We believe that property management has more to do with the wonderful people that make their homes in our communities than the physical structures themselves. We strive to make every single apartment feel like a home, where our exceptional residents build memories, enjoy their lifestyles, and achieve their goals. We respect and value the trust that our residents place in us, and work hard to ensure that we exceed their expectations.

Buy Household Products Online: You won’t believe the savings!

Many people have turned to the internet to purchase clothing, shoes, cosmetics, electronics and so much more.  While not everyone is as comfortable purchasing items online, the people that do can appreciate the savings. 

You can save by purchasing through auction sites, like eBay®, or wholesale discounters which are available for just about any item from stationary and paper to shoes.  There are even sites dedicated  to providing online coupons, printable coupons, and coupon codes that are meant to be used at store websites.  The codes range from free shipping to a percentage off of your purchase total. 

Plenty of brand name sites offer coupons, discounts, or just lower prices since they don’t have as much overhead costs as stores.  These sites below are just a few places where you can go to save money on everyday items:
1800contacts.com – Who’d have thought that we’d ever be able to buy contacts online? Not only is it cheaper, this site even ships for free!

Vitacost.com - This company advertises a savings of up to 80% on over 6000 vitamins, diet supplements, and skin care products. Most of the products are in stock, and orders usually ship the same day.

Batteries.com - Batteries are such an expensive item to buy in stores. Use this site, and you’ll save money and time. They sell every type of battery under the sun, so it’s literally one-stop shopping.

CouponCabin.com – There are so many discounts to choose from on a variety of items!

PriceGrabber.com – Recommended by Kiplinger’s, this is a great site for comparing prices when it comes to household needs and more. Use it to confirm that you’re actually getting a good deal.

These are just five examples of the great savings you can find online. Whatever your shopping needs may be, I would suggest making the world wide web your first stop.

Choosing a Roommate

With the current economic situation, roommates are becoming more and more popular. Roommates are a great way of being able to live in a fantastic apartment community without breaking your budget. At Berger Rental Communities, we see more and more residents going from living solo to living with a roommate. Going from your parents house or your own place to a roommate situation can be very scary. We have seen all sorts of roommate situations here from childhood best friends to siblings to roommates who met over the Internet. We have seen all of these situations work out beautifully and we have seen all of these situations turn into friendship (and credit) ruining disasters. Carefully planning and choosing a roommate can improve your chances for a wonderful roommate situation.

When choosing a roommate, you will first want to determine if you would prefer to live with a friend or a stranger. Most people feel that the obvious answer is to live with a friend, however, consider all angles. Although living with a close friend can be a fantastic experience, if you have never lived with this person before, living with them could also break that great bond. Are you ready to potentially risk losing a friend if you are not good roommates together or have you been through enough with this friend to know that any roommate issues can be worked out? Remember that the little things that bother you now about your friend will only get worse if you live together and spend more time together. Is this friend someone who is a major part of your social circle? Will you feel obligated to spend all of your time together? Will you feel guilty doing something without your roommate?

 Some people choose to live with strangers because it can be easier to live separate, independent lives with living with strangers. If you intend to live with a stranger, be sure to ask a lot of questions to your potential new roommate and yourself. Some questions to consider are:

  • Are you a morning person or a night owl?
  • In your down time, do you like to party or relax?
  • What kind of music do you like? How often do you listen to music? At what hours? At what volume?
  • What type of television do you like to watch? How often do you watch television? At what hours? At what volume? Do you prefer to watch television in the common areas or in your bedroom?
  • What kinds of people do you hang out with?
  • How do you feel about visitors?
  • Are you in a serious relationship? Does your significant other spend a lot of time at your place, or, do you spend a lot of time at his/her place?
  • How do you feel about cleanliness? Are you a slob or a neat freak? How do you feel about living with someone who does not have the same habits?
  • What are your hobbies? Do your hobbies take place in your apartment?
  • Do you have any pets?
  • Do you smoke? Are you willing to live with someone who does?

At the minimum, you should expect the following from a roommate:

  • Neatness
  • Common courtesy and respect for personal space
  • Safe living habits
  • Timely payment of rent and utilities

There are plenty of resources online for searching for roommates. Craigslist.org and roommates.com have become a very popular site for people to find roommates. Remember that even though you might feel you found the perfect roommate online, be sure to meet him/her in person before you make any commitments. It is very important to listen to your instincts-Although you might be in a hurry to find a roommate, finding the right roommate is extremely important. If your instincts tell you something doesn’t feel right, it is not right.

