showcasing amazing flowers for anyone looking for a serene and scenic place to relax.

Pinellas Trail – The Pinellas Trail is a recreational trail along the abandoned railroad corridor for jogging, walking, skating or biking. Simple but gorgeous, this scenic trail is a great way to spend a day in need of some fresh air and sunshine.

Lowry Park Zoo – Not actually in Largo, but more than worth the short drive! Lowry Park Zoo have been rated the #1 zoo in the US by Parents Magazine and any visitor can see why. With a huge variety of animals and attractions as well as events and educational camps, you’re never going to want to leave your new furry friends at Lowry Park!

Largo Central Railroad – With about 1.2 miles of main line track, the Largo Central Railroad offers fun and exciting train rides through Largo Central Park. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the park, this is definitely the way to go!

With something for everyone, Largo has plenty of attractions for the active traveler, as well as relaxing beaches and parks for someone who just wants to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Interested in staying long term? Check out our Largo Apartments for some of the best rentals in the area!

This week’s Community Spotlight brings us to the west coast. Apartment Talk wanted to feature a community that has something for everyone, but isn’t as well known as some of the more prominent cities in the area, which is why we chose La Quinta, California.

La Quinta is located in Coachella Valley, between Indian Wells and Indio. Nicknamed ‘The Gem of The Desert”, La Quinta brings together all the aspects of California resort style life all in one place. With bike trails, parks and mountains that will take your breath away, La Quinta holds onto its natural beauty and charm while still providing an incredible getaway for tourists, and a serene home for residents.

City Highlights:

 SilverRock Resort- An Arnold Palmer Classic Course ad the current site of the Bob Hope Classic, this challenging golf course is sure to test your skills. Sprawling over 200 acres of gorgeous landscape, this course is incredibly popular among golfing tourists. After your golf game, be sure to check it out along with its incredible clubhouse, practice center, stores, hotels, convention center, and more! 

Bear Creek Trail- Offering incredible views in every direction, on a clear day you can see most of Coackell Valley. Get away from the busy city below you and hike up this easy to follow trail. Although it gets a bit strenuous is you try to follow it through to the end, its great for the more experienced hiker. Take a break form lunch and take your time enjoying the gorgeous landscape. Don’t forget to take water with you!

Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains- breathtakingly picturesque, these incredible mountains are national monuments, with trails for every hikers skill level. Enjoy the scenery, the wildlife, and the view!

La Quinta Museum – With incredible new exhibits constantly being featured, the La Quinta Museum offers visitors a wealth of knowledge and a whole lot of fun at an affordable price. Also, be sure to check out their featured concerts and speakers!

  So whether you’re in town for a vacation or relocating permanently to La Quinta, be sure to check out these city highlights for an incredible time in this gorgeous city, and check out our La Quinta Apartments for incredible living in the area!

We all know someone who though they were an all star tenant throughout the entirety of their lease, but still didn’t get their security deposit back upon moving out. Rather than blaming the ‘perfectionist’ property manager or claiming it was in that condition when you moved it, why not follow these simple tips to ensure that you get your security deposit back without a struggle.

-Read the lease carefully

Pay attention to what damages you will have to pay for, what condition you are responsible for keeping the apartment in, etc. Make sure you know the landlords particular policy on damages very thoroughly.

-Take your initial walk-through seriously

When walking through the apartment for the first time, pay attention to every flaw that currently exists in the unit. Take your time filling out the checklist provided, or if there is not one provided, make a list denoting what problems existed upon your moving in. Also take pictures to document any leaks, stains, chipped tiles, etc.

-Maintain

Address any developing problems as soon as they develop, to maintain the condition of the apartment. Any damages from normal wear and tear should be reported to the property manager or landlord as soon as they occur, so they can be fixed.

-Clean up after yourself

Clean up any pet messes right away, get to stains before they set, and fix any damages caused by you or guests. Don’t let small problems go for to long, because they will just get worse.

-Pay for smaller repairs on your own

Broken blinds? Replace them yourself. If getting your security deposit back is greater than the cost of a simple repair, make the effort and fix the damage, and get your money back.

-Monitor your move out

Moving out can cause more damage that you may not notice. Pay attention to nicks and dings in the walls from moving furniture, scrapes on the floor, etc.

-Do a thorough final walk-through

Compare the current condition to the condition in your initial photographs. Once satisfied, walk through with the landlord or property manager and see if they have and discrepancies or  problems with the condition, and do this prior to moving out fully, so that you can fix any problems the landlord might find. Document (preferably on paper) that you and your landlord did this walkthrough, the problems that they found, and what you did to fix them.

-Follow up

If you still have not received your deposit back, follow up (politely) with the landlord or property manager, and go over any reasoning they may have for not giving your deposit back, or for keeping a portion of the deposit. Keep an eye out for anything that redundant, or for anything that you already fixed and the landlord already approved. If you’ve documented enough up to this point, any discrepancies should be resolved smoothly enough.

Follow these tips throughout the terms of your lease and you’re more than likely to get your security deposit back when you move out!