Category: Apartment Rentals

What First-Time Renters Should Look for in an Apartment  

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As a first-time renter, you may be feeling overwhelmed with all of the different apartment options out there. How do you know which apartment is right for you? There are a few key things that you should look for in an apartment that will help make your decision easier. Keep reading to learn more about what first-time renters should look for in an apartment.  

 

Location is Key  

When selecting an apartment as a first-time renter, it’s important to take into consideration the location of the space and how it works for you. No matter how great the unit looks on paper, if it isn’t in a desirable area, then it might not be the right option. When analyzing an apartment, look for one that is close to public transportation and your workplace so you can save both time and money when commuting. Additionally, consider if there are other amenities nearby—like grocery stores or parks—that will make your life easier now and later down the road. An ideal location should check off all these boxes and provide convenience both now and in the future.  

 

Pick the Right Size 

Size is an important factor when renting an apartment. If your apartment is too small, you may find that you don’t have enough room to store all of your possessions and that your living space feels cramped and crowded. On the other hand, if your apartment is too large, you may be spending more money than necessary to rent a more spacious unit, as well as incurring additional costs in terms of extra cleaning needs and heating/cooling expenses. The right size of apartment for each individual varies depending on personal needs and circumstances, so first-time renters need to consider all their options before choosing one. Make sure to measure out the estimated space within the rental unit both visually and by taking proper measurements—this will help ensure that the size of the rental brings optimal comfort to its inhabitants.  

 

Read Reviews  

In the search for an apartment, reviews can be your best friend. Before signing a lease, take the time to both read reviews of the apartment complex and speak with current tenants. Doing so will give you an honest glimpse into what life in the apartment is really like. Armed with accurate information and knowledge of potential problems, you can make an informed decision that caters to your individual needs and preferences. Taking a few extra steps will likely save you some headaches down the road.  

 

Know Your Budget  

For first-time renters, budgeting is key when looking for an apartment. It is important to know how much you can afford before committing to a lease. Otherwise, you might find yourself overspending on rent and struggling to cover other necessities. To best protect your financial well-being, be sure that the monthly rent falls below your limit and doesn’t exceed more than one-third of your total income. By being mindful of how much rent you’re paying upfront, you can make wise decisions that benefit your long-term goals. With just a little bit of thought and research, you can get the perfect place while sticking to a reasonable budget.  

 

Ask Questions  

When searching for an apartment, make sure to ask questions about anything you may be unsure of. This can include things like pet policies, noise ordinances, or building amenities. From the quality of appliances and more, ensuring that you have all the answers necessary to make an informed decision is essential in making sure you’re getting the best out of your rental experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; a good landlord or leasing agent will appreciate your efforts and recognize that being thorough means taking the time for any additional information you may need. After all, signing a lease is a big investment—so make sure it pays off! 

 

For the best property management experience in Middle Tennessee, look no further than MMC. With a wide range of services including an in-house maintenance team, thorough resident screening, and access to licensed real estate agents, MMC can help you grow your business while freeing you up to pursue your passions. Call today! 

What You Need to Know About Pet Policies at Apartment Complexes

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If you and your furry friend are on the prowl for a new home, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. Pet policies may seem more like suggestions than true rules, but they are generally created to keep all residents, and their pets, happy and safe in their community. Each complex will have its own unique policies, but here are a few key points to keep in mind when selecting your new home. 

Pet Fees

While your pet might be extremely well-behaved in your current home, this could change even temporarily when you relocate. Animals become accustomed to their surroundings, and they can become stressed when things change. They may start to act out by chewing furniture, scratching at the doors, or having accidents on the carpet. While these are out of character for your pet and may not last forever, you will want to ensure you have paid the pet fees and damage deposits required by your leasing office. It is never acceptable to own a pet without letting your leasing office know, and this could end up costing you extremely large fees should damages occur without you being covered under pet fees and damage deposits. 

Leash Requirements

Most states require all pets to be on a leash when outdoors in common areas like sidewalks and parks. This is for your own pet’s safety, as it ensures that potentially aggressive animals will also be on leashes and kept at length from your own. It also prevents owners from allowing their animals to wander the community, even if it is gated. This can be especially problematic when animals are not fixed. Be sure your residence or neighborhood community also has these leash requirements in place – and that they are enforced. 

