roommate

Apache is functioning normally

On 02 August 2005, my friend Frank and his partner awoke at 2:45 a.m. to the dog barking and a neighbor knocking on their door. The apartment complex was on fire. They grabbed their dog and whatever they could carry and ran from the building.

“We lost everything,” he says. Later they’d find out that it was arson. A former employee of the apartment complex stole rent checks and set the office on fire. Frank was moving into a new apartment in ten days, and the new complex agreed to let them move in early. “We moved in with a plastic bag of groceries, paid for with a $50 food voucher from the Red Cross,” he says. The other 70 displaced tenants stayed in Red Cross shelters.

To make matters worse, Frank didn’t have renters insurance. “We didn’t think we’d ever need it,” he says. “You don’t see why you should pay this extra bill until you’re in a situation where you need it.” They had to start over from scratch.

Why Renters Skip the Insurance

There are any number of reasons renters don’t think insurance is a necessary expense. I myself didn’t have a policy until Frank’s situation motivated me to get one. Common reasons renters forgo an insurance policy include the following:

  • “What are the odds anything will happen?” The odds are not in your favor. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that renters are 50 percent more likely to be burglarized than homeowners.
  • “My landlord has insurance.” That means that your landlord (or condo association) has their valuables — the building — protected. Your belongings are not covered.
  • “I can’t afford renters insurance.” Many people are willing to spend a couple hundred dollars on clothes, but won’t spend the cash to protect themselves from the risk of losing everything they own. It’s possible to find a policy for $10-12 per month, though your premium will depend on location, the deductible, the insurance company, and coverage needs.

There are ways to lower the cost of coverage, including raising your deductible (make sure you can afford it, though) and having protective devices such as smoke detectors, extinguishers, and security alarms. Some insurance companies offer discounts to senior citizens. Also look for a multi-line discount, which is a discount for buying more than one type of policy from the same company (e.g., renters insurance and auto insurance).

I suspect that the main reason most people don’t have a policy, though, is that they don’t understand how renters insurance works, or why they need it.

Renters Insurance 101

Renters need a HO-4 policy. Condominium owners need a HO-6 policy. Both will cover personal property loss from “named perils,” which is insurance-speak for what you’re insured against. Your policy will likely include the following named perils:

  • Fire and lightning
  • Windstorm and hail
  • Smoke
  • Vandalism and malicious mischief
  • Theft
  • Accidental discharge of water

Other named perils covered sound like scenes from Die Hard (explosion, riot, damage caused by air crafts and falling objects), but I suppose you never know when German radical activists might terrorize your Christmas party.

Renters insurance also includes liability protection, which covers medical expenses for a person injured on your property and legal defense, if necessary. Additionally, if your apartment or condo becomes uninhabitable due to a named peril, your coverage will pay for somewhere to live in the meantime.

What is not covered: If you live an an area prone to floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes, you may need to purchase a rider, or separate policy. Also, if you have valuables that would exceed your policy limit, such as expensive jewelry or antiques, you’ll need a rider to recover the full loss.

Buying a Policy

Shopping for renters insurance is similar to shopping for other types of policies. Here are the basic steps:

Take inventory. This seems to be the step that most of us dread, but it’s where we should start. (Confession: I haven’t done it yet. It’s been languishing on my to-do list for almost a year now, but I’m going to make it a top priority.) If you lost everything, it’d be awful to have to recall every item you owned and it’s value. Better to document it. Here’s the plan of action:

  1. Photograph or videotape each room.
  2. List the value and serial and model number of items.
  3. Attach receipts, if you have them.
  4. Save the list and the photos or video to a DVD, and make at least three copies. Keep one copy in a fireproof place, one at an off-site location (could be a parent’s house or a safe-deposit box), and send one to your insurer.

There also are software programs that walk you through the process. The Insurance Information Institute provides free inventory software that helps you complete a room-by-room inventory.

Prepare. Write down a set of questions you want to ask your potential insurance providers. Some suggestions include:

  • Do you have brochures or any information you can send me in the mail? (Keep the ones from insurers that appear to be a good fit and use them to compare each provider’s policies.)
  • What could cause my rates to increase?
  • What discounts do you offer?
  • Does the liability insurance cover legal defense and medical expenses?
  • Do you pay actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost coverage? (ACV coverage pays what your property was worth at the time it was destroyed or stolen, minus the deductible. Replacement cost coverage pays what it will cost to replace the items, minus the deductible. It costs more in premiums, but pays more if you file a claim.)
  • Do you offer separate policies for roommates? (Alternatively, talk to your roommate about splitting the cost of a policy.)

Shop around. To find the right provider and policy, consider the following:

  • Contact the insurance company that provides your auto insurance policy. Ask about multi-line discounts.
  • Call your local bank. Some banks offer insurance policies.
  • Search “renters insurance” online. Most providers have Web sites that give you a free quote.
  • Ask friends and neighbors which company they use, and if they are happy with their experience.

Updating Your Policy

Renters insurance is like many other forms of insurance – not fun to think about. But it isn’t a Ron Popeil rotisserie — don’t set it and forget it. Stay in touch with your agent to make sure you’re getting the best deal and taking advantage of new options or discounts. Also, be sure to contact her if your living situation changes, as in the following situations:

  • You moved. Each residence requires a unique policy.
  • You got a roommate: human or furball. You’ll need to decide on a separate or shared policy for the former. Make sure the latter is listed in your liability coverage.
  • You bought an expensive bauble or a pricey new toy. You need to have it listed in your policy, or you might need a separate rider to cover it.

