To live or not to live with a roommate… that is the real question! There are several factors you should consider when deciding if sharing your home is the right choice for you. Read through these pros and cons to see what the best situation is for you!

SHARING THE COST OF RENT

 

Pro: Split rent in half

An awesome thing about having a roommate is there are two wallets responsible for expenses, saving you both money. Each month when rent is due, both of you will only pay half of the amount you would typically pay. This can be a great option if the rent at some apartments is a little over your desired budget.

Con: If they can't pay, you do

A downside of splitting rent is you rely on your roommate to pay their half. If they can't pay their amount, you are responsible to pay it in order to avoid a late fee or other situation. It is always a good idea to evaluate your potential roommates' financial situation and choices before inviting them into this partnership. Do they often quit jobs or get fired frequently? Do they have a history of missing rent payments? These are red flags you may want to avoid!

HAVING COMPANY OVER

Pro: Social butterflies will thrive

Do you enjoy meeting new people and socializing? Having a roommate could make your social life soar because you will most likely be introduced to their friends at some point. This can make for some super fun nights in where you all enjoy playing games together, watching movies, having dinner, or even just sitting around and talking.

Con: Their friends might not be your friends

Sharing an apartment with a roommate also means sharing the space with the people that they invite over like their friends, family, or significant other. This can be uncomfortable for some people, especially if you tend to be more introverted or do not particularly enjoy the people your roommate brings over. Talk about expectations for guests in advance with your roommate to avoid an uncomfortable situation.

CLEANING THE APARTMENT

Pro: Two sets of hands are better than one

Spending a day deep cleaning your apartment can be overwhelming, exhausting, and often a burden! Luckily if you have a roommate, there are two extra hands helping you scrub down every surface. Devoting a couple hours every week to "buddy-clean" your apartment with your roommate can be a super effective way to keep your space spick and span. Check out our guide to tackling a successful spring clean!

Con: One set of hands might refuse to clean

One risk you face when having a roommate is that they contribute heavily to making the apartment messy, but seem to disappear when any sort of cleaning takes place. This can lead to conflict and frustration. To avoid this, set a roommate agreement right when you move in that keeps both of you accountable and aware of the cleaning expectations. Another way to stay on track is to make a chore chart to assign jobs to each roommate. This way everyone knows what they are and aren't responsible for!

YOU ALWAYS HAVE SOMEONE THERE

 

Pro: You've gained a best friend

Moving into an apartment with someone forces you to get to know each other! After a long day of work, your roommate will be home waiting to hear all about a cranky customer or the latest office drama. You will begin to share experiences together and will start making countless memories. Before you know it, you and your roommate will be sitting on the couch together binge watching your favorite shows!

Con: Living with your enemy is tough

Unfortunately, not everyone becomes best friends with their roommate. Once you begin living with someone, you may notice things about them you did not see prior to moving in. There might be regular conflict between you two which can make living with them quite unpleasant. Your home should be your sanctuary, where you find rest during the day. It is never a bad idea to get to know someone before asking them to be your roommate. Although this process can feel like a waste of time, it will save you a world of hurt and frustration in the long run.

FURNISHINGS ARE EXPENSIVE

Pro: What's yours is mine

A big thing to keep in mind when moving into an apartment is you will be responsible for furnishing it! This can be super costly, especially to individuals moving into an apartment for the first time. Thankfully, a roommate can help ease this financial burden by splitting the cost of furniture.

Con: Splitting up is hard

One thing to keep in mind when splitting the cost of furnishings is someone is going to have to keep the items after your lease it up. You can try to do your best to separate everything into two groups that seem to be about the same monetary value. For example, your roommate could take the couch and you could take the dining room table and chairs! Whatever you guys decide to do, just make sure you develop a plan together beforehand that details who will keep what furniture and if compensation will be needed for any items. This will prevent any conflict from breaking out.

A HELPING HAND AT YOUR SIDE

Pro: Roommate and right hand man

Your roommate can be a great resource for you if you sometimes need a little extra help! Do you ever wish you could go out for lunch during work instead of running back to your apartment to let out your dog? See if your roommate would be willing to bring your furry friend outside. Occasionally asking for a favor, as well as doing favors for your roommate, can be a fantastic way to care for each other and brighten one another’s days.

