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When searching for a home there are several items on your new apartment checklist. You need a certain number of bedrooms. It can’t be too far from work. You may need a dishwasher and washer dryer hookups. The necessities you need can easily be researched, and a property manager can help you find a unit you like.

But what about less obvious factors? Questions like how well behaved are your new neighbors? Is it safe to go out at night? Is it too noisy or too bright for sleeping? There are many items that don’t pertain to the unit itself that need to go on your apartment checklist. ApartmentGuide walks you through them here.

What to look for in a neighborhood

There are a few things you need to see for yourself in a neighborhood.

What are the kids doing? Are they playing outside or hidden away during the summer? If you’re a social butterfly, you may prefer neighbors who share your social traits.

Is there a visible police activity? If you see the police patrolling your complex day and night, they are needed there. This should be a red flag.

Road maintenance

Are the roads filled with potholes, or are they maintained? Is there trash on the street? Does the city take good care of this neighborhood, and do the residents have pride in where they live? If you’re looking to live in an urban setting, you’re not as likely to see tree-lined streets, but you might think twice about an area that is visibly neglected.

Get to know the neighbors

Your property manager or landlord has a financial incentive to get you into the home. However, the neighbors are an impartial party. Talk with people in the apartment community before you take a tour. Ask the cashier at a nearby grocery or convenience store about the complex. Check with online sources, like Next Door. This will provide you with outside opinions of the neighborhood (and the management). If you hear something negative, be sure to ask when it happened. It may be old information.

Safety

This is a huge priority when it comes to places to live. It’s up to you to determine if you’re looking in a safe neighborhood. There are a few things to check that will help you gauge if a neighborhood is safe.

Street lights

Are there plenty of working lights? Do they cover your mailbox, parking lot and the walk to your door or fitness center? You want your walk outside to be completely lit by streetlights at night.

Crime statistics

Be sure to check out the crime rates in a neighborhood. Look into the registered sex offender list too, which shows where they live, and their previous crimes (especially important if you have children). If the rent price seems too good to be true, this may be why.

Convenience

A map may tell you work is only 5 minutes from the apartment you have your eye on. However, traffic can add more time to that number. Try taking your work commute from your prospective apartment during rush hour. How much time does it really take to get to and from work? Do a bit of research: are there back roads you can easily take to avoid traffic, and commute quickly?
Next, determine the nearest grocery, and don’t just drive by. Go inside and see if you like it. Ditto for the pharmacy, the dry cleaners, restaurants, the library … any type of business or service that you use regularly. These will be your neighborhood places, so you better like them!

Personal preferences

Your personal preferences for what you want in a neighborhood should make the apartment checklist. Take a walk around at night. It’s important to ask yourself a few questions to know what neighborhood is right for you.

  1. Are there wild parties in your neighborhood? If so, is this a problem for you?
  2. Are there lots of loud barking dogs? What about fences for those dogs? And are there leash laws for the county? If you like to take a nightly walk, these are things to consider.
  3. Do you want to be walking distance to grocery stores and restaurants? Or, do you prefer a neighborhood that is more secluded?
  4. Can you sleep in a room that’s not completely dark? Will you have to spend extra to block out light sited right outside your bedroom window?

Apartment hunting can be a gamble if you don’t have a well-thought-out plan. Do your research, and know what things you value in a neighborhood, and you can find a home you will be happy in for years to come.

Apache is functioning normally

“Now that I’ve seen it,” I thought, staring at photos of a vacation home some friends had rented in upstate New York, “I can’t unsee it.”

It was a gorgeous rental, but in the living room the TV was just … too high.

There it was, mounted mere inches from the ceiling, a black rectangle looming over an otherwise attractive space like some kind of alien invader.

And it wasn’t just that vacation home – I found myself checking the height of TVs everywhere.

The waiting room at my doctor’s office? Too high.

At the local pub? Too high — but perhaps that one is excusable.

The living room in a friend’s new home? Too high. (But did I say anything about it to her? Offer any suggestions? Reader, I did not. I didn’t want to be THAT guy.)

Why had I become so focused, so obsessed with the relative elevation of television sets?

The answer to that was simple: I had discovered a page on Reddit called “TVTooHigh.”

Launched in 2019, the subreddit is exactly what the name implies: A massive collection of user-submitted photos of TVs that are mounted too high.

