Apartment Living Blog | Prospect Hall Apartments

How to Find the Perfect Apartment Online

Whether it’s for work, school, or for a change of scenery, moving is a big part of the US culture. In the pre-pandemic year of 2019 , 10.1% of Americans or 32 million people moved. Thanks to the internet, it’s easier for many to find apartments online today. For first-time movers or online apartment hunters, the process can be daunting. In the guide below, we’ll help you out with choosing the right apartment online. Know Your Budget and Needs Before you get on your computer and find an apartment online, know your needs. A good way to discover what you need is to put everything on a list. Consider everything that you deem essential and non-essential in your apartment bunt. This list may include features like: Parking In-Home Laundry Pet-Friendly Communities High-Speed Internet Swimming Pools On-Site Fitness Centers Proximity to Transportation and Other Amenities Also consider design elements within your apartment that you’d like to see. Does that include lots of natural light and large windows, upgraded finishes like granite countertops, or open-concept floorplans? List these items as well for consideration when deciding between various communities or floorplans. Set a Timeframe on Your Online Apartment Search Always be sure to budget enough time to look for an apartment before you need to move. Ideally, start your search 1-2 months in advance of your expected move-in date. This will allow you to get more accurate pricing and availability when inquiring with apartment communities. If you live in a more populated or in-demand area, begin your search earlier so you have enough time to snag the apartment of your dreams. Prepare the Necessary Documents and Run a Credit Check Some landlords will ask for documents from you to use for background check, credit check, or income verification. Some commonly requested documents include: A letter of employment Your last 2 pay stubs Tax returns if you’re self-employed Reference letters Some companies may run a credit check on potential residents. Gather each of these documents ahead of time so you’re prepared and ensure your credit report looks great and address any issues before applying for apartments. Head to annualcreditreport.com to receive a free credit report each year from the major credit bureaus. Use Online Resources to Find an Apartment Online Check different sites and use various apps to find an apartment that best meets your preferences and needs. Start with reputable sites such as: Zillow Hotpads Apartments.com Apartment Guide Apartment List Zumper Also conduct a Google search for apartments in the area you’re looking for. Check individual community websites and reviews to get a better feel of the community and culture. Check out Google Maps and the locations of each community to get an overview of what the nearby amenities are. While Craigslist is a good site to use for apartment hunting, you’ll need to be wary of scammers there. Be extra critical when you consider offerings listed on Craigslist. Keep A List, Then Narrow Your Search Keep a list of the communities that interest you and that have availability within your move-in date. After completing a first-round list, take a small break, then revisit the communities on your list to start “shortlisting” apartments. Cross of any that don’t meet your needs or budget. Take a Virtual Tour Once you have your apartment shortlist created, start taking some virtual tours. Today, most apartment owners have a website where you can see inside the apartments . Others have mapping and touring tools that allow guests to take virtual tours by Zoom call or other methods. Focus on the layout of each apartment, as well as where each of your must-have features are located. Try to visualize your furniture in that apartment. Talk to the Leasing Team After the virtual tour, you’ll probably still have some questions to ask about the apartment. If you do, the next step in learning about the community and specific floorplan you’re interested in is to speak with the leasing team. Call the leasing office (or landlord if it’s a private owner) and get a feel not just for the community, but for the staff you’ll be frequently communicating with. Be sure you’re comfortable with the staff there before making a decision to move in. Check Online Reviews Look online at Google Reviews or those on ApartmentRatings.com to get an idea about what the current and past residents think of the community. Be sure to read through them and see what the biggest benefits and/or issues are on site. No community is 100% perfect, however, the response to reviews and issues will signal that the management truly cares about their residents. Inspect and Sign the Lease Before you sign anything, make sure you read through the entire lease agreement and as any questions you may have. Be sure to note important sections such as rent due dates, security deposit amounts and conditions, and rules and regulations within the community. Are you looking for an apartment in Frederick, Maryland? We may have the right floorplans, pricing, and amenities for you. If you have any questions about our apartments, our team is more than happy to help you out. Contact us today !

