Google Nest Protect

Nest is among the best smart home devices for apartments because of its ability to detect smoke and carbon monoxide. In case of a fire in the apartment or a faulty heating system leaking carbon monoxide, the device sounds the alarm before any significant damage occurs. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can cause respiratory failure. Therefore, Google's Nest is a vital gadget in your home.

Nest is battery powered. It does not require any hardwiring or setup. It also pairs with your smartphone notifying you about any updates and warnings in real-time. Its software upgrades also occur from the paired smartphone.

Furthermore, Nest also pairs with google assistant, increasing your control options. The device syncs with the smart home eco-system if you use Google assistant for other operations. Nest costs about $100. However, pricing varies depending on where the purchase takes place. 

Smart Light Bulbs

The Philips Hue smart bulbs are a great addition to your smart home for security and convenience. Automatically switch lights on or off both on the premises or remotely. You can also schedule when the lights turn on or off. The bulbs also have a geofencing feature that is location sensitive. It will automatically switch lights on or off in response to your location.

Additionally, the bulb has varying shapes and bases, enabling them to fit in any light fixture. It also has a rich color palette – soft white, warm-to-cool white, and colored white. You can also adjust the bulb's temperature.

The bulbs also pair with Amazon's Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Thus, you can control them using a computer, smartphone, or voice control. Philips has an array of these bulbs with varying features. For instance, you can get the outdoor series which is weatherproof. A single bulb costs $34.

Smart Thermostat

Ecobee thermostat is one of the must-have smart home devices for apartments. It is a wireless device that uses both WiFi and Bluetooth. Additionally, it pairs with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, SmartThings, Spotify, and IFTTT.

The device has a remote sensor that ensures all rooms in your apartment receive optimal cooling or cooling from the Heating Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) System. The latest model also has a speaker that enables you to enjoy other Alexa and Google Assistant features. The remote sensor operates on batteries, saving you energy expenditure.

Water Leak Detector

Water leakages can be hazardous for renters and landlords. Instead of waiting for mold growth or dampness, you can get the Moen 920-004 Flo Smart Water Leak Detector. The device senses and notifies the owner on their smartphone when humidity increases, temperature changes, and frost occurs inside the house. Its sensors also pick up basement flooding, water tank failure, water trickling in pipes, and leakages due to machine malfunctions. 

The device works well over WiFi and does not need a hub. Set the gadget in a leak-prone area for quick detection. Prices range between $38 to $50.

Smart Hub

With so many smart devices in the house, it may become difficult to manage every one of them. Samsung's SmartThings hub is the perfect central system to integrate and control your smart devices. It has a built-in WiFi. Therefore, you do not need to plug it into your WiFi router. It also has Zigbee and Z-Wave antennas, which enable it to pair with other smart devices.

The device uses a companion app for updates, system control, and notifications. Its monitors the apartment and video records for safety purposes. It also performs automated functions like switching lights on and off, playing sounds, setting off the alarm, locking and unlocking doors, and more.

Smart LED Lighting

You cannot add permanent lighting to a rented apartment because it requires rewiring. The project may be too costly for non-refundable spending even if the landlord agrees. If you want to brighten up the rental with colored lighting without breaking the back, you can try out Govee WiFi RGB LED Strip Lights.

The light strips have adhesive backs for sticking behind the wall. You can control the lighting colors, warm and cool tones, and brightness and schedule their display using the Govee app. The application has pre-set lighting moods and millions of colors to choose from and enjoy. Perhaps the best feature of this gadget is its ability to change tones using a sound sensor. You can enjoy your movie nights as the lights magnify the ambiance, enriching the experience.

Wire-Free Camera

You can enhance the security inside your apartment with a wireless camera. Arlo Essential Wire-Free Camera provides several smart features that improve safety in a rented apartment. You can control the device through an application enabling you to turn it on and off regardless of the shutter's position.

The camera is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, giving it additional functionality and a control system. It works in four modes:

• Armed and Disarmed – the camera has motion sensors and begins to record when they detect movement in the armed mode. The camera does not detect motion when disarmed.
• Schedule – you can set the time for the camera to turn on and off.
• Geofencing – the camera uses your location to record or stop recording.