It’s almost absurdly specific, and almost absurdly popular – TVTooHigh has more than 123,000 members, placing it in the top one percent of all Reddit pages by size. And that doesn’t take into account all of the casual browsers like me, who visit from time to time but aren’t members.

TVTooHigh is funny, to be sure, but even in its specificity, it speaks to a broader point: For some reason, in this era of Instagram-ready home aesthetics and “vibes,” we absolutely love to laugh at other people’s failed projects and poor choices.

Why is that?

To help answer that question — and to learn how one positions a TV so it doesn’t look ridiculous – I spoke to Kelly Munchel of KM Interiors.

Munchel is a degreed interior designer who has been designing residential and commercial spaces and consulting with clients on décor questions small and large for more than a decade.

“A lot of people can relate to it,” she says of the tendency to gawk at terrible design decisions. “They see their own issues.”

And there’s also something encouraging about seeing a home that looks worse than yours – “I’m not as bad as I thought I was,” as Munchel puts it.

For an interior designer such as herself, there’s also the fact that she’s constantly thinking about how to make spaces better or more attractive.

“If I’m out to eat, I think ‘What would I have done’” with the décor, she says. “In the waiting room at the doctor’s office, I redo (the space) in my head.”

That said, Munchel does her best not to be judgmental:

“Common sense is a gift not given to everyone. And that’s OK.”

That lack of common sense is especially obvious when looking at something like TVTooHigh, where some examples seem not only unattractive but outright dangerous.

Which brings us to the question of how to correctly place a TV in a living space.

Munchel says there’s definitely a problem with hanging a screen too high.

“If you mount them too high, your neck gets sore form looking up,” She explains. “It’s like you’re in the front row of a movie theater.”

But the most important points to consider are how you use the space and how you use the TV. For example, do you watch TV lying down or sitting up?

In addition to height, there are other points to consider as well.

Glare on a screen is a major problem, so be sure to consider the placement of your TV in relation to light sources in the room.

Getting a TV that’s the right size for the space is important, too – a point Munchel realized in her own living room.

“When we moved into our condo two years ago, the TV was, like, seven feet long,” she says. “WAY too big for the space.”

After removing the giant set and patching up the holes it left in the wall, she opted to place their new, smaller TV over the fireplace – which is an extremely popular solution nowadays, especially in the era of wireless screens.

“A TV over the fireplace is very on point right now,” Munchel says. “Entertainment centers are kind of passé.”

But remember the question of size there as well. Many people who opt for a TV mounted over a fireplace choose a set that’s far too large for the fireplace, and the whole arrangement ends up looking top-heavy.

Munchel’s advice is simple: Make sure the TV doesn’t extend past the mantel.

As my conversation with Munchel wound to a close, I asked if she ever feels annoyed by the fact that designers have to always incorporate these awkward black rectangles into spaces that might be more attractive without them.

Her response was succinct and pragmatic:

“TV is important to Americans. Deal with it.”

Very true.

But when you’re placing that ever-present black screen, please – for the sake of your neck muscles if nothing else – keep it away from the ceiling.

An interior designer’s pet peeves

TVs might be a simple fact of modern life to a designer like Kelly Munchel, but any designer has pet peeves. Here are a few of the ones that bother Munchel the most:

BAD LIGHTING – “You need the correct bulb. Some bulbs give a blue hue, which is too cold. And you need to have lamps, chandeliers and pendants that are in proportion with the space.”

DRAPERY ISSUES – “While some people prefer no drapes (sad face), draperies really do warm a space. Even a simple valance can exude warmth. Plus, it’s a nice way to bring color and texture into a room. However, draperies that are too short – just like pants that are too short – are never a good thing.”😉

ARTWORK – “Your artwork needs to be the correct size for the wall. I am a fan of ‘if you love it, you will find room,’ however artwork needs to be incorporated the right way. Maybe that could be a gallery wall of many different-sized pieces to create a more pulled-together look.”

LARGE ARTIFICIAL PLANTS – “A/K/A dust traps. Please, no.”

DESTRUCTIVE PETS – “I had a customer who barely had furniture – they had a beautiful home, but they said the dogs ruined everything. They weren’t going to get anything new until the pets passed on. I had another customer whose dog ate the sofa (yikes).”

To read more Balance stories, click here.

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Source: lancasteronline.com

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If you’re shopping for a home, you’ve probably created a wish list to narrow down your search. Biggest purchase of your life, right?