Once you select your perfect roommate, it is essential that you and your roommate come up with a plan for the financial responsibility of the apartment. Make sure it is very clear (and documented in writing) exactly who will be paying what portion of the rent and utilities, when it will be paid, and how it will be paid. If you are signing a joint lease with a roommate, even if you pay your portion of the rent on time every month but your roommate does not pay his or her portion of the rent, both you and your roommate could be at risk for eviction and strikes against your credit report.

Roommates are a fantastic part of apartment living-if you plan, prepare, and make rational decisions, you will be on your way to a great experience.

Choosing a Bank in a New Location

After moving to a new location, you might find yourself needing to choose a new bank. Choosing a bank seems simple, however, there are many things to consider when picking a bank that meets your needs. Below is a list of things to consider when selecting your new bank:

 FDIC Insured: It is very important to ensure that the bank you choose is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. This insurance protects your deposits up to $100,000. There should be a sticker in the window of the bank or a note on the bank’s website indicating this.

Costs: While most banks charge competitive rates for accounts, it is important to look at the details of any charges you will pay for your account.

Fees: Look very closely at the fees associated with the services you will receive and the accounts you will have. A few typical fees to look for are:

  • ATM fees, for both your bank and other banks
  • Checking account fees if you do not maintain a minimum balance
  • Checking account fee waiver if you have a direct deposit from your employer
  • Online banking fees
  • Fees for savings accounts where you will not be able to maintain the minimum balance
  • Overdraft fees
  • Funds transfer fees

Friendliness and Customer Service: With increasing technology levels, visiting a bank can be rare, however, it is important that you have a good experience each time you visit your branch and when you call them on the phone. It might be worth choosing a bank that has higher fees if it means that your experience with the bank will be pleasant.

Location: Depending on how much banking you do at a branch, a convenient location may or may not be important. However, it will be important to ensure that your bank has ATM locations that are conveniently located.

Credit Union: Credit Unions are like traditional banks except that they usually do not have to pay stock dividends, which results in lower fees for the customers. If you do not need a large bank with a variety of options, a credit union might be a good choice. Keep in mind that some credit unions might not work well with online payments, so, if you pay your bills online, a credit union might not be the best option.

Do you want more than one bank?: Some people choose to hold different accounts with different banks. Due to the various needs with each account, this could be a great choice, however, it can be more difficult to keep track of your accounts and you might lose some convenience of one-stop banking if you choose to use several banks.

Recommendations: Word of mouth and referrals is the best way to learn about businesses. Ask a friend, neighbor, or your leasing staff if they can recommend a bank in the area.

Get out of Debt

Debt can take over your life with just a little bad luck, or some less-than-perfect spending decisions. Debt can limit you in many ways, including the option to rent an apartment. Even if your debt has not had a tremendous effect on your credit rating, a high debt to income ratio will certainly affect whether you will be approved for an apartment. Below are some steps to pulling yourself out of debt, and increasing your rental qualifications: 

Step 1: Stop using the Credit Card

While Credit Cards always seem appealing at first, they can turn into a burden quickly if they are not managed properly. When you were in need of emergency car repair, that credit card was great, but now, the $400 car repair is costing you $600 because of the interest rate. The monthly payments on the interest and balance is eating away at your bank account, limiting your money available for day-to-day expenses. When you are spending your paychecks on credit card payments, what do you turn to when you need money to live? That Credit Card. The only way to eliminate Credit Card debt is to eliminate using the Credit Card, and using just the money that you have in the bank, unless it is a true emergency. 

Step 2: Good Debt vs. Bad Debt

Yes, there is such a thing as Good Debt. While too much debt is always bad, some types of debt are almost necessary for most people to have in order to live their lives. Good debt allows you to get something for your money over time, when the interest rate is low and the funds you are not using will appreciate in value. Student loans and home mortgages fall into this category. Automobile loans are on the fence-while interest rates on automobile loans are low, automobiles do not appreciate in value. Other loans including personal loans and credit cards are considered bad debt. When eliminating debt, focus first on the bad debt. Of course, you will still need to make payments towards your good debt accounts, however, it is nice to know that those accounts were wise decisions. 