It’s easier than you might think to find an affordable renters policy with good coverage, and it’s time and money well-spent. As my friend Frank says, “It’s the cheapest bill you’ll have. For very little money, we could have replaced everything we lost.”

If you are a renter, do you have renters insurance? If not, is there a reason you don’t have it?

Photo by DVS.

Source: getrichslowly.org

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Have you ever been excited about a film enough to go to the theater, and spend a fortune on concessions, only to be disappointed beyond belief in the movie? After polling the internet, here are twenty-five films people admitted were the worst they have ever seen in theaters.

1. Holmes and Watson (2018)

“Holmes and Watson. My friend turned a good Christmas into an unforgettable Christmas. But in a bad way. This movie was the end of those styles of comedies,” shared one.

A second admitted, “I was looking for this one. My ex and I saw it on Christmas, we wanted to walk out, but we had to see the garbage the whole way through. Just God awful. I would not recommend it to anyone!”

“My wife and I debated which movie to go see. Being a big Will Ferrell fan and loving John C. Reiley, combined with the amazing world of Sherlock Holmes, I was confident my movie pick was the right one. She conceded, and we went to it. Terrible. Horrible. We haven’t been to the movie theatre since,” a third user confessed. 

2. Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011)

“Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. I hated this movie so much. It sucked so bad that I wanted to cry. So I took my daughter and her friend to see this. I still wanna cry,” one mom replied. 

“I, too, took my daughter. It was her first movie, and she got to pick. I was hoping for Muppets, and I’ll never forgive Jason Lee. And David Cross! I love him. But I have not watched anything he’s been in since that movie. I read that he hated it too, and I’m mad that I can’t even enjoy him anymore,” a second added. 

3. Catwoman (2004)

“I wanna go back in time to be in the editing room when they cut the basketball scene together. The number of cuts and the decision to have Halle Berry grinding on the guy in front of a bunch of kids is bizarre,” shared one.

“Wow… I, uh, man, I watched that. I know I watched that. And yet, somehow, as if some defense mechanism, my brain must have deleted that scene, and most of the film, from my memory,” another confessed.

“I can’t believe that actual professional filmmakers decided that any part of this movie was worth making. The whole thing is just such a pile of trash. I saw it for free — I worked for a part of the company that released the movie — and I STILL wanted my money back,” a third admitted.

4. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

“My parents dropped me off to see this movie when I was a kid, and I was the only person in the theater. I like the first one, but after that, I’m done,” one stated.

“Don’t get me started on Transformers with Marky Mark. I was nauseous, to begin with, in the theater when I watched it—nausea combined with awful storytelling. I fell asleep at like three different times,” a second expressed.

“Totally. You’ll have to take a lot of Dramamine to choke down Transformers: Age of Extinction. There were many moving parts, like the fast, third-person following the action of the bots running through the city while transforming multiple times. Then there was the banal cast I wish would get squished in one of the bots while they rode in them,” a third shared. 

5. The Amazing  Spider-Man 2 (2014)

“I worked at a movie theater as a first job, and the owner got this movie for a week because he thought I would like it (nothing else going on at the time). I couldn’t apologize to him enough. It was awful. I remember the attendance was 25 tickets sold for the entire week,” someone volunteered.

“Came here to say this. I took my 8-year-old brother to see it for his birthday. The only thing I can remember was that I wanted to get up and walk out less than halfway through,” another confessed.

“It’s always painful to take someone to a movie as a special treat like a birthday or Christmas, and the experience sucks. For example, I took my son to see The Amazing Spider-Man 2 for his first theater experience, and I can barely hold back my disdain for it,” a third user expressed. 

6. Mortal Kombat Annihilation (1997)

“I’m seriously dating myself here, but Mortal Kombat Annihilation. Five minutes in, Johnny Cage was like 80% of what made the first movie decent – dies; I felt the film was in trouble.”

“Then a recast Raiden walks in, and I knew it was all over,” said one. Another added, “I was a teenager when the first one came out… it was awesome! Finally, after years of playing the game in arcades, I loved it. So I went to the second without hesitation, leaving highly upset and bummed out. What a pile of trash it was!”

7. The Dark Tower (2017)

“The Dark Tower adaptation of the Stephen King book series was a trainwreck. I’m the most disappointed I’ve ever been with a film adaptation—Scratch that. I was more than disappointed. I was disgusted,” admitted one.

“My dad (70) wanted to see it. He has never read any of the books. I don’t think he’s ever read a single book. I cautioned him that it was NOT a western, which is what he likes, but I didn’t expect it to be such hot garbage. He was utterly confused, and I could tell he wanted to leave.”

8. Space Chimps (2008)

“Space Chimps. The things you will do for a loved one. I was a teen and took my kid sister to see this; so many bad monkey puns. This movie came out the same day as The Dark Knight, and I saw Space Chimps,” one digressed.

“My kid sisters were addicted to it when we didn’t have cable for a while. It was so bad, and I saw it originally in the theaters a few years earlier. I hated it the FIRST time I saw it,” another added.

9. After Earth (2013)

“That movie with Will Smith and his son. They were space travelers looking for something on Earth. I would look up the title, but I’ve already spent enough time on it typing this out. Time wasted,” one shared.

“I believe it’s After Earth! That is hilariously bad and another M. Night Shyamalan special. Based on this thread, I have learned that M Night Shyamalan deserves a Bad Movie Lifetime Achievement Award,” suggested another. 

10. Howard the Duck (1986)

“I saw Howard the Duck at the theater the year after I saw Back to the Future. I remember thinking I wish this were as good as Back to the Future. It wasn’t. Howard the Duck is as memorable as Mannequin 2. I can’t believe I saw that turd in the theater,” confessed one.

