Electric, Gas, Oil Heat: Which Should You Look for in Your Next Apartment?

December 22, 2022 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Electric, gas, and oil are all common options for heating an apartment, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. When searching for a new apartment, it can be a good idea to take a closer look at the pros and cons of each type of heating system to help you make an informed…

When Is Renting An Apartment More Expensive Than Owning It?

December 2, 2022 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Most people rent an apartment when they first move away from home, as it tends to be the most affordable option. In some situations, however, it can actually be more affordable to purchase a condo, so it’s worth being aware of your options before you rush into something. Read on below for several factors that…

4 Ways To Learn Everything You Should Know About Your Potential Landlords

November 23, 2022 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Your relationship with your landlord can make or break an apartment, so it’s useful to know as much as you can about them before signing a lease. How are you supposed to learn whether a landlord will be good before you move in? Here are four of the best strategies. Read online reviews You can…

Co-Applicant, Co-Signer, Guarantor: What Are the Differences?

November 15, 2022 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Many previously unknown terms come up when you’re applying for an apartment for your first time, and learning how to properly navigate the lingo is an important step to making sure you’re getting into a lease you’re happy with. Three common terms are co-applicant, co-signer, and guarantor, which all describe someone who’s on your lease…

How to Find Your First Apartment in a Faraway Area

November 8, 2022 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Searching for your first apartment is stressful enough, but if you’re moving far away from home, it can be even more so. Finding your first apartment away from home should be exciting, though, so read on below for four great ways to easily find your first apartment in a faraway area so you can relax…

How Early Should You Start the Apartment Hunt?

November 3, 2022 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Hunting for a new apartment can be a long and somewhat stressful process, so it’s important to give yourself enough time to find something great before it’s time to move out of your current apartment. If you’re living in or moving to your first apartment and you don’t have much experience with this search, how…

What Are Live-Work-Play Communities?

November 1, 2022 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

When searching for a new apartment, one interesting trend you may come across is the growing number of live-work-play communities. This new lifestyle idea could soon take the world by storm and is growing in popularity across major metropolitan areas. What exactly is a live-work-play community? Read on below to find out. What are live-work-play…

Pros and Cons: Live-in Landlord

September 8, 2022 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

In our Pros and Cons series, we weigh the advantages and disadvantages of important decisions that apartment dwellers are making every day. When looking for a new apartment, one option is always renting out a room in someone’s home or renting out part of a rental property the owner lives in. This situation presents benefits…

Apartment Tours In-Person vs. Virtual: Which One Is for You?

September 6, 2022 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

When looking for a new apartment, one of the most important steps is touring a few places. With modern technology, you don’t necessarily have to go in for a physical tour anymore, as virtual tours have become common. This doesn’t necessarily mean virtual tours are equal to or better than physical tours, so which one…

5 U.S. Cities’ Median Rents in 2022

August 31, 2022 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

2022 has seen one of the biggest increases in home prices and rent in the history of the country, with average rent per month going over $2,000 for the first time ever. While the cost of rent isn’t the only factor to consider when looking for a new apartment, it’s definitely something worth thinking about.…