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Living in Pennsylvania gives you access to vibrant, historic cities and beautiful wildernesses in equal measure. It was one of the original 13 colonies that eventually formed the United States, and many of its founding tenets helped inspire the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Full of historic sites like Independence Hall, Pennsylvania’s cities and towns are now modern hubs for industry, art, culture, sports and dining. Throughout the state, forested mountain ranges like the Appalachians are the perfect playground for hiking, camping and outdoor recreation.

Home to giant cities like Philadelphia and smaller communities, you’ll find different standards of living all over Pennsylvania. Each comes with its own different cost of living. You’ll find there’s a city or town to fit all sorts of budgets. Some are more expensive than the national average, while others are at or below the national average.

In general, housing, transportation and utilities are the priciest categories for the cost of living in Pennsylvania. By seeing how the cost of living in Pennsylvania breaks down in different cities and towns around the state, you’ll find the right place for you.

Pennsylvania housing prices

Ranging from well below the national average to slightly above, the cost of living in Pennsylvania for housing is all over the place. That means you have many different options to choose from. Unsurprisingly, major cities like Philadelphia and Allentown have the highest housing prices. But, if you look in smaller cities and towns around the state, you’ll find some more budget-friendly accommodations.

Let’s take a closer look at average rents and home buying costs in some of Pennsylvania’s top cities.

Allentown

Located in eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, Allentown is one of Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing cities. New residents like the city’s abundance of beautiful parks, welcoming community and growing cultural offerings. It’s quickly becoming one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania.

This rapid growth has fueled big increases in housing costs here. Allentown’s housing is 9.6 percent above the national average, making it the most expensive of our highlighted Pennsylvania cities. One-bedroom apartments have jumped in cost 40 percent from last year to $2,035 a month. Two-bedroom units are up 29 percent to $2,054.

Allentown’s housing market has also gone up 14.9 percent from the previous year. Prospective homebuyers in the area are looking at median sales prices of $200,000.

Erie

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, the charming city of Erie is a great place to call home in Pennsylvania. Not only does it have a low cost of living, but its lakeside location gives residents near-instant access to boating, fishing, kayaking and more. Safe, clean and with lively art and cultural scenes, Erie is popular among young adults and families.

But, you can’t beat its low housing costs, falling 36.4 percent below the national average. One-bedroom apartments cost an average of $1,175 a month, which is down 1 percent from last year. Two-bedroom apartments are down 2 percent to $1,387 per month.

Data about the home buying market isn’t readily available for Erie. But if its low rent prices are any indicator, the median sale price for homes around Erie must also be on the affordable side.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia needs almost no introduction. Pennsylvania’s biggest city is home to iconic attractions and landmarks from the early history of the United States, like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Nowadays, this exciting city has active sports, dining, fun neighborhoods and arts scenes. The city’s overall cost of living is pretty reasonable, as well.

Less exciting are Philadelphia’s high housing costs. The price of housing here is 1.2 percent above the national average, and affordable apartments are hard to find. One-bedroom apartments go for an average of $2,185 per month. This number has jumped 32 percent from last year. Two-bedroom units are actually slightly cheaper at $2,081. That rate is up only 3 percent from last year.

Philadelphia also has one of Pennsylvania’s pricier housing markets. Home prices here are up 5.6 percent from the year before, with the median sale price of $285,000.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is Pennsylvania’s second-most-populous city, with a scenic location at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers. Dubbed both Steel City and the City of Bridges for its 446 bridges, the city’s past as a hub for the steel industry has morphed into a contemporary center for higher education, tech and higher education. There’s so much to love about living in Pittsburgh, from cheering on local sports teams like the Steelers to visiting esteemed art museums like the Andy Warhol Museum.

As one of Pennsylvania’s biggest and most popular cities, the price of housing here is higher. Housing costs in Pittsburgh are 9.3 percent lower than the national average. That may sound good at first glance, but a look at average rents tells a different story. Expect to pay around $1,597 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,959 for a two-bedroom. Those rates are up 12 and 8 percent, respectively, from last year.

Pittsburgh’s home buying market has also grown 12.3 percent from the previous year. If you want to buy a home here, you’re looking at a median sales price of $253,900.

Scranton

Most people hear Scranton, and instantly think of it as being the location for the beloved comedy series “The Office.” But this historic city in northeast Pennsylvania is much more than a backdrop for the office antics at Dunder Mifflin. Forming part of the larger Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metro area, Scranton is Pennsylvania’s sixth-largest city. It’s noted for its industrial past, museums and family-friendly activities.

Housing costs here are 20.6 percent lower than the national average. For renters, prices for some unit types have decreased over the past year. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment decreased 24 percent from the previous year to $1,000. Two-bedroom apartments have climbed 4 percent to $1,362.

Scranton’s housing market has seen a huge amount of growth over the past year. The median sales price is $171,000, which is up 52.7 percent from last year. But compared to the national median sales price of $430,695, house prices here are a steal.

Pennsylvania food prices

Another cost of living in Pennsylvania is food. Pennsylvania’s culinary offerings are one of the most unique things about the state. It’s the birthplace of delicious dishes like Philly cheesesteaks and tomato pie. It also is America’s biggest pretzel supplier. Food costs here are higher than the national average by 9.3 percent. But Pennsylvania is among the bottom states for monthly food spending. The average Pennsylvanian spends between $200 and $233 on food each month. This comes out to between $2,400 and $2,800 annually.

Let’s take a look at grocery costs in these Pennsylvania cities compared to the national average:

  • Allentown is 2.7 percent below the national average
  • Erie is 1 percent above the national average
  • Scranton is 5 percent above the national average
  • Pittsburgh is 5 percent above the national average
  • Philadelphia is 18.4 percent above the national average

Philadelphia has the highest food prices of the five cities. For example, a dozen eggs cost $1.99 in Philly compared to $1.57 in Pittsburgh. A half-gallon of milk in Philly has a price tag of $2.41. The cheapest cities to buy that same half-gallon of milk at Scranton and Pittsburgh at $2.22. But for a city that loves beef and steak so much, the cost of steak in Philadelphia is not the highest. The highest price tag for steak is in Pittsburgh at $18.25 compared to $15.99 in Philly.

Dining out in a big city compared to a smaller one will also be more expensive. The bill for a three-course meal for two at a nice restaurant in Philly comes out to $60. Pittsburgh is slightly cheaper at $57.50. In Scranton, you’ll save more by paying only $45 for a fancy date night dinner.

Pennsylvania utility prices

Overall, the cost of living in Pennsylvania for utilities is higher than the national average. Historically, Pennsylvania has been one of the biggest and most important coal-mining states in the nation. Today, much of the state’s electricity still comes from coal, natural gas and petroleum-fired power plants. But renewable energy sources like wind and hydropower are starting to become more prevalent.

A high electric bill can take a decent chunk out of a monthly budget. Here’s how much more locals in these Pennsylvania cities are paying for utilities compared to the national average:

  • Erie is 3.8 percent above the national average
  • Scranton is 4.1 percent above the national average
  • Allentown is 4.1 percent above the national average
  • Philadelphia is 12.2 percent above the national average
  • Pittsburgh is 26 percent above the national average

Pittsburgh is the most expensive city for utilities. With total energy costs running at $251.31 per month, it must hurt opening up that utility bill. Although Erie’s utility costs are the lowest above the national average, energy bills are cheaper in other cities. In Allentown and Scranton, the monthly energy bill comes out to around $184.29 compared to $193.07 in Erie.

On top of that, Pennsylvania residents can expect to pay around $30 for water and $59.99 for the internet.

Pennsylvania transportation prices

In an effort to provide reliable public transportation to all parts of the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation invests $1.5 billion annually for mass transit. Thanks to all that support, public transportation services are available in every county. That’s a nice cushion to your cost of living in Pennsylvania.

Some cities and areas, like Philadelphia, have larger and more extensive systems. But all counties have access to at least some form of mass transit. This primarily takes the form of bus routes. Not only does this prove access for those living in rural areas, but in larger cities, it helps reduce traffic and commuting times and saves money on gas.

Transportation costs in Pennsylvania are higher than the national average. The exact amount varies around the state:

  • Scranton is 1.4 percent below the national average
  • Allentown is 2.4 percent above the national average
  • Erie is 3 percent above the national average
  • Pittsburgh is 8.7 percent above the national average
  • Philadelphia is 13 percent above the national average

Average transportation costs in Scranton actually fall below the national average. Locals get around Scranton and surrounding Lackawanna County using the COLTS buses, or County of Lackawanna Transit System. A one-way ticket costs $1.75, with transfers adding an extra 75 cents. A 31-day pass costs $60.

Erie natives get their public transit from the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority, which operates fixed bus routes throughout the city and metro area. Fares start at $1.65 for bus routes. The provider also runs a vintage-style trolley through the downtown area.

Let’s take a closer look at the public transportation systems servicing some of Pennsylvania’s biggest cities.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit in Pittsburgh

Consisting of bus, paratransit and light rail transit, Pittsburgh Regional Transit is the second-biggest public transportation system in the state. Their service area covers the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.

Allegheny County, with over 7,000 bus stops and 27 light rail stations. Fares start at $2.75 for a three-hour window with unlimited transfers for both bus and light rail. Day passes cost $7 and a 31-day pass is $97.50. Riders can pay in cash or use the system’s Connect Card. If you use the system enough, you can even get an annual pass for $1,072.50.

The Pittsburgh Regional Transit also runs the two different inclines or funicular railways in the city. Although these steep railways are popular tourist attractions, they’re still used and operated as public transportation to get up and down some of the city’s steep slopes. A one-way ticket costs $2.75. Connect Cards do work on the inclines, as well.

Pittsburgh doesn’t have any toll roads within the town. But, if you leave town frequently for work or fun, you’ll likely travel along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. This 360-mile-long road runs from Pennsylvania’s western to eastern border, connecting Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Fees vary depending on how long you use the turnpike. Unfortunately, it has a nasty reputation for being the most expensive tollway system in the world. If you have an E-ZPass, passenger vehicles pay $1.70 per toll. If you don’t have E-ZPass, rates increase to $4.10

Between the funicular railways, buses and light rail, Pittsburgh boasts a high 61 score for its mass transit. This compact city is also very walk- and bike-friendly, with a walk score of 69 and a bike score of 58.

SEPTA in Philadelphia

Standing for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, SEPTA provides Philly and its five surrounding counties with a mix of bus, rapid transit, light rail, commuter rail and electric trolleybus services. In addition to reducing traffic and providing riders with affordable, reliable mass transit, SEPTA has a strong focus on sustainability. By 2040, they plan to only operate zero-emission buses.

SEPTA accepts both cash and the SEPTA Key card to use the SEPTA system. Starting fare is $2.50, which is the same for all modes of transit. The only exception is the Regional Rail Transit commuter rail, based on distance and what day of the week and time of day you’re traveling.

The lowest fares start at $4. Monthly passes are available starting at $96. Different types of passes are available to include more or less Regional Rail options. Since monthly parking rates in Philly range from $140 to $500, using SEPTA is a great way to cut down on time sitting in traffic and paying for gas and parking.

Similar to Pittsburgh, the only toll road in the Philly area is the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Tolls start at $1.70 for passenger vehicles.

With its many different modes of transit and straightforward fare system, Philadelphia earns a high transit score of 68. With its close-knit neighborhoods and highly walkable city center, Philadelphia is also an ideal city for pedestrians and cyclists. Philly has high scores for both walking and biking, with a walk score of 84 and a bike score of 76.

LANTA in Allentown

The Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority, or LANTA, operates bus routes throughout Allentown and the Lehigh Valley. One-way, one-ride tickets are $2 and a full day pass is $4. Transfers cost 25 cents extra. A 31-day pass costs $60.

Allentown is off the Pennsylvania Turnpike route, but it does have a service plaza for toll road travelers. So, the toll road and its toll fees are accessible from Allentown.

While using LANTA buses is a great way to save money, Allentown’s mass transit only has a score of 36. So, a car might still be a necessity. Allentown’s city center is pretty walk- and bike-friendly with scores of 59 and 41.

Pennsylvania healthcare prices

Healthcare is one of Pennsylvania’s cost of living categories that falls below the national average throughout the state. But, it’s important to note that it’s hard to determine average healthcare costs due to the variability of the subject. Healthcare costs vary from person to person depending on their personal health situation. Some people have pre-existing conditions requiring higher levels of specialized care. Others may have expensive prescription drugs. That’s why it’s important to view healthcare costs with a grain of salt.

Overall, Pennsylvania is a healthy state with good healthcare resources and access. Here’s how much a trip to the doctor’s office will cost in different cities around the state:

  • Erie: $124
  • Scranton: $77
  • Pittsburgh: $97.25
  • Philadelphia: $137.50
  • Allentown: $110.10

You’ll be paying the most for a doctor’s visit in Philly, followed by Erie and then, Allentown. Rates are the cheapest in Scranton. Pittsburgh is a good middle point, and it’s also a great city to live in for quality healthcare. With 68 different universities and colleges in the area, Pittsburgh is home to numerous top-notch medical schools. With such excellent training programs, city hospitals are nationally ranked for the quality of their care. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is especially notable. So, while costs aren’t the cheapest in Pittsburgh, the quality of care is top-rate.

Here’s how healthcare costs in these different cities stack up to the national average.

  • Scranton is 11.8 percent below the national average
  • Pittsburgh is 4.3 percent below the national average
  • Philadelphia is 2.8 percent below the national average
  • Erie is 1.1 percent below the national average
  • Allentown is 0.2 percent below the national average

Average healthcare costs in Scranton are the cheapest. The $77 doctor’s co-pay is evidence of that. But going to the dentist is more expensive in Scranton, costing $107. The lowest rate for a dental check-up is $94 in Philly. This is why healthcare averages don’t always tell the full story.