“Prime Lea Thompson is the only reason anyone could have positive memories of the movie so bad that it led to firesales resulting in Pixar, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Disney buying all that plus Lucas and Fox,” a second noted.

11. Battlefield Earth (2000)

“Battlefield Earth was awful, and this is my answer. It is the ONLY answer. So I walked out,” shared one. Another confessed, “The first movie I ever walked out of was Battlefield Earth, it was awful, and it was the catalyst of why I hate everything Sci-Fi.”

12. The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002)

“Watching The Adventures of Pluto Nash in a dingy hotel room at 3:00 am was perhaps the most hollow experience of my life. Of all the questionable things I have in my lifetime, this is by far at the top of the list of things I wish I could undo,” one shared. 

13. Godzilla (1998)

“Then there are universally panned movies that I enjoyed. Godzilla comes to mind, which everyone hates, but I, who had never seen a Godzilla film in my life up to that point as a 14-year-old, thought it was pretty bizarre,” one stated.

“I finished the Godzilla movie, walked out, and snuck into Deep Impact. It was just starting, and I needed a way to make my money spend well. It’s not the worst film I’ve ever seen, but it is the worst I’ve seen in theaters,” a second answered. 

14. Fant4stic 4 (2015)

“I remember sitting through a long dialogue/monologue scene with Miles Teller talking at length between Reed and Sue that went on long enough for me to turn to my friend and say, ‘this conversation has no point and could have been cut from the movie entirely,” one replied.

“And it turns out I was right. It didn’t set up a payoff later, didn’t develop the characters at all; it just added runtime to an already bloated movie.”

15. Drag Me to Hell (2009)

“I would say my worst movie experience was Drag Me To Hell because I’m already not a horror fan, and that movie has a jumpscare every four minutes, which meant I was looking at the film from the corner of my eyes most of the time,” shared one.  

16. Ghost Dad (1990)

“I saw it in the theater. I was in a phase back then where I loved movies so much that I loved every movie I saw. But, Ghost Dad taught me that sitting through a movie could be awful,” admitted one.

17. Leonard Part 6 (1987)

“There are some excellent movies people list in this thread, which I find hard to agree with,” one said. Meanwhile, I saw Leonard Part 6 in the theater.”

Another shared, “I remember that there was a machine that was going to let the bad lady take over the world, which the good guy sabotaged by replacing the fluid inside with dish soap….only to find out the original fluid was dish soap anyways. Terrible, just terrible.”

18. The Village (2004)

“I was not too fond of it when I was younger when it first came out, but I thought I was going to see a monster movie because that’s what all the advertising at the time was making it seem to be,” someone admitted.

“The Village by M. Night Shyamalan is the same story as Running Out Of Time. Some random teen book that came out in the 90s. I had read it, and within the year The Village came out, it made the twist very predictable. So I didn’t like the film,” another expressed. 

19. Old (2021)

“That was the stupidest movie I’ve ever seen in my life. My roommate wanted to watch it, and after the film, we were all sitting in stunned silence until I blurted out that it was the stupidest movie I’d ever seen in my life, and that’s the only thing I’d been able to say about it since,” answered one.

“I just watched Old not long ago, and that was quickly one of the worst movies I’ve seen in years. It was so bad. But, truthfully, Old and Glass are both pretty awful films,” a second added. 

20. The Happening (2008)

“One person noted, “He has several movies on this list. The Happening is my vote. What a disappointing film included in such a disappointing character arc that M. Night Shyamalan had.”

“Seeing that movie made me feel legitimately shaken. I wasted a lot of time in my life, but only after sitting through that in a theater did I have these dark thoughts about how I would never get back that precious time that I could have been doing anything else. It made me confront mortality. I had an awful day that day,” a second shared. 

21. Epic Movie (2006)

“Epic Movie. With my grandparents. It is partially my fault, nonetheless. Epic Movie was my first experience with a dumb parody/satire film,” someone confirmed. 

“I’ve walked out of two movies in my life. Epic Movie is one of them. I was with five friends, including one who drove me there. I wished I could have walked out sooner. But, instead, we all learned our lesson from this movie,” a second replied. “After I sat through Epic Movie, I promised myself that I would walk out if I ever saw a film that bad again,” a third user commented.

22. Norm of the North (2016)

“I took my kids to see Norm of the North. Instead, I’d have watched Paint Dry, and my kids would have. But, unfortunately, I lost it with the addition of purple drank in a styrofoam cup added to the arctic snacks ideas,” one stated.

“I still point out how horrible it was, and my wife’s response is, it’s a kid’s movie. As if it being a kid’s movie excuses it from being a steaming pile of garbage. As if we use a different scale for kid’s movies despite agreeing that some of the best movies ever made are kid’s movies. I hate that movie so much,” a second user confessed.

23. The Last Airbender (2010)

One person shared, “I was 12-13 when this movie came out, and I LOVED the show. So my siblings and I all watched the show, and my parents agreed I could go with them to my first midnight showing since I loved the show so much.”

“So I shaved my head, painted blue arrows on my head, arms, and neck/upper back, wore a robe, and carried a staff.” “The movie freaking sucked. A movie ruined my first midnight showing, so terrible many deny its existence. I’m still angry at M. Night Shyamalan to this day.”

24. Eragon (2006)

“As a kid seeing their first movie with their same-age friends. Eragon. That move was such a massive waste of money. My buddies and I constantly read the books and saved pocket money for weeks to watch them. I’ve walked out of movies since, but the Supreme disappointment that movie had as a kid me cannot be beaten,” someone explained.