On-Site Pet Park

One amenity that may be important for you is an on-site pet park. If you have a large or high-energy dog, this can be a great place for your pet to run and play with friends. However, just as with the leash requirements, you may be subject to certain rules when using the pet park as well. These can include your pet being up-to-date on all current shots and vaccinations, being spayed or neutered, and having proper hygiene. 

Remote Access

One thing you may not always consider is how your pet can be let out for a walk if you are not home. In a rental, you are generally not allowed to make copies of your keys and provide these to friends or hired pet care professionals. If you know you will frequently need to let others into your home, consider a residence that offers remote or keyless entry through a keypad or smartphone app. By using technology like this, you can create one-time or unique key codes that will allow entry while also keeping the property secure for future residents. 

What Do Renters Look for in 2020?

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Due to the current rate of population growth, challenges that come with homeownership, and many people’s preference for renting, the demand for apartment living has a stronghold in 2020. In order to meet these growing demands, property managers and owners need to pay attention to their residents’ preferences to stay ahead of the new competition and to bring in additional residents to their communities.

Affordability

Did you know that affordability is still considered the biggest concern for most renters? The number one reason renters plan to move to different communities is because they are seeking lower rent. Depending on the location, a greater emphasis on affordability over amenities could pay off in the coming year. 

Convenient In-Unit Amenities

Renters are always eager to lean towards an apartment complex that features amenities that match their requests. Apartments with features that allow greater convenience for a day-to-day living tend to rank higher than those that don’t. Some of these features are:

  • Garbage Disposals
  • Washers & Dryers
  • Microwaves

These features are sometimes must-haves and renters will not sign on without them. Installing these popular features in all your units may increase the number of interested residents. Some additional smaller wishlist items from renters would be in-wall USB ports, smart thermostats, and TV wall mounts. If you install these additional features on behalf of those renting from you, you will ensure that they are installed correctly and not risk the injury of residents if they were to self-install.

Connectivity

In today’s day and age, we are more and more reliant on the internet and the ability to connect anywhere. It should come as no shock that renters are looking to live in communities that can easily access the web through multiple devices. Two of the biggest community amenities that residents express interest in are reliable cell phone reception and high-speed internet connections. Due to the increase in working remotely, internet access is a high priority for those who are working from their homes. 

If you need a professional property management company to attract more residents to your community, look no further than MMC Properties.

Interior Design Tips for Apartments

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Once you’ve moved into your MMC apartment and community, you now have to decorate your new home. For some, this can be an exciting time full of planning and ideas! For others, it can be a bit daunting. No matter if you enjoy or dread interior design, these tips will help you create a timeless appearance for your apartment.

Vintage is Always In

Adding a bit of classic furniture, décor or pictures and artwork to any room will give it a vintage and timeless feeling. To capture that vintage feeling along with your personal style, ask family members for old pieces of classic furniture, old pieces of artwork passed down from previous generations, and for other pieces of décor from your family. These accents of bold colors will brighten your room and create a welcoming feeling.

Another tactic is to search around at flea markets for beautiful furniture and artwork. Make sure it is top condition! You don’t want to make a purchase only to find out that it is worth far less and in terrible condition.

Embrace Neutrals

The majority of modern apartments are created with neutral features so that each tenant can add their own spin on the space without the “bones” of the place getting in the way. Using a neutral color palette as the base of your apartment doesn’t mean it has to be boring. You can add bursts of color through artwork, pillows, furniture, or even an accent wall made of removable wallpaper or another renter-friendly tactic.

Be Yourself

The most popular interior design trend will be whatever makes you comfortable and happy. Whether you enjoy a specific color palette, a type of pillow, or want to cover your apartment in beautiful pictures of your family and your children’s artwork, the choice is up to you.

No matter what interior design style you choose for your MMC apartment, be sure that you are comfortable living with that style in your home.

Ready to move into a brand new apartment? Check out one of our many communities today!

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Why Renters Need Insurance

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If you are planning to move out on your own for the first time or maybe you are renting a room, chances are you’re going to need to invest in renter’s insurance. Only a staggering 41% of renters actually have renter’s insurance. Some building managers require tenants to get renters insurance, but many don’t. Just because no one is requiring you to buy it doesn’t mean you should write it off.

What Does Renter’s Insurance Cover?

Renter’s insurance will generally offer two or more types of coverage: personal property protection, liability protection, increased living expenses and guest medical protection. Personal property will protect your belongings in case there is a covered loss, and liability protection can help protect you financially if someone is injured in your home and they file a lawsuit. In the case of increased living expenses, this policy helps cover the cost of staying someplace else after a covered loss renders your home uninhabitable. Guest medical protection is a coverage option that can help pay for medical expenses for someone who was injured at your home.  