Step 3: Cut Out the Bad Debt

As painful as it might be, cut up every credit card except for the one that has the lowest interest rate. That credit card can be saved for true emergencies. Take out your most recent set of credit card bills, and highlight the minimum payment on each one. Vow to make that minimum on time every month, plus as much as you can afford to pay on top of the minimum payments. Next, start negotiating. Credit card companies do sometimes have the ability to reduce their interest rate. Credit card companies do want your money, so, they might consider reducing your rate if they can get your money sooner. 

Step 4: Make a Plan

Just making minimum payments will not make the debt go away. You need to regularly pay more than the minimum if you want to debt to disappear. Determine what you can live without-brew your own coffee, pack your lunch, cut back on cable. All of your savings in other areas can be big debt reducers. You can consider yourself “debt free” when your bad debt has been paid off and you can comfortably make payments towards your good debt accounts, while being able to save a bit.

Making Grocery Shopping a Bearable Experience

Grocery shopping can often times be a dreaded task for apartment renters. Fighting the crowds after work, figuring out what to buy, spending the money, carrying the bags up the stairs, unloading, dropping the eggs…Procrastinating the grocery shopping leads to not having food in the apartments, which leads to the increased expenses associated with eating out and take out. Below are a couple of tips that can make grocery shopping pleasant: 

  1. Do not go grocery shopping when you are hungry. You will purchase more than you need, forget about what you really need, be indecisive, and will end up feeling grumpy.
  2. Go to the grocery store during quiet times. Mornings, after dinner hours, and Wednesdays are generally quiet. Sundays are generally the busiest days at grocery stores. When you go to the store without fighting crowds, you will be able to take the time to think about what you need, and have the patience to find it.
  3. Shop consistently in the same stores so that you become familiar with the aisles and locations of food. Shopping in just a few stores also means that you can become familiar with each store’s specialties, and pricing.
  4. Make a shopping list ahead of time. Organize the list by aisle or department to make a quick and efficient shopping trip.
  5. If going to the grocery store just simply does not work for you, order your groceries online. Most large grocery chains have a delivery program, and they can be super easy.

Using Outside Storage Facilities

Storage space is a priority for many apartment renters. While Berger Rental Communities apartments feature a ton of closet space, many other apartments leave residents needing more storage space. Instead of ruling out a particular apartment due to its storage situation, compare the cost of an apartment with more space to the cost of renting a storage locker at an outside facility. Some renters find that renting a storage locker is more economical and convenient than selecting a different apartment, or, choosing to leave some belongings behind. The following are some tips for using outside storage facilities:

Renting a Storage Locker:

  • Find a storage facility close to your apartment. The easier it is to get to, the more comfortable you will feel. Ask your leasing staff for a referral to the closest storage facility.
  • Determine the type and size of storage locker that you will need. Most storage facilities have a variety of sizes to choose from. Storage facilities also have a variety of security features-depending on what you are storing, this may be your top priority. Think about whether or not you will require a temperature-controlled storage locker.
  • Some storage lockers feature shelving and other organizational systems. If you require systems like these, be sure to inquire about the availability at the storage facility.
  • Remember that your belongings remain your responsibility while they are in an outside storage facility. Ask your renter’s insurance company if off-site items are included in the coverage.
  • Read your storage agreement carefully, just like your apartment lease. Be sure to ask questions about any items that you do not understand. Keep this agreement in  a safe location.

Packing for a Storage Locker:

  • It is important that your belongings in your storage locker are easily accessible, and well preserved.
  • Do not store hazardous, flammable, explosive, perishable, environmentally harmful items (some paints, pesticides, fertilizers, etc.) or anything that may be a risk to the property of any person (acid, gasoline, etc.).
  • Use boxes of high quality so that they will not break easily inside of the storage locker. Using boxes of the same size will make them easier to stack. Each box should be completely sealed to keep out dust and debris.

Protecting Your Security Deposit

Most apartment communities require that residents pay a security deposit prior to moving in. The amount of security deposit required can vary, however, a security deposit equal to one month’s rent is common. Security deposits are retained by apartment communities to use in the event that a resident damages the apartment during his or her residency. Unless the resident damages the apartment, security deposits are generally refunded after the lease expires. The following are some tips to use to insure that your security deposit is returned to you.

Before Moving In

Make a written list of any damage that is in the apartment when you take possession of the apartment. At Berger Rental Communities, all new residents complete a pre-move in inspection form to document any imperfections that were not caused by the resident.

While Living in the Apartment

Take care of your apartment as if it is your own.

