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Make Your Rental Feel Like Home

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 18:09:52 GMT

Not everyone is ready to buy a house. But that doesn’t mean your rental place shouldn’t feel homey. Check out these 8 tips to make your basic space feel more cozy and lively.

1. Stage an entry: If you have the space, make your entryway feel more welcoming. Add a cute table with knickknacks, a lamp, your favorite photo or a place for your keys. Don’t have room for a table? Try a houseplant or coat rack. Make the space represent you so that when you walk in, you feel at home.

2. Pick out multifunctional furniture: Not only do these pieces add more functionality, but they can also help with using the space you have. Look into floor lamps that also have shelving in the base. An ottoman can be used as a footrest, seating spot and also a storage compartment for blankets and pillows. Same thing if you add a storage bench at the foot of your bed. Don’t forget about sleeper sofas or convertible chairs.

3. Decorate: Never be afraid to add your own personal touch. Add some personality to your bookshelf with framed pictures or a decorative vase and clock. Find a window that brings in a lot of natural light. Add colorful glassware in front of it either on the sill, dresser or table to create a beautiful and colorful natural light display. Add lamps where there is low light. Pick out a funky shape or a bold color shade.

4. Don’t be afraid of color: A lot of rentals have neutral wall colors, counters, cabinets, etc. Add pops of color to bring it more to life. Find some colorful throw pillows for the couch, a funky rug or even colored appliances like a cherry red tea kettle or an electric yellow tabletop mixer.

5. Add greenery: House plants can be great to enhance a space. The perfect thing is, you can choose from fake or real. Each can have their own pros and cons. If you live in an apartment with no outdoor space, you can also start an herb garden in the kitchen. Pick out some vintage tins or unique pottery designs and add color while also having fresh herbs for your favorite meal.

6. Furniture placement: Utilize the space you have. Make sure your furniture has a flow and isn’t too bulky for the room. On the other hand, if you have one large room but want to have dedicated areas, consider room dividers. Not only do they create your own little space, but you can find one with a bright color or unique design to help with the vibe of the room.

7. Create a spa bathroom: You may not have the giant soaker tub you want but adding a few things could help your bathroom become an oasis. Decorate with flowers or stones to get that outdoor spring feel. Bring in some incense, essential oils or candles to feel more relaxed (as long as your landlord approves). Bring in a bamboo bathmat or soft rug to add texture. If spas aren’t your thing, then pick out a fun shower curtain and colorful towels and rugs to brighten up the bathroom.

8. Create an outdoor space: If you have access to a porch or terrace, spice it up as well. Add a cute little table and chairs, plants, decorative lights or add some outdoor curtains.

Benefits of Renter's Insurance

Tue, 30 May 2023 14:11:30 GMT

What you need to know.

Indiana may not have a federal law to require renter’s insurance and at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Newlin-Miller, we don’t require it either; however, we do encourage it. Landlords will have property insurance on the building but that leaves your personal belongings and liabilities at risk. Here are some benefits of renter's insurance and why it’s important to invest in it.

Renter’s insurance policies cover the loss of personal property. This includes clothing, jewelry, electronics and furniture. Loss of personal property, in most policies, is covered under fire, smoke, lightning, theft, water damage (burst pipes/water leaks), wind/hail damage and vandalism. Always check with your insurance representative to see what perils are covered.
Renter’s insurance policies also provide liability coverage. Meaning, if someone is injured in your house or apartment, you have financial backup. If you are found at fault for an incident, liability protects you and your finances. It may also help pay for any property damage or medical bills that arise from the incident. (Ex: someone slips and falls in your apartment or your tub overflows in the unit below you)
Depending on your policy, renter’s insurance can help cover the cost of living somewhere else if your place is ruined due to a covered peril. For example, if you are renting a house that catches fire, your policy could help pay for temporary accommodations and food. Make sure to ask your insurance representative about covering “additional living expenses”.
Renter’s insurance is probably cheaper than you think. According to Nationwide Insurance, the average cost per month is $15-$20. Of course, there are factors that weigh in such as your location, your insurance provider, how much coverage is needed, types of coverage and the amount of your deductible.

Somethings to remember:

Your policy only covers you. If you have a roommate, they would need their own insurance policy to cover their items.
Most standard policies don’t cover natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. You would need to discuss other options and add-ons with your insurance company.
Always make sure you know what perils are covered with your policy. Depending on your location, these can vary.
Pure negligence, intentional actions and basic wear and tear aren’t covered.

If you have more questions or need more information, make sure to contact your insurance provider and discuss your options with an insurance professional.

Happy Halloween

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 12:55:28 GMT

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 20:40:59 GMT

4th of July Activities To Enjoy On This Patriotic Summer Holiday

There are still plenty of fun 4th of July activities you can do while social distancing! -womansday.com.

Craigslist

Fri, 29 May 2020 18:21:47 GMT

Ways Scammers lure their victims and steal your money.

Scammers are constantly coming up with new ways to try and steal your hard-earned money. We have compiled a list of some of the scams used in the rental market.

Fake Ads. Some will post fake ads that are just too good to believe. The rent is so low you can't pass it up or they entice you with all utilities included for a low rent. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Feel Sorry for Me. They will reply with a message about how they lost their spouse and was selling the property. They decided to rent it since it hasn't sold, that also explains why the real estate for sale sign is in the front yard. Call the real estate company whose sign is in the yard to confirm the information.

Couldn't Rent It. Others will copy the pictures and marketing information of properties for rent and tell their victim the management company could not rent it. There is a rental sign in the yard because the owner has fired the management company and are renting the property themselves. Call the management company and see if the story checks out.

Out of the Country, Payments. Scammers will tell their victim they need to send “wire transfer,” “money order,” “Western Union,” “Prepaid Visa,” or “Moneygram,” because the owner is out of the country and can't accept a check. Be very cautious of these methods.

Fake Website. Potential renters are directed to a fake website to collect their personal information. The site may look identical to a legitimate site such as PayPal but it is really the scammers site collecting your data. Look for the padlock icon in front of the URL address.

Student Rentals and Pre-Leasing

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 20:20:48 GMT

What is Pre-Leasing?

We’ve all moved before, and normally you just rent as soon as the apartment is available, right? Not quite. To put it simply, pre-leasing is just leasing way in advance. There’s really no difference other than that.

When Does Pre-Leasing Start?

Pre-leasing can start as soon as November for the fall semester (August). This means that your best time to start your search for housing is in October-November, and the best time to sign is before December. (If you’re reading this it's NOT too late!)

How Do I Start My Search?

Decide location, find houses or apartment communities in the area, click the link to schedule a tour. It’s understandable that not everyone is able to tour before signing but making sure that you can see the apartment you’re signing for before moving in is always a good idea.

How Does it Work Once I Find a Place?

Just like regular leasing, it all begins with talking about your expected move-in date and how much you want to pay for an apartment. Once you sign your lease for the apartment and pay whatever security deposit there may be, it’s peace of mind from there on.