Pennsylvania goods and services prices

When determining a monthly budget, it’s important to always factor in miscellaneous goods and services in the cost of living in Pennsylvania. This nebulous cost of living category encompasses regular spending on things not related to housing, groceries or other costs of living categories. This includes things like going to get a haircut or seeing a movie.

Let’s see how those goods and services costs stack up to the national average:

  • Pittsburgh is 4.5 percent below the national average
  • Erie is 2.8 percent below the national average
  • Scranton is 0.9 percent below the national average
  • Philadelphia is 1.3 percent above the national average
  • Allentown is 5.3 percent above the national average

Compared to the national average, Allentown is the most expensive city for miscellaneous goods and services. But individual costs can vary by city. Getting your haircut in Allentown costs $20.50. But in Scranton, it’s $25.75. If you need to go to the dry cleaners, it’s the most expensive in Erie, costing $15.60. But in Philly, it’s $12.70.

With their safe neighborhoods, good schools and fun assortment of family-friendly attractions and activities, Pennsylvania cities and towns are great places to raise a family. If you plan on moving your family to Pennsylvania, you’ll need to consider childcare costs. Allentown comes out on top for the most expensive childcare, with a month of private preschool or kindergarten costing $2,000 per child. Erie and Scranton are the cheapest at $500 and $800.

Taxes in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s statewide sales tax is 6 percent. To put that into perspective, for every $1,000 you spend on Philly cheesesteaks, you’re paying an extra $60 in tax.

Some counties and cities around Pennsylvania levy additional sales tax while others do not.

  • Erie has a combined tax of 6 percent
  • Scranton has a combined tax of 6 percent
  • Pittsburgh has a combined tax of 7 percent
  • Philadelphia has a combined tax of 8 percent
  • Allentown has a combined tax of 6 percent

Most of our highlighted cities stick to the statewide rate. The city where you’ll be paying the most sales tax is Philadelphia. Instead of $60, you’ll be paying $80 in tax for every $1,000 you spend. That’s a lot towards your cost of living in Pennsylvania.

How much do I need to earn to live in Pennsylvania?

Now that we’ve seen how Pennsylvania’s cost of living breaks down throughout the state, it’s time to figure out if it’s the right fit for you and your budget. It’s recommended that you only spend 30 percent of your gross money income on housing.

The average rent in Pennsylvania is $1,642. That means that you need to earn $5,473 per month or $65,676 annually to adhere to the 30 percent rule. That’s pretty darn close to Pennsylvania’s median household income of $63,627.

This rent calculator can help you crunch some numbers to see which Pennsylvania city or town fits your budget.

Living in Pennsylvania

The overall cost of living in Pennsylvania’s cities and towns is usually cheaper than the national average, if not close to the national average. By being neither too expensive nor too cheap, living here is open and accessible to a variety of renters, homeowners and budgets. Plus, living in Pennsylvania allows you to take full advantage of all the state’s benefits, such as pristine nature and fun sports.

Related articles

The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of June 2022. Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Source: rent.com

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Inside: Are you moving into your first apartment? Planning a move can be daunting, but with this checklist, everything will be ready for your bed and bathroom you arrive. From a mattress, pots and towels to cleaning supplies and furniture, this list has it all. This is a huge deal!

Moving into your first apartment is an exciting time!

You’re finally out on your own, and you get to decorate and furnish your space however you want.

But before you can start shopping for all the cute home décor, there’s one very important task that needs to be taken care of first: creating a First Apartment Checklist.

This comprehensive checklist will ensure that you don’t forget any essential items when furnishing your new place. From kitchen supplies to bathroom necessities, we’ve got you covered.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

My First Apartment Mistakes

Moving into your first apartment indeed marks an exciting milestone in life.

However, it is also a moment of awakening when realizing that filling the apartment with all the necessities is not child’s play. My lesson learned the hard way.

It requires great planning and acute mindfulness of one’s budget. While the thrill of setting up your own place can easily lead to overspending, it’s important to keep the budget in check and be judicious about your purchases.

Here are some aspects to consider:

  • It’s easy to forget that there’s a huge list of big and small things you’ll still need to buy to fully equip your space. However, the keyword here is “need” and not “want”. I should have been better at differentiating between what is absolutely necessary for your immediate living situations and what can be procured later.
  • Define what you can spend right away by considering the moving costs and other related expenses. After setting the budget, the next most important step is to stick with it. You will be tempted to stretch your limit, but remember that financial restraint is key.
  • Moreover, remember that you don’t need to get everything right away, certain things can wait. Spend wisely, and stick to immediate needs. You might be surprised to find out that some items you thought were essential, in fact, can be comfortably lived without.

Your home is meant to give comfort, not financial stress.

The above statement is a lesson that stick with you for a long while. Keeping track of your expenses and making wise decisions can help establish your first apartment without breaking the bank.

Learn is $5000 enough to move out?

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.

Big Items for Your First Apartment Checklist

You’re finally out of your parents’ house and ready to start your own life. Congrats!

This is an important step when you want to move out at 18.

Moving into a new place is both exciting and daunting. To help you make sure you have everything you need for your new digs, we’ve put together a first apartment checklist of all the big items you’ll need to buy.

This is where to focus your money or look to find free items.

1. Mattress

Living in your first apartment?

Do not underestimate the importance of a good mattress.

It’s the foundation for quality sleep, which is crucial for your health and daily performance. Investing in one is non-negotiable even if budget is a constraint.

Personally, this. is the one item I would say to buy new! Thankfully you can find affordable mattresses now.

2. Bed Frame & Headboard

You may be tempted to skip the bed frame in your first apartment, but it’s a key piece that offers myriad benefits.

In full honesty, I didn’t get a headboard for my mattress until well after I was married. But, it was one small thing that made me happy.

Popular bed frame options vary in price from $60 for a simple metal frame to over $200 for wooden or upholstered models. Make sure to evaluate your needs and budget before buying.

3. Couch

Your first apartment is exciting, and the right couch can really set the tone. It’s not only a seating arrangement but also a place for relaxing, entertaining, and unleashing your personality.

When setting up your first apartment, you might be conflicted about whether to buy a new couch or look for a used one. Here are some factors to consider:

For those living by themselves:

  • A new couch can be a significant investment, but it is worth the cost if you value personal comfort, hygiene, and aesthetics.
  • Utilize discount stores to find quality furniture that is within your budget. A new couch often comes with warranties or protection plans that can give you peace of mind for any potential repairs or damages.
  • Investigate measurements and delivery options thoroughly to ensure your new couch comfortably fits your apartment layout.

If you are planning to live with a roommate:

  • You can consider getting a used couch. This is a great way to cut costs during a time when budgeting and saving money are important.
  • To make sure the couch you’re acquiring is clean and pest-free, buy or get it for free from trusted sources. Friends or family are often the best people to approach when looking for used furniture.
  • Look into garage sales or online platforms like Craigslist for options. However, always inspect the couch thoroughly before purchasing it from these sources.

Whether you choose new or used, ensure that the couch fulfills your needs.

4. End Tables and Lamps

End tables and lamps are essentials you need in your first apartment. They offer functionality along with a touch of class to your space.

There are many reasons why they should be on every first apartment checklist.

  • Versatility: Side tables can be used in various ways, from serving as a coffee holder, providing a place for books and magazines, or showcasing photo frames and indoor plants. It can also function as an extension of your workspace when you need to create an impromptu office setup.
  • Convenience: Having a side table next to your bed or sofa allows you to have important items within easy reach. This may include your phone charger, eyeglasses, or remote controls.
  • Decorative Value: Side tables contribute to the aesthetic appeal of your living space. They come in different styles, shapes, and designs that can complement various types of interior décor themes.

More than likely with lamps, you will notice where you need them the most after you move. So, it is okay to wait and buy them.

5. Dining Room Table

Your first apartment isn’t complete without a dining room table. It’s the multi-tasking hero of your living space, essential for meals, socializing, and possibly working or studying.

Finding the right dining room table for your apartment can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, it may be daunting for some, given the myriad of options available in the market.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find your ideal fit:

  • Determine the Size Needed: The first step in finding the right dining room table is to measure the space it will occupy. Knowing the size helps narrow down the options and ensures a comfortable fit. Consider the number of people you plan on hosting on a regular basis – that should dictate the size of the table you need.
  • Consider the Shape: Dining tables come in various shapes, including square, rectangle, round, and oval. Identifying the shape that suits your space and lifestyle is crucial. Rectangular tables are the most common, but circular ones are great for maintaining an intimate dining experience, while an oval one can be a middle ground between a square and a round table.
  • Decide on Style: Whether you lean more towards a modern, contemporary, or rustic look, there are countless styles of dining tables to choose from. Ensure that the style of the table resonates with the rest of your home decor for a harmonious look.

Remember, choosing the right dining table is a balance of both form and function. Considering these aspects will surely help you find the dining room table that fits your lifestyle and space.

A good friend of mine had great luck finding a dining room table at a Restore resale shop. Something to definitely check out!

6. Kitchenware

Moving into your first apartment often comes with the challenge of equipping your kitchen efficiently.

To help guide you in making thoughtful purchases without breaking the bank, here are some important kitchen items you should consider investing in.

  • Basic Cooking Equipment: A Starter kitchen at the bare minimum requires at least two pots and a frying pan. These should be supplemented with necessary cooking utensils like a ladle, spatula, whisk, etc. You also need a high-quality knife set, at least one cutting board, and measuring cups and spoons to help you prepare and portion your meals accurately.
  • Food Storage & Serving Items: Get microwave-safe food storage containers to store leftovers efficiently. Additionally, invest in a good set of plates, bowls, glasses, and coffee mugs.
  • Countertop Appliances: While these can be a bit costly, consider getting a microwave, an InstantPot, and a coffee maker. These can vastly simplify and speed up your daily meal prep.

These are the basic items for a minimalistic kitchen.

7. Patio Furniture

Patio furniture can be an excellent cost-effective addition to your first apartment. Often overlooked, patio furniture can provide advantages for a first-time tenant:

Getting patio furniture as hand-me-downs or buying used ones can save you lots of expenses.

Plus patio furniture can be easily refurbished or painted to match your apartment’s interior design. You can showcase your creativity and add a personal touch without spending much.

8. Grill

One must-have in your first apartment is undoubtedly a grill. Nothing beats the flavor of a good grill and it’s perfect for friendly gatherings or quiet evenings.

Having a grill can add a sense of fun and adventure to your living situation. It allows for new culinary experiences and outdoor entertaining, especially during warmer months when you can have a delightful barbecue party in your yard or balcony.

Grilling can also act as a social catalyst. Whether it’s a relaxed summer evening cookout with neighbors or a gathering of friends for a sporting event, grilling can bring people together in a fun and casual way.

Thanks to websites like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace, second-hand grills in good condition are often available locally and at a much lower cost than brand-new grills.

9. Storage Items

Stepping into your first apartment, huh? The organization will be your closest ally.

Crisp and neat storage items can help you stay clutter-free and make your space feel like home.

This is something I would wait to buy until you are in your space and know what you need. There are so many storage ideas and organization items.

10. Decor

Making your first apartment feel like home is both exciting and challenging. Decor plays a crucial role, transforming an empty space into a cozy, personal refuge.

You want the decor to reflect your style, but the cost may be more than you can afford.

Enter thrift shopping for some of your favorite items.

You can always splurge on that one item you want!

How do I prepare for my first apartment?

Getting your first apartment can be incredibly thrilling, but let us guide you through a smooth transition.

Before making any purchases, it’s critical to create a budget that takes into account moving costs and other associated expenses.

Additionally, make a checklist of essential items to ensure a smooth move, but remember to prioritize immediate needs as some items may not be necessary initially.

Being prepared and methodical about your approach can help significantly in making your first apartment feel like home. It’s all about spending wisely and sticking to your plan.

First Apartment Checklist for Bedroom

Ready to move into your first apartment and need help setting up your bedroom?

This checklist will ensure you won’t miss any essentials.

  • Bed: Choose a full or queen-size bed to maximize space.
  • Mattress: Select the right firmness for your sleep style. Don’t forget a mattress pad and bedding.
  • Nightstand: You need this to place essentials like a reading lamp and a glass of water.
  • Dresser: An essential piece of furniture for your clothing storage.
  • Lamp: A softer lighting option for your bedroom. Don’t forget light bulbs!
  • Closet Organizers: Invest in baskets or cloth storage cubes for easy organization.
  • Desk and Chair: A small workspace if your room allows. Opt for a stool or folding chair to save money.

Remember every space is unique, tailor this list to your needs and budget.

First Apartment Checklist for Kitchen

As you embark on your solo living adventure, setting up your kitchen shouldn’t be a brain tease.

Here’s a lifesaver list of must-haves:

Remember, your kitchen is not just for cooking, but for hosting toasts and storing eats. Cheers to your new apartment kitchen!

First Apartment Checklist for Living Room

When setting up your first apartment living room, remember to shop for these essential items:

  • A Cool Lamp or Two: Lighting is crucial. Pick unique lamps that add both light and character to your space.
  • Side Tables: Grab a couple; these provide additional surfaces for decorations or mugs of tea.
  • Storage Solutions: Think TV cabinets or bookshelves where you can neatly store your belongings.
  • Extra Seating: More seats for more guests.
  • Window Treatments: Curtains or blinds not only offer privacy but can also tie a room together.
  • Decorative Pillows and Throw Blankets: For aesthetics and comfort.
  • Decor Items: This includes wall art, picture frames, coffee table books, houseplants, candles and vases. Make your space you.