  • Clean your apartment regularly.
  • Call the maintenance department to make repairs as need be. Read Don’t Hesitate To Call For Maintenance for more information.
  • Do not attempt to make repairs on your own-contact your maintenance department for all repairs. If you caused the damage for reasons other than normal wear and tear, the apartment community might charge you for the repairs, or, inform you to make the repair on your own. Regardless, it will save you time and money to handle repairs and damage before moving out.

Before Moving Out

While most apartment communities will not keep your security deposit for items of normal wear and tear, it is important that you restore your apartment to a condition similar to when you moved in. After you have packed up and cleared some space in your apartment, there are a few tasks that you will want to do before surrendering possession of your apartment:

Bathroom(s):

  • Scrub the bathtub/shower.
  • Scrub the inside and outside of the toilet.
  • Clean the sink.
  • Dust and clean the inside and outside of the medicine cabinet.
  • Clean the mirror.

Kitchen:

  • Clean the inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers.
  • Wash the floor. Be sure to get all of your corners and areas that are normally difficult to reach.
  • Clean the countertop and backsplash.
  • Clean the sink.
  • Clean the stove, oven, microwave and broiler.
  • Defrost the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Make sure any ice trays or refrigerator/freezer accessories are in place.
  • Empty and clean the garbage disposal and dishwasher.

General:

  • Have all carpets professionally cleaned.
  • Remove all tacks and/or nails from the walls and spackle the holes left behind.
  • Clean windows and window sills.
  • Clean your patio/balcony.
  • Don’t forget to pack everything that you brought into the apartment, including shower curtains, shower hooks, and rugs.

If you are concerned about the condition of your apartment prior to moving out, schedule an appointment with your apartment community staff to walk through your apartment.

Establishing a Budget

Regardless of how much money one earns, managing money is never easy. Managing money wisely requires a lot of thought, effort, and discipline. Millionaires must set and follow budgets just like non-millionaires-as a matter of fact, following good budgeting habits are often how people become millionaires. Like anything else, the sooner you begin good money managing habits, the easier it will be.

What is a budget?

We see reality shows on tv that takes people who spend do not manage their money well and put them on a strict and tight budget. We then watch these people struggle to adhere to the guidelines set forth in their budget. For most people, budgeting and sticking to a budget does not have to be painful, nor does it have to be punishment for spending too much money.

A budget is simply a record of spending goals and spending reality. Everyone’s budget will include different spending goals.  If you feel like you don’t know where your money goes every month, a budget will tell you. If you have trouble meeting goals like adding to a savings account every month, a budget will help you prioritize your spending to meet those goals.

Step 1: Track your spending

The first step to making a budget is getting a sense of what you spend each month. Start with the easy expenses-make a list of your regular monthly bills (rent, utilities, insurance, car payment, etc.). Then, add expenses that can vary a bit, such as gas, groceries, entertainment, clothing, etc. Instead of making guesses about these items, look at several past bank statements, and take the monthly average of these varying expenses.  Make a note of the expenses that you find to be excessive, that you believe you can cut back on. 

For the next month, keep track of everything you spend-even the small purchases that don’t seem to add up to much. After tracking your expenses for a full month, you will be able to see how accurate your first estimates are. 

When comparing your actual expenses to your estimated expenses, you might find that you need to add categories to your expense list. 

Step 2: Create goals

Now is the time to determine if you would like to change your spending and savings habits. Think about your goals for your money: Do you want to save for purchasing a house? Do you want to get out of debt? What do you wan to save money for?  Determine the amount of money that you want to put towards your goals each month. Look back at your expense list-will it be possible to keep your spending habits while fulfilling your goals? If not, you will need to find an area to cut back in.  

Step 3: Cutting back

Create a budget based on your tracked expenses and your goals. If you want to put more money toward one of your goals, look for expenses that you can cut back on. Can you take your lunch to work instead of eating out? Can you make coffee at home rather than purchasing it? Can you remove some cable or phone services. Look to the items that are easiest to cut back on first. You might be able to make very minor lifestyle adjustments to meet your financial goals.

Step 4: Follow the budget

Once your budget is complete, practice it. It is essential to keep accurate track of all of your expenses, and regularly compare your actual spending to your budget. Remember that if you go over your budget one week, you will need to go under your budget the next week to stick to the budget.

You might need to make changes to your budget along the way, which is ok as long as you keep your financial goals in mind. Great managers of money adjust their budgets too. 

Consider using computer software to help. Quicken is a fantastic product that makes it very easy to track expenses and create budgets.

If you follow your budget, and stay disciplined with it, you will see results.