Posts about Frederick

Questions to Ask When Apartment Shopping

Shopping for an apartment is like getting into a new relationship. You first ask the basic questions and then delve into the more detailed information. It can feel like you are looking forever until you find the perfect match, but sometimes it can take time. You probably have done lots of research and narrowed it down to a few contenders. However, before you sign the lease and fully commit to a place, here are some of the top questions that you should get answered to ensure a long and successful relationship with your apartment. Q1: How do I pay rent? Whether it is electronically or delivering a handwritten check to the leasing, knowing how to pay rent is one of the most important things to know. At Prospect Hall, you are able to pay with e-checks, credit cards and cash via MoneyGram. You can view and manage your account any time you want online in our ResidentPortal . Q2: What is the late rent policy? Most late fees are imposed 5 days after the day rent is supposed to be due. However, this is important information to know depending on how you pay rent because you many need to factor in processing time. We fit the standard as rent is due on the 1 st of every month and is considered late at 5pm on the 5 th . 5% late fees are applied on the 6 th of the month. Q3: Are utilities included in rent? Knowing if utilities are included in the cost of rent is essential to budgeting the rest of your finances. It can be the difference of an apartment being affordable for you or not. It should be outlined in the lease and is different for all properties. At Prospect Hall, utilities are not included in rent which can help you budget in other areas. Q4: What is the parking policy? Knowing the parking situation when looking at different apartments could ultimately help you make a decision about where to live. While some places include parking in tenants’ rent, others may not offer parking at all which could end with you paying expensive street parking fees. Permits are required at Prospect Hall , even for guests, but it is first come, first serve. Q5: Do you require renter’s insurance? Renter’s insurance can be good coverage to have in case anything were to happen and some apartments even require it, like us! We require renters insurance and have a company that you can use or we also recommend that you contact your car insurance company because you can sometimes get a discount by having multiple polices with one provider. Q6: How are repairs taken care of? What is the procedure for emergency repairs? Repairs may not occur all the time, but when something does happen, especially emergency repairs, need to be addressed ASAP. No one wants to be stuck without heat in the middle of winter or with a broken water piper on a Saturday night. Some complexes have maintenance available 24/7, while others have a slower response. Whatever the process may be, it is helpful to know this information beforehand so that you are prepared. For non-emergency work orders, we handle them within 48 hours unless a part is needs. For emergency items, these are handled right away and is outlined in our guidelines. Q7: Can I sublet my apartment? You never know when your personal or job may cause you to have to get up and move. If this is something that you are concerned about, knowing that you can sublet your apartment on short notice is an especially important question to ask when searching for an apartment. Here at Prospect Hall, we do not allow sublets. Q8: How far in advance do I need to give notice before moving out? Some places require a 60 notice of move out , while others only require 30. Before signing a lease, it is important to know this information so that you do not get stuck in an apartment that you did not want to be in for another year. We require a 30-day notice before move out.

Top 10 Reasons to Rent an Apartment

When determining whether you should rent or buy , it important to remember what will be most beneficial to you. Whether it is finances or lifestyle, what you value the most will ultimately lead to the best decision. Becoming a homeowner does have its perks, but here are the top 10 reasons why renting could be a better fit for you. Flexibility If you are not sure about where you want to be or how long you want to be there, renting allows the freedom to relocate and not stay in one place long term. If your job has you moving around a lot, it offers the flexibility of having to move out easily and quickly. Also, since leases usually run on a year-to-year or month-to-month basis, upsizing or downsizing when needed are relatively simple endeavors. Budget There are only two big payments when it comes to renting: rent and utilities. In some cases, landlords even cover utilities, but only having those two payments allows renters to budget their money for other bills or put it into savings. Maintenance One of the most convenient parts about renting is not having to deal with the maintenance of the property. Whether it is a leaky sink or a broken washer, the landlord is responsible for fixing all problems at no cost while also saving you lots of time and frustration. Amenities Whether it is a playground, pool, or being pet friendly, these are just some of the amenities that may be included with your rent with an apartment or rental townhome. Having these perks readily available can save renters a substantial amount of money. No property taxes or HOA dues Homeowners get hit with annual property tax and monthly Homeowners Association (HOA) dues. When renting, it is the landlord’s responsibility to pay those fees which can lead to reducing a tenant’s monthly budget even more. Different investment opportunities Any type of investment is a big one whether it is starting a business and putting money into a retirement fund. Renting a property, instead of buying one, can open up other possibilities for saving and investing. Social life Rental properties provide a great opportunity for social get-togethers since there are so many people in one place. With the common areas in the community and the different events that management organizes, living in a rental property can be an enjoyable and relaxing way to meet new people and try something new. Mortgage-free There are a lot of costs when it comes to buying a house and the biggest of these costs is a mortgage . Some people may be able to pay for a house outright, but it can cause others to go into serious debt. By renting a property, you can forgo this debt and just pay a deposit instead. If you do buy a house and the mortgage payment is not fulfilled, then you must pay the rest before you move. Lower insurance Renters insurance is much more affordable when you compare it to homeowners' insurance. Renters pay much less and there are additional benefits, such as additional living expenses if a disaster strikes and personal liability coverage. Referral Bonuses A nice little perk that can happen every now and then is a referral bonus. The landlord or property management company will give a cash bonus or discount on rent for referring new tenants. Need help deciding which is the best financial decision for you? Click here to view a rent vs. buy calculator that can help you sort out your options.