Con: When one favor turns into ten

Although it can feel nice to help your roommate every once in a while, being asked for favors constantly can get annoying. There is a fine line between helping your roommate and being your roommate’s personal assistant. If you end up feeling a little too relied upon, don't be afraid to politely express your concerns to your roommate.

Having a roommate can be very exciting but also isn't for everyone. It is important to consider the six topics above to discover the right decision for you!
 

The post Roommate Pros & Cons appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.

Looking for the right apartment can be stressful, overwhelming and sometimes, frustrating. There are so many details to keep track of. From contact information to important details such as deposit and rent amount, pet policies, and other lease information. All the while, you're trying to plan a move! Let us help you control the chaos.

We created a printable worksheet to help you keep the information organized in one spot. Save the 1,531 sticky notes. Delete the screenshots of apartments you aren't even interested in anymore. This worksheet will help throughout your apartment hunt.

HOW TO USE THE APARTMENT HUNTING WORKSHEET:

Use this worksheet to track the apartments you are considering.

• Fill out contact information for the apartment office for easy contact down the road for more questions, scheduling a showing, or finally setting a move-in date.

• Consider highlighting the features that are non-negotiable. What things MUST you have in your next apartment home?

• Check off or write down the important details as you go on showings or reach out for more information.

• Make sure to use the "other" section for things that are important to you that aren't already on the list.

Using this worksheet will not only keep the stress down, you'll be able to make a better decision about your next home, and you'll be able to make it faster.

DOWNLOAD YOUR APARTMENT HUNTING WORKSHEET.

More Reading:

• 5 Things You Should Know Before Renting an Apartment
• 5 Questions to Ask Before Signing a Lease

The post Apartment Hunting Worksheet appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.

You've been apartment hunting for awhile now. You've finally found a few you want to visit in person so you have schedule appointments to take a look. Are you prepared? Knowing what to expect before you arrive can help make the most out of your showing.

Here are a few things you can do to prepare for your apartment showings.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AHEAD OF TIME?

Start an Apartment Hunting Worksheet – How many apartments have you been looking at? Do you remember off the top of your head how much rent and the deposit is? Do you remember which has a garage and which has reserved parking? Does one include heat, but not another?

Use our downloadable worksheet to keep the apartments you are looking at organized. Review your list before the showing so you have the details fresh in mind. Highlight features you must have and the amenities that would be nice to have. Make notes during your showing to keep your thoughts organized. You'll thank yourself later when reviewing the information.

Prepare a list of questions – Maybe the apartment listing didn't mention details about utilities or maybe you have specific needs regarding your lease terms. Apartment showings can go by fast, and you'll be focused on looking at the apartment rather than the details. Make sure to make a list of questions before you arrive to ensure you get the answers you're looking for and you don't forget important details.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Valid Photo Identification – Apartment offices will want to get a copy of your photo ID before taking you to out of the office to view an apartment. They're making sure if anything happens, someone knows who they were with. Don't take it personally; this is for their safety.

Required Application Information – Do you think you will sign a lease after you look at the apartment? If there is any possibility you will apply for the apartment, tyou should bring certain documents with you to make the application process go as quickly and smoothly as possible.

1. You already have your photo ID, right? Good – You'll need it.

2. The addresses and phone numbers of previous rental agencies/landlords. You'll be asked for rental verification so you'll need to provide the contact information for any rental references for the past few years. If you lived in a private residence prior such as a dorm or a family member's home, that's ok!

3. Pay stubs- For the income verification portion of your application, you'll need to provide your last two consecutive pay stub from your current employer(s).

Bank Account Information– If you think you may put in an application for the apartment, bring a checkbook, bank account information, and a credit or debit card. If you wish to put down a deposit or set up online banking, you should be prepared with all required and helpful information.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Now that you have what you need in order, check out our list of things you should know before moving in to help you make the big decision when selecting your next home.

The post How to prepare for an Apartment Showing appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.

With the help of our apartment hunting worksheet, you’ve started searching for a new apartment and you have started visiting communities to learn more. You are excited to see the apartment and possibly sign a lease. Before you make your final decision, make sure to ask these important questions about the lease first, and then understand the ins and outs of the community you want to live in.