What Doesn’t It Cover?

We’ve gone over what renter’s insurance covers, but what doesn’t it cover? The answer could vary based on different circumstances, but we will stick to the basics. Typically, renter’s insurance will not cover damage done by flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, sinkholes, pests, or terrorism. When taking inventory of your personal items, it is important to check with your policy to see if a higher-ticket item will be covered in the event of a loss. If not, you may want to raise your coverage limits. Another important note to keep in mind is that if you have roommates, they will not be covered by your policy unless they are directly added onto the policy.

What If I Don’t Own Much?

In the end, you may think that your belongings aren’t worth much, but when it comes down to replacing the electronics, clothing, furniture, and even appliances, the price tag will grow very quickly. If you had a small house fire, this could still lead to thousands of dollars in repairs and replacement if it is needed. As we mentioned earlier, renter’s insurance is there to help protect you in case of the unexpected. You may believe disaster could never strike, but truly you cannot know. 

How Much Does Renter’s Insurance Cost?

As with most things, the insurance rate depends on a few factors and may be different based on those circumstances. These circumstances can be based on where you live, the type of policy you are looking to buy, and the value of the property you are insuring. In general, a basic renter’s insurance policy can cost between $10 and $20 a month, or $120 to $240 a year.

4 Signs You Need a Better Apartment Kitchen

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Your kitchen is where you will spend a lot of time in your apartment. Whether it is sectioned off or open-concept, your kitchen is likely close to your front door and is one of the first things people see when they enter your apartment. Regardless of whether you love to cook, you need a kitchen that is highly functional for apartment living. Here are 4 signs your kitchen is not good enough, and that you should consider searching for a new apartment.

Your light fixtures involve a fluorescent tube. If changing a lightbulb in your current kitchens involves removing a large rectangular fixture cover, it’s time for a change. A kitchen with track lighting or pendant lighting will modernize the space. And not only will it look more attractive, it will help you to see better when you cook, too. No one wants dim, poor lighting when they’re chopping vegetables with a sharp knife!

Your pantry is small or nonexistent. In some complexes, laundry hook-ups are found in the kitchen. It is great to have in-unit laundry, but this layout sacrifices much-needed storage space for dry goods, pots, and small appliances. More modern or luxury apartments feature plenty of pantry space for you to store the items you need.

Your kitchen has old vinyl floors and outdated cabinets. Old vinyl tiles can have a green/yellow hue that darkens a kitchen space rather than brightens it up. Other times, the cabinetry is simply too similar a shade of brown as the flooring. These days, modern apartments are built with a sharper eye towards design. A faux wood luxury vinyl floor in the kitchen, for example, with grey or white cabinets. This contrast in color creates a more open, airy look in a space that is likely smaller than a single-family home’s kitchen.

You don’t have a dishwasher. This one is a no-brainer. Anyone who has had to hand wash dishes day in and day out knows how tiring it can be. A dishwasher may seem like a luxury, but you can find them in most modern apartments. This is one that should be a “must have” on your list when you go apartment hunting!

If you’re looking for a new apartment after reading this article, we can help! MMC manages a number of great properties across Middle TN, including in Murfreesboro and Nashville. Check them out here!

Moving? Use these 6 Simple Moving Tips

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If you’re about to move into your new apartment, you are most likely stressing about the packing process. For some, packing and unpacking can be a very frustrating event and they absolutely dread moving for this reason. Instead of worrying about your valuables and items, use these 6 simple moving tips to securely pack your belongings and get your old and new apartment ready for the moving process.

1) Wrap all of your delicate belongings such as dishware, glass, and more in clothing instead of bubble wrap.

With the amount of delicate items you may need to pack, the amount of bubble wrap needed can be quite costly. Instead, save space and money by wrapping these items in t-shirts, pajama pants and other soft clothing items. Not only will you save your paycheck, but you’ll also pack two items at once.

2) Label your boxes with the items inside AND the room they belong in.

Instead of having to sift through all of your boxes to figure out what is inside and where it belongs, label this information ahead of time. This will save you time and frustration in the long run.

3) Pack your plates vertically to avoid damage or breaking.

