Kelly M’s tips for furnishing from Craigslist “free”

October 14, 2007 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Our new contributor Kelly M recently moved into her first apartment in Queens, New York, and shares here what she learned about using Craigslist’s “free” section: “Everyone loves Ikea. They’re relatively cheap, the stuff looks cool, and…well…they’re relatively cheap. But then you move to the city, and “relatively” cheap only gets you so far. What…

Blogger Updates: Jeff in Chicago, Kelly in NYC and Jessica in Chicago

September 5, 2007 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

When we first met our blogger Jeff a year and a half ago, he was living in his parents’ basement. After a successful apartment hunt, he found an apartment in Chicago in May 2006 with two roommates. Check out Jeff’s blog for an update on how the roommate situation is working out and what has…

One year later

August 27, 2007 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

This update came from blogger Jeff in Chicago: Getting out of my parents house was the best decision I ever made. Although the bills and the added responsibilities of making my own food (I miss my Dad’s cooking for sure) is tough, I am out and about in a great city in my mid-20s. I’ve…

Alissa’s Tips for Buying a Mattress

August 22, 2007 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Your first big purchase for the new apartment is likely to be a mattress. Before you step a foot in a mattress store, read our blogger Alissa’s tips on how to get the best deal. “We’ve all heard stories about the devious car salesman with the comb-over. You know, the one who’s as honest about…

Moving to an off-campus apartment

July 9, 2007 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

When you decide to move off–campus you’ll be dealing with some of the issues that any first-apartment hunter has to deal with — finding a place, signing a lease, and getting the place furnished and equipped. But moving off–campus presents its own special considerations. • First, a convenient location is even more important, because you…

10-Step Countdown to Your First Apartment

May 10, 2007 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

So, you’re looking for your first apartment. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your own before you know it—even if you’re currently living in your parents’ basement. (The good news is that our polls show two thirds of first-apartment hunters will find a place within three weeks once they start actively looking, which happens…

How much do I need to save before moving?

April 23, 2007 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

We get asked this question a lot, so here’s a repeat of a post from last year. When you are planning to move out on your own you’ll need be able to cover three types of expenses: 1.) your monthly rent and utilities and 2.) all upfront fees and moving costs and 3.) furnishing your…

Renovation gamble that paid off

January 24, 2007 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Our friend Ned reports how he gambled and won in the renovation game. A recent Temple University grad, he is now living in the Society Hill neighborhood in Philadelphia in a totally renovated rental. Here’s how he did it. ”As I watched another open house-attendee write a check for the unit’s deposit, I berated myself…

How long will it take to find your first apartment?

November 9, 2006 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

You have saved enough for the security deposit and first month rent. Your paperwork is in order: latest payroll stub, letter from your employer stating your dates of employment and maybe even saying a few nice words, and a copy of your latest bank statement. You have checked your credit rating and it is clean.…

Understanding Your Lease Obligations

October 8, 2006 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Our site has a new friend who is a professional real estate consultant. She has agreed to share her tips on navigating the terms on your lease. Signing on the dotted line… What your lease really means By Lori Snider, Principal, Creativity for Rent and Marketing Expert Congratulations! Your search was successful and you’ve found…