Rachuba Management Named One of Top 5 Property Management Companies Nationwide

Twice annually, Satisfacts research publishes its list of top multifamily property management companies throughout the United States. This list is compiled using their proprietary epiQ score, which is designed to effectively determine how well “management companies are able to attract, retain, and satisfy residents throughout the entire renter lifecycle.” (Satisfacts, 2021) We are pleased to announce that Rachuba has received an A+ score and made the top 5 list for management companies with 1-9 communities . You can view analytics of management companies listed on ApartmentRatings.com, including a breakdown of renter ratings, management engagement, and reply times to see how effectively companies interact with residents online as well as what residents are saying. Additionally, both Piney Ridge Apartments in Eldersburg, MD and Prospect Hall Apartments in Frederick, MD have made the Top 250 Apartment Communities Nationwide list for December 2020. For additional information about the epiQ Index, visit https://www.satisfacts.com/epiq-index/ . To learn more about Rachuba’s property management services and how we can help your community make this list, visit https://www.rachuba.com/property-management.html .

Creating a Self-Care Area in Your Apartment

With the endless list of responsibilities that surrounds us in our lives, it’s hard to not feel overwhelmed sometimes. Whether it’s work, extracurriculars, or even loved ones, there is always something to do or someone to go see. However, it’s important for everyone to take time for themselves and have a little self-care session. This can help reduce anxiety and benefit your overall mental health. Taking care of yourself is critical to your happiness and it begins with having space in your home where you can do this. Here are our best tips for creating the best self-care area in your apartment. Assess Your Needs The first step in creating your self-care area in your apartment is determining which needs are most important to you. Perhaps you are looking to make a small meditation corner or a spot in your bedroom where you do a DIY spa experience once a week. Depending on what your needs are will change what your self-care area is. Regardless of where you choose to put your area, it should be a space where you can slow down, relax, and have your moments of self-care. Get Organized The next step is organizing your future self-care area. Decluttering the area and putting items away or in a different place in your home will make it even more relaxing. It will have the sole purpose of being the self-care area. A good rule of thumb to follow to continuously keep it organized is that every item has its place . If the item is not in its place, it should be put there. Set It Up Setting up your self-care area will depend on what your needs are. If you choose to go the meditation route, a yoga mat and a small bamboo plant may be the items you want. If it is DIY spa , a basket to put facemasks and other cosmetic products may be a better idea for you. Candles with calming scents such as lavender or jasmine could be beneficial for any area, just make sure to never leave them unattended and always blow them out. If you are not looking to spend too much money as well, dimming lights and putting on relaxing music can change the whole mood of a space. Schedule Time for Self Care It is one thing to create your self-care area to relax. It is another thing to actually use the area. However, you also do not want to use the space as a place to procrastinate either. To balance these priorities out, set aside a certain amount of time each week or each day to use the area and escape from the world around you. By creating and using your self-care space area, it can help reduce anxiety and give you time to separate yourself from the stresses of life.