Similar to packing your records, place your plates in a box vertically. This limits the chance of them breaking, and having to purchase an entirely new set of dinner plates upon moving in. Remember to wrap them in clothing to decrease the chances of damage even more!

4) Place small items or parts to hardware, furniture or technology in sandwich bags and properly label them.

Think about how many nuts and bolts are used in your cabinet, or to hang your flat screen TV on the wall! Imagine throwing all of those parts into an unorganized box and having to figure it out upon moving in. Be sure to put these tiny parts in a labeled sandwich bag and pack it near to the piece of furniture or hardware it belongs to.

5) Snap a picture of the wiring placement of electronics before packing or moving.

Your television, gaming console, DVD player, computer system and more use a lot of wires! Instead of trying to remember how to set up the wires in the proper place after moving in, simply take a picture with a camera or your smartphone and then set it up correctly the first time when you move in.

6) Donate.

One of the best ways to reduce the amount of belongings you need to pack and move is to donate any gently used, unwanted items to a local charity, donation center, or other organization such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army. The most commonly donated items include:

  • Clothing
  • Toys
  • Furniture
  • Dishware
  • Books

With these 6 simple tips, you’re ready to pack up and move into your brand new custom-built home! It’s an exciting time, so enjoy it and limit your stress about packing.

If you are thinking of moving and want a nice, professionally managed apartment in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, LaVergne or Nashville, MMC invites you to browse our communities! We hope you can find your new home with us.

What Boomers Want: 3 Ways to Attract the 30%

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Baby boomers are becoming 30 percent of apartment renters, selling their large homes after they become empty nesters. U.S. Census Data gathered by RENTCafe revealed that from 2007 to 2017, there was a 43 percent jump in the number of renters who were over age 60 living in cities with at least 100,000 residents.  Within the next decade, it is predicted that Baby Boomers will make up more than 30 percent of the rental market. What’s great about this statistic for multifamily properties is that Boomers tend to be financially stable and interested in stability. If they choose to rent with you, then it is likely they plan to stay awhile. Here’s what to keep in mind to attract this demographic:

  1. Amenities. Amenities. Amenities. (And a quick, dependable maintenance crew.) In 2018, Forbes writer Susan Tjarksen reported, “Baby boomer renters want a unit maintained for them while they travel: they want their pets watched, they want their plants watered, they want their groceries delivered. So, buildings that provide these services will have an easier time attracting the boomer demographic.” Downsizing is often done for the sake of an easier lifestyle. If your renters see that they can have a beautiful green yard without having to mow or weed it themselves, if they know that should they have a plumbing issue it will be repaired within a reasonable time frame, they’ll be happy calling your apartment complex home. This is why luxury apartments, such as the beautiful and conveniently located Vintage Burkitt Station in South Nashville, are so attractive to older renters.
  2. Community-building gathering spaces. Many boomers are only working part-time, which means they’re looking to fill their schedules with intentional socializing and even on-site programming. That means you want to invest in outdoor patios and grills, furniture that invites socializing in corners, and even regular clubs and lessons on your property. Consider coordinating with area businesses for cooking demos, wine tastings, or Bridge and Bunco nights. And don’t neglect the opportunity for sidewalks or a fitness center. You’d be surprised how well it can double as both a standing appointment and a social hour. “Health-oriented communities are huge, especially for the older and younger groups of renters,” writes Multifamily Executive’s Lindsay Machack. “The fitness center is always the No. 1 amenity.”
  3. Living space with square footage. Some Boomers will have a hard time parting with furniture and keepsakes, which means they may not be willing to adjust to as small of a space as, say, their millennial counterparts. This may make an open concept living space most desirable. You also want to try to offer storage by way of closets, a laundry space, or a garage.

Property Management for Luxury Apartments in Middle Tennessee

MMC Properties, Inc. has years of experience providing top-notch property management for both standard and luxury apartments. To see the difference working with a professional, local property management company can make, please get in touch with us to talk at (615) 849-9006!

Making Your Apartment Pet-Friendly

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Have you brought a furry friend home? If so, you need to make sure that you and your apartment are ready to accommodate a pet. From cleaning to preventing damage to ensuring that they don’t get ahold of your personal items, you must ensure that your apartment is fully ready for your new pet.

