Do You Get a Good Look at the Windows?

You will be suprised at how many people will shop for a rental and not bother to look at the windows or even bother to open them. They assume that they work. However, what I have found in my personal experience looking at both houses and apartments, some have either one or two windows(in one case all windows) painted shut, broken, or very difficult to open and close. In a couple of situations, management had no plans on fixing them.

At first this doesn't seem like a big deal, I mean if you have central AC and heating you wouldn't care, right? But what if the heating and cooling systems are working well for some rooms, but not for others or worse it completely shuts down? You will want to open your window especially in the bathroom, phew! Now you are stuck in a hot, stuffy place--think a hotel room with the air conditioner turned off all day, bad, very bad!


Then you have those gorgeous odd-shaped windows that really add some personality to a room. However, you might learn that you will be paying a little more for electricity when the sunlight beams through them and keeps some of your rooms hot. They are often challenging to find treatments for if you desire a little more privacy, a cooler room and on a budget. Odd-shaped window curtains have to be customized. These windows can also be annoying when you or your family want to sleep in on weekends.

So take the time to check out those windows in that potential new place between all those compliments you give your leasing agent, "Wow, great place...I could put my desk here...love the windows!" That is until you realize those odd-shaped windows don't serve any real purpose, some windows don't open, and you may be responsible for the extra expenses to care for them.

Nicholl McGuire

Move In Inspection: Walking the Suite

So you found a great rental place, but you notice some things that you didn't see before after walking your suite? Well, if the property management company or landlord didn't supply you with a move-in inspection sheet, then note your findings and/or video your new place before moving-in or soon after.

Take the time to go to each room and list the flaws that you see. There are many people in the property management industry who will simply put "ok" down the inspection sheet for everything they see; rather than being specific. What about those markings on the kitchen floor, the chipped paint on the wall in the master bedroom, a removed outlet cover in the bathroom, a cracked glass window in the hall, or stains in the carpet in every room prior to move-in? Don't ignore them, write them up. Ms. Sally or Mr. John, the leasing consultants, may not be working in the office any longer once you are ready to move-out, so you don't want to take their word that you won't be charged for anything once you move -out.

Note general wear and tear such as the worn areas of the carpet and markings on doors and walls. The "ok" on the inspection sheet is suppose to cover that, but be specific anyway. There may also be leaky pipes, cosmetic defects on the appliances, and signs of mold and mildew, don't attempt to fix anything or remove anything without noting your findings and asking permission first. If for some reason you make matters worse, you will be responsible for any damages.

Whenever possible, try to arrange for someone from the office to walk the suite with you. Also, as mentioned earlier, take video and/or photographs of problem areas both inside and outside your apartment, town-home, or house.

Nicholl McGuire

Dress to Impress When Apartment Shopping?

Maybe you are interested in a penthouse suite or maybe just a simple apartment whichever you are interested in, why not let your real-tor or leasing consultant know what kind of taste you have? You can do this not only by what you tell her or him, but how you dress too!

Unfortunately, no matter how many laws we have to keep people from being discriminated against, there is something within all of us that will make us work harder for that attractive looking person walking through the door. Maybe we smile a little more, shake hands a little harder, offer treats, or ask if there is anything else we can do, there is something about a person's demeanor who demands special treatment and respect that will always get top notch service and most of all what they want.

So you may have thought about going on your next appointment to view an apartment with kids in tote, a little sweaty and possibly a little dirty, think again if you are looking to get a luxurious suite with a magnificent view. There are those consultants who may favor one party over the other just on appearance alone. However, what if you are seeking a simple, affordable unit with not many amenities, then a not-so attractive appearance might help, the consultant might think, "Well, he really needs this place and his kids could use the room."

Dress the part and who knows where you might end up.

Nicholl McGuire

Outside Your New Home: Your Responsiblity

When you first saw that nice rental home in the classifieds, you may not have anticipated you would be the one making any necessary improvements like: mowing the lawn or trimming the hedges that is until you read the lease contract on the day of signing. Now what?

There are a number of options that you could utilize based on your situation when it comes to maintaining your landscaping.

1. Rent garden tools.

If you know, that you don't plan on owning a home anytime soon and you aren't interested in purchasing garden equipment or using a landscaper, why not rent your tools? You can get everything you need for your landscaping tasks at stores like, a Home Depot or Lowes. Also, conduct a search for tool rental and include the city and state that you live to see what comes up.

2. Hire a professional landscaper.

You may want the best treatment for your property. Check with your neighbors to find out who they use to maintain their landscaping.

3. Ask a relative or friends.

What better way to keep some money in your pocket while helping a relative or friend who is frequently borrowing or asking others, give them a weekly job to do. To date, professionals can charge from $50 plus for weeding, trimming, and lawn care a month. They also will charge an additional fee for fertilizing. Think of the money you will save when you get someone you know to do it. However, you may acquire a headache if your relative or friend is unreliable.

The outside of the home is the first thing that anyone sees when driving by and therefore it must be well-maintained. Besides, it is a reflection of you and your family. Also, keep in mind that city officials may visit your home with a warning and possibly a citation if you fail to keep up the property.

Nicholl McGuire

Check the Plumbing!

Most people are so impressed with the basic appearance of an apartment before moving in that they fail to check the plumbing. They don't bother to let the hot water run. They don't bend down and open the cabinets to check for water leaks and they won't take a look at the kind of water heater that is in the unit. Unfortunately, some landlords are hoping that the potential resident doesn't check for these things. Sometimes they prefer to wait until money is in hand before they make any necessary repairs. If the landlord does make some improvements, it may be just enough to band-aid the problem, so that he or she can save money. When this happens, a resident finds out real soon that all that glitters isn't gold and before long he or she is disheartened about the unit.

Save yourself a headache or two and find out what the trouble spots are before signing a lease and if you have already done so, be sure that you note your findings, take photos, and mark the day and time you talked to your landlord about the problems in your unit. Review your lease contract to find out what repairs your landlord is responsible for. If you don't see any improvement after repeated requests, seek legal representation, your city office and/or health department.

Nicholl McGuire