A College Student’s Guide to Off-Campus Housing

Did you know that in the US there are 17.5 million undergrads and 4.3 million grad students enrolled in colleges? Despite the current COVID-19 pandemic, there are many students who have chosen to study this year. If you’re one of those students, you might be considering getting off-campus housing. And, if you are, chances are you have many questions such as: Can I afford off-campus housing? How far from campus can I realistically live? How do I decide if it’s the right place for me? How do I find the right roommates? It’s stressful to think about these questions, especially right now, when you also have to worry about your safety and health on top of everything else during the current pandemic. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. In it, we’ll cover all the steps you’ll want to take and questions to ask when it comes to finding the right off-campus housing right here in Frederick, MD. That way, you can focus on what matters most: studying and enjoying college life. Read on to learn more. Research On-Campus Housing Requirements Many universities have on-campus housing requirements for undergrads, especially during the first few years of college. This is required because it adds to the student experience, fostering a sense of community among students, especially ones who are new to the school. However, you may feel that at this point you want a bit more independence. Maybe you and a few other friends want to rent a house where you can have a bit more space, privacy, and fun. But there’s no point in looking for a place if your college requires you to stay on-campus. Go to the campus housing office, and ask about what these rules are. Even if students are required to continue paying for housing through the college, some colleges offer off-campus housing through their system. If that’s the case, then you can still have the off-campus housing experience, but with everything set up by your college. This means you won’t have to worry as much about finding the right place for you—but it might also be pricier, since housing through a university usually is. Keep in mind, too, that many schools might have changed their on-campus housing requirements this year because of the current pandemic. Because of safety and health concerns, they might have adapted the rules so that you’re allowed to go off-campus even if you usually aren’t. Budget for Off-Campus Housing If you’re allowed to go off-campus, then it’s time to start thinking about the logistic considerations of making it happen. The first you’ll want to deal with is budgeting for off-campus housing. We know. Budgeting isn’t fun. But it’s necessary. The bright side? Off-campus housing is usually cheaper than on-campus housing. Whether your parents are helping you out with accommodations, or you’re working through school, it’s good news for anyone paying. To get started, put together an Excel or Google Drive sheet , and record how much you usually spend a month. Include how much you spend when you’re going out, textbooks, coffees you buy at the local cafe when studying, and any other regular costs. This will give you an idea of how much you spend per month outside of housing. Now, take a look at some of the off-campus housing that interests you. Add the monthly rent to your budget (by averaging the price of the choices you like), the deposit, and calculate how much utilities such as gas and electricity might be. If WiFi isn’t included, remember to add that too, if you’re planning on doing schoolwork from home. Once you’ve done all this, you’ll know how much money you’d be spending every month while paying for off-campus housing. If you can’t currently afford this amount, then you’ll want to find creative ways to save. For example, don’t buy so many coffees, or switch to buying used textbooks. If it’s still not affordable, then you have three options: (1) find some cheaper options for off-campus housing, (2) save a bit of money before you make this change, or (3) find a roommate. Keep in mind that we’ve also got a guide to budgeting blog post here that you can check out. Start Looking Once you know how much you can afford to pay for off-campus housing, it’s time to start looking. Research campus classifieds, as well as a database of off-campus housing, if your college has one. Post on Facebook too, and any online communities related to your school, to find out if there are any students looking for a roommate, whether they have a free room at their house or are looking for an additional person to find a house or apartment with. Once you’ve found student apartments, off-campus apartments, or houses that interest you, get in touch with the person or company renting out the company to visit these places. When you visit, ask yourself these questions as you walk around: Can I see myself living here? What about in this neighborhood? What are the pros of living here? What about the cons? Is this place close enough to campus that I’d be able to make my early morning classes in time? Additionally, you’ll want to ask the person giving you your tour questions about the apartment or house while they show you around. Ask about how they prefer you pay rent (cash or online?), and if there’s a chance of your rent going up. Ask if they require renter's insurance, and if there’s a deposit or any additional fees. Ask about the lease terms and read the lease thoroughly if they provide you with a copy. Additionally, ask logistic questions such as whether there’s parking available, if there are guest or pet policies, and if you can make changes to the apartment or home while living there. You’ll also want to ask, because of the COVID-19 Pandemic , about whether the place will be deep-cleaned before you move in. Especially if you’re moving in after other renters have been living there, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Remember to not get carried away when you find the perfect place. If there’s somewhere you really love, give yourself to make the decision with your head, not with your heart, by giving yourself some time to consider the decision before signing a lease. Additional Budget-Related Considerations Once you’ve looked at a few off-campus housing options, you might find that there are considerations you have to think about given budgeting limits. First of all, you need to think about whether you need a roommate so you can afford living where you want to. Choosing the Right Roommate If you already have a friend in mind you’d like to live with, that’s great! Before you decide to move in together, make sure there aren’t any personal issues that might actually make it difficult to live together, or habits that make you incompatible as roommates. After all, you don’t want to lose a close friend just because you live together! If you don’t have someone in mind, then you need to think about what you’re looking for in a roommate. Do you want them to have common interests with you? Would you prefer if they’re a student, too? What about habits and schedules? Will their music taste irritate you? Be aware of how you live your life, and how you will both be most productive and have the most fun while living off-campus. Once you’ve thought about this, you’ll have a good idea of the kind of person you prefer to live with. Location If you find that many off-campus apartments or student apartments are out of your price range, then you may need to reconsider the location of where you live. Generally speaking, options close to campus or near the center of town are going to be pricier. By being flexible about your location, and being okay with a long walk, bus ride, or short drive to campus, you can save a lot of money. Have More Questions? Do you have more questions about off-campus housing? Maybe you’re still unsure about the best places to find the right apartment or house for you, or you want to understand how leases work a bit better. Whatever your questions might be, we’re happy to answer them. Here at Prospect Hall Apartments, we’re experts in off-campus housing for students, and we’re here to help. Visit our contact us page to learn more.