Be smart in your selections, ensuring each item marries functionality with aesthetics. Holistic harmony is key in a living space.

Technology for Your First Apartment

In today’s digital era, modern apartments are nearly incomplete without a range of essential tech items.

These add convenience, entertainment, and a sense of security to your cozy abode.

  • Smart TV: This is essential for entertainment and relaxation. It can be a source of news, sports, movies, and shows that make your apartment a much more enjoyable living space.
  • Roku Stick: If you opt for a basic TV, then these devices enable you to stream content like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu directly to your TV. This is much needed if you prefer digital streaming over traditional network channels.
  • Computer / Laptop: This is useful for work, learning, entertainment, and communications in the current digital era. It helps you stay connected to the world and perform various tasks easily.
  • Wifi Router: A Wi-Fi router is a must-have in this age as it provides an internet connection for all your devices. It enables you to stay connected to the world, shop from home, stream entertainment, or work remotely.
  • Chargers: Chargers for phones, laptops, and other electronics are essential. They keep your devices powered up and ready for use at any moment.
  • Speakers: They enhance your entertainment experience by providing high-quality sound for music, TV shows, and movies. They can also be useful for work or study, for instance when participating in video conferences or online courses.

Thankfully prices have dropped significantly on TVs since I bought my first one!

First Apartment Checklist for Bathroom

One key area to consider is your bathroom – it’s essential to have all the basis to make your daily routines smooth and simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cleaning Your First Apartment

Ready to take that first crucial clean sweep in your very first apartment? Here’s how you’ll nail it!

Start with unpacking your cleaning essentials, preferably even before you start arranging your furniture. This will make it easier to spot dust, stains, and dirty spots that are usually hidden.

Now, let’s dig into your basic apartment clean-up kit:

Honestly, these frugal green items are perfect to keep things clean and on budget.

Things you need for an apartment that you wouldn’t think of

Moving into your first apartment is an exciting milestone, but it’s also full of small details that are easy to overlook.

Some essential items might not make it on your moving checklist, leaving you scrambling on your first day in your new place.

  • Basic Handyman Tools: A Leatherman or small toolkit is essential for assembling furniture and making minor repairs.
  • Hangers: You’ll need more of these than you think for your wardrobe.
  • Extension cords and surge strips: You’ll need these to plug in all your electronics in spaces with limited outlets.
  • Drawer organizers: Helps keep your belongings categorized and easy to find. Especially important in small spaces where efficient storage is key.
  • Flashlight: You never know when a power outage may happen. A flashlight is a crucial tool for safety and navigation in the dark.
  • Batteries: Handy for various gadgets like remote controls, flashlights, and smoke detectors.
  • First aid kit: Accidents can happen anywhere, and having a first aid kit handy can make dealing with minor injuries easier and more efficient.
  • Light bulbs: Essential for maintaining good lighting in your apartment. You don’t want to be left in the dark when a bulb burns out.
  • Matches and/or lighters: Useful not only for candles and gas stoves but also a necessity in case of a power outage.
  • Pen and paper: Although we live in a digital age, pen, and paper are still handy for jotting down quick notes, lists, or reminders.
  • Fire Extinguisher: Better to be safe than sorry!
  • Carbon Monoxide Detector: Extremely important to have in your apartment
  • Duct Tape: It solves every DIY project – while almost any.
  • Security Cameras: It bums me out completely to add this to the list, but in today’s society it is a must-have.

Renter’s insurance is instrumental for various reasons

It provides financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances like theft, damage due to disasters like fires, or liability if someone gets hurt in your apartment.

Additionally, considering the value of electronics, furniture, clothing, and other personal belongings, investing in renter’s insurance helps safeguard one’s possessions, making it invaluable, especially for first-time renters.

How do I budget for my first apartment?

Managing your expenses while moving into your first apartment is crucial since it’s usually an expensive endeavor with many large and small essentials needed to fully complete your home.

Having a budget not only helps you to control your finances effectively but also assists in prioritizing immediate needs, avoiding unnecessary items, and managing moving costs and related expenses.

Step 1: Make a Budget

Budgeting is, unquestionably, a crucial strategy to manage your personal finances efficiently, particularly while setting up a new apartment.

  1. Begin by detailing your annual net income.
  2. Subsequently, list down all your essential expenditures, such as food, household supplies, phone bills, car payments, credit card bills, clothing, transportation costs, internet charges, healthcare expenses, school loans, and entertainment.
  3. Don’t forget to add a section for “miscellaneous” to cover any unanticipated expenses.
  4. Make sure your expenses are less than your income.

While rent will be your biggest expense, you want to make sure you can truly afford the amount without going broke.

If you observe that your expenses are relatively high, it’s time to analyze your spending patterns and cut down on unnecessary spending.

Step 2: Save Money

Saving money and living frugally requires strategic thinking and discipline.

Honestly, the simplest thing you can do is to set aside 20% of your income each paycheck. That will ensure you are on your way to becoming financially independent.

Simply remember, frugal living doesn’t equate to deprivation, it’s about making informed choices to optimize your resources.

The 100 envelope challenge is extremely popular!

Step 3: Start a Side Hustle

Side hustles can be a flexible and rewarding way to supplement your income, and they’ve become much more popular in recent years.

Manage your time wisely and ensure the side hustle is something you enjoy or are passionate about. It should be a source of additional income without causing stress or burnout.

Here are ways to make money online for beginners.

First Apartment Tips

Embarking on the journey of renting your first apartment can be both exciting and daunting, hence having some essential tips can be quite handy.

1. Make a list of apartment essentials

A list of apartment essentials plays a crucial role, particularly for first-time movers.

The benefits and significance cannot be overstated. Here’s why:

  • Prevents Overspending: Moving into a new apartment is already expensive. There are lease deposits, rent due, utility set-ups, and other hidden expenditures that can easily catch first-time movers off guard. Having a list of apartment essentials can keep your spending in check, ensuring that you only purchase what’s necessary and avoid unnecessary or impulsive purchases.
  • Minimizes Stress: The task of moving can be overwhelming, and missing essential items only adds to the stress. A well-thought-out list can not only help you keep track of what you’ve already acquired but also what you need to purchase or source.
  • Ensures You’re Prepared and Organized: By carefully creating an apartment checklist, you’re ensuring that you have everything you need in your new home, from cleaning supplies and toilet paper to the necessary items for your furry friends.
  • Saves Time: A concise and focused list saves you time by clearly stating what needs to be acquired, allowing you to focus on other important matters related to the move.

Follow this approach, and you’ll have a comfy, well-equipped apartment in no time.

2. Consider your budget

Experts advise rent shouldn’t exceed 25-30% of your income. But, don’t forget to include your other costs like food, bills, loans, etc

Remember, your dream apartment isn’t worth it if it’s a financial nightmare. Think smart, save hard, and enjoy your new home’s comforts without breaking the bank.

Learn the ideal household percentages.

3. Research apartments

Researching apartments requires careful consideration of numerous factors such as the proximity to vital facilities like workplaces, grocery stores, hospitals, and entertainment joints.

Try to physically tour potential residences where possible to examine amenities and gauge the atmosphere of the neighborhood.

Don’t forget to make inquiries and view the apartment personally or through a floor plan, all these will help you make a wise decision.

4. Check apartment listings for features and amenities

When searching for the perfect apartment, consider features and amenities that align with your lifestyle.

If there is a sym space, you could eliminate your monthly gym membership.

Just make sure the cost of the upgraded amenities is worth the price tag.

While checking apartment listings, ensure to evaluate the location, amenities, available space, and physical integrity.

5. Think about the size and layout of the apartment

Understanding the size and layout of your new apartment is crucial before you start styling and furnishing it.

Acquire a floor plan from the apartment management, and if possible, tour the apartment physically to note the positioning of rooms, doorways, hallways, and stairwells. Take measurements of these areas and visualize the kind of furniture and fixtures they can accommodate fittingly, taking into account maneuverability around corners as well.

Moving to your first apartment is exciting, yet demands careful consideration of the size and layout.

6. Look for apartments with good security

When you’re hunting for your next apartment, don’t forget to check out its security features. This is crucial for your peace of mind.

  • Ensure the apartment is in a safe neighborhood, close to amenities like hospitals or public transport.
  • Ask if the apartment complex has features like controlled access gates, security guards, and CCTV surveillance.
  • Check the apartment for proper alarm systems, well-functioning locks on doors and windows, and that fire safety measures are in place.
  • Verify the cell phone reception inside the apartment for any emergency calls.
  • Lastly, always ensure that the parking area is secure and well-lit.

Remember, your apartment isn’t just a place, it’s your sanctuary. It should feel like one, too.

7. Make sure you get a good deal

Before signing a lease, it’s crucial to ensure the rent price is a good deal.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median gross rent from 2015-2019 was approximately $1,097 per month.

8. Talk to the management and make sure you understand the rules

Get to grips with your apartment’s rules by thoroughly reading your lease. Take note of any restrictions, and don’t fear to ask for clarifications. Data indicates that understanding lease terms significantly reduces tenant-landlord conflicts.

It is important you understand your lease as it is a binding contract.

First Apartment Checklist PDF

Moving into your first apartment is exciting but daunting. The First Apartment Checklist PDF helps simplify the process.

Take it at your own pace—don’t rush. This is your journey to your new home. Enjoy!

FAQ

Moving into a new apartment can be quite exciting yet daunting. It’s crucial to carefully inspect the space to ensure it meets your needs and is in optimal condition.

  • Check the overall cleanliness. Despite initial cleaning, apartments often accumulate dust while vacant. Ensure you have cleaning supplies handy to tackle any overlooked dirt or grime.
  • Inspect the utilities. Ensure the availability of necessary technology setups and provisions for all your electronic gadgets. And make sure no wires are hanging from the ceiling.
  • Verify the safety features. Always have a working lock on the door as well as a well lit entrance.
  • Examine appliances. Make sure essential household appliances like washers, dryers, and a dishwasher are provided and in working condition.

The comfort and safety of your new apartment rely hugely on these checks.

When determining how much you should spend on rent, it’s generally suggested that your allotment should be no more than 25-30% of your after-tax income.

For instance, if your yearly income after taxes is $40,000 per year, your rent should be about $833-$1,000 per month.

Keep in mind, this amount should cover:

  • Your rent
  • Utilities (unless they’re included in your rent)
  • Rental insurance

It’s essential to create a realistic budget by considering your other necessary expenses like food, transport, healthcare, and entertainment. If needed, find ways to cut some of these costs to afford your dream apartment.

Now Get Moving with your Apartment Shopping List!

In conclusion, creating and managing a first apartment checklist requires a judicious mix of prudence and patience.

It’s an exciting journey of setting up your first independent space but it’s also a test of properly managing your resources without compromising on your basic needs.

It’s crucial to remember that you do not need to get everything at once, and it’s okay to take your time to gradually fill your apartment.

Remember, be mindful of your budget and prioritize based on your specific needs and preferences.

And don’t forget, you’re not just setting up an apartment, you’re creating your own unique sanctuary.

With patience and careful planning, you’ll soon have an apartment that’s not only functionally equipped but also a reflection of your personal style. The experience, in the end, will prove to be as rewarding as it is educational.

Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!

Source: moneybliss.org

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Do you dream of learning how to get paid to travel? Your dream doesn’t have to seem like a fantasy — there are many people who turned their dreams of globe-trotting adventures into an attainable reality. For me, I love being able to travel and work at the same time. I have been able to…

Do you dream of learning how to get paid to travel? Your dream doesn’t have to seem like a fantasy — there are many people who turned their dreams of globe-trotting adventures into an attainable reality.

For me, I love being able to travel and work at the same time. I have been able to visit many new places and really learn about the areas I’m visiting because I get to spend more time in each place I visit. Plus, I am still able to pay all of my expenses and save fully for retirement with no worries.

Whether you want to learn how to get paid to travel for a few months at a time or become a full-time digital nomad, there are many ways to make your dream a reality.

The biggest things holding people back from traveling are money and travel expenses, but this is something that many people can work around. There are many different types of income streams that you may be able to start.

Over the years, I’ve met people who have learned how to get paid to travel and have made it their life. There have been people who have saved up to travel for an extended amount of time, those who are retired, those who find odd jobs on the road, those who have found paid travel opportunities (like the ones I’m about to tell you about), and more.

You’re probably thinking to yourself: “You have to be a professional travel blogger in order to get paid to travel.”

But that’s not true at all!

If you want to learn how to get paid to travel, there are many other excellent ways to make your dreams happen.

In fact, the majority of people I have met while traveling are not travel bloggers, on TikTok, or have a Youtube channel. I know you see a lot of that online, but the reality is that most people hold normal jobs that allow them to travel.

In today’s article, I will be highlighting the many different excellent ways to learn how to get paid to travel the world.

Related content on how to get paid to travel:

How to get paid to travel the world

 

1. Create a travel blog

A travel blog, or any type of blog or Youtube channel, may allow you to get paid to travel the world.

I know this because my blog, Making Sense of Cents, allows me to travel!

Blogging means I have a flexible schedule, allowing me to enjoy many of the places I visit.

There are several ways to earn money blogging, including:

You can learn more in How To Earn Money Blogging: Your Top Questions Answered, where I give in-depth explanations of each monetization method.

You can create your own blog here with my easy and quick tutorial. You can start your blog for as low as $2.75 per month, plus you get a free domain name when signing up through my guide.

Related content: How To Start a Blog Free Course

 

2. Teach English as a foreign language

Teaching English is a very popular way to get paid to travel. Whether you’re teaching English online or if you find a school in a foreign country (such as China, South Korea, or United Arab Emirates), teaching English is one of the best ways to make money while traveling because it’s very in demand.

