Rent-to-Own Transactions Move into Mainstream | American Apartment Owners Association

July 21st, 2010

Rent-to-own is an idea whose time has come.  Until demand catches up with the enormous supply of available housing, it’s an idea that’s here to stay — an excellent alternative for wannabe homeowners caught in the current credit crunch…

Most investors want to sell properties outright. They hope for a clean, quick transaction. But for many, it’s just not happening.

Rent-to-own sales, or lease options, are moving into the mainstream, according to Robert Eisenstein with Home Run Homes, an online classifieds website dedicated solely to rent to own transactions.

via Landlord Help | American Apartment Owners Association.

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Does racism threat justify lease breaking?

June 29th, 2010

Racism is a topic we try very hard to ignore, but unfortunately, it’s out there — sometimes right next door, as this article shows.  It is a difficult dilemma.  The question is, how would you handle it?

Rent it Right — Q and A from AAOA (American Apartment Owners Association)

by Janet Portman, Inman News

Q: We live in a multifamily community whose management assures us that they take their screening duties very seriously (the result, perhaps, of a crime committed by a resident a couple of years ago).

They claim that they hire a screening company, that they check “every legitimate source” of information on an applicant. We know they look on the Internet — when the manager gave us the keys, he complimented us on the photos on our family Facebook page!

But the guy who moved in next door must not have been screened — his blog goes back years, filled with racist rants. As members of one of the races whom he hates, we feel very uncomfortable living near him, and would like to break our lease and move.

Can we do so legally? –Bill and Janelle P.

via Landlord Help | American Apartment Owners Association.

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Is Apartment Renters Insurance Important to Purchase? | Article Directory Project

June 21st, 2010

Renters, you need renters’ insurance — and the article below clearly explains why.  A relatively inexpensive policy ($15-$25/mo) could save you years of litigation and financial loss.  Read on, then call your insurance agent!

Do you actually need to purchase a renters insurance policy? After all, your property’s owner has insurance already, doesn’t he? Discover the facts about renters insurance coverage that you should know that can shield your monetary assets and investments.

via Is Apartment Renters Insurance Important to Purchase? | Article Directory Project.

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Smokers in your properties

May 25th, 2010

I found this article today in reference to smokers in rental units and a new law implemented in Buffalo, New York. I found it especially timely since in the past week we have had two tenants that were moving from their current apartments due to smokers in their buildings. Both tenants were highly allergic to smoke and were told there were no smokers in the building.  

In one case the lease required tenants to sign a non-smoking addendum. When the current tenant complained to the landlord that the new tenant that had recently moved in downstairs was a heavy smoker the Landlord requested she prove it with pictures and 2 witnesses! The tenant had resided in the building for over 3 years and felt it wasn’t her responsibility to enforce the owner’s lease and is moving out.

The smoking issue has really become a “hot button” for many of the tenants and owners we deal with. Most of our private Landlords request non-smoking tenants and it is well received by most of our customers. I don’t doubt similar laws like those in Buffalo & other cities will be in place nationally soon.  

I have pasted the link to the article here.

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Changing Your Lifestyle to Lower Living Expenses | Oh My Apartment

May 24th, 2010

Controlling your spending is critical to financial success.  With the current economic climate, budgeting is finally the ‘in’ thing to do.  Yea!  The article below gives some useful suggestions on how to do just that…

Many people live a lifestyle that is above and beyond their means. Knowing where your money is going is the first step in lowering your living expenses.

via Changing Your Lifestyle to Lower Living Expenses | Oh My Apartment.

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Tips to Narrow Down your Apartment Search – Info Barrel

May 19th, 2010

This article offers some good suggestions when you are moving to a new city (like St. Louis, MO).  The goal is narrow down hundreds of options to a handful of apartment options, any one of which would meet or exceed your expectations.

My suggestion, of course, is to call a local apartment locator service — they, too,  will narrow down hundreds of rentals to a few great options for you.  The difference is, they do all the work for you in an hour or two, and they do it for free!

If you have ever conducted an apartment search in a big city like Dallas or Houston, you probably were overwhelmed with options you had.

via Tips to Narrow Down your Apartment Search – Info Barrel.

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Only In St. Louis… – St Louis | Yelp

May 12th, 2010

For those new to St. Louis, there is a lot to do and see in this family-oriented city.  See the article below for local events, historical sights and fabulous eateries.  We’ll meet you in St. Louie, Louie!

Believe it or not, there’s a lot more to St. Louis than the popular question, “Where did you go to high school?” Our city is also known for its historic landmarks, unique entertainment, and tasty regional fare. In this Weekly Yelp, we’ll highlight what yelpers feel are some of STL’s finest assets, and we don’t care what your diploma says!

via Only In St. Louis… – St Louis | Yelp.

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Warnings Signs of a Bad Landlord | Apartment Vigilantes

May 11th, 2010

St. Louis, with its plethora of privately-owned apartment rentals in and around the city, has its share of bad landlords.  This is a great article on how to spot landlord trouble before it begins.  Quick read!

A big city like Chicago is riddled with bad apartment landlords. So before you sign below the dotted line, it’s important that you’re certain of not taking over a place that’s owned by a heartless, rotten, scamming property owner who’s out to victimize unsuspecting renters. You might like the apartment or condo, but if you’re going to have to deal with a landlord who’s going to take advantage of you, then it’s not worth it.

via Warnings Signs of a Bad Landlord | Apartment Vigilantes.

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Choosing The Best (St. Louis) Apartment From A Database Or Locator | Home Alone Critter Care of Columbia County, Oregon

May 10th, 2010

This article explains using free apartment locator services versus online database services.  Both serve a useful function.  Which one is right for you? Read on and you’ll know!

When you do a search on a Search Engine for “apartments” you are going to come across two types of Website resources; apartment locator sites and apartment database sites. Which is the best for you? Well, that depends on what your needs and circumstances dictate. It also has a great deal to do with your privacy comfort level.

via Choosing The Best Apartment From A Database Of Locator | Home Alone Critter Care of Columbia County, Oregon.

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The Pros and Cons of an Apartment Broker | Oh My Apartment

May 5th, 2010

There are many ways of finding an apartment, and opting to go with an apartment broker can be the right choice for many people. Whether it’s the right choice for you depends on several important factors.

via The Pros and Cons of an Apartment Broker | Oh My Apartment.

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