How to Find a Pet-Friendly Apartment

When living in an apartment with your furry friend, there are lots of things to consider to ensure that you and they are as comfortable as possible. Pet-friendly apartment communities should not only allow pets but make sure it is a pleasant place for them too. We can help you find a pet-friendly community perfect for you and your cat or dog. Guideline Check One of the first things to check for in a pet-friendly community is their guidelines. Not all complexes have the same rules and landlords have different expectations. Some have weight and breed restrictions, while others have fees or deposits to cover any costs if accidents occur. A landlord also might want to have an introduction with your pet to see how they behave. Amenities to Look For There are certain amenities that dog-friendly apartments have to improve the lives of dogs and their owners alike. A large green space or patch of grass nearby is essential. A dog park is ideal, but a nice area to walk is great, too. Most apartments that allow dogs will have ample green space and have pet cleanup stations for convenience. For cats , try to consider a place that they can jump on or lay on while you are not home. It also may be important to know whether they like carpet or hardwood so you can take the necessary steps to protect your floor. Good Neighbor Relationships Making sure your pet is on its best behavior will most likely lead to you having a good relationship with your neighbors. One way to do this is to introduce your pet to them. The more they know your pet, the less likely they are to complain if a situation arises. Another way is to keep the noise level down as much as possible. Easy ways to reduce noise is to buy toys without loud squeakers and keep calm past 10 p.m. Try to walk dogs, frequently, throughout the day, too. Since outside grassy areas are always communal, always remember to pick up after your pet. The Ultimate Do’s and Don’ts Do train your pet well- the key to a pet’s good behavior is good training . Most pets, especially cats and dogs, should have some basic training and behave moderately well in social situations. Don’t sneak in pets- This is the biggest no-no of them all. Although, it might be a tempting thought, sneaking in your lovable companion could cost you your apartment. It is better to be upfront about and look for communities that welcome them. Do look for apartments that want pets. While some apartment properties are pet-friendly, others are just pet-tolerant . Look for a place where you and your pet can live happily and comfortably.

Tips for Finding Your Next Apartment Online

We’re all spending a little more time at home these days, and we’re doing much more virtually – including apartment shopping. Finding your new home online can be confusing, but we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you get the best information while browsing the internet. Start with a Budget . Before beginning your search, you should estimate how much you can afford for your apartment each month. Experts recommend anywhere from 25-30% of your take home pay should be allocated to housing. However, these recommendations are guidelines and may be higher than you’d like to spend depending on your circumstances. Check out a budgeting app like EveryDollar or YNAB to help you get started. Start Searching. Check out apartment communities in the areas you’d like to live – within the budget you just set. A great way to do this is to search “apartments near me” in the map app on your smartphone or by using Google Maps on your computer or device. Get an idea of the amenities and floorplans available within your budget in various parts of town. Start taking notes about options, locations, and floor plan sizes. Research the Neighborhood. Using tools such as Google Maps , WalkScore , and Address Report , you can get a pretty good feel for what an area is like. Be sure to see how far away the nearest grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants are. Map out your daily commute during your typical drive times using Waze . Once you’ve determined the best neighborhoods for you, it’s time to narrow your search down to just those communities within those areas. Be sure to check for school zoning, crime reports, and as much other information as you can find. Begin to Narrow Your List. Start taking virtual tours of each community on your shortened list. View images of the community on their websites, and search to see if there are any video tours available on YouTube or other websites. You’ll get a pretty good feel for the community before you ever leave your home. Check Out Online Reviews. See what other residents and past residents are saying about life at each community. The best places to check for reviews are on Google (it’s easy to see review when searching for the business in Google Maps), as well as ApartmentRatings.com . Create a Short List. After you’ve conducted as much research as possible online, it’s best to take your shortlist and drive through each community. While some places are offering tours during the pandemic, others may not be. Depending on your comfort level and the capabilities of the leasing team on site, you may be able to ask for a self-guided tour or a virtual FaceTime or Skype tour of the actual apartment you’re looking to rent. Apply Quickly. Once you’ve made your decision and found your new home, be sure to submit an application quickly. Most apartment communities lease homes on a first-come, first-served basis and you don’t want to miss out. Be sure to take advantage of online applications where possible.

First Month Free at Prospect Hall Apartments in Frederick, MD

Your first month's rent is FREE for a limited time at Prospect Hall! Don't miss this chance to move in to your new luxury apartment in Frederick, MD. This offer won't last long, so be sure to schedule your tour or virtual tour today!