You do not need to be a teacher to teach English online or speak another language, which is great. You only need to speak English. You are often asked to be a native English speaker and have a bachelor’s degree (in any subject).

Typically, you can earn around $15 to $25 per hour. However, pay varies based on the country, and some places pay more than others, such as South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

ESL teachers occasionally have their housing paid for or free food when working in other countries. 

Another option would be to become a teacher overseas. You can learn more at How We Made Over $100,000 Teaching Overseas.

 

3. Become an au pair

Au pairs are like nannies, but they live abroad with a family in a foreign country so they can learn the language, experience the culture, and travel. Au pairs don’t usually get paid a salary, but their host family pays for food and stay and gives the au pair some spending money.

If you enjoy working with kids and want to learn how to get paid to travel, working as an au pair or travel nanny can be a fun option for  younger adults.

My sister was an au pair in Italy a few years ago. It was an interesting experience, and she had both positives and negatives from it.

In the blog post linked below, my sister writes about:

  • How much an au pair can earn
  • How to get paid to travel to Europe as an au pair
  • The positives and negatives of being an au pair
  • Tips to find a host family to work for
  • Questions to ask your host family

You can read more at How To Become An Au Pair And Travel The World.

 

4. Become a digital nomad

With a remote job, you may be able to become a digital nomad and travel the U.S. or even the world.

Remote jobs are far more common these days, and the best remote opportunities allow you to eliminate your commute (which may save you hours each week!), travel more, and sometimes even have a more flexible schedule.

Plus, many times all you need is a laptop and an internet connection.

A remote job is a job you can work from anywhere. You may be able to work from your house, apartment, in an RV, on a sailboat, while in another country, at a co-working office, and so on.

Of course, some companies do have rules regarding travel, so you will want to clarify that before you fly around the world.

Here are some examples of remote jobs:

You can learn more at How To Find A Remote Job (Best Sites, Tips, & More).

 

5. Travel photographer 

Even since we started traveling, we’ve met some amazing photographers, and I’ve always thought this would be one of the most fun travel jobs.

There are so many different kinds of photographers that make a living traveling the world. These include National Geographic photographers, people who travel around the world chasing crazy races and taking pictures of them, people publishing amazing photos on Instagram, people who take photos of sharks, and so on.

Travel photography is a very creative job that many people dream of.

If you’re interested in this option, you’ll definitely need a camera to start, and you may want to take some courses on photography.

 

6. Become a park ranger

Choosing to become a park ranger as your travel career choice can allow you to travel across the U.S., transferring from park to park.

The website ParkRangerEdu.Org is a great place to learn more. According to the site, it’s recommended that you have a college degree in a relevant major such as Earth science, forestry, conservation, biology.

Park rangers help protect the park, wildlife, visitors, and more, and they may work at the visitor center, as law enforcement, protecting animals, guiding tours, and so on. It all depends on the position that you fill.

This would be one of the best ways to get paid to travel for people who love to be outdoors and want to help improve the parks that they love.

 

7. Travel nurse

A travel nurse may be able to earn more than $3,000 per week. They tend to make much more than a nurse who has a permanent job at a hospital or other facility.

Travel nurses are RNs (registered nurses) working short-term positions at healthcare facilities. Whenever there are nursing shortages, which happen often, travel nurses help healthcare facilities fill these roles.

I have had several friends become travel nurses, and I’ve also met a few travel nurses while traveling.

Travel nurse jobs usually last around 3 months and can come with many benefits.

 

8. Become an Airbnb Experience Host

As an Airbnb Experience Host, you may be able to make money in different areas by hosting tours, classes, etc. This can be a fun way to meet tourists, as well as better get to know an area.

No, you don’t need to own an Airbnb rental in order to become an Airbnb Experience Host. This is completely different!

Whether you want to host cooking classes, guide a walking tour, lead a bike ride in your area, host a pub crawl, or something else, there are many different types of Airbnb experiences you can host.

You could do this as a side gig or even a full-time job. It simply depends on your availability and what your goals are.

If you have questions, such as:

  • How much do Airbnb experience hosts make?
  • What are some examples of Airbnb experiences that I can host?
  • How do I start an Airbnb hosting experience?
  • Is hosting an Airbnb experience worth it?

You can learn more at How to Make Money as an Airbnb Experience Host.

 

9. Campground worker (workamper, campground host, etc.)

Campground workers or workampers are people who work at a campground in exchange for free stay and sometimes pay. There are many campgrounds across the country looking for workampers, and this can be an excellent way to earn more travel money.

You can work at beautiful campgrounds on the beach, in national parks, state parks, forests, and more. I have seen hiring signs in some of the most beautiful campgrounds!

While full-time RVing, I met many happy workampers who enjoy their jobs, and it’s something that I would definitely do myself!

After all, you get to stay for free, and many times you’re even paid to stay in some of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s a great way to make RVing work full-time.

As a work camper you may be:

  • Answering questions on the phone
  • Making reservations for campers
  • Cleaning campsites, bathrooms, community rooms, and more
  • Selling firewood
  • Making sure campers follow the rules

Workampers can be paid with an RV site to stay in, at an hourly rate, or a mixture of the two.

Many times, campgrounds prefer a couple as well so that the duties can be split amongst two people, so this is a great option if you want to learn how to get paid to travel as a couple.

Related content: How To Make Money While RVing

 

10. Find items to resell online

If you are a full-time traveler, you may come across items you could sell online.

I’ve met people who travel the country in vans or RVs and pick up items as they travel. They sell their inventory online and ship items out from wherever they’re staying.

Etsy, eBay, Craigslist, and countless others are great places if you decide to sell items online.

You can learn more at How I Made $40,000 In One Year Flipping Items.

 

11. Find a cruise ship job 

Working on a cruise ship means that you will be working while traveling! You can work and travel on a cruise ship through the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and more.

Plus, there are cruise ships that even circumnavigate the globe, which would be really fun.

If you want to learn how to get paid to travel, there are many different types of opportunities to find on a cruise line, including:

  • Childcare worker
  • Cleaning crew
  • Boat crew, such as officers, electricians, and engineers
  • Yoga instructor
  • Photographer
  • Salon/spa workers
  • Fitness center jobs
  • Restaurant server, cook, or bartender
  • Entertainment, such as being in a band, technicians, and more

Those are just a few of the jobs you can find on a cruise ship, and there are over 300 cruise ships in the world, and hundreds of workers on each cruise ship.

With a job on a cruise ship, you would live on the cruise ship and many of your travel expenses, such as room and board, may be paid for by the cruise ship company. You may also make a salary and tips.

To find cruise ship jobs, I recommend heading to cruise ship websites and finding their jobs page. For example, Carnival Cruise Ships has a special job page, which you can find here. On their website, you can even sign up for job alerts so that you can be emailed when a job is added to their website.

 

12. WWOOFer

WWOOF stands for Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, and it’s an organization that connects visitors with organic farms around the world.

WWOOF allows volunteers to choose an area and country to travel to and volunteer in at a farm. The stay can range from a few days to several months, depending on what is agreed upon.

In return for your food and provided accommodations, you are expected to work 4-6 hours a day on the farm.

You may be asked to cut wood, pack items, feed animals, make food, sow seed, make compost, help care for a garden, and more – anything helpful to the farmer.

This is one of the best ways to get paid to travel if you are looking for an affordable way to travel the world. You won’t make a full-time income, but it sounds like a fun way to visit new areas.

In most cases, you will need to be 18 or older in order to start WWOOFing.

 

13. Outdoor guide or instructor

If you’re the adventurous type, then becoming an outdoor guide or instructor can be a great way to learn how to get paid to travel.

You must be highly skilled to safely do this, of course. And that’s because you’ll be responsible for teaching others skills that may be dangerous.

Outdoor guide or outdoor instructor jobs may include:

  • Hiking guide
  • Rock climbing guide
  • Scuba diving guide
  • Wilderness and survival guide
  • Kayaking/rafting guide
  • Fishing guide
  • Surfing instructor
  • Hunting guide
  • Tour guide
  • Travel guide

And more! You may even be able to carve out your own specialty as well.

As a guide or instructor, you may work for yourself, work for a park, a summer camp, or for another company.

Guides may be paid via tips and a flat fee for taking people out on a guided trip.

 

14. Sell printables on Etsy

This might surprise you, but you can travel while earning a somewhat passive income stream selling printables online.

Printables are digital files that can be bought and sold nearly indefinitely, and because they are delivered online, you don’t have to ship anything or store physical products.

This can be a great way to earn passive income while you travel for years down the line. You might be able to travel for longer, and you’ll have more free time to enjoy the places you visit.

Some examples of travel-related printables include:

  • Vacation packing checklists
  • Travel planners, such as travel itinerary printables
  • Vacation grocery shopping checklists
  • Luggage tags
  • Bucket lists printables
  • Road trip activity printables
  • Travel journals
  • RV checklists

You can learn more at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.

 

15. Flight attendant

A popular way to get paid to travel the world is by becoming a flight attendant.

There are strict requirements for becoming a flight attendant, but you may receive highly discounted flights for you and companions. This can be a great way to travel while you’re working, and when you’re not on duty as a flight attendant, you can explore new cities and countries.

Flight attendants can make a good income, and the benefits can’t be beat if you want to travel more. Flight attendants make anywhere from around $40,000 to over $100,000 a year. 

You can learn more at How To Become A Flight Attendant And Make $61,640 Each Year.

 

16. Boat crew jobs

Working as part of a yacht crew is a fun way to travel the world and experience life on the water. People are always looking for help on their boats, whether it’s a small 30-foot sailboat or a 200-foot mega yacht.

My husband has delivered two sailing catamarans for a total of around 4,000 miles (that doesn’t even include the amount of sailing he’s done on our boat), and we’ve both been offered boat crew jobs on several other occasions as well.

As yacht crew, you may be working as the:

  • Captain
  • Hostess
  • Mechanic or engineer
  • Server
  • Chef
  • Cleaner
  • Crew

Working on a boat means you get to travel around the world, to new countries, or you may be staying in one area. It really just depends on the boat and what their itinerary is.

Now, working on a boat is not easy. It’s usually quite hard work, but it can be extremely rewarding.

If you’re interested, a lot of it is about networking. Simply hanging around the docks may help you find work, there are websites that connect crew to boats, and agencies that can help you find yacht crew jobs too.

17. Deliver vehicles

Like the last option, you can get paid to travel around the country delivering vehicles for individuals and dealerships. You might be towing or driving the vehicle depending on the arrangement. 

You’ll need to have a clean driving record if you want to learn how to get paid to travel delivering vehicles. Delivery drivers can make $300 to $400 per vehicle.

18. Public speaker or coach

This can be a very lucrative option, but you will need to establish yourself as an expert or authority in a certain topic. Fortunately, there are many options to choose from – health, parenting, fashion, exercise, entrepreneurship, finances, marketing, life coaching, and much more.

You can make in the range of $1,000 to $50,000+ per event as a public speaker.

 

Are there companies that pay you to travel?

Yes, there are some companies that pay their workers to travel across the country or around the world. 

Besides some of the opportunities talked about in this list, jobs in sales, HR, trainers, and more may send you to different cities and countries as part of your job.

How to get paid to travel the world – Summary

As you can see, there are many different ways to get paid to travel the world. There are, of course, positives and negatives to each option. 

This is because everyone is different, we all have different skills, different ideas of what travel looks like, and so on. It’s all about finding which way interests you the most.

Again, here are the best ways to can get paid to travel:

  1. Create a travel blog
  2. Teach English as a foreign language
  3. Become an au pair
  4. Travel photographer
  5. Become a digital nomad
  6. Become a park ranger
  7. Travel nurse
  8. Become an Airbnb Experience Host
  9. Campground worker (workamper)
  10. Find items to resell online
  11. Find a cruise ship job
  12. WWOOFer
  13. Outdoor guide or instructor
  14. Sell printables on Etsy
  15. Flight attendant
  16. Boat crew jobs
  17. Deliver vehicles
  18. Public speaker or coach

So, whether you want to travel across the US and visit all 50 states, circumnavigate the world by boat, or fly to many different continents and countries, there are so many different ways to get paid to travel.

Traveling is the best way to see the world, but it can also be expensive. Depending on your situation, there are dozens of ways to get paid to travel, whether you want to travel on a backpacker’s budget or if you want to splurge on fancy resorts.

Whether you are looking for seasonal jobs, you want to become an online freelancer, or if you even want to find a way to make money from your hobby without working long hours, there are many ways to experience a new culture and may even be able to score free travel.

Have fun traveling!

Do you want to get paid to travel the world?

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

Wildfires are destructive and can be catastrophic for homeowners, especially those who are lower income. And unfortunately, fires are getting more frequent, larger, and stronger. The wildfire season in the western US has increased by more than 100 days since 1970, along with larger and more frequent fires. These fires are expensive, too; from 2017-2021, they have cost governments more than $90 billion and have dramatically altered landscapes in forests across the country. As such, it’s important to be prepared.  

Regardless of whether you live in a high fire-risk area, like Brentwood, CA, or somewhere with very little risk, such as Duluth, MN, these tips are essential. Climate change is accelerating, helping to prolong and intensify droughts and heat waves throughout the country. This creates a greater risk for wildfires anywhere in the US. So no matter where you live, read on for essential tips from Redfin to learn how to prepare for a wildfire. 

1. Clear the ignition zones around your home

First, it’s essential to create defensible zones around your home to reduce the fuel sources for a wildfire. This is called the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ), which is broken up into three subsections ranging from 0-200 feet away from your house. Here’s a quick breakdown of the zones.