“I watched that terrible film on a DVD from Redbox years later once I had finally read the books. But, man, that was a major heartbreaking book-to-film adaptation, even then. I wished we hadn’t rented it at all,” a second agreed.

25. Lady in the Water (2006)

“It was the last nail in the coffin for me in terms of my hope that M. Night Shyamalan could have a rebound after his fall from grace. But, unfortunately, the plot (I’m being liberal with the word plot) was garbage. The idea and the execution were also trash,” said one.

“M. Night Shyamalan casts himself as a prophet in it. Aside from a few moments of unintentional comedy, it had no redeeming qualities. I got my money back for it despite having sat through all of it. The guy at the counter didn’t even ask follow-up questions; he was used to doing it for that movie,” a final user commented.

Source: Reddit.

Image Credit: Shutterstock – Denis Makarenko

Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role?  After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.

10 Actresses People Despise Watching Regardless of Their Role

These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble? 

These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.

These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Some celebrities definitely seem to enjoy the limelight and keep working to stay in the public eye. While others quickly move out of the spotlight. Many of these actors and actresses stepped out of the spotlight to live a more private life without constant media pressures.

10 Celebrities That Made the Big Times Then Disappeared Off The Face of the Earth

Image Credit: Troma Entertainment

We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.

These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites



About the Author



Source: financequickfix.com

Apache is functioning normally

Finishing school, joining the workforce and moving out on your own is a rite of passage for many young people. Today’s young adults are taking longer to make this transition, and doing it less often overall than previous generations, according to a new Zillow analysis.

In 1980, 1990 and 2000, the tipping point age at which more people lived independently than not remained steady at 23. But by 2007, it had risen to 25, and then to 26 in 2017. And not only does it take longer for young adults to begin living independently, but fewer people ever do. A smaller share of adults of every age lived independently in 2017 than 1980, including a 10-percentage-point gap for 40-year-olds.

Typically, adults begin living independently later in more expensive
metros, and the gap has widened over the past four decades. Since 1980,
the tipping point age has increased by an average of about four years in
metros in the top quarter of most expensive home values, compared to
about two years for metros in the bottom three quarters. In 2017, the
tipping point age was highest in Riverside, Los Angeles, New York and Miami
at 29. Each of these metros have seen their tipping point ages increase
by at least five years since 1980, while it has only increased one year
in less-expensive Oklahoma City, for example – from 21 to 22.

Young people today more often pursue higher education, which typically delays when they begin working full-time. In previous decades, people with a high school education lived independently at similar rates to those with a college education, likely due to the additional years of earnings they can accrue in their early 20s while their college counterparts are in school. Now, there is a significant gap. Those with a college degree are more likely to live independently than those with a high school education by age 26, and at age 30 the gap widens to 12 percentage points.

Changes in social and cultural norms, as well as affordability challenges, likely explain some of the shift. Young people today are more likely than their predecessors to live in urban cores, where housing is more expensive and rent price growth has hindered the ability of renters to afford a home without roommates or save enough of their salaries each month for a down payment. Increased demand for starter homes as the large Millennial generation reaches typical home-buying age, along with persistently low inventory, has contributed to robust home value appreciation in many large metro areas, making it more difficult for first-time buyers to get into a home.

“It’s true that people are becoming homeowners later and later in life, but even before that today’s adults are taking significantly longer to simply live on their own,” said Skylar Olsen, director of economic research at Zillow. “While some may consider the impact of evolving tastes and cultural norms, as economists we can point to very real changes in household budgets that make the classic tactics of sticking with mom and dad or extending those college roommate years past graduation more appealing. As the costs of life’s basics outpace incomes, parents that offer housing after their children’s schooling has ended can provide breathing space, allowing the next generation to begin paying off substantial college debt. Smaller, more accessible housing markets often tout not just the possibility of homeownership for today’s adults, but simply the opportunity for independence and privacy – features of life that major job markets struggle to offer more and more.” 

Mike Wheatley is the senior editor at Realty Biz News. Got a real estate related news article you wish to share, contact Mike at [email protected]
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Source: realtybiznews.com

Apache is functioning normally

It’s time for independence! Renting your first apartment is a huge milestone, but experiencing lease terms and credit history checks as a first-time renter can quickly become overwhelming. When renting your first apartment, there are many details to keep track of — from a security deposit, if you need a co-signer, and renters insurance to a pet deposit and how this fits into your monthly expenses. Keep reading for what to know when looking for that perfect first apartment with everything on your wish list.

What to know when looking for your first apartment

Preparation is key when renting for the first time. There are many things to consider when selecting from many city apartment communities. Let’s talk about what to look for.

1. Your budget

Put together your monthly expenses before looking for apartments. Take into account any bills, student loans and car payments you may have and look at them against your current monthly income. Most financial experts recommend not spending more than 30 percent of pre-tax income on monthly rent.

When approaching apartment complexes for your search, stick to your budget. This will help you stay on top of your living expenses and comfortably afford your monthly rent. If you need a co-signer, let them know early in the process.

2. Property manager quality may vary

It’s important to know to take your time when looking for your first apartment. Not all property managers and apartment complexes are the same. Before booking an appointment, look at reviews online, drive by the location at night to check out the building and take note of the amenities.

You’ll want to ask many questions to your potential landlord to see how they approach community management, how fast they address maintenance requests and the quality of the amenities. Stay alert for any red flags or any claims in the marketing collateral.

