Turn Your Balcony Into a Retreat

A crispy fern flanked by a flapping towel and a bike with two flat tires—sound like a balcony near you? As close as your own French doors, perhaps? If what you really want is a cozy place to barbecue, or an enchanted and enchanting retreat—no problem. With just the tiniest bit of attention and effort, you can transform even a swath of bleak and cheerless concrete into almost anything. First, figure out what kind of weather your balcony has to withstand, said Elizabeth Blome of Open Window Designs in Houston. A northern exposure will limit plant choices to shade-tolerant varieties, while a west-facing patio will be hard on decorative objects like wreaths and topiaries, which can crack and fade in the hot summer sun. As for that bike—you get to keep it. "Our feeling is that if you want something, we can make it work," Blome said. "So if the bike is a part of your life, it stays—behind a screen or a lattice or a nice big plant." Decide how you want to use the space, said Helene Schultz, an interior decorator who recently tackled a patio in New York and a balcony in the Virgin Islands. And have fun. Whether you're making a private retreat, an outdoor dining room or dividing a large area into several rooms, an outdoor space should spring from your imagination. Jimenez built an Asian garden for moments of reflection."In some ways, the space in a balcony or patio is a bonus, it's unexpected," Schultz said. "You can go with something as simple as plants and a few chairs, or you can unleash your fantasies and be bolder or more playful than you might inside the home." Bold and playful were Edward Jimenez' bywords when designing the spacious balcony of his Los Angeles condo over the course of six years. At 11-feet wide and 25-feet long, Jimenez had a space large enough to be daunting. He solved the problem by dividing it into rooms—one for dining, one for a garden, another as a sitting room. "I wanted it to look like it had always been there, that it was a place that had been cared for by a family over a period of years," said Jimenez, a hair stylist and makeup artist with a large celebrity clientele. He started with a tree and several plants, then added a seating area. When something didn't work, he gave it away and tried again. "I went through so much furniture," Jimenez said, and laughed. "My family loves it—I keep giving them stuff that doesn't fit or doesn't work."For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson. Central NJ Apartments.

Renter's Insurance FAQ

Have you been wondering about whether you'll be protected if your personal property gets damaged, or if someone injures herself in your apartment?
Read answers to commonly asked questions about renter's insurance and why you should strongly consider purchasing it. Do you have a question that isn't addressed here? Please ask.
Q: Why do I need renter's insurance?A: You need renter's insurance to cover you if any of your furniture, electronics, books, or other belongings get damaged... Read more
Q: Do I need renter's insurance even if my landlord has insurance?A: Yes. Although your landlord almost certainly has property and liability insurance, your landlord's policy doesn't cover... Read more
Q: How much does renter's insurance cost?A: Renter's insurance probably costs less than you think... Read more
Q: Is a good renter's insurance policy hard to find?A: Not at all. Several top-name insurers, such as Allstate, Geico, and State Farm, offer renter's insurance... Read more
Q: What if I don't have much personal property?A: Renter's insurance is still important even if you don't have much personal property because of the liability component... Read more
Q: Do I need renter’s insurance if I rent a condo, coop, or house?A: Yes. Renter's insurance is important as long as you rent your home... Read more
Q: Will I get enough money to replace my stuff if it gets damaged or destroyed?A: That depends on whether you opt for an actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost coverage policy... Read more
Q: Will I get paid to cover expenses for temporary relocation?A: Renter's insurance normally covers your living expenses if you must temporarily relocate because of... Read moreFor apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson. Central NJ Apartments.

4 Steps to Renting the Perfect Apartment and other Real Estate

By Larry BellerWhen people are looking to buy real estate the old adage is “Location, location, location.” When you are looking to rent an apartment or other types of real estate that is also a major criteria. In addition to location there are other things to consider when you plan on renting an apartment. The list is in no particular order of importance, or rather the order of importance is your personal choice. LOCATIONSince renting an apartment is where you will be residing, location is the first criteria when you are in the market. Location of the apartment has a different meaning than when you are buying real estate. Location in the rental market is usually shorter-term than a possible long-term real estate investment. The ease of commuting to your job is obviously an important factor in an apartment rental. You will have to decide on whether you plan on using mass transit to work or you will drive and then the highways and parkways are the important factor. The neighborhood and the apartment complex are also an important factor that comes into play so you will feel comfortable in your surroundings. PRICEThe cost of the rental apartment is usually the biggest deciding factor. Unlike a real estate investment, when you are renting an apartment you are thinking about how well it will suit you in the short term. Another factor in price is the security deposit.AMENITIESAn often overlooked item when you are looking at apartments to rent are the amenities. These include washer and dryers, dishwashers and other useful things in a rental home. Some apartment complexes have gyms, pools and playgrounds on-site. These extra amenities are an important thing to consider when you look at the overall price of the rental unit. If you have a gym membership, for example, you can deduct that cost from your rent as a way of making the apartment more affordable.
MANAGEMENTYou want your apartment rental to be your home and part of that package is the management. Often, on-site managers are easier to work with since they are, well, on site. Maintenance issues should be fixed in a timely manner and the management of the apartment complex should be pleasant. Speak with other apartment renters of that building to see how the management rates.
CONCLUSIONThis article is a broad overview on what you should be looking for when you are looking to rent an apartment home, or other piece of real estate. When you focus on these important characteristics: Location, Price, Amenities and Management, you will make a good choice in finding the perfect rental apartment, or other real estate. For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson. Central NJ Apartments

Apartment Locator

Partnering with the right apartment locator can be daunting task and the options provided can be a difficult decision. Does the apartment locator provide you with quality information regarding the apartment? How old are the apartments? Does this apartment complex provide utilities? The list of questions could go on and on.
Your decision should be based on your own instincts along with any recommendations an apartment locater may give you. The Dallas/Ft. Worth area has an abundance of apartments to choose from with each one offering different benefits. A trusting apartment locator should be knowledgeable in finding several locations for you to choose meeting your qualifications.
Before contacting a reliable apartment locator makes sure you have a detailed list of the types of things that are going to suit you. Do you need internet service, laundry, or covered parking? Most quality apartment complexes will have something that will suit your needs; however having someone that is able to fill you in and sort all of these needs can make your move better and the transition stress free.
A lot of apartment complexes offer free rent for a certain period of months or may offer other useful benefits that will entice you. This may save you a lot of money that you can use for new furniture or other necessary items that you will need in your new apartment. Another great way to save money is to find an apartment locator that offers moving assistance. Some locators offer free moving assistance when you use them to find the right apartment for you.
There are a lot of choices to be made and decisions that can affect your moving experience. Choosing the right apartment locator that is knowledgeable and experienced in providing clients with the right number of options is crucial and can save you time and money. Take the time to call several apartment locators to find the one that you feel the most confident with. When it comes time to move again, you may want to use the same company. Choose wisely and good luck with your apartment search!
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson. Central NJ Apartments