Immediate zone (0-5 feet)

The immediate zone is the area directly adjacent to your home, including the structure itself and its immediate surroundings. This is the most important zone to take immediate action on. Make sure to clear your house first and then work your way around your property. The goal of this zone is to eliminate fire risk as completely as possible.  

  • Keep this zone free of all flammable vegetation and materials, especially anything underneath decks and between cracks in patios. Ideally, you shouldn’t have any vegetation in this zone.
  • If you have trees with long branches, make sure none of them get within five feet of your home. 
  • Clean roofs and gutters regularly to prevent a buildup of flammable debris.
  • Use non-flammable landscaping materials and high-moisture-content plants.
  • Store firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable materials away from this zone.
  • Make sure your home siding is at least six inches off the ground. 

Intermediate zone (5-30 feet) 

This zone acts as a buffer and is primarily focused on landscaping and creating breaks that can reduce fire spread. Depending on where you live, it may still be beneficial to keep vegetation to a minimum. 

  • Use “fire-resistant” plants that are strategically spaced to prevent the fire from spreading continuously.
  • Remove dead vegetation and prune trees regularly to keep them away from the ground (creating a separation between low-level vegetation and tree canopies). 
  • Space trees so they have a minimum of 18 feet between crowns and are no closer than ten feet from your home. 
  • You can have grass in this area, but it should be mowed to a maximum of four inches. 
  • If possible, create breaks with driveways, walkways, and lawns.

Extended zone (30-100 feet, 200 feet in sloped areas)

The goal of this zone is to disrupt a fire’s path, not eliminate it entirely. Landscaping should be maintained, but doesn’t necessarily have to be fire-resistant. 

  • Remove ladder fuels (vegetation that can carry a ground fire to treetops) by pruning and maintaining space between shrubs and trees.
  • Remove any vegetation adjacent to sheds or other small structures within this area.
  • Keep grass and other vegetation mowed to a short height.
  • Regularly remove dead plant and tree material.
  • Keep at least 6-12 feet between the canopy tops of trees.

2. Update your landscaping 

Landscaping plays a crucial role in preparing for a wildfire, especially in areas prone to wildfires, like San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Apart from creating a defensible space using the HIZ, there’s a lot you can do. Here are a few suggestions.

  • Plant selection: Opt for fire-resistant plants that are native to your region. These plants typically have a high moisture content, are low-growing, and don’t accumulate dead branches or leaves. Examples include succulents, some species of rockrose, lavender, and yarrow. Avoid plants that produce resins, oils, or waxes, as they can be highly flammable. 
  • Hardscaping: Use hardscaping elements like stone walls, pavers, concrete pathways, and patios to create firebreaks in your yard. These non-flammable elements can act as barriers, slowing or stopping the progress of a fire, and are great elements to add to your intermediate zone. 
  • Water features: Water features aren’t viable for every home, especially if you live in a drought-ridden region. However, if you are able to install them, consider ponds, streams, fountains, or even birdbaths. These can act as barriers to wildfires and can be a water source for firefighting if needed. 
  • Yard equipment: Avoid storing equipment with fuel still in the tank, such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and other gas-powered tools. 

3. Use fire-resistant building materials

You can retrofit your home to prepare it for a wildfire, but installing fire-resistant materials at the outset is much more cost-effective. 

Regardless of when you fireproof your home, it’s important to note the Flame Spread Index, which measures how far and how fast flames spread across the surface of a material. There are three ratings from best to worst: Class 1 (A), Class 2 (B), and Class 3 (C). Ideally, most of your home would exclusively contain materials in the Class 1 and 2 categories. 

Ensure you never use non-treated materials, especially not fiberboard, hardboard, and plywood. Additionally, some types of wood are more flammable than others, such as pine, oak, and douglas fir. Here’s a list of essential fire-resistant building materials to consider.

  • Roofing and siding: Metal sheeting, fiber cement, slate tiles, fiberglass-based asphalt shingles, and brick and stone. Brick and metal are some of the most fire-resistant materials commonly available.
  • Decking and framing: Composite wood, Structural INsulated Panels (SIPs), aerated concrete, steel, and Fire-Retardant Treated (FRT) wood. You can treat wood after installation, as well as purchase pre-treated wood. 
  • Windows and doors: Insulated, double pane, tempered glass windows; steel; fiber-cement; and fire-rated wooden doors. Fire-rated doors have cores that can limit fire and smoke for up to three hours, although 20 minutes is the most common. If you have a garage door, metal is the best choice. 
  • Insulation: Fiberglass, radiant/reflective barriers, foam, and mineral wool. There are many types of wool to choose from, including glass, rock, and slag. It’s also important to note that reflective foil insulation conducts electricity.

4. Consider Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are a material and system that consists of hollow blocks or panels made of insulating materials, which are stacked to form the shape of the walls of a building. Once in place, these forms are filled with concrete, creating a solid, insulated wall system. ICFs are extremely energy efficient, durable, and resistant to various natural disasters, including wildfires. 

ICFs have unique properties that can withstand wildfires for up to four hours. While a bit more expensive than traditional wood, if you’re building a new home, ICF may be the most fire-safe option.

5. Install fire alarms and monitors

Your next step should be to know when a fire is happening in your home. In the case of a wildfire, you’ll likely know when it’s coming, but it’s still useful to install alarms and protection, so you can help limit the spread to other homes. And without fire detection, you are at increased risk of harm and damage to your home.

  • Smoke detectors: Smoke detectors are legally required. Ensure you have working detectors in every room of your home, test them monthly, and replace batteries annually. Make sure to follow your local building codes when installing and maintaining detectors. 
  • Heat sensors: These can detect unusual spikes in temperature and can be especially useful in garages or workshops where you might store flammable materials.
  • Remote monitoring: Some smart security systems can pair with smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to offer remote fire monitoring, allowing you to be alerted even if you’re not home. This can be crucial for early detection and response.

6. Purchase and maintain fire extinguishers

Home fire extinguishers may not be useful for large wildfires, but they can help suppress a fire and prevent it from spreading further. While not required for one- and two-family homes, they are invaluable tools. 

Maintaining extinguishers is crucial. Every month, check the pressure gauge to ensure it’s in the “green” zone. And once per year, have a professional inspect it. After any use, recharge or replace the extinguisher. Over time, even if unused, extinguishers degrade; typically, you should have them served every six years and replaced every twelve

7. Invest in a home sprinkler system

Home sprinkler systems can be an invaluable tool to reduce your risk of fire damage inside and outside your home. There are two types of sprinkler systems that can be useful during a wildfire: interior and exterior. 

Home sprinkler systems are similar to those found in commercial buildings but are tailored for residential environments. They can play a crucial role in saving lives, reducing property damage, and providing an added layer of safety to homeowners. Homes that had 

Exterior sprinkler systems, sometimes called “wildfire sprinkler systems” or “defensible space sprinklers,” are designed to wet the home and its immediate surroundings. This helps prevent wind-blown embers, radiant heat, and direct flame contact.

The benefits of these systems usually outweigh the costs of installation and use, as damage from a fire or firefighters is often far worse. Remember that your system must also be able to deliver water for up to eight hours straight. So if you live in a region parched by drought, this may be impossible. And, if you live in a windy area, an exterior sprinkler system may not be able to reach as far or as consistently. 

8. Install a generator for emergencies

Power outages are common during wildfires, as fires can damage infrastructure and utility service providers may perform Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to prevent further fire spread. 

A generator can provide power to a home or facility during these outages, ensuring that essential appliances and systems remain operational. This can include supporting medical equipment, running external sprinkler systems, and charging communication devices. 

It’s also critical to keep an AM/FM/weather radio and battery-powered lanterns on hand for government communications. 

9. Keep your emergency kit stocked

Your emergency kit should contain essential supplies that will last at least 72 hours. This includes food, water, a first aid kit, tools and supplies, clothing, shelter, identification, cash, and special needs products. It’s also critical to keep an AM/FM/weather radio on hand to communicate with authorities and emergency responders.

10. Make sure your community is prepared

Protecting your own home is the first step, but is ultimately futile if your neighbors aren’t protected as well. Even if you install state-of-the-art sprinkler and fire detection systems on your property and follow the HIZ guidelines perfectly, water can run out, the power can go out, and fires can spread from your neighbor’s house more quickly than an exterior sprinkler system can put them out. 

To truly reduce your wildfire risk, it’s critical to talk to your neighbors and ask them to remove fire risks. For a community to survive a wind-driven fire, each household must properly prepare. One of the primary ways fires spread is by jumping from an unprotected house to a protected house. This means that even if you prepare your house using the HIZ, if your neighbors aren’t prepared, your home is still at risk.

Preparing for a wildfire hinges on small daily tasks and community responsibilities more than individual action. Communities must prepare together to reduce the risk of burning together. 

How to prepare for a wildfire: final thoughts

While there is no surefire way to protect your home from wildfires, preparing individually and as a community can help reduce risk. While reducing your risk is the best short-term action, the best long-term solution is to reduce your carbon footprint and slow the effects of climate change. If you have any questions, contact your local authorities or utility company.

This article is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary. This is not intended as a substitute for the services of a licensed and bonded home services or fire prevention professional. Always seek expert advice and follow all official guidance before, during, and after a fire.

Source: redfin.com

Apache is functioning normally

Life has gotten a lot more convenient over the past decade thanks to our friend the Internet.

Today, we can shop for clothes, groceries, and just about anything else online, do our banking with text messages and smartphones, or hail a ride home with the touch of a button.

But one area that still needs improvement is real estate, including the notoriously chaotic mortgage world where paperwork continues to be beyond burdensome in the digital age.

Remember when MBA chief David Stevens claimed that the average mortgage file had grown to more than 500 pages?

Well, hopefully the smart guys and gals up in Silicon Valley have a solution for that as well.

Say Hello to Opendoor, the Instant Home Buyer

  • Opendoor is one of the biggest iBuyers of residential real estate
  • They want to help you sell your home quickly with the push of a button
  • Instead of having to clean it, list it, show it, and wait for the offers to come in
  • And make it easier to acquire a new home while getting rid of your old one

A group of San Francisco-based tech disruptors (that’s the buzzword these days) have big plans to make selling your home a lot easier and faster.

Their company, called Opendoor, has one mission. To make it easy to sell your home. To quote them exactly, their tagline appears to be, “The easiest way to sell your home.”

Note the word easy; nowhere on their one page website do they say highest price. Or anything to do with price for that matter. Just that you’ll receive an “instant offer” online and be able to close in 3 days. Wow.

Simply put, they want to bring liquidity to real estate, similar I suppose to how stocks are bought and sold within milliseconds online.

That’s the draw of buying stock. You can unload it whenever you want and get your hands on the cash for other needs with minimal delay.

One of the major downsides to real estate as an investment (or in general) is that it’s extremely illiquid.

If you own a piece of property and want to dispose of it, you’ll need to hire a real estate agent, create a listing, spruce up the place, let people tour the property, and hopefully land a suitable offer.

The process, if you’re lucky, will only take a month. More realistically, it’ll take a few months from start to finish, barring the recent home buying frenzy that has probably given every homeowner unrealistic expectations on selling timelines.

It Might Make Sense to Use Opendoor If You Must Sell Quickly

  • Like most convenient services there is a price that must be paid
  • Opendoor may make sense if you have to sell your home quickly for some reason
  • But there’s always a cost to doing things easier
  • And that could mean a significantly lower offer price for your home

To be clear, Opendoor doesn’t plan to replace real estate agents or reinvent the entire process. At least, not just yet.

They simply want to provide a quicker way to sell when you don’t have time to go through the entire process, whether because you’re relocating for a job or simply because you need capital this week, not three months from now.

Perhaps you’re having trouble keeping up with mortgage payments and just want to avoid foreclosure. There are plenty of reasons why homeowners may want to sell immediately.

Apparently there’s some algorithm that determines an appropriate selling price, similar to how Zillow provides you with a Zestimate.

So far they’ve snagged $9.95 million in funding, though the lead is from Opendoor co-founder Keith Rabois of Khosla Ventures.

Other notable individuals involved with Opendoor include PayPal co-founder Max Levchin, former YouTube and Facebook CFO Gideon Yu, Yelp CEO Jeremy Stoppelman, and Facebook vice president Dan Rose.

With that group of investors, it’s certainly going to get interesting in a hurry.

How Selling a Home with Opendoor Works

  • You request an offer to sell your home
  • A “home expert” prepares an offer based on market data in 24 hours
  • You review the offer and sign if you accept it
  • They provide a free home assessment to determine repair costs
  • You choose a closing day and they buy your home

Opendoor basically takes the guess work and uncertainty out of selling a home by just agreeing to buy it from you for a certain market-driven price.

That makes them an iBuyer, or instant buyer, of homes, as opposed to a maybe-buyer who takes 30-45 days to close on your home, assuming they get to the finish line.

Instead of having to find a real estate agent, clean it, list it, stage it, hold open houses, and wait and hope that it sells for the price you want/need, they’ll buy it for you in a matter of days.

All you need to do is request a free, no-obligation offer by entering your address and telling them about your home.

If your home qualifies, a local market expert will  prepare your offer in just 24 hours, relying on your property’s unique features and market data.

The offer is good for five days, but you can proceed whenever you’d like. It can also be refreshed at any time after that period.

Assuming you accept, it will be subject to an in-person inspection to determine if repairs are necessary.

If they are, you can make them yourself or leave it up to Opendoor, in which case the costs will be deducted from your sales proceeds.

You get to choose your closing date as well, between 14 and 60 days, whether you want to unload it quickly or at a later date (and changes can be made free of charge).

That can come in handy if you need a quick sale, perhaps to avoid a contingent purchase. Or if you need cash fast from the sale of your home.