3. Upfront costs of a new apartment

It’s a common misconception that renting an apartment only requires you to pay rent. There are actually several costs associated with renting an apartment. Most apartments require a credit check, a security deposit, bank statements, first and last month’s rent and an application fee.

Depending on your credit history, the property owner may need someone to co-sign the lease with you. You should also account for the renters insurance required to live in the complex.

4. What about your furry friend?

Check with the property manager to see if they allow pets. If you have three cats and the lease only allows two, this complex is not a good fit for you. It’s important to read the lease carefully for these types of clauses.

If your apartment doesn’t accept puppy pals, consider getting assorted fish, as they usually don’t count toward the pet policy.

5. Ongoing costs for an apartment

Aside from renters insurance, you’ll need to account for monthly costs on top of your rent. Make sure you can afford the following:

  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Internet and cable
  • Water, sewer and trash
  • Groceries
  • Pet rent
  • Amenities fee
  • Administrative fee

These fees are not all-inclusive, but they equal several hundred dollars that you need to consider within your monthly budget. Utilities and groceries always vary due to inflation, so make sure to place a buffer for any increases in costs.

When visiting an apartment, ask the landlord for an estimate on utilities and additional rent costs to get an idea.

6. Decide if you need a roommate

You may need to choose a studio versus a one-bedroom with extra space, but it’s important to stick to what you can afford. Or, consider looking for a compatible roommate who can split costs with you.

Sharing an apartment with a roommate can get complicated if you’re not a match, but if you are, it’s an excellent way to save some money and split cleaning chores. Whether you find a stranger or a good friend, make sure you have a roommate agreement before moving in. That’s definitely something to know when looking for your first apartment.

7. Location

Your dream apartment must be close to your work and your favorite places. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. residents spent 27.6 minutes commuting one way in 2019. Find a nice neighborhood that appeals to your lifestyle. For example, if you’re outdoorsy, you might want to find a neighborhood with green spaces and parks.

Before you fill out that rental application, look at the side-by-side costs of housing and transportation. A unit closer to work is possibly more expensive but financially smarter in the long run if transportation costs increase exponentially from a cheaper, farther away unit.

8. Public transportation access

In cities with robust public transportation systems, living near it is a nice perk. Check out bus lines or train stations near the apartments you visit, especially if you don’t have a car.

Another thing to keep in mind? Bike and walk scores. You may not live near public transit, but if you can easily bike or walk somewhere, that’s something to consider.

9. Building floor plan

Once you decide on your neighborhood, pick several buildings to visit. We recommend around four or five complexes. You must see the space in real life (versus a virtual tour on their website) to see the actual state of the apartment.

Before signing a lease, review the building’s floor plans to pick the best one for your lifestyle. For example, you may prefer a top-floor unit away from the courtyard for security reasons.

10. Understand the terms of your lease

Leases come in many different shapes and forms. Most property managers have a standard 12-month agreement. However, others may offer a rent-controlled unit (meaning they can’t hike up the price), month-to-month and extended leases for lower per-month rent.

You must read the legal document carefully to understand your responsibility, any penalty clauses, and what the landlord is responsible for. This is also a great time to clarify utility costs, renters insurance requirements and pet rent.

What should I expect from my first apartment?

You’ve thought about the details of your financial situation. You’ve also made some overall choices about what you’re looking for.

Is it hard getting the first apartment?

It depends! Your experience may vary based on your rental, work history and credit. You will need a photo ID, bring proof that you can cover the cost of the apartment and have good references.

If you’re not having much luck with apartment buildings, reach out to your parents or family member to cosign for you. If you don’t pay rent on time, they will be responsible for it.

How much rent should you save for your first apartment?

Most financial experts recommend staying within 30 percent of your gross monthly income (pre-tax). For example, if you make $50,000 a year, your maximum rent should stay at $1,250 per month.

However, with inflation and demand, you’ll have to use caution with your budget as the nationwide average rent has surpassed $2,000 a month for the first time.

You can use this rent calculator to see the average rent in your city and how much you can afford based on your annual household income.

After your apartment search

Exciting — you found your dream apartment. It’s time for all the details about moving, like picking a move-in date and booking the movers.

Start purging

Whether coming from your parent’s home or a college dorm, start going through all of your possessions early. While it’s hard to part with some stuff, clutter will make your apartment feel smaller and increase your moving costs.

Donate or sell anything that you don’t keep.

Pick up packing materials

Once you’ve sorted your belongings, it’s time to pick up boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, permanent markers and packing tape. Label every box with the room it goes in and its contents to help the movers work more efficiently.

Book the movers

It’s OK if your budget only allows for DIY moving with friends and pizza at the end. Just don’t forget to book the moving truck.

But if you can pay for professional movers, start looking as soon as you know your move-in date. Get a few quotes and referrals from friends before putting down a deposit.

Time to kick off your apartment hunt

What to know when looking for your first apartment as a first-time renter can quickly become overwhelming — the amount of paperwork alone! Do your due diligence and take your time until you find the best location for you.

With your checklist ready to go, keep track of the cost, amenities offered, how much space you need, lease terms and, most importantly, what you can afford.

Muriel Vega is an Atlanta-based journalist who writes about technology and its intersection with arts and culture. She’s worked on content for startups like Mailchimp, Patreon, Punchlist, Skillshare, Rent. and others. Muriel has also contributed to The Washington Post, Eater, DWELL, Outside Magazine, Atlanta Magazine, AIGA Eye on Design, Bitter Southerner and more.

Source: rent.com

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Zillow has some rather disturbing news for budding academics that could well persuade them to forge an entirely different career path. It says that “entry-level” teachers will need to spend more than half of their salaries on the typical rent in 19 of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas this school year, according to its latest research.

