Your Rent Payment History Will Now Count When Time to Buy a Home, Fannie Mae Announces
If you’re working to build credit while renting your home, you’re about to see a positive change coming up on your path to homeownership: According to a recent press release, Fannie Mae said it would add a new feature to its mortgage underwriting system that would consider the history of rent payments during the credit…
Read MoreThe Great Return: Renters Jumpstart Large Cities with Surge in Applications in 2021
The 2021 rental season kicked off twice as strong as usual, with Gen Z and high-earning Millennials being the most active apartment hunters. In particular, New York City and San Francisco saw an astounding interest in apartments during the first half of 2021. Renting activity is back to pre-pandemic levels — up 13% in the…
Read MoreYardi Introduces Mortgage Relief – the Homeowner Assistance Fund Software Connecting Homeowners and Agencies
After the success of the Rent Relief platform in managing more than $1B in emergency rental assistance payments, Yardi launches Mortgage Relief — a Homeowner Assistance Fund software dedicated to managing applications, payments and funds. The all-in-one platform enables homeowners to apply for mortgage assistance, as well as helping government agencies distribute American Rescue Plan…
Read More7 Instances When Self Storage Saves the Day in PHX
Also known as the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix is an oasis of year-round sunshine, various resorts and golf courses. As a vibrant city with a bustling economy, it’s no wonder people want to move here. While getting settled into their new homes, new arrivals also benefit from the city’s various services, including self storage.…
Read MoreLive in Luxury On Chicago’s Gold Coast
The Gold Coast neighborhood has long been considered one of Chicago’s most luxurious and desirable neighborhoods. Located directly on the shores of Lake Michigan, the neighborhood offers a mix of sleek, modern high-rises and beautiful preserved homes. It’s widely considered to be one of the wealthiest urban neighborhoods in the country and attracts some of…
Read MoreRoom Divider Ideas: How to Make the Most of Your Space
Sometimes overlooked, room dividers are among the best interior design secrets out there — and some of our best options serve multiple purposes. As such, dividers are also a great way to introduce dimension, a pop of color or a bit of texture where your home needs it. Call it space flow or feng shui…
Read More1 in 3 Renters Are Looking to Upsize to an Extra Bedroom: What It Costs & Where to Upgrade for Less
Survey reveals that a third of apartment-hunters look for rentals with an extra bedroom to call „home office,” as 75% don’t have a dedicated space in their apartments for work. Upsizing by one extra room costs about $330, on average, our analysis shows. While some workers are gradually returning to offices this summer, many will…
Read MoreThe Best Places To Get Moving Boxes And Other Supplies In Boston
Moving can be exciting. It’s when most people get a chance at a fresh start with a new job or new places to explore. But it can also be challenging as there are so many things to coordinate, whether we’re talking of a long-distance move or a short-distance one. Living in a big city like…
Read MoreHow To Declutter Your San Diego Garden And Turn It Into A Peaceful Retreat
San Diego’s climate allows for outdoor living year-round, and a nice, peaceful garden is a great addition to your home, one that you’ll be enjoying every day. Fortunately, San Diego enjoys decently sized yards – the median lot size in the city stands at over 6,500 square feet, so most homeowners do have space for…
Read MorePark West: Luxury on The Lake in Chicago
Park West is a section of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. As the name implies, it is located just west of the park and the lakeshore, making it a great place for those who want to connect with nature while still remaining in the city. The area is also known for its historic architecture. It is…
Read MoreExpert Advice: 10 Tips on How to Make the Most of Living Alone
While the idea of living alone for the first time might sound liberating and even exciting to some, it can be a difficult step for others. Those embarking on the solo life adventure can face multiple challenges, from feeling lonely due to fewer social interactions to being overwhelmed with the different chores that come with…
Read MoreVintage Charm Meets Modern Cool in Chicago’s Logan Square
Logan Square is a neighborhood that has long been known for its diversity and sense of community. Over the past few decades, it’s also become a home for Chicago’s artists and creatives, as well as a thriving restaurant and nightlife scene. Its beautiful parks and boulevards add a sense of peace and tranquility to the…
Read MoreRenter’s Guide to Growing Vertical Gardens in Your Apartment
Living in an apartment in a large city sometimes comes with limitations. Little to no outdoor space is often one of them, but lack of a yard doesn’t have to crush your green thumb dreams. So, when it comes to gardening, think up instead of out, with vertical gardens. Vertical gardens let city dwellers satisfy…
Read MoreWhat to Know About Month-to-Month Leases When Renting an Apartment
Are you interested in renting an apartment but don’t want to commit to a long-term lease? If so, you may want to consider a short-term lease. This kind of rental contract is known as a month-to-month lease. A month-to-month lease agreement could offer the ideal flexible solution for a short-term rental and other situations. This…
Read MoreApartment Onsite Teams Day — Give Thanks to Your Community Staff
This July 14th marks the second Apartment Onsite Teams Day. The date has been set by the National Apartment Association alongside multifamily leaders as a way of thanking essential industry workers for the dedication shown during the COVID-19 crisis. And you can be part of it too! Residents can show appreciation to all the essential…
Read MoreHyde Park: Chicago’s South Side Gem
