Articles by

Irina Lupa

Irina Lupa is a creative writer for several Yardi publications, where they cover real estate market trends and industry news. Their work has been cited in Forbes, Globe St. and CNBC, among others. Irina has an academic background in journalism and media theory. You can connect with Irina via email.

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An aerial shot of Portland at dusk.

Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Portland

Whenever you hear about Portland, the first things that come to mind are a bustling art and theater scene, independent businesses, and great food —…

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Survey: Self-Guided Apartment Tours on the Rise Among Renters

Living in the time of a pandemic has pushed us into the digital realm faster than ever before, leading to an unprecedented boost in new…

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7 Small Kitchen Design Ideas for Any Apartment

Whether you’re a fully-fledged home chef or just starting out in the kitchen after a lifetime of takeout, a small, dark space with little room…

6 Non-Ikea Furniture Stores for a Unique Home

6 Non-Ikea Furniture Stores for a Unique Home

As efficient as shopping at Ikea may be, we often find ourselves looking at the same few pieces in different apartments. It’s only natural since…

An aerial shot of downtown Austin and the parks that surround the best neighborhoods in the city.

Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Austin

Austin is one of the most culturally and economically diverse cities in the entire U.S., and it’s only getting better. Besides being one of the…

8 Easy Ikea Hacks to Revamp Your Apartment

8 Easy Ikea Hacks to Revamp Your Apartment

It’s no secret most of us have something in common when it comes to the interior design of our homes: at least one furniture piece…

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How to Compost in an Apartment 

If you’re interested to learn how to compost in an apartment, you’d be doing both yourself and the environment a favor. Composting is a natural…

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How to Cook, Store & Shop for Food During a Quarantine

The new coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on our daily lives. And, as a growing number of states issue stay-at-home orders, it’s more important…

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How to Keep Your Pet Healthy & Happy During a Quarantine

The coronavirus pandemic has affected all of us. Many of us are already working from home, finding new ways to be productive and to entertain…

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RentCafe National Rent Report: The Average Apartment Rent Was $1,468 in February

Key takeaways: The national average rent in February 2020 was $1,468, up 3.2% compared to the same time last year.  The most expensive apartments are in…

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RentCafe National Rent Report: The Average Apartment Rent Was $1,463 in January

Key takeaways: The national average rent in January 2020 was $1,463, up 3% compared to the same time last year.  The most expensive apartments are…

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How to Make a Small Bedroom Look Bigger

If you’re struggling with how much space you have in your apartment, you’re not alone. Rentals are getting smaller across the nation, giving us less…

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10 Things Every Adult Should Have in Their Bathroom

The bathroom is probably the only room in your house both you and your guests will use without exception. Yet we rarely think about how…

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7 Cheap and Easy Kitchen Updates for Rental Apartments

Whether you’re a home chef or more of an order-in or microwave meal type of person, everyone spends enough time in the kitchen to care…

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2019 Year-End Rent Report – Rents Slide in December, Kicking-Off the New Year at $1,474

Key takeaways: The U.S. average rent ended the year with a 3% ($43) increase since last December, but decreased by a slight 0.1% ($1) month-over-month,…

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The Decade in Housing Trends: High-Earning Renters, High-End Apartments and Thriving Construction

This past decade has transformed the relationship between America and its housing, especially when it comes to renting. While the recession pushed many to rent…

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7 Cheap and Easy Living Room Updates for Rental Apartments

It’s natural to want to change your surroundings from time to time, no matter if you’re renting the home of your dreams or an apartment…

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10 Things Every Adult Should Have in Their Living Room

The living room is the heart of your home. This is especially true in an era when people are increasingly choosing to entertain themselves and…

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10 Things Every Adult Should Have in Their Dining Area

Your transition into adulthood will be marked by several defining moments: moving out of your parents’ home, accepting your first job, getting your own phone…

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The National Average Rent Declined for the First Time in Two Years, Dipping to $1,471

Key takeaways: The national average rent went up by 3.2% in the past year but dipped by 0.1% month-over-month, reaching $1,471 in September according to…

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10 Things Every Adult Should Have in Their Bedroom

When you’re living on your own for the first time, the bedroom isn’t usually the first place you jump into designing. That may be because…

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10 Things Every Adult Should Have in Their Kitchen

Did you ever find an exciting recipe online—only to discover you’re missing some essential kitchen utensils? Or, have you wanted to have friends over for…

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Peak Rental Season Comes to an End as the National Average Rent Reaches $1,472

Key takeaways: The national average rent increased by 3.3% ($47) year over year and 0.1% ($2) month over month, reaching $1,472 in August according to…

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Apartment Rents Begin to Lose Steam in July as the Monthly Rate Reaches $1,469

Key takeaways: The national average rent reached $1,469 in July, up by 3.4% ($48) year-over-year, and 0.2% ($3) month-over-month, according to data from Yardi Matrix….

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18 Practical Tips to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly

There’s plenty of advice online when it comes to making the home you own more eco-friendly, but what can you do when you’re a renter?…

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Downtown California: How Have Housing Costs Evolved Since the Recession?

The American downtown has changed significantly throughout the years. Today’s urban core can bring to mind anything from chic streets and luxury designer boutiques, to…