Nationally, it would take 46.8% of a typical starting teacher’s salary to pay the median rent. This improves to 35.6% for a mid-career teacher – still above the generally accepted 30% threshold for housing costs to be considered affordable – and 26.6% for the highest-paid teachers.

Starting teachers literally cannot afford the typical home or rental in San Francisco or San Jose – median payments are greater than 100% of a starting teacher’s salary in both metros. Finding a roommate or moving back in with parents may be the only option for these teachers. Indeed, a previous analysis from HotPads, a Zillow Group-owned apartment search platform, found that San Francisco renters can save more than $1,000 a month by living with roommates.

But it is not only the most expensive markets where teachers are cost burdened. New teachers spend greater than half of their income on market rate rent in some broadly affordable metros like Salt Lake City, Minneapolis and Raleigh.

Of the 50 largest metro areas, only Pittsburgh offers affordable rent for starting teachers. And even the highest-paid teachers would find the typical rental affordable in just over half of large metros.

“Most acknowledge that building more homes is required to address the root cause of eroding housing affordability. Without that new influx to take the pressure off rent and aggressive home value growth, it’s the public servants, like teachers, fire fighters, and nurses – the professions that keep us safe, our kids smart, and our families healthy – that often feel the pinch most,” said Skylar Olsen, Zillow’s director of economic research. “So don’t think of housing affordability policies as a choice between change and the status quo. Crowded, job-rich communities will change — and it will be either the buildings that change or the mix of people who can afford to live in them.”

Teachers who own a home are in a better position, due in part to the benefit of low mortgage interest rates and decades-long terms that lock in payments even as home prices rise.

Starting-level teachers pay 26.6% of their income for the typical mortgage payment nationally and spend less than 30% of their income in 31 of the 50 largest metros. The highest-paid teachers can afford mortgages in all but the four most-expensive metros in California. An additional chunk will come out of households’ income for property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and common homeowner maintenance, but even after those expenses, ownership is still more affordable in many markets. All of this presumes, though, that they have managed to put 20% down.

Mike Wheatley is the senior editor at Realty Biz News. Got a real estate related news article you wish to share, contact Mike at [email protected]
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Source: realtybiznews.com

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Touring a potential new apartment is more than an opportunity to get a feel for the space. Going on an apartment tour gives you a chance to ask the landlord questions about the specifics of the unit and building to make sure it’s the right fit for you. It helps you make sure the apartment ticks all the right boxes on your “want” or “need” list, from fitting your budget to having special amenities like parking. That way, you fully understand the ins and outs of renting that particular unit and won’t get hit with any unpleasant surprises like unexpected fees during or after the rental process.

It’s always a good idea to go to an apartment viewing with a list of prepared questions so you don’t forget anything. This list of what to ask on an apartment tour covers everything you’ll need to know and ask when renting an apartment.

Asking the right questions on an apartment tour

In the excitement of viewing what could be your new home, don’t forget to ask your potential landlord these questions.

1. How much is the rent?

Unless you’re a millionaire to whom money is no object, make this your first question to ask on your apartment tour as soon as you walk in the door. If the monthly rent is too expensive or out of your budget, there’s no point in continuing with the tour unless you can negotiate.

Nowadays, apartment rental costs are usually available online with apartment listings. But, sometimes, you need to inquire directly with the management company or landlord about the cost of the rent.

2. What are the lease terms?

In addition to covering important information like the cost of rent and when the lease begins and ends, one of the most important aspects of the rental agreement is the lease terms. This states how long you’ll be renting the unit. The average lease term is for 12 months, although some landlords offer the option of a month-to-month lease. Month-to-month lease agreements offer flexibility and generally have more lenient terms, but a long-term lease of a year or more has more stability. Longer-term leases can also sometimes be used to negotiate a lower rent.

Most leases will also include information about specific policies like quiet hours, guest rules and more. In addition to asking questions about the lease agreement, you should always thoroughly read through the terms before signing.

3. What do you need for the apartment application?

Most apartment applications require the same items like pay stubs, bank statements, rental history and personal information. But some landlords have extra requirements like additional references, so it’s a good idea to check if the property manager needs anything extra to process your application so you can get it as soon as possible.

4. Are utilities included?

Renting an apartment that has utility costs calculated into each month’s rent is a big money-saver. But, apartment complexes will each have different rules when it comes to utilities included. Sometimes, they’ll cover some utilities like water, other times they’ll cover all primary utilities. In some cases, you’ll pay a set amount to the property manager for a certain utility. That’s why you should double-check what utilities the property manager would and would not cover and which are your personal responsibility as tenants.

5. What are the utility costs?

If there are some utilities that aren’t covered, you can ask the landlord for a rough estimate as to how much the utilities cost. They can’t give you an exact number since costs vary depending on personal usage and time of year, but they can still likely give you an approximate number.

For utilities that aren’t covered, you can also ask how you go about setting up personal accounts for services like water, electricity or internet.

6. Are there other costs included in the rent?

Along with utility costs, the cost of rent can sometimes cover or include building or property maintenance, cleaning or access to building perks. Check with the property manager to see what rent covers each month.

7. Are there any building dues or fees?

If you’re going to live in a condo or co-op apartment building, you may need to pay regular monthly dues on top of rent and other fees.

8. Are there any application or move-in fees?

Along with the first month’s rent and the security deposit, there are a lot of upfront, non-refundable costs associated with renting an apartment. You may need to pay an apartment application fee per person applying for each apartment, which costs anywhere from $20 to $50 but can get as high as $100.