Once you’ve landed on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and how important granite countertops and hardwood floors are, you’ve likely considered the L word: Location. Homeownership is a long-term relationship, and you’ll want to make sure to do your homework when dating your future neighborhood. Finding the best qualities of a great neighborhood is all about knowing where to look.

Here are a few ways to score a home and its neighborhood, no matter where you’re shopping!

Schools

Maybe you’ve got a baby on the way, or perhaps you’re single and kids are the last thing on your mind. Don’t worry, we got you either way. Buying a home in close proximity to a thriving school is more important than you might think. Diaper bag or not, you should do your homework on the schools near the home you are interested in. A buyer should do their own independent research to gain their greatest understanding of the neighborhood.

K-12

Trust us, you should care about how well schools in your area are doing. Let’s break the stats down for you. Here’s what you need to know, as suggested by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

  • Check out the school district’s annual report.
  • What is the school’s discipline policy?
  • Check to see what services are available at the school.
  • What is the school’s safety policy?
  • Is there an active parent organization?

Doing research on local schools before you make an offer on a home can pay off. Good schools mean good neighborhoods, stable home values, a higher selling price, and better education for kids. Online resources like SchoolDigger.com and GreatSchools.org are especially helpful for evaluating schools.

School Digger ranks schools compared to other options in the state. You can narrow the search by city, neighborhood, and school level. The color code helps you quickly identify the rank of the schools in your preferred search area.

Great Schools provides a robust review platform where users can rate their local school. Reading the reviews is helpful for getting a good overall feel for the school environment.

Alright, bachelors and bachelorettes, we see you, you can put your hand down. What’s the big deal about buying near a good school if you don’t have kids? Two words: resale value. This is important, for real. Living near a thriving school means better teachers and better test scores, but in the bigger picture it also helps maintain the value of a home and ensure a faster resale. Homes located in high-quality school districts tend to sell quicker than homes near lower ranked schools. Be prepared that property taxes can be higher too… but that can be a good thing!

A good chunk of those taxes will go back to the local schools, which supports their programs and, in turn, makes for a great neighborhood to own a home. Everybody wins!

Post-Secondary Education

OK, so your dream home isn’t near any K-12 schools. Don’t fret! Post-secondary schools are good, too. Colleges, trade schools, and universities bring their own value to the neighborhood table. Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Value. Like schools for younger kids, living near a college or the like can raise the likelihood of your home selling for more money later on because of pure proximity. People like to walk to places! They can save money on gas and not have to worry about parking.
  • Mature neighborhoods. If you live in the general area of one of these types of schools, it’s likely that the crowd is a bit older. If you’re looking for a mature neighborhood where you can find friends with similar interests, this is your best bet!
  • Entertainment. College towns are notorious for having plenty to do. Cute shops, restaurants and other fun places pop up all over in these areas because college kids like to have plans in the evening and on the weekends.

It’s important to note that these schools also bring a few less-than-ideal things to the table, too. Parties, full parking lots, and lots of traffic are sure to come with this area.

Commute

No one wants a commute to work that lasts as long as half a work day. However, some people can tolerate a commute that’s around an hour or so depending on how much they LOVE where they live. When you’re considering a neighborhood, don’t forget to take a peek at commute time on regular roadways and alternate means of transportation.

Public Amenities

There are a lot of public structures and activity areas that you can take advantage of. Many people like to live near these because they’re the best price: Free! Here are a few you may want to live near (preferably within walking distance).

Playgrounds

Playgrounds are the perfect gathering place for young families to meet and hang out without spending any moolah. There are also usually wide open spaces for family sports or rentable covered areas to host the next neighborhood picnic.

Dog Parks

Dogs are literally the best. See which parks will make your furry friend bark with enthusiasm with these resources.
Find Your Park and
Nylabone’s Dog Park Locator to find outdoor spaces in a neighborhood.

Libraries

This essentially goes in hand with a nearby school. Why buy books you’ll only use once when you can check them out for free? Libraries are also usually well-maintained so they provide a beautiful addition to the neighborhood.

Sports Areas

Some cities and neighborhoods offer basketball or tennis courts and other areas to play sports. There might even be a community pool! These are a great way to keep neighborhood kids outside and playing, as well as providing a place to connect with your neighbors.

Population

Proximity

In addition to all of the above, it’s important for you to consider the population size and density of your new neighborhood. Would living in a bustling urban metro area be your ideal neighborhood? Or do you prefer the peace and solitude of a rural neighborhood? Maybe a home in a suburban community geared toward young families is your preference? Whatever your liking, you’ll want to take population into account when seeking the best neighborhood for your individual needs.

