Category: Apartments

What Should You Do Before Moving Out of an Apartment  

Posted on by Cultivation Network Admin

Before you move out of your apartment, there are a few things you should do to ensure that the transition goes smoothly. From cleaning to turning in your keys, here is a checklist of what to do before moving out of your apartment: 

 

Deep Clean Your Apartment  

Making sure to get your full deposit back when you move out of an apartment can be a challenge. To make sure you can successfully receive it all, an important step is to give your apartment a deep clean before departure. Take time to scrub floors, wipe down surfaces, clean windows and curtains, and make any minor repairs that need to be done for the property to be returned in the same condition as it was received. This will ensure that everything looks great when the property owners come for the final inspection and show them that you’ve taken great care of their home.  

 

Sort Through Belongings  

Going through your belongings is a great way to refresh and declutter your life. Gather every item you own together in one place, then sit down and evaluate each item carefully. Ask yourself if you will use the item within the next 12 months or if it brings you joy. If not, decide whether to keep it, sell it, or donate it. Taking this mindful approach can help free up both mental and physical space in your life and bring a great sense of lightness and accomplishment.  

 

Pack Your Belongings in Advance  

Moving day can be an overwhelming and time-consuming experience, but with a little bit of preparation and organization, it doesn’t have to be. A great way to start is by setting aside some time to pack up your belongings in advance. Get a head start by organizing items you know you won’t need shortly like books, seasonal clothing, and decorations. Be sure that each box is securely taped shut and labeled with which room it will be going in at its new destination. Color coding boxes for each room or using stickers can help your movers navigate the move quickly and efficiently upon arrival. Using these tips can take the stress out of moving day and make your transition easier!  

 

Update Your Mailing Address  

Moving to a new location is an exciting time, but it’s important to ensure that your mail continues to be delivered without interruption. By taking the simple step of changing your address with the post office and updating your contact information, you can make sure that nothing gets lost on its way to you. You can quickly change your address using the United States Postal Service website, which just requires some basic information and a few clicks. Aside from being an essential piece of the moving process, updating contact information will also help strengthen security and protect you against any type of identity fraud.  

 

Notify Utility Companies  

Moving out of an apartment can be a stressful experience, and making sure all the necessary steps are taken can be a difficult task. One important part of moving is to make sure your utility companies, such as your power, water, or gas providers, are notified. By taking the time to alert these companies that you will be vacating the apartment, it ensures that payments are not sent for services you may no longer require. Connecting with your utility companies before you leave reduces confusion for both parties and puts you in good standing with those companies in preparation for any future services. 

 

Schedule Your Movers  

Moving is often a very overwhelming experience, so it can be helpful to take certain steps to make the process easier. Scheduling a time for movers to come and pick up your belongings is one important way of doing so. Having your things picked up at the same time in an organized fashion ensures that everything you need goes with you on your move. Moreover, planning allows you to compare prices among different companies and get the best value for your money. Taking these few simple steps will make the entire moving process smoother and less stressful.  

 

Moving out of your apartment can be a very overwhelming process, but the tips above will make it seem much more manageable. Taking the time to go through all your belongings, deep clean your apartment, change your address with the post office and update your contact information, and notify your utility companies will save you plenty of stress in the long run. Don’t forget to schedule a time for the movers to come and pick up your things so that everything is moved out on time!  

  

MMC Properties is a premier property management company in Middle Tennessee, serving the greater Nashville area of Smyrna, LaVergne, and Murfreesboro. To learn more about the services we offer, call (615) 849-9006 today. 

What You Need to Know About Pet Policies at Apartment Complexes

Posted on by Cultivation Network Admin

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. 

4 Tips for Halloween Decor Safety

Posted on by Cultivation Network Admin

As Halloween approaches, people everywhere are beginning to decorate their houses and front yards as haunted mansions and deserted graveyards. Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t join in on the fun! And while it is easy to go all out (because who doesn’t love spooky Halloween decorations?), it is important to consider potential safety threats that exist when using significant amounts of electricity to power your decorations. Consider these 5 safety tips as you decorate for this Halloween.

Do Not Exceed Electricity Limitations

It is important to be aware of how much electricity your decorations are using in total and ask your apartment management about the limitations of their circuit breaker. If you overload your unit’s electricity, you could cause a power outage across the complex or worse, a power surge that could permanently damage your apartment’s appliances.

Use LED Lights Whenever Possible

While other types of bulbs are not always inherently dangerous, LED light bulbs present the lowest risk of fires because they produce very little heat. Not only this, but LED lights draw power more efficiently than other bulbs and are far less likely to overload an outlet because of that. Furthermore, they are more suitable for outdoor use and last significantly longer than their counterparts. If you carve pumpkins and wish to display them in your apartment or out on your balcony, do NOT use real candles to light them up. Battery operated LED lights are an excellent and safe alternative, and some you can even program to turn on at a certain time of night! You can still have the best Halloween decor in the complex and stay safe.

Only Use Outdoor Decorations Outside

While this might seem obvious, you might be surprised to find that a particular decoration is not recommended for outdoor use. The reason behind this is that an electronic component of a decoration could become damaged by water or wildlife. In the worst-case scenario, this could cause an electrical fire. Before you use any electronic decoration outside, always check the warning labels. And of course, before placing that blow-up ghost on your apartment’s balcony, always ask your management team whether outdoor decorations are permitted!