Here is a list of things you have to know before you decided on your next home:

1. WHERE CAN YOU PARK YOUR VEHICLE(S)?

How many vehicles do you and potential roommates have? Do you have a garage? Is there a parking lot? Is the parking lot reserved or open parking? How many spots do you get? Do you have things other than a vehicle you need to park or store such as a trailer, boat, or recreational vehicle? Can you park on the street? If you’re parking on the street, do you know if there are days that street parking isn’t allowed? Parking can be a stressful situation if you aren’t prepared or know what to expect. Weigh out your options and your needs and make sure any roommates you may live with agree before you sign a lease.

2. HOW DO YOU CONTACT MAINTENANCE?

Whether a doorknob breaks or your heat stops working in the dead of winter, how do you contact maintenance? Is there emergency maintenance available after hours or on weekends/holidays? Do you call, email, or submit a request online? Knowing what to do ahead of time can alleviate stress that can arise when something in your home needs a repair.

3. WHEN IS RENT DUE, AND HOW DO YOU PAY IT?

What day of the month is rent due? Are you required to pay with a check or money order? Do you drop off rent in an office, a drop box, or through the mail? Can you pay online? Knowing what your rent paying options are ahead of time can prevent unintentional and unexpected late fees or misunderstandings.

4. HOW WILL YOU COMMUNICATE WITH STAFF AND HOW WILL THEY COMMUNICATE WITH YOU?

If you have a concern with a neighbor or have a question about your lease, who will you contact and how? Can you send an email? Do they prefer a phone call? When they need to contact you about inspections, renewing your lease, community events, and other information, how will they reach out to do you? Make sure they have all of the required information and any other relevant contacts such as your work phone number or an emergency contact just in case.

5. WHAT ARE THE COMMUNITY RULES AND POLICIES?

Are there quiet hours you need to respect? Are visitors required to have a parking pass? Are pets allowed to live there? Make sure you are aware of any rules, policies, or expectations that will affect you throughout your time living in your new apartment. Understanding the culture of your community can prevent unhappy neighbors, unexpected fines, and lease violations.

Once you know where you can park, how to pay rent, how to contact the office and maintenance, and what rules the community has, you are one step closer to moving into a new apartment! Make sure you ask specific questions about your lease and have done a thorough walk-in inspection before signing a lease.

Check out this Porch.com article for tips on Renters' Security.

For additional tips on preparing for an apartment showing, check out our blog article on How to Prepare for an Apartment Showing!

The post 5 Things you should know before renting an apartment appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.

You’ve found the right apartment and are excited to move in. Wait! Have you read the lease and do you understand it?

Everyone tells you to read the lease, but it’s long, not the most interesting read, and sometimes difficult to understand. However, it IS a legal document that binds you to certain obligations. You should understand what you are signing.

These are some of the important questions you need to ask.

1. WHEN IS THE RENT DUE? ARE THERE LATE FEES?

It is vital to understand when the rent must be paid, as you could be assessed late fees. Find out how much late fees are in the rare case you pay late.

2. WHAT ARE THE NOTICE REQUIREMENTS?

You love your apartment now, but you may relocate or decide to upgrade at the end of your lease. Determine what type of notice is accepted. Many companies require it to be provided in writing. It is also important to understand the time frame required. Do they ask for 60 days? Or two full months? There is a difference, and knowing those details up front will help you prepare and avoid any penalties.

3. WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BREAKING MY LEASE?

Life presents many changes – job transfers, roommates move out, even the loss of employment. You may be required or desire to move to a new home before your lease ends. Know what steps you need to take and if there are any penalties to breaking your lease agreement. Ask about fees, re-renting your home, and how the process will work.

4. WHAT IS THE PET POLICY?

If you have or plan to have a pet, it is important to know what type of pets are allowed and any fees associated with them. You also want to be aware of your community’s position on the number of pets and any other restrictions. Inquire about your property’s policy on visitors’ pets as well. Click here to see Goldmark's pet policy!

5. WHERE ARE MY INCENTIVES OR SPECIAL TERMS DOCUMENTED?

Make sure any incentives or special terms you have discussed are put in writing. You may have discussed new carpeting or a rental incentive with the leasing specialist, but when you come in to sign the lease or move in, you may be dealing with a different person who is unaware of your prior discussion.

Once you have answered these questions, you can sign the lease for your new apartment knowing you have a more thorough understanding of the lease and your responsibilities. Remember, your leasing specialist is a great resource for you. They can assist you with any questions during the leasing process and with your new home.

The post 5 Questions to Ask Before Signing the Lease appeared first on Goldmark Property Management Blog.