Some landlords also charge move-in fees that cover cleaning or refurbishments to the unit before you move in. All these fees can really add up, so make sure you’re aware of them all so you can budget properly.

9. Do you have any move-in specials, discounts or special offers at this time?

To entice potential renters, apartment complexes will sometimes offer special deals like getting a free month. You can save yourself major money by taking advantage of a good move-in deal, so ask the landlord if they’re offering any special deals at this time.

10. How much is the security deposit?

When apartment hunting, you’ll find that many landlords require a security deposit. Typically, the deposit is the same amount as one month’s rent, but sometimes it’s less or more depending on your credit or rental history. As long as you take good care of the apartment and only inflict the usual wear and tear, you should get the full amount back when the lease ends.

You should also inquire about what constitutes normal wear and tear and if there are any extra fees for cleaning or maintenance upon move-out.

11. Am I permitted to sublet?

Want to go spend three months in Europe but don’t want to lose your apartment? You could always sublet the unit for a few months, but the rules about subletting vary by the property manager or leasing office. If the lease agreement doesn’t specify whether or not you can sublet, and under what grounds, confirm with the landlord. You don’t want to risk getting evicted or tarnishing your reputation as a good tenant by subletting without permission.

12. Am I allowed to add a roommate to the lease?

Along with subletting, check if you can add roommates to the lease and if so, under what terms. Sometimes, you and the roommate will need to sign updated leases, but other times, the landlord won’t care.

13. When do I need to pay rent?

Rent is typically due on the first of the month, but always double-check when you need to pay rent. This information should also be listed in your lease agreement.

14. Is there a grace period for late rent?

Sometimes life happens and you’re a bit short on cash come the first of the month. Ask if there’s a grace period before you get charged late fees. The average time before being charged a late fee is between five to seven days.

15. How do I pay for rent?

Most modern apartment communities let you make online payments for things like rent, but some still prefer checks. It’s best to double-check and avoid an unpleasant surprise when your landlord asks where your already-paid rent is.

16. Are there any costs to terminate the lease early?

If you get a new job and suddenly need to move in the middle of your lease, you’ll likely need to pay extra for breaking the contract early. The exact amount varies depending on the apartment complex, landlord, state or city, so be sure you know the specifics.

You should also ask how early in advance you need to give notice to vacate the apartment.

17. Do you require renters insurance?

As protection against liability and to allow a wider pool of applicants, most landlords require their tenants have renters insurance to cover their personal property.

Even if the landlord doesn’t require renters insurance, it’s still a good idea get it in case something happens.

18. Are pets allowed? If so, what is the pet policy?

Pet parents, take note. Some apartments don’t allow pets or only permit certain species or breeds, so you have to ask the landlord about their pet policy. Moving with a pet, you may also have to pay pet rent each month or pay pet fees along with moving costs.

19. What is the guest policy?

Most properties have rules when it comes to having guests stay over. Typically, overnight guests are OK but the lease may limit how long you can have a guest stay with you.

20. How are repairs and maintenance requests handled?

Don’t wait to get woken up at midnight by an overflowing toilet to understand how to put in requests for repairs or maintenance. If your building has an online tenant portal, you can likely file a request online. But other times, you’ll need to call the maintenance staff or leasing office.

You should also clarify if the building offers 24/7 emergency repairs and who to contact for after-hours emergencies.

21. What amenities does the apartment building include?

Amenities like gyms, communal areas, pools, dog parks and more can really make one apartment building stand out over another. Along with viewing different units, you can also request a complete building tour to see what amenities and perks it offers. Be sure to ask if you have to pay extra fees to use some of the amenities.

22. Does the building have a parking garage or designated parking?

Especially in big cities, street parking is always a hassle. An apartment complex with its own private parking lot or parking garage is worth its weight in gold, so make sure you ask what the parking situation is. If the complex does have its own parking, you may need to pay parking fees.

23. What security measures does the property have?

Your home is your castle, and you need to make sure it’s protected. Ask about security measures around the complex, such as cameras, locking gates and doors and security guards.

24. Who can I contact in case of emergencies?

Whether it’s an after-hours maintenance emergency or a crime has happened in your complex, make sure you’d know who to contact and how.

25. Are there any restricted or off-limits activities?

Some complexes or specific units may prohibit certain activities like smoking indoors or using a grill. If these restrictions aren’t laid out in the lease, make sure to ask the property manager.

26. Is the cost of rent ever increased? If so, by how much?

It’s normal for landlords to raise the cost of rent upon renewal, and depending on the market and demand, it could be a lot or a little. They may not have an exact answer, but by asking about price hikes, you’ll know if you need to expect one come renewal time.

If you’re worried about rising rates, ask if you can lease the unit for longer to lock in lower rates.

27. Do you offer pest control?

It’s the property manager’s responsibility to deal with pest control like cockroaches or bed bugs and you want to live in a complex that takes it seriously. Ask what preventative methods they use, what company they work with and how pest control would impact you if there were an issue.

28. How do I file complaints?

Whether it’s a complaint against other tenants or your property manager, understand the process for filing complaints.

29. Can I make changes to the unit and how will they impact my security deposit?

It’s fun to outfit your new home to your liking, but double-check what kind of decorations or changes are acceptable.

What if my apartment tour is virtual?

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of virtual apartment tours has become more widespread. If you’re doing a live Zoom tour with the landlord, you can ask directly. If it’s an unguided virtual tour, you can set up a phone or Zoom call with the landlord or email them a list of questions.

Save yourself time, energy and money by asking the right questions on an apartment tour

Going into an apartment tour prepared with questions helps you quickly weed out whether an apartment is right for you or not and move on to the next place.