But they’re happy to let you stick around a while too. This flexibility is one of the main perks of iBuying, especially if you’re acquiring a new home.

Opendoor Pricing and Fees


Despite the enormous convenience, Opendoor claims to save you money too, with the average service charge around 7.1% of the sales price versus a 7-10% cost if you go the traditional route.

You can see a breakdown above of what a traditional sale might cost versus selling to Opendoor.

Of course, what’s the sale price in both scenarios? If they’re the same, great. If the one with Opendoor is significantly lower, the math changes quickly.

These head-to-head comparisons always seem to feature the same sales price, which probably isn’t a reality.

Another key factor is repair costs. Will Opendoor hold you accountable for thousands in repairs, or will they go relatively easy? I guess it depends on the property in question.

Regardless, you do have to factor in some “cost” for the time and effort saved by not having to list yourself.

And as they point out, there is a cost to owning two homes at once, assuming you’re not benefiting from it.

Opendoor Versus the Competition

Not all iBuyers are created equal, despite there being several of them nowadays like Zillow Offers and Offerpad.

Opendoor points out the subtle, but important differences in their offerings versus the competition.

Notably, they allow you to cancel your home sale at any time for any reason, which apparently isn’t the case with Offerpad.

They also allow a 14-day “Late Checkout” if you need to stay in your home a bit longer before you move into your new abode.

However, my guess is all these companies will make adjustments over time to match up with the others.

So ultimately it will probably come down to pricing if you shop different iBuyers at the same time.

Buying an Opendoor Home

  • Opendoor sells the homes it buys shortly after refurbishing them
  • So you can search their listings on their website/app
  • And then buy a home directly from them too
  • With or without your own real estate agent

If you happen to be a home buyer, you can purchase an Opendoor property.

After all, if Opendoor is buying properties from home sellers, they’ve got to unload them on the other side.

They provide some benefits to buyers as well, including the ability to view an Opendoor home via the Opendoor Homes mobile app.

You can actually open the door so to speak by unlocking it with the app. Or at least getting the code to the lockbox. And each home is open daily from 6am to 9pm, so there’s always a convenient time to visit.

Once you’re ready to make an offer, you can do so via the Opendoor app or their website, and it only takes 48 hours or so to hear back.

They say it generally takes 20-30 days to close, similar to a traditional home purchase, and they require you to be pre-approved for a mortgage before making an offer.

If you have a buying agent, you can use them and Opendoor will pay them a commission. But it might affect your sales price.

Lastly, there’s a 30-day satisfaction guarantee if you don’t love your home, they’ll buy it back.

Update: They also recently launched a trade-in program where you can sell your home and get a new one all through their company.

Where Opendoor Is Currently Available

At the moment, Opendoor is available in the following metros/cities:

  • Asheville, NC
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Austin, TX
  • Boise, ID
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Columbia, SC
  • Dallas Fort-Worth, TX
  • Deltona, FL
  • Denver, CO
  • Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point, NC
  • Houston, TX
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Killeen, TX
  • Knoxville, TN (and Chattanooga)
  • Lakeland, FL
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Miami, FL (including Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach)
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
  • Nashville, TN
  • Ogden, UT
  • Oklahoma City, OK
  • Orlando, FL
  • Ormond Beach, FL
  • Oxnard, CA
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Portland, OR
  • Prescott, AZ
  • Provo, UT
  • Raleigh-Durham, NC
  • Reno, NV
  • Riverside, CA
  • Rochester, MN
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • San Antonio, TX
  • San Diego, CA
  • Sarasota, FL
  • Tampa, FL
  • Thousand Oaks, CA
  • Tucson, AZ
  • Ventura, CA
  • Winter Haven, FL

Their hope is to offer the service nationwide at some point in the near future, and they have plans to expand to additional metros this year.

Opendoor’s Mortgage Division

  • You might be able to finance an Opendoor home with an Opendoor home loan
  • If buying in the states of Arizona or Texas
  • The company provides a 1% credit for closing costs
  • And the ability to get pre-qualified quickly

The company has since introduced a financing arm known as “Opendoor Mortgage” that provides financing for buyers of Opendoor homes. It’s only available in Arizona and Texas at the moment though.

The name has since been changed to Opendoor Home Loans.

They claim to offer competitive mortgage rates and the ability to get pre-qualified in under 30 minutes. And if everything happens under one roof, they might be able to close faster.

So it seems they’re trying to make it a one-stop shop, which makes sense because time is of the essence and you can’t have a third-party lender slowing things down.

At the moment, they have a promotion where a buyer can get a so-called “ultimate mortgage.” I’m not exactly sure what that means, but it does come with 1% off the purchase price in the way of a credit for closing costs.

This could make Opendoor Mortgage more competitive than other lenders assuming the mortgage rates and lender costs are comparable.

Opendoor Acquires Open Listings

In September 2018, Opendoor acquired Open Listings, a discount real estate brokerage that connects home buyers with local real estate agents.

It’s different in that agents and their services are on-demand, as needed. So a home buyer can control as much or as little of the process as they wish.

And in exchange for that hands-off approach, home buyers who use Open Listings get up to 50% of the typical buyer agent’s commission back.

So instead of the typical 2.5% commission, only 1.25% is paid via the sales price and the other 1.25% is returned to the buyer either via reduced closing costs or via check in the mail.

The company has already refunded over $8 million to homeowners whose collective purchases exceeded $1 billion.

Open Listings was launched just three years ago in Los Angeles, part of Y Combinator, with a simple goal of making buying a home easier and more affordable.

The merger aims to create an end-to-end solution for buying, selling, and trading in homes, the first of its kind in the industry.

Opendoor and Redfin Partnership

In July 2019, Opendoor announced a partnership with competitor Redfin.

While it sounds like an odd marriage, given the existence of a very similar RedfinNow product, it opens up some new markets for Redfin.

The agreement will allow home sellers in the cities of Phoenix and Atlanta to request an Opendoor offer through Redfin’s website or mobile apps, as seen in the screenshot above.

Currently, RedfinNow isn’t available in those markets, so perhaps it a free test-run.

Well, Redfin will actually make a profit if a customer decides to sell to Opendoor, and they’ll be able to see demand for iBuying in those cities.

Opendoor’s home listings will also appear on Redfin’s website and mobile apps.

In mid-June 2021, the company announced that it had reached the 100,000-transaction milestone.

Read more: Is Google about to replace your real estate agent?

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

Termite damage can cost homeowners thousands of dollars — and home insurance doesn’t typically cover it. Here’s why termite damage isn’t covered by home insurance and how you can protect your home from this wood-eating insect.

Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?

Home insurance typically doesn’t cover termite damage. That’s because insurers consider termite damage to be preventable, not a sudden, accidental event like a fire or storm. It’s the homeowner’s responsibility to keep up with maintenance and deal with termite infestations immediately.

Termite damage happens over time as termites eat away at the wood in your home. The damage caused by termites can cost homeowners, on average, $3,000 to repair. It’s important to quickly deal with termite infestations before they cause significant damage. Most insurers won’t cover damage caused by a lack of maintenance.

When does home insurance cover termite damage?

Most homeowners policies specifically state that termites and other infestations aren’t covered. That said, there are rare cases when homeowners insurance may cover termite damage. Let’s take a look at two scenarios:

House fire

Suppose termites gnaw through your electrical wiring and start a house fire. Home insurance almost always covers accidental fires, so you may have coverage even if termites were the cause.

Abrupt roof collapse due to hidden termite damage

Say your roof abruptly caves in, due to termite damage. If you can prove the damage was hidden and not visible from the outside, your insurance company may cover it. However, if there were signs of termite damage before the collapse and you didn’t address it, the damage would not be covered.

Home insurance policies are incredibly detailed about what they include and exclude. If you don’t see something about termite damage spelled out in your specific policy, assume it’s not covered.

How to identify termite damage

Termites can significantly damage your home’s foundation, ceilings and walls. Termites like to eat cellulose, a type of plant fiber found in wood. As they feed on cellulose, they create tunnels through wooden structures.

To identify if you have termite damage, look for the following signs:

  • Mud tubes. These are small, tube-shaped structures made of dirt and wood. They’re often found along walls or foundations.

  • Swollen floors. Termite-infested floors can look swollen or warped and feel bouncy when you walk across them.

  • Hollow-sounding wood. Tap on wooden surfaces to see if they sound hollow, as this may indicate termite tunnels.

  • Cracks and holes. Check for tiny cracks and holes in wood and your home’s structure, which could be signs of termites.

Types of termites

Three main types of termites can cause extensive damage to your home. Here’s how to distinguish the different types.

  • Drywood termites infest dry wood and can be found in furniture, flooring and walls. 

  • Dampwood termites prefer moist wood and can be found in areas with high humidity, such as basements and crawl spaces. 

  • Subterranean termites live in soil and build mud tubes to access above-ground wood. 

How to prevent termite damage

Because home insurance doesn’t cover termite damage, taking preventive measures is key to reducing your out-of-pocket costs. These tips can help you avoid termite damage.

  • Keep gutters clean and divert water away from your home’s foundation to avoid damp environments that termites thrive in.

  • Fix leaky faucets and water damage promptly to avoid attracting dampwood and subterranean termites.

  • Regularly inspect wooden areas for signs of infestation, like termite tunnels or swollen wood.

  • Keep plants and firewood away from your home to reduce the risk of attracting termites.

  • Use gravel or shells instead of wood-based mulches.

  • Seal cracks in your home’s foundation and walls to obstruct termite entry points.

Schedule an annual inspection with a reputable pest control company to detect any termite activity before it becomes a significant issue.

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

The kneejerk reaction of many renters is to search for apartments owned by a big company, complete with all the bells and whistles that implies. That said, it’s always a viable option to rent from a private landlord. In fact, depending on your way of life and communication style, it might actually be preferable to work directly with one property manager, rather than a whole office full of associates.

There are perks and drawbacks to both options. Let’s dive right in and learn all about the pros and cons of renting from a private property manager. First, the up-side.

Pro: private property owner, personal touch

Some private landlords lease out rental properties like condos, townhouses or single-family homes where they used to live. Because of this, they’re often more emotionally involved in the property than a faceless corporation. For other landlords, the rental property is a serious investment, so it’s important to keep the place well-maintained.

There’s also the fact that the typical individual landlord only has a small number of rental properties. This means that a new resident is likely to get a lot more individual attention than tenants in a community handled by a large management company.

Pro: easier communication

A tenant with a question, problem or maintenance requests need only contact one person when renting directly from a private landlord. This is a welcome change from large property management companies, which often require renters to fill out online forms or call special numbers for different types of requests.

That said, do try to honor some sort of business hours, unless your need is a true emergency. Private landlords need some downtime, too! Also, make sure to maintain honest and clear communication to develop a professional, trusting relationship with the property owner. That’s in everyone’s best interests!

Pro: more flexibility

Landlords in big communities are often hogtied by corporate policies and contracts and such. A private landlord, however, can make adjustments without having to go through a bunch of channels. So, for example, a renter who decides they want to get a cat can simply ask special permission from the private landlord to adjust the pet policy and have an addendum added to the contract.

Pro: more privacy

People who rent houses from a private landlord enjoy quite a lot more privacy than those who rent apartments. They don’t have to share a wall, walkway or parking lot with anyone else, after all.

Pro: fewer rules

Large apartment communities have to have a lot of rules in place to keep the peace. And, while a renter of a house should still be responsible and respectful of neighbors and follow city ordinances, individual landlords tend to impose fewer restrictions than a large property management company. So, if autonomy is your thing, consider looking at houses for rent.

A private landlord may also choose to forego the expense of doing a background check for a new tenant, in favor of getting a general rental history. Never withhold information if asked directly, however. This is grounds for eviction.

Of course, this is all subjective to the private landlord in question. Some people are really paranoid and may have all kinds of extras worked into the contract to avoid liability. As always, read the lease in detail and discuss any sticking points with the landlord before signing anything.

Now, for the flip side. Here are some potential downsides that may occur when you rent from a private landlord.

Con: tentative response to maintenance requests

Repairs to private rental properties have to come out of the pocket of the owner, so often, they’ll try to take the most conservative approach to avoid paying big bills. As a result, sometimes, maintenance issues take longer to get resolved than in a big community, where there’s usually a specific staff, resources and budget in place to manage such issues.

Con: might deal with a property management company

Some private landlords rent out the property themselves but rely on private property management companies to actually deal with the tenants. This is all well and good as long as the company is capable. Otherwise, it’s extra red tape to wade through, and nobody wants that.

Con: more responsibility

Renting houses, in particular, comes with more upkeep and responsibility than the average apartment. First, there’s the fact that homes are generally larger, so there’s more space to keep clean. The landlord will expect any tenant to keep the property reasonably clean, otherwise, they can cancel the lease.

A typical home also comes with land, including a lawn and flower beds, all of which require regular maintenance. If you’re not willing to do this extra legwork make sure that your lease agreement stipulates the private landlord is responsible for lawn care. Some property managers will agree to this, but others will outright refuse.

Con: fewer amenities

Large apartment communities often come with a full slate of amenities, including multiple pools, workout facilities, 24-hour maintenance request lines and so on. For people renting from a private landlord, however, amenities look a little different. Of course, those who rent a condo or townhome generally get to enjoy the same property perks as owners in the community. However, someone who rents a single-family home is unlikely to have access to such bells and whistles.

Con: more expenses

Renting a home from an individual landlord means that there is often more space to furnish, heat and cool than the average apartment. This is especially true if it’s an older home with outdated HVAC systems. Before you sign a lease, inquire about the average monthly utility cost, so that you’re not left footing the bill for some old dinosaur.

