Pros and Cons: Gym in Your Apartment Building

April 29, 2020 | 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. By some standards, millennials are the healthiest, fittest generation in American history. Property managers have taken notice, centering fitness perks as part of the marketing of their buildings. If you’re wondering whether having…

Watch Out for These Common Apartment Community Rules

April 3, 2019 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

If you’ve found the perfect apartment for YOU within an apartment community, congratulations! Living in an apartment community provides some unique benefits, from building up a sense of belonging to fun amenities. While these amenities are great, they often come with a set of rules that you should be aware of. Check out these common…

Have a Community Center? Use It!

April 12, 2018 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

With large apartment complexes, many landlords will offer a community center in or near the leasing office. These community centers are generally beautiful (think about it… it’d be the first thing a prospective renter sees when they come to visit!) AND are generally very under-utilized. There are tons of perks to having a community center……

Apartment Comparison Guide

June 6, 2017 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

As you try to find your first apartment, it’s important to compare a few different apartments before making your decision. Instead of falling in love with the first apartment you see, try to be critical of different units and check out a few others to find the one that’s right for you! Use the MyFirstApartment…

Smart Questions to Ask Your Potential Landlord

January 11, 2017 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

Browsing through apartments can be overwhelming! After seeing one or two, the features start to run together, making it hard to differentiate what you liked about one or the other. When I was on the hunt for my last place I looked at so many apartments online that my head started spinning. However, it’s important…

Get Your Money’s Worth from Your Amenities

June 8, 2015 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

It’s no secret that part of what you pay in rent funds amenities around the complex. But are you really getting what you pay for? It’s definitely not the best idea to choose a complex only based on amenities. But once you’ve decided to move in, use these tips to make sure you’re getting the…

What Those Cool Apartment Amenities Will End Up Costing You In Rent

June 18, 2014 | By Audra AuthorMy First Apartment

A couple of weeks ago, our friends over at ForRent.com shared this nifty infographic with us. Through their research, they break down how much the most sought-after apartment amenities add to your overall rent. Whether it’s location, a great view or gym, be prepared to pay for what you get. So, when you set out on your search for…

5 Ways to Figure Out Your First Apartment Must-Haves

March 18, 2014 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

When you’re in the market for an apartment, it’s easy to dream. Perhaps a bit too easy. You want lots of space, cheap rent, a balcony, a doorman, maybe even a swimming pool and a gym. Laundry in-unit, of course, a nice flower box with ever-blooming roses … and then you pinch yourself and return…