Crime

It’s always important to check the crime rate of places you’re looking to move into. While crime happens everywhere, basically no matter what, you want to feel safe. You can find out this info with a simple Google search of city name crime rate.

Liveliness

It might be hard to get a good read on a neighborhood unless you have an opportunity to interview all of your potential neighbors. You can certainly knock on doors and ask questions, but if that’s not style here are a few key factors to consider when sizing up the vibe of a neighborhood:

  • People out and about. Seeing neighbors walking dogs and playing with their children in the front yard is a good sign of neighborhood vitality and safety. Future friends, yay!
  • High curb appeal. This is key for two reasons. First, it indicates that homeowners take pride in investing to maintain their properties. Second, it highlights that city services are functioning well, with paved streets and proper trash pickup services. In this case, go ahead and judge a book by its cover!
  • Nightlife. Visit the neighborhood during the daytime and evening hours, as well as on weekdays and weekends. This will help paint a realistic picture of what it might be like to live in the neighborhood. You’ll want to see all sides of your future home.

Home Insurance

The location, condition, and construction of a home will all play a part in determining home insurance cost. Here are just a few of the factors that a company will consider when quoting a home for an insurance premium:

  • Age and construction
  • Proximity to a fire station
  • Nearby coastline or body of water

Other features of a home will also be examined, but these three factors are closely tied to the neighborhood where the home is located. Insurance is about risk, and companies will assess risk in different ways. Always be sure to compare quotes to make sure you are getting the best rate for your coverage.

The End Goal

The qualities of a great neighborhood outlined above should prove helpful in the quest for finding the best neighborhood to fit your personal needs and lifestyle. Location isn’t the only critical consideration for resale value but it’s pretty dang important. A homeowner should enjoy and feel at home in their neighborhood. Buying a home is a long-term relationship, so take dating slowly and get to know each other before you take the next big step. You’ll want to make sure you and your new neighborhood are going to have a long and happy life together!

A Homie Can Help

Feeling overwhelmed with where to begin? Start browsing homes with Homie and see how easy it can be. Our team of licensed agents and experts are ready to help you find the home of your dreams, in a great neighborhood! All while saving you money. Pros that love contacts and legal jargon and want to help? Heck, yes! Oh, and they want to save you lots of dollar bills? Even better!

We made your neighborhood evaluation a bit easier, check out these guides!

Utah
– Draper City

Arizona

Nevada

Source: homie.com

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Inside: Do you want to make quick money? If so, you’ll love this collection of ways to make cash in one day….

Read More… How to Make Quick Money in One Day: 50 Best Ways to Make Cash

Apache is functioning normally

Dogs are such an integral part of many families that we humans hate to go on vacation without them. Today, 45% of American households include a canine, and the dog population is inching ever closer to 90 million. There are many places you can take your good boy on your travels, but it requires research […]

The post Dog-Friendly Vacation Ideas — Plus Tips for Traveling with Pets appeared first on SoFi.

Apache is functioning normally

For some travelers, shopping for souvenirs is a vacation highlight. Whether along a street of indie boutiques in a big city or at a craft market by the beach, hunting for items that you won’t find back home can be a thrill. What’s more, every time you use or wear your purchases — or spot […]

The post 6 Souvenirs You Won’t Regret Buying (and 5 You Might) appeared first on SoFi.

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Here’s a novel idea. If you’re having trouble paying the mortgage, and you can’t get any assistance from your lender/servicer, you don’t need to give up your home. You just can’t live in the main house anymore. That’s what one guy did out in Palmdale, California, although he wasn’t actually struggling to pay his bills.… Read More »If You Can’t Pay the Mortgage, Live in Your Awesome Garage

The post If You Can’t Pay the Mortgage, Live in Your Awesome Garage appeared first on The Truth About Mortgage.

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From swimming pools to dog parks, apartment communities offer plenty of outdoor activities for families with kids.

The post Clever Outdoor Activities for Kids – No Yard Required! appeared first on Apartment Living Tips – Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.

5 Rules Not to Break in your Apartment Complex

You’ve leased an apartment and moved in. Now you need to make sure that management doesn’t have you on their “trouble tenants” list. Here are five rules not to break, which will keep you out of trouble and help you have a good relationship with your apartment manager (and apartment complex neighbors).

The post 5 Rules Not to Break in your Apartment Complex appeared first on Apartment Living Tips – Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.