Source: rent.com

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Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

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YELLOWBIRD ART & DESIGN Matisse Style Poster Print

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Novelty Item

ban.do Decorative Ceramic Vase

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ban.do Decorative Ceramic Vase

Ban.do is one of my favorite décor brands, and I love that they sell on Amazon. Reviewers like this funky vase with or without flowers.

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Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.

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Source: elle.com

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Christina Hall is a woman of many names. Forget the multiverse, we’re talking multi-monikers.

We first made her acquaintance back in 2013 when she was known as Christina El-Moussa. A decade ago, she likely had aspirations of stardom with the launch of “Flip or Flop” on HGTV, but nothing could have prepared her for the fame—and tabloid headlines—ahead.

Her show with then-husband Tarek El-Moussa became a hit, but their relationship deteriorated. The couple separated in 2016 and divorced in 2017. She quickly rebounded into a relationship with British TV host Ant Anstead and the duo were married in late 2018. The former Mrs. El-Moussa took Ant’s name and became Christina Anstead.

But after just 21 months of marriage and one child, she announced her separation from Anstead. In late 2020, after filing for divorce, she announced that she would be now known as Christina Haack—her maiden name.

Her backtrack to Haack lasted less than two years, when she married real estate agent Joshua Hall in April 2022. Now known as Christina Hall, it’s her fourth name in ten years. It’s been a challenge to keep up with Christina’s switching surnames, but there’s plenty else to learn about this well-known home designer.

Curious about what curveballs you might have missed? Brush up on these surprising facts about this famous house flipper.

1. Her original name is a real mouthful

Christina was born Christina Meursinge Haack and raised in California’s Orange County. She attended a local community college when she realized she’d like to pursue real estate as a career.

2. She originally wanted to be a sports agent

Although she shines in the spotlight, stardom was never a burning desire.

“I never thought about being on TV. I wanted to be a sports agent like Jerry Maguire,” she admits.

An Instagram photo of a young smiling Christina alongside NBA legend Magic Johnson hinted at her future plans.

Yet during college at San Diego State, she opted to get her real estate license instead.

“I got started in real estate at 21,” she says, “which led to selling houses, which led to flipping houses, which led to TV.”

3. She and Tarek El Moussa met working in real estate

Things moved quickly for Tarek and Christina after meeting at a real estate office.

(HGTV)

Christina began working at a real estate office, which is where she met Tarek El Moussa. She was 22. Things moved quickly for these two.

“The day Tarek and I officially started dating, which was Oct. 9, 2006, we moved in together,” she said in an interview with Good Housekeeping. Talk about a whirlwind romance!

In 2009, the two got married and had two kids, Taylor and Brayden. Seven years later, they separated, but not before making a name and business for themselves as flipping partners.

4. Christina and Tarek started flipping because of the recession

In the late 2000s, the real estate market was hit hard by the recession and the burst of the nationwide real estate bubble.

And because they both worked in the real estate realm, the couple had some hard times. They even had to downsize their own home, going from a house with a $6,000 mortgage to a rental apartment with a roommate.

To make ends meet, Christina and Tarek decided to try their hand at house flipping. The couple bought their first investment property for $115,000, with business partner Pete De Best, and split a $34,000 profit. Not bad for a couple of first-time flippers!

5. ‘Flip or Flop’ began with a borrowed video camera

Christina and Tarek El Moussa, who were married at the time, reviewing design choices in Season 1 of “Flip or Flop”

(HGTV)

With their house flipping ventures proving successful, Tarek thought their projects would make a good show. He borrowed a video camera to make a demo. At the time, Christina was seven months pregnant with their daughter, Taylor.

Soon, Pie Town Productions, which produces shows for HGTV, expressed interest in the couple. Their show was named “Flip or Flop,” and 13 episodes were ordered in the first run. The couple were reportedly paid $10,000 each per episode during that first season.

6. One hit show led to another, ‘Christina on the Coast’

“Christina on the Coast” focuses on Christina’s journey as she expands her design business in Southern California.

(HGTV)

Despite the couple’s off-screen drama, “Flip or Flop” became a huge success for HGTV and led to spinoffs for both Tarek and Christina.

El Moussa now tutors novice flippers on “Flipping 101,” while Christina has the home design show, “Christina on the Coast.” Her show premiered in 2019 and is now headed into its fourth season.

7. Her move to Music City inspired yet another spinoff

In early 2021, Christina looked beyond the comforts of her familiar surroundings in California. She plunked down $2.5 million for a modern farmhouse near Nashville. The six-bedroom home sits on 23 acres in Franklin, TN.

It also proved to be the perfect setting for another HGTV spin-off, “Christina in the Country.” The show documents the expansion of her design business in the Nashville area as well as putting down roots in a completely new environment.

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8. Christina has her own flooring line

While Christina is best known for her HGTV shows, she’s also branched out into the wide world of flooring.

Her collection of waterproof vinyl flooring designed to resemble hardwood is available in a variety of colors and styles. She insists vinyl floors can be stylish and said, “I would never sell a product that is not attractive.”

After battling health problems in recent years, Christina went to an alternative medicine center in late 2022. She wanted to get the bottom of her ailments and turned to a quantum biofeedback machine.

The HGTV star reported on Instagram that her test results showed mercury and lead poisoning—a result that she attributed to all the “gross flips” she did in her early career with Tarek.

Prior to her diagnosis, Christina documented her health struggles and her attempt at healing in the 2020 book, “The Wellness Remodel.”

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Source: realtor.com