Charity Spotlight: Zaching Against Cancer

The Rachuba Family Foundation is honored to regularly contribute and work with the Zaching Against Cancer Foundation (ZACF) in the ongoing fight against cancer. This quarter, Zaching Against Cancer is our featured non-profit. From now through March 31, The Rachuba Family Foundation is contributing $20 per move in at both Piney Ridge Apartments & Townhomes and Prospect Hall Apartments to ZACF. ZACF was founded by John & Christine Lederer after their son, Zachary, was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 18. Zach was in his freshman year at the University of Maryland when the diagnosis came. Following a brain surgery in January 2012, Zach’s father took a photo of him in a “strongman” pose, which then went viral around Zach’s community and beyond and became known as “Zaching.” While undergoing cancer treatment, Zach noticed the disparity in patient care when those receiving the same chemotherapy treatments as he was also stood at cold bus stops to commute to and from the hospital. Zach’s dream was to provide funds to cancer patients and their caregivers to help with transportation and other little things often overlooked that can mean the world to a patient. ZACF provides support, services, scholarships, and grants to both cancer patients and their caregivers. Through their Little Things Program, services such as grocery shopping, home repairs, and bill payments can be covered, lightening the load of daily life along with cancer. The Coping with Cannabis program assists patients in receiving approval through the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) to receive doctor-supervised pain treatments. Would you like to join us in supporting ZACF? There are a number of ways to donate, sponsor , volunteer, and even shop for some cool ZACF merchandise. Fun, fundraising events are held regularly including the annual Zaching Running Festival. Visit their website today to find out how you can help.

Helpful Ways to Deep-Clean Your Apartment for the New Year

We’re glad to welcome 2021 and get a fresh start. Why not give your apartment a fresh start, too? Not sure where to start? This guide is here to help you get a plan for getting your apartment in shape for the new year. Have Your Cleaning Supplies Ready Take stock of the supplies you already have. The easiest way to create a list is to gather all of your cleaning products in one place. From there, it’s easy to see that you need more bathroom cleaner, dusting cloths, or window cleaner. Make a list of any cleaning supplies you’re running low on or missing. If you’re on a budget, consider creating your own cleaning supplies! Remember that certain chemicals can be harmful to you and/or your pets. If you need to get new supplies, just remember to do research to find out how safe the product is and how it may react with the surfaces you’ll use it on. Also check for sales and check wholesale clubs such as BJ’s or Costco to find out if any savings are available. Online retailers like Grove Collaborative offer natural cleaning products delivered right to your door. Make A To-Do List The answer to this should be everything, but that can feel overwhelming to hear and tell yourself. The easiest way to combat cleaning fatigue is to write out a list of everything you would normally clean, and then add any extras you can think of. Be sure to include commonly overlooked areas such as ceiling fans, baseboards, the top of your refrigerator, your kitchen cabinets, and window treatments. The main thing here is to clean your house from top to bottom and not forget any of the small things. If the list is overwhelming, spread the cleaning out over several days or a week to make it more manageable. Clean the Outside of Your Apartment, Too The outside of your home is just as important as the inside. Wipe down your windows – inside and out – and sweep your patio or balcony. Take a look at your front entry door and make sure it sparkles just like the rest of your apartment. Give your doormat a thorough shake outside and, if it’s washable, toss it in the washer for a good cleaning. Declutter If you have extra stuff or a pile of items you’ve been meaning to donate, now is the best time to do so. Are there any clothes you’ve been wanting to sell? Go through your cabinets and see if there are any mugs or extra cups that should be cleared out. Review the books on your bookshelves and see if any can be donated to your local library or a nearby Little Free Library. Scour your pantry and cabinets for any food that you can donate to a local food pantry or food bank. If there are any items you’re looking to hold on to but are just taking up too much space, consider renting a storage unit to free up extra space in your home without getting rid of valuable items. This is also a great option for items like seasonal clothing and holiday décor, keeping it out of the way in your home until needed. Organize Once you’ve decluttered, you have the opportunity to organize or even redecorate! If a whole new look doesn’t fit in your schedule or budget right now, there are still some fun ways to add color to your home while organizing. Select some pretty organizers and boxes to add some shine or color to your home. Great places to shop include the Container Store, Ikea, and Target. For inspiration, check out a show or blog such as The Home Edit. Set Solid Habits Now that you’ve cleaned up, decluttered, and organized, it’s time to set some new habits for the new year. Set a regular cleaning schedule to help your apartment look this great year-round. Apps likZenDen, Motivated Moms, or Dirtfree can keep a running schedule and to-do list to help you stay on top of things. Prefer a paper option? Check out these beautiful home planners by Passionate Penny Pincher. Make Sure Your Apartment is Clean for the New Year! Using these helpful tips to clean your apartment, you’ll have it shining in no time. An even easier option, move in to an already clean apartment and set it up in an organized way. When you’re ready to make your next move contact us and we’ll help you tour in person or online.