Also, renting from a private landlord sometimes comes with higher overall rent and additional monthly fees. This is why it’s important to figure out how much rent you can afford before you sign the lease. Check out this helpful rent calculator to figure out what you can afford on your take-home pay. Pro tip: experts suggest spending no more than 30 percent of gross income on rent.

Con: less streamlined

Compared with a rent-by-owner situation, apartments managed by large property management companies have a lot of tools in place to make it easy to pay rent, request maintenance, lodge complaints and so on. So, tenants who like things automated probably prefer this to writing an old-school check every month.

Con: they hold the ownership cards

Sure, the owner can’t violate the terms of the contract while you’re leasing and kick you out without cause, but they can decide to sell the property once the term is up. This could mean yet another move, even if you’re happy where you are. Obviously, this is a pretty big downside, as it can cost a lot of money to move, plus it’s inconvenient.

Beware of rental scams

Anytime there’s money involved, scams can happen. Make sure the rent by owner home you’re interested in is totally legitimate before handing over any cash because, believe it or not, people do try to rent out properties that they have no claim to!

Here are some helpful tips to avoid rental scams:

  • An in-person meeting with the landlord or property management company at the property
  • Don’t fall for high-pressure tactics. Only sign a lease when you’re completely ready to do so.
  • Comply with all standard requirements, like a background check, credit check, interview, etc. A good landlord wants to have a firm grasp on who will be occupying the property.
  • Hold onto your money until you sign a legal contract
  • Insist on a lease. This contract is in place to protect both the renter and the landlord. Without it, you have no claim to the property and they can kick you out anytime. Above all else, if your gut instinct is to walk away because of a hunch or shady behavior, then do so. There are plenty of other rentals out there.

Ready to rent from a private landlord, instead of big property management companies?

The decision of whether to rent directly from a property owner or a large apartment management company really depends on a lot of personal preferences. Whatever you do, ask all the questions and read the lease fully before you decide between rentals. It’s better to prepare too much than not enough.

A freelance writer based out of the Atlanta area, Alia has penned articles during her decade+ career for such sites as HowStuffWorks, TLC, Animal Planet, Zillow and many more. Her favorite things to write about include fitness, nutrition, travel, healthcare and general lifestyle topics. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Alia’s an avid Dawg, but she also loves reading, sewing, eating all things chocolate and playing sports with her husband, three boys and beloved border collie, Flash.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

Owning and managing vacation rentals is a dynamic endeavor, one that balances profit, experience, and community impact. Regardless of whether you’re managing a house in Oklahoma City or a condo in San Marcos, CA, you’ll encounter unique challenges specific to different markets. These are hurdles nearly all vacation rental managers have faced, especially in the early days.

However, navigating this terrain requires a careful avoidance of potential pitfalls that can hinder your success. From maintaining a balanced objectivity to perfecting market strategies, ensuring effective communication to building strong relationships with neighbors,

This Redfin article presents a comprehensive list of vital vacation rental issues to sidestep. Drawing on the expertise of industry leaders, you’ll gain valuable insights into these potential roadblocks and learn how to proactively avoid them. You can move onto orchestrating a thriving five-star vacation rental venture, as these experts illuminate the path to smoother operations, satisfied guests, and prosperous outcomes. Learn from their experiences to safeguard your investment, maximize your earnings, and cultivate a positive impact on the hospitality landscape.

1. Unbalanced objectivity and emotion

“It’s crucial to remember that your vacation rental is not merely a personal space, but a business asset designed to generate revenue,” recommends Matt Barbuzzi from Park Place Property Management  “While striving to host only the best guests is important, you must be prepared for the occasional mishap, as they’re inevitable in this line of business. Do not allow personal sentiments to cloud your judgment or emotional resilience. This is particularly crucial if your property carries sentimental significance or serves as a family space. Unless you’re renting it to close friends or relatives, we strongly advise against utilizing such properties for short-term rentals due to potential emotional distress.”

2. Neglecting proper screening

“Screening vacation guests presents unique challenges compared to screening conventional yearly renters, as you have limitations on the information you can request, such as contacting and verifying employment history and previous landlords. Nevertheless, implement various techniques to ensure the security of our properties,” shares Maximilian Kostyashkin and Carlos Pena from MAK Realty Group. “These techniques include:

  • Utilizing advanced guest screening software such as Autohost, Chekin, Superego, or Authenticate. These platforms conduct credit checks, background checks, official ID verification, and require damage deposits. Additionally, they provide comprehensive short-term rental agreements for guests to sign.
  • Implementing a minimum stay requirement: During peak seasons, we request a minimum stay of three days. This measure helps prevent individuals from renting your property for a one-time event or party.
  • Noting the usage of noise monitoring technology, which effectively deters party-oriented renters.
  • Employing device monitoring software: All of our properties are equipped with software that tracks the number of devices in use. A sudden spike in device count, such as reaching 20, is often indicative of a potential party being hosted by your guests.”

3. Underpaying housekeeping

“Don’t settle for the lowest cost – invest in your cleaners, and your guests will undoubtedly notice the difference in the quality of your vacation rental,” stresses Realty Street.

“I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to pay cleaners. By offering fair compensation, you not only maintain a high standard of cleanliness but also enhance their motivation and dedication to delivering exceptional service. Skilled cleaners are attracted to good pay, and this directly impacts the guest experience, contributing to a positive reputation, and ensuring a comfortable and welcoming environment for your guests.”

4. Overcomplicating your guest’s experience 

“Don’t impose excessive check-out procedures on guests. Tasks such as initiating a load of towels, disposing of kitchen trash, and running the dishwasher are optimal. It’s essential to communicate to guests that these chores contribute to minimizing cleaning fees and encouraging early check-ins,” says HAVEN Property Management.

“Offer instructional videos for any intricate features in your vacation rental. Videos that guide guests through operating the hot tub, using smart devices, or navigating other complex equipment can be conveniently provided in video format.”

5. Setting bad pricing

“Many hosts lack market knowledge about rates and set their prices based on their emotional attachment to the specific property. This often leads to rates that are excessively high for the market, resulting in a lack of bookings,” shares Oliver Albrecht from Valibera. “Then after a while, they significantly reduce the rates, leading to more bookings, but these rates may only cover the house’s costs without generating any profit for the homeowners. This cycle continues for a while until they eventually give up, having to either rent the house on a long-term basis or even sell it due to their inability to meet the mortgage payments.”

6. Communication problems

“The foremost error in vacation rental management is failing to communicate with property owners. Their investment properties, often among their most valuable assets, rely on generating income or covering their costs,” says Port Aransas Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome. 

“Entrusting management to others necessitates trust, and trust thrives on communication. Without it, owners concoct narratives, eroding trust, leading to misunderstandings and unfulfilled expectations. Communication is the bedrock of vacation rental partnerships, ensuring both parties thrive. A proactive approach, balancing issues and successes, fosters deeper trust. Regular, strategic personal calls build trust, deepen partnerships, and facilitate owner-to-owner referrals that surpass marketing efforts in expanding business.”

7. Having a bad relationship with your neighbors 

“Some owners become concerned about potentially upsetting neighbors with their short-term rental (STR) properties, and rightfully so—no one wants to create adversaries,” recommends Long Beach Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome.

“Provide owners with the following anti-nuisance tactics:

  • Communicate with the neighbors before launching your short term rental (STR) and provide them with a contact number to call if any issues arise.
  • Be available 24/7 for communication or property visits to ensure a peaceful environment.
  • Communicate with guests—through the listing, pre-arrival emails, and arrival-day texts—that events and parties are prohibited, and violating this rule will result in eviction. Be polite but firm.
  • Consider only renting to guests who stay for more than two nights (three or more nights are even better). One-night stays tend to attract “party” people.

Here is an example from a standard email I send to my STR guests:

I wanted to let you know that there is a long-term tenant living above the garage (separate building) and neighbors on both sides in close proximity, which means the back patio closes at 11pm sharp. The Belmont Heights Retreat is the perfect place for peace and serenity.  

If you have any issues during business hours – my contact information can be found below, and we have a Guest Services line available 24/7 at 888.XXX.XXXX”

8. Neglecting feedback 

“Feedback is the lifeblood of your vacation rental. How do you know what guests do or don’t like, or where you’re missing the mark on certain things? Without actively seeking, tracking, and implementing feedback, you’re vulnerable to operational blind spots that will impact your bottom line,” suggests Michael Skinner from Savvy VRM. “If guests don’t leave a review, nudge them by politely asking for one. Or send them a text asking if they’d be open to discussing their experience with you on a quick phone call.”

9. Poor market strategy

“At Grand Welcome Nashville, we don’t just rely on traditional platforms. We amplify our reach by promoting on over 120+ websites, social media marketing campaigns, and our community ensuring our homeowners get unparalleled exposure and guests taste authentic Nashville,” suggests Nashville Airbnb Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome.

“Nashville is more than just a city; it’s an experience, a melody that lingers long after the song ends. I think that capturing this essence in your marketing is crucial. Highlighting local attractions, events, and the unique Nashville vibe can magnetize guests, drawing them into the city’s embrace.”

10. Skimping on professional photos

“I believe the top mistake to avoid is not hiring a professional photographer to take listing photos. This can differentiate you from your competition and make you stand out instantly, as first impressions are incredibly important,” recommends Gabe Chase from Brentwood Property Group.

11. “Set it and forget it” pricing

“One of the most common mistakes is adopting the ‘set it and forget it’ approach to pricing. Each day holds its distinct market value, and overlooking this fact can result in either foregoing potential income or struggling to secure bookings,” says Garret Ham from Weekender Management. “While using pricing tools like Wheelhouse and PriceLabs is a positive step, they are not a universal solution. These tools still rely on the property manager’s insights and knowledge, and should be complemented by your own market research.”

12. Unclear check-in, check-out times

“It’s good to remind the guest in a friendly way what time check-out is, especially the day before to check-out. Also, place it in a visible space in the house and in a friendly ‘hope you liked your trip’ text,” suggests Michael B. Emerick, Co-Founder of Oversee. “If the guest gets a little spacey and leaves late, it can cause a poor experience for the next guest by pushing back their check-in time. Be as hospitable as possible, but don’t let a guest infringe upon another guest’s vacation.”

13. Lack of adequate property insurance

“Not having property insurance leaves vacation rental owners vulnerable to potential financial losses and liabilities in the event of accidents, damages, or unforeseen circumstances,” warns  Nomadness Rentals. “Proper insurance coverage, such as vacation rental insurance, is crucial to safeguarding your investment and protecting against risks associated with short-term rentals.”

14. Not setting house rules and policies for guests

“Whether it’s a chic apartment in the heart of Austin or a secluded cabin in Hill Country, clarity is key. Clearly defined house rules, from pet policies to quiet hours, ensure guests know what’s expected,” recommends Alexander Buchanan, owner of Austin Airbnb Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome. “A comprehensive guest manual, with guidelines on appliance usage, emergency contacts, and local tips, ensures a hassle-free stay. This proactive approach minimizes misunderstandings and ensures guests can fully relax, knowing they’re in good hands.”

15. Incapable of juggling roles and meeting demands

“As vacation rental managers, we wear many hats, skillfully handling both property owners and their assets – encompassing furnishing, maintenance, upkeep, updates, pricing, marketing/advertising, accounting, and more,” says Blue Pacific Vacation Rentals

“We also navigate the world of guests – marketing/advertising to secure bookings, administering paperwork/contracts for owner and guest protection, overseeing maintenance, managing access/technology/information, arranging cleaning/maintenance, and meticulously curating guest experiences to foster repeat patronage, among other responsibilities. This multifaceted role underscores the distinct and demanding nature of vacation rental management, far exceeding the misconception that it merely involves posting property images on Airbnb.”

“There are myriad mistakes one can make while managing a short-term rental venture. Drawing from my experience in the current market, the most prevalent errors involve not assigning sufficient importance to gaining a competitive edge. This entails investing in elements such as furnishing, decorations, high-quality linens, bedding, and amenities, all of which are essential in an already saturated market. 

16. Not differentiating yourself

“It’s imperative to set yourself apart amidst this crowded landscape,” suggests Tampa Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome. “Furthermore, the significance of a well-planned pricing strategy, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring effective communication and responsiveness in guest services cannot be overlooked in terms of common mistakes. 

Make sure to differentiate yourself. With numerous short-term rentals available, standing out is crucial. Highlight what makes your property unique, whether it’s a specific theme, design, or location. Don’t ignore offering local insights. As a host, you can provide valuable insights about the local area. Recommendations for nearby attractions, restaurants, and services can enhance the guest experience.”

17. Skipping local laws and regulations

“Begin by thoroughly studying the local laws and regulations that pertain to STRs,” recommends MyTripify. “Ensure you grasp all the pertinent regulations, or enlist the expertise of a property manager who does. Non-compliance, such as violating HOA restrictions or listing an STR with an occupancy exceeding septic tank limits, can lead to hefty fines. The potential consequences far outweigh any initial gains.

That being said, don’t underestimate the importance of insurance coverage for STR hosts. Investing in insurance products is a cost-effective means of mitigating the risk of property damage. By securing insurance, you regain control over potential damages and maintain your property’s excellent condition, all the while upholding high levels of guest satisfaction.”

18. Forgetting systems and setting expectations as you grow your business

One of the biggest mistakes vacation rental managers make that’s costing you time and money is hiring additional people on your team without systems,” warns Pink Cash Cow Property Management. “As your business grows, you can’t do everything yourself, so you hire someone to help you with tasks at the property or remotely. However, the person may not do it right, not getting the results you’re looking for, or you’re getting negative reviews and guest complaints. 