Make Sure You’re Within Apartment Regulations

This is your first step. You may balk at your apartment’s pet fee and believe you can get away with not telling management you’ve adopted a pet. You would be wrong. For both your safety and the animal’s, you must be upfront with your apartment management and go through the proper channels. If you are found out, your lease could be voided and you would be forced to vacate your apartment. Not to mention the dangers of maintenance workers entering your apartment while you’re away, potentially letting your pet (which they are not expecting to encounter) escape. After you have your pet deposit and any other paperwork in order, here are some steps you may want to take to make your apartment more friendly for your pet.

Invest In a Great Vacuum

If you’ve added a dog or a cat to your family, it’s time to invest in a strong vacuum. Your new cat or dog WILL shed and cause hair and fur balls to accumulate around your home. Depending on the color of your pet’s hair, it may or may not show up in your carpet and on your floor and clothes. Even if your apartment is small, a good vacuum is a great investment. Hair and fur might be even more visible in smaller spaces.

Take Measures to Prevent Damage

From tracking mud and dirt onto the carpet to scratching the paint on doors and walls, pets can cause a lot of damage in a rented space. That’s why apartments ask for a pet deposit. If your pet caused no damage, you get it back. Who doesn’t want their money back? In addition, you don’t want your apartment to have to actually use the pet deposit since the repairs will take up time they could get another resident into the unit. It’s respectful to them to take the proper measures. This can include spraying furniture with anti-chew spray for dogs, putting double-sided tape on furniture, walls, and doors so cats won’t scratch, keeping your window blinds up during the day, and perhaps even keeping pets out of areas with carpet or putting a rug over the carpet so it’s not ruined in an accident. Rugs are easier to clean than carpet is.

Reorganize Your Space

Do you have a lot of items, electronics, or clothing situated towards the ground? If so, it’s time to reorganize your apartment and put those items higher up on shelves. Your new pet could snatch up your clothes and items thinking they are brand new toys! It’s especially important to make sure all valuable items are kept out of reach!

Purchase Clean Toys and Treats

Some pet toys and treats are known for ripping to shreds, leaving crumbs or even resulting in giant messes. Instead of purchasing these toys, look for toys that will not leave a mess or a trail behind after your dog or cat plays!

Is your current apartment too small or not right for you and your pet? Check out the many communities MMC has to offer in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, LaVergne and Nashville.

Using Technology to Protect Your Apartment

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If you rent an apartment, even if you have renter’s insurance, you can still take steps to protect your possessions. Technology is constantly changing and improving, and (as long as it is permitted by your complex) there are now some rather impressive and very effective systems available to protect your apartment and its contents. 

Smart Doorbells

This is not your average doorbell. A smart system features a camera that can show you who is outside your door – even if you are not home. Many smart doorbells also allow the resident to speak to doorbell-users via intercom. Since thieves will often knock or ring doorbells to check if an apartment is occupied, being able to see and speak to any visitor, threatening or not, is an attractive security advantage. If you are able to respond to the potential thief, making them think you are home, they may well leave your apartment alone.

Smart Locks

In our modern age, no one should be leaving a spare key under a doormat or plant – especially at an apartment complex where anyone could be watching. These common hiding spots are the first place a burglar will look, and unless you check the spot every day your key could be stolen, copied, and returned without you ever knowing. A smart lock system gives you the ability to lock and unlock your exterior doors from anywhere at any time. Many systems allow you to check the status of your locks remotely, and some will alert you to any attempt to tamper with the lock. You can also create codes for people you need to let into your home. It is important to note that your smart lock system will need strong encryption and two-factor authentication (such as a passcode and a fingerprint) in order to be safe from hackers. As with any alteration to your rental, make sure you check with your apartment management team to ensure smart locks are allowed, and to notify them in case the maintenance team needs into your unit.

Video Monitor Systems

Similar to smart doorbells, a video monitoring system allows you to check up on your apartment even when you’re far away. However, these systems take the surveillance a step further since they can monitor any areas of your home that you wish – your only limitation is where you can set up a camera! If you want to install cameras that give you views out of multiple windows, you can do so, and you’ll be safer for it. Some video monitoring systems even allow users to set up virtual boundaries and the system will alert you if the boundary is breached. Again, it is important to notify your complex that you have set up these safety measures.

Full-Service Security Companies

There are many companies, large and small, that offer full-service security systems. These companies will often install the system for you and take care of most of the monitoring themselves. If you don’t feel comfortable with the DIY approach to home security or are not able to access something like a smart doorbell camera from your cell phone, a full-service company may be a good option for you.

We hope you never need the safety measures that these technological devices afford, but it can give you great peace of mind to know they are there.