“Child-Proof” Interior Decorations

If you have children, expect that they will try to play with any decoration you have on the inside of your home. Toddlers present a great risk of electrocution because of their tendency to chew on things. Do not leave electrical decorations in places that your child could reach them in order to prevent harm to them. This same principle goes for pets such as dogs or cats.

So as you plan for the upcoming holiday, consider these four tips to keep you and your loved ones safe during “Spooky Season.”

Apartment Trends For Renters in 2021

Posted on by Cultivation Network Admin

Due to the current rate of population growth, challenges that come with homeownership, and many people’s preference for renting, the demand for multifamily housing will still have a stronghold in 2021. In order to meet these growing demands, multifamily 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. 

Luxury Apartments Are the Future

All of these trends for apartments in 2021 can be found in luxury apartments, such as those that MMC Properties manages. Browse our site to see our luxury living options!

Interior Design Tips for Apartments

Posted on by Cultivation Network Admin

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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The Rise of Smart Apartments

Posted on by Cultivation Network Admin

When thinking about the future, what comes to your mind? Things in sci-fi media usually come to mind, like robots, holographic TVs or flying cars. If we take a look at the future ahead, it seems more likely to revolve around something precious — time. This is where Smart Apartments come into play. As we evolve, our living spaces should also evolve for the future. Our living spaces should allow us to save time and not just to store things. A space to let us connect to the world and not be isolated. We’ve begun moving into an era where internet connectivity is not an amenity but a utility. 

What Are Smart Apartments?

When you hear about “smart apartments,” thermostats and voice assistants typically come to mind, but smart apartments are filled with intelligence and connected from the inside-out. Smart apartments are defined by three key characteristics:
Smart Amenities: Devices like smart lights, smart locks, doorbell cameras, and integrated services like home cleaning or package delivery.
Connectivity: Buildings are wired from the inside-out to connect devices, building systems, residents, and management.
Community Management: Creating a better living experience for residents by incorporating services that save time, money, and hassle.
Overall, smart apartments have integrated smart amenities, community management, and automation systems into one connected complex. This new way of living is not limited to new constructions. Older buildings can be renovated with these new technological innovations as apartments evolve.

The Future of Smart Apartments

This is not just an “in the future” concept; the future is already here. We just have to pass the finish line. Smart apartments are already making their way into society with all the new builds happening around you. Research has shown that many residents of apartments would much rather have smart home amenities compared to the traditional amenities like a pool or spa. Investing in smart appliances and smart HVACs has proven to save property owners around the world millions of dollars a year. It’s known that we are expecting to face serious challenges ahead, from affordable housing shortages to the growing climate changes. Smart apartments can put a dent in both of these big issues. Smart apartments are more than just a voice assistant in the kitchen; they represent the fundamental shift in how we live our lives. 

Investing in Multifamily Real Estate

Posted on by Cultivation Network Admin

You’ve been investing in the real estate business for a while, but you want something that will be a challenge. Multifamily properties may very well provide that challenge you are seeking – with great potential for reward. Are you determined to take on the increased responsibility, liability, and capital reserves required to buy a multifamily property? In order to find out if this is truly what you’re aiming for, we’ve compiled a few reasons why this is a great investment and what you should expect. 

Know What You’re Getting Into

Here’s a starter question: Do you want to be a landlord for reasons other than the money? Your due diligence to taking on this type of property should include an attitude check to determine if you want to deal with the management. Headaches that come with a property usually are based on the quality of the neighborhood and the age of the property. These facts can be determined by the properties classification — either as A, B, C, or D class property (A being in the best condition) — and buy according to your financing and budget. There is often less inventory of multifamily properties than there is for single-family properties. This means you may have to sacrifice location or property condition to find one in your price range. In many cases, investors often fail to confirm property is legally zoned for its use and number of units. It’s also good practice to have a property lawyer set up your leases and an LLC to own the property.

Ask for Detailed Paperwork

Request income and expense statements for the current and previous years, current rent rolls, service contracts and all existing reports. Go over all of this paperwork you’ve obtained and make sure the historical information matches with your expectation of the current operations- if they don’t, make it a goal to find out why. Make yourself very familiar with the vacancy rate in the neighborhood and make sure to talk to the tenants directly to get honest feedback about the building’s condition and potential problems. Verify proof of rental payments, copies of leases and have security deposits transferred to you and meet all of the current occupants. 

Benefits of Investing in a Multifamily Property

  • Bigger Cash Flow – If a single-family property generates a single monthly income, why not invest in a multifamily property producing multiple forms of income? These investments represent an innovative opportunity to generate additional income from one investment. As an added note, some investors may have the opportunity to live in one unit and rent out the others for income.
  • More Control Over Value – The more income that a property receives, the higher the value is. The more units there are to be occupied, the more monthly payments received. 
  • Larger Pool of Tenants – Less risk is involved in investing in a multifamily property. Unlike single-family properties, where income is lost when the home is vacant, multifamily properties have numerous units and alleviate the total economic loss for investors.
  • Scalability –  Multifamily investments epitomize scalability. Rather than purchasing individual properties and slowly growing your business one by one, these investments present the opportunity to acquire multiple properties within one building. Maintaining this type of property also allows you to increase your portfolio. 

Looking into investing in a multifamily property like an apartment complex in the Middle Tennessee area? Does the complex need professional property management? MMC Properties is available to assist you! Contact us at (615) 849-9006 and browse our investor information today.

4 Signs You Need a Better Apartment Kitchen

Posted on by Cultivation Network Admin

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

Posted on by Cultivation Network Admin

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.

Making Your Apartment Pet-Friendly

Posted on by Cultivation Network Admin

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.