You end up doing the work again yourself or spending time trying to find someone else. The best way to efficiently operate and grow your business without taking more time or effort is creating systems and processes that people can follow for consistent results, like getting five-star reviews without you doing the work. Have a process and system for maintenance, cleaning, staging, linens, etc.”

19. Not being persistent enough 

“One of the most, if not the most, important steps in ensuring successful vacation management for your home or business is to ensure that you are overly communicative with your guests, both before and during their stay,” shares Emily Bishop, Communications Manager for Brightwild. “Lay out check-in instructions clearly, while also making sure that any preemptive questions guests may have are already answered. It seems overly simplistic, but you’d be surprised to know that this isn’t always a priority for some vacation management companies.”

20. Not learning and resolving problems quickly

“One observation I make regarding most vacation rentals is the absence of established, repeatable systems geared towards success. This translates to encountering hard challenges, even if these issues were addressed just six months prior. Consequently, the team finds itself retracing steps to unearth solutions for guests or risk leaving them discontented,” says Cody Wood from STR Accommodations.

“Similarly, another prevailing issue frequently encountered in the vacation rental industry pertains to the swiftness with which guest concerns are tackled. At times, these concerns revolve around maintenance matters, indicating a deficiency in the property’s upkeep schedule, or worse, its nonexistence. 

Alternatively, the problems might stem from malfunctioning amenities or depleted supplies due to a lack of efficient restocking systems on the part of the owner or manager. The remedy for both aforementioned concerns involves implementing a quarterly or monthly maintenance regimen supplemented by a 24/7 emergency helpline dedicated to property support. Diligent tracking of inventory levels post each turnover clean at the property level is essential. Speed assumes paramount importance in the realm of vacation rentals, as our physical absence from the property necessitates possessing a clear grasp of effective troubleshooting procedures. This approach not only facilitates swift responses but also leaves guests content with the prompt resolution of their issues.”

21. Keeping up with maintenance needs

“One common mistake is underestimating the ongoing maintenance needs of a vacation rental property. Failing to address maintenance issues promptly can lead to negative reviews and dissatisfied guests,” Bend Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome advises. “To avoid this, we recommend creating a thorough maintenance schedule, conduct regular inspections, and request that the homeowner set aside a portion of their rental income for unforeseen repairs.

Sameway, using poor-quality or outdated photos for your vacation rental property can deter potential guests. Ignoring the importance of professional photography can lead to decreased bookings and interest. We highly recommend investing in high-quality, well-lit photos that accurately showcase the property’s best features. Always hire a professional photographer who specializes in real estate to capture the property’s appeal.”

Source: redfin.com

Apache is functioning normally

You’ve found the perfect place and can’t wait to move in. You’ve already envisioned what the apartment will look like once you get all moved in and how you’re going to decorate.

But before you get too excited, you’ll want to check out the landlord. Even the prettiest of apartments are a pain to live in if you’ve got a landlord that negatively affects the living arrangement. You’ll want to avoid potential issues with the landlord, so it’s necessary to do a little digging to find out if living in their apartment is worth dealing with them or not.

So, how do you go about finding a great landlord? What methods and resources will tell you how good or bad a landlord actually is? Here’s how to check out a potential landlord before signing a lease so you can tell if you’ll like living in their rental.

What makes a good landlord?

While saying a landlord is “good” will vary from person to person, there are some things that generally make a great landlord. Things like obeying rental laws, maintaining the property so it’s habitable and being good about communicating with tenants are key characteristics of a good landlord.

On top of that, you can get more granular and look at individual items, like if they make repairs in a timely manner, give even more than the 24-hours required notice for any date they plan on visiting the property, have an effective method of collecting and tracking rent money, stick to the terms of the lease, etc.

Talk to current tenants

It may seem a little weird at first, but simply knocking on a door or two to chat with current residents when looking into a location is the most helpful way of finding out what a landlord is like. Other people understand what it’s like to have a terrible landlord, so people are typically pretty happy to help out and talk about the landlord.

Make sure you have a few questions ready to ask other tenants about the landlord, apart from “is the landlord good?” Be specific and ask about things like how long it usually takes for the landlord to make repairs, how much notice the landlord gives when they plan to stop by and how responsive the landlord is when issues arise. Asking specific questions about the landlord can help you understand crucial aspects of living in the apartment and it will weed out the bad landlords.

Read reviews on Rent.

When you search for apartments on Rent., there are reviews for each listing you can read. These reviews are mostly from people that have lived at each property, but there are also times that interested parties leave a review about the landlord, which you also may want to pay attention to.

For those that have lived in a listed apartment building, you’ll likely get a good idea of what they liked and didn’t like about living there. While not every review will mention the landlord, there are some that will specifically mention the landlord or property management company that you’ll want to pay attention to.

The reviews from people who were looking into an apartment, but didn’t actually live there, are helpful since they can tell you what it was like just looking at the apartment building and if they had a bad experience with the landlord on their search. Some of these potential residents filled out applications or toured the property and had such a bad experience with the landlord that they felt the need to write a review about it. This might be a sign. If there are lots of bad reviews from people who didn’t even give living there a chance because of their experience with the landlord, it’s probably best that you steer clear, too.

Read reviews on third-party sites

Similar to Rent., there are other sites where you can read comments about landlords to get an idea of what type of landlord they are and if you’ll like living in their rental property. A few of the best third-party review sites are WhoseYourLandlord, ApartmentRatings and Rate My Landlord.

These sites are free and make it easy to filter through different cities and areas you’re interested in so you can find landlords and property managers in the area. Keep in mind that when you’re reading them, there might be a few negative reviews about the landlord written by bad tenants. So, look at reviews as a whole — if there are lots of great reviews and only a few bad ones, the landlord is probably pretty good. On the flip side, if there are lots of bad reviews and only a few good ones, make the assumption that the landlord isn’t one you want to deal with.

Look at property management company ratings

If you’re looking into apartments managed by entities larger than a singular landlord, you can check out property management company reviews. Since most of these companies manage multiple properties and buildings, they usually have a lot more reviews to look at.

Sites like Yelp can help you look into property managers and how they handle things, not to mention most of these companies have their own websites you can check out to learn about their management style and which properties they manage.

Check out social media

Apartment complexes often have their own social media accounts, such as Facebook, where they create a community for their apartment residents to share events, observations, etc. These groups are very telling since you can see what individuals are saying and what issues about the landlord are constantly being brought up.

Multiple residents may post about the same issue, which is a red flag. However, if there are no negative comments, it’s a good sign and you can probably assume that the landlord isn’t having a negative effect on most other tenants’ living experiences.

Keep in mind that you may come across a few crazy community members with strong opinions, but it’s pretty easy to decipher those from the good tenants.

Look into public records

If you’re curious to see how frequently a landlord evicts tenants, you can check public records from the city. In most states, eviction records are public and you can look at them online or request them from the city. You’ll typically need the landlord’s name and the address of the unit you want to look into.

There are times when a landlord needs to evict a resident — the tenant stopped paying rent, let friends move into the property without notice or approval or was participating in illegal activities. After all, renting out properties is a business for the landlord and it’s how they make money to live and provide for their family. They need to make tough decisions at times so things don’t negatively affect their source of income and evicting a bad tenant doesn’t make the landlord a bad person.

However, if you find that a landlord has evicted lots of other tenants, it might mean there’s a problem and a possibility of getting evicted yourself should you decide to sign a lease.

Seek out past tenants

This one is a little more difficult as it’s not easy finding an old tenant to talk to. However, some asking around might help you find previous tenants to talk to. You can see if any other renters currently in the building are in contact with old tenants and if they’d be willing to put you in touch.

Once you find an old tenant, ask them why they moved and what issues they had with the landlord (if any). They may seem a little more honest than current residents since they no longer have to deal with the landlord and they aren’t as worried that saying something negative will come back to bite them.

Build a good landlord-tenant relationship

Building a good relationship with your landlord can affect whether or not you think they’re a good landlord or not.

Good landlords will typically do things that some people simply don’t like, such as hold a security deposit, impose fees if you don’t pay your rent on time and require that you keep the place clean while living there. Renters that don’t like these things will probably have negative things to say about the landlord when in reality, the landlord hasn’t done anything wrong.

So take what you hear with a grain of salt and use your better judgment by building your own relationship with a potential new landlord. If you’re a good tenant, chances are that you won’t have issues with your landlord in most scenarios.

Avoid a bad landlord

There’s no such thing as a perfect landlord and many of them will likely make mistakes or do things you don’t like at some point. Really, an ideal landlord is one that manages the apartment reasonably and makes sure it’s a comfortable and habitable place to live, communicates well and ultimately, lets you live in peace.

Remember that finding a good apartment to live in comes from finding a good landlord. You don’t want to sign a lease and regret it later on due to the landlord, so do your research on the landlord and the living situation before signing and you’ll be just fine!

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

If your living room is feeling dull or lackluster, elevating your living space to have a more modern and sleek feel is your solution. Modern decor seamlessly blends style with functionality, creating an ambiance that feels timeless but also in the moment.

From the muted perfection of neutral tones to the boldness and power of a few carefully placed statement pieces, our 13 tips will transform your living room into a modern masterpiece. Crafting a living room that transcends time and trends while reflecting your personal taste and style, is the perfect way to decorate a space you’re sure to feel pleased with.

What makes a modern space, modern?

Modern decor is defined as distinct features that, together, create a sleek, clean and sophisticated aesthetic. As decor trends evolve and experience fluctuating popularity, modern decor shines in its timelessness. Still, the term “modern” is frequently misused in the realm of interior decoration. Its confusion with the contemporary style is fairly widespread.

However, the modern style that we encounter today actually stems from a design movement that originated at the cusp of the 20th century. This present-day modern style in furnishings and decor pays homage to natural materials, employs neutral or earthy tones and embraces a minimalist approach by removing excessive embellishments. While contemporary styling can encompass a diverse color palette, the modern style more strictly adheres to monochromatic hues.

  • Furniture pieces with clean lines
  • Minimalism influence
  • Neutral color usage
  • Functional furniture that serves more than one purpose
  • Sparse natural material embellishments that add visual interest

13 modern living room ideas to update your space

The key to a successful modern living room design is finding a balance between functionality, aesthetics and your personal style preferences. These tips offer guidance to work conjunctively with your own unique tastes to achieve your modern masterpiece.

1. Paint the walls a neutral color

If you’re allowed to paint your walls in a rental (make sure to check with your landlord first), this is a great way to set the modern tone in your space. Whether that be a crisp off-white or a cool grey, neutral wall tones can shift the space from feeling dull to more modern in a few paint strokes.

2. Install open shelving

An open display shelf is a great way to combine clean lines and functionality. For a rustic modern look, try a wooden ladder propped up against the wall and adorned with your favorite decor items.

3. Try a natural rug

Modern living rooms often feel too simple. Add visual interest to the space with textures like a natural rug. A faux cowhide rug, furry rug or even a woven jute rug can break up the monotony of neutral tones and minimalist furniture while maintaining a stylish and inviting atmosphere.

4. Brighten the room with a simple floor lamp

By incorporating a simple floor lamp into your modern living room decor, you create a well-lit and visually appealing space. This piece offers some creative freedom when it comes to choosing the style of the lamp.

5. Invest in a statement art piece

A statement art piece serves as the visual center of attention in your living room. It’s the first thing that catches the eye when someone enters the room, which sets the tone for the entire space. This is important in modern design, where bold and captivating art piece breaks the monotony of minimalism and adds intrigue.

6. Opt for acrylic or glass pieces

Acrylic and glass pieces are a great option for working with a limited color scheme. For example, a transparent coffee table creates sleek sharp lines while naturally matching the colors around it. Acrylic furniture is also inexpensive and is easily repurposed in other rooms.

7. Upgrade your technology

Part of the modern aesthetic is the newest and freshest technology. Smart devices complement modern spaces well and seamlessly integrate into the sleek and minimalist design. Think smart lighting, speakers and other on-trend appliances.

8. Break the neutrality with geometric patterns

Introduce modern geometric patterns through rugs and throw pillows to infuse a contemporary vibe. Choosing a pattern that resonates with your personal taste is a great way to add personality to the space as well.

9. Play with decorative mirrors

Mirrors are great decor pieces that naturally reflect light which helps the space feel larger. On top of their benefits related to room size, they’re also neutral when it comes to fitting a color scheme. (And if you liked the one we featured two photos up, we linked to one similar to it here.)

10. Create continuity with wooden pieces

Wooden furniture is a staple when it comes to monochromatic living rooms. The natural color of the wood often seamlessly fits into the feel of the room, while remaining a timeless piece with repurposing opportunities in other decor themes down the road.

11. Remove unnecessary furniture

Negative space, which is defined as the intentional creation of empty spots, is a common theme in modernly decorated spaces. Less is more in a modern living room, so purging unnecessary decor items and furniture is a must.

12. Open the floor with wall-mounted shelves

If you struggle to fill large open shelving and want to utilize wall space, opt for wall-mounted storage, like floating shelves. This also creates more negative space, helping give your space a more modern feel.

13. Lean into monochromatism

Picking one color and using varying shades is the most common theme found in modern decor. The easiest way to go about crafting your color scheme is to select a base color and gather shades, tints and tones of that color. Create depth with contrasting light and dark variations by consulting paint experts or using color templates on Pinterest and other design platforms.

Your interior-designer-approved modern living room awaits

Incorporating these tips can help you craft a modern living room that exudes style and functionality while maintaining your unique personality. With these tips and recommendations, you can easily achieve a modern living space that embraces both contemporary aesthetics and your unique preferences — even without hiring an interior designer.

Remember, modern design is about embracing simplicity and purposeful pieces, resulting in a space that feels efficient and effortlessly up-to-date. Find your dream apartment to make your modern muse today!