Hyde Park is one of Chicago’s most vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhoods. It is situated on the South Side between the shores of Lake Michigan and Washington Park, and is best known as the home of the University of Chicago as well as the Museum of Science and Industry. It’s also well known for being…
Read MoreOutdoor Decorating for Renters: Balcony Design Essentials
As most people rent apartments – and not houses boasting a lavish lawn, a pond, and a white picket-fence – there are not too many outdoor decorating options. Still, a balcony (or a terrace, if you’re lucky) can also be turned into an awesome outdoor project, with a bit of know-how and good taste. Luckily, there are…
Read More8 Tips To Help You Make The Most of a Storage Auction (A Guide for the First-Time Bidder)
Popularized by the hit show “Storage Wars,” storage auctions have caught the public eye in the past decade and have also indirectly popularized self storage as a service. In reality, storage auctions lack the glitz and glam of show, in that stumbling on extraordinary items, whether unique or extremely valuable, is less of a frequent…
Read MoreThe Pros and Cons of Renting vs. Owning a Home
Why rent when you can own? This question has been on people’s minds generation after generation. Over the last decade, however, things have changed, and it’s slowly evolving into a “why own when you can rent?” type of decision. Apartment living packs new levels of convenience, and you often get more by renting than you…
Read MoreTop Things You Should Consider Putting In Self Storage If You’re Living in Austin
Living in Austin comes with a long list of advantages – the city ranks third among the best places to live in the US based on factors such as affordability, job prospects and quality of life. Austinites also enjoy pretty spacious homes. It’s no wonder the city attracts plenty of newcomers. Seasoned residents or newcomers,…
Read More7 Small Balcony Ideas — How to Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space
Spending more time at home has made us all realize the immense potential of our tiny apartment balconies. Offering some well-deserved fresh air and peace and quiet, balconies can become a personal haven no matter the size. With this in mind, we put together some small balcony ideas guaranteed to make you rethink its functionality.…
Read MoreWicker Park: Chicago’s Hipster Paradise
Located a short drive northwest from Chicago’s downtown Loop, Wicker Park has become the city’s hipster paradise. While the area is mainly residential, it’s become known for its restaurants, nightlife and shopping, which attract trendy twenty- and thirty-somethings from around the city. This neighborhood is the perfect choice if you want to be on the…
Read MoreFuture Apartments to Get “One Home Office Larger” as More Renters Work from Home
After a decade of shrinking apartments, renters are set to receive the extra space they need: 36% of cities are currently building larger units than before, with most of them (51%) upsizing two-bedroom apartments. Full- or part-time work-from-home is here to stay for the foreseeable future, compelling many people to make room in their…
Read MoreLakeview: Something for Everyone on Chicago’s North Side
Lakeview is one of Chicago’s largest and most densely populated neighborhoods. This North Side neighborhood contains many smaller enclaves, including sports haven Wrigleyville and LGBTQ-friendly Boystown. If you’re moving to Lakeview, know that this neighborhood attracts a wide variety of residents – many college students and young professionals love the nightlife, while families enjoy access…
Read More12 Of The Best Self Storage Auction Finds (Spoiler Alert: A 1940 Indian Chief Among The Most Interesting)
Self storage has expanded recently, and so has the type of users that turn to this service. Extremely popular in big urban hubs as apartment-dwellers often turn to self storage to enjoy more living space at home, the industry has been gaining ground in smaller cities as well. The term “self storage” claims the most…
Read MoreThese Are Experts’ Favorite Plants for Apartment Living (Low Maintenance and Gorgeous)
No matter the design style of your apartment, plants fit in everywhere and enhance living spaces by adding color, depth and definition. Plus, as an added benefit, plants also help clean the indoor air and act as focal points. And, whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, there are options for all of us.…
Read MoreRiver North is Chicago’s Liveliest Entertainment District
River North is a neighborhood that has undergone the ultimate transformation. The area was once a manufacturing district, full of warehouses and other industrial buildings. It’s since been transformed into one of Chicago’s hottest entertainment districts. New high rises attract a mix of young and established professionals, so if you’re looking for a high-energy neighborhood…
Read MoreWhat to Do After College: The 2021 Expert Guide to Job Hunting
If you’re a fresh grad and you’re figuring out what to do after college, you already know that both the hiring process and the employment landscape look much different than they did a couple of years ago. From virtual interviews and remote working to an increased demand for soft and tech skills — the very…
Read MoreHow to Protect Your Personal Information While Apartment Hunting
When it comes to protecting your personal information while apartment hunting, you need to have a plan and be aware of the common threats that can occur. Hackers rely on scare tactics to frighten people enough so they willingly respond to an email, click on a link, or fill out an application without thinking about…
Read MoreLincoln Park – A Classic Chicago Neighborhood with Something for Everyone
It’s no surprise that Lincoln Park has become one of Chicago’s most attractive residential neighborhoods over the last few decades. Lincoln Park is particularly popular among young, affluent families, but this diverse neighborhood offers something for everyone. DePaul University’s campus is in the neighborhood, so there are plenty of restaurants, bars and shops that cater…
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