Smart Plug

A smart plug is significant in your collection of the best smart home devices for apartments. The Wyze Smart Plug is a great option because its size is suitable for apartment-sized homes. The plug fits on one outlet leaving the second one available for use.

Wyze smart plug also has a two-factor authentification that alerts you when an authorized person tries to access your account. The plug enables you to control your television, humidifier, apartment lamps, and other gadgets in the home. Additionally, it logs usage time, giving you a record of activity in the home.

The post Best Smart Home Devices for Your Apartment in 2022 appeared first on Georgetown of Kettering Blog.

Tips for Moving to a New City

Wondering what to do when moving to a new city? First, consider whether you have friends or family members already living there. Getting a first-hand account of the new city is a great way to get some insider thoughts that are hard to find out until you live in the area. 

Even if you aren't close with someone who lives in the area, get in touch. Most people are more than happy to give you their thoughts on the area where they live. Whether they love it, are less than thrilled, or are somewhere in between, they will probably have some beneficial information to share. 

1. Set a Budget

No one will deny that moving can be expensive, but don't pay more than necessary by doing your homework before you move. One important piece of information you will need is the cost of living in the location you are moving to. 

Some areas have a notoriously high cost of living. If you plan to move to one of those areas, you know that you need to have your finances in order. If you are moving to an area that has a similar cost of living  as the area where you currently live, you may feel comfortable that there won't be many changes. 

Get an idea of the housing costs in the area where you plan to move. Even if it seems like the cost of living is similar to your current location, there can be a huge swing in housing costs. These costs vary by how close to the conveniences of the city you are. Living further from the city center is a way to save money, but not all directions are created equally. Twenty minutes outside of the city limits to the north, there may be a drastically different housing market than twenty minutes to the east. 

2. Check out Crime and Education

Two different areas you want to check out before making your move are the amount of crime in the area and the quality of the local schools. Both can be easy ways to indicate the quality of the neighborhood as a whole. While great schools may not be as important if you don't have children, areas surrounding great schools are typically nice themselves. 

The amount of crime in an area shouldn't be the sole determining factor when selecting a place to live, but it can help narrow the search. When checking out a community, if one neighborhood has a drastically higher crime rate than the neighboring community, you know where to target your housing search. 

3. Understand the Local Scene

Understanding the vibe of a city is difficult without spending time there. If you are doing all of your apartment hunting online, you may have trouble getting a feel for the place. Even spending a weekend in the area before you move allows you to walk the streets, pop into local stores, and check out the types of outdoor activities available. 

If this is impossible, read the local newspaper online and follow local restaurants and civic organizations through social media. This gives you an idea of the type of activities that are popular in the area. 

What to Do About Housing When Moving to a New City

Narrowing down the location where you plan to live allows you to start searching for places to live. If you are moving to a new city because of your job, you have a little easier time narrowing down your location, as you will probably want a reasonable commute. 

If you are starting fresh and do not have a job yet, you have more choices about where to live. It still makes sense to stay within a reasonable commuting distance of where you want to be based. 

Aside from your place of employment, consider other areas you are likely to go to and keep them in mind when considering apartment locations. For some people, easy access to a nice grocery store is important. Others place a premium on having easy access to restaurants and nightlife. Still others will drive further to work if it means close access to outdoor activities during their off-hours. 

When choosing an apartment, you want to know the amenities offered. If you have a pet or plan to get one, it is important to be very clear about the pet policy of any apartment you are considering. Also be sure to understand what utilities are included in the price of the rent as it is impossible to accurately compare unless you factor in these expenses.

When touring a potential apartment, ask about leasing options. If you aren't sure how long you plan to stay, you may prefer to pay a little higher rent for the option of a shorter lease. If, however, you are committed to the area, a longer lease may provide the opportunity to save some money. 

If you are looking for a new city to call home and are considering the Dayton area, get in touch with us here at Georgetown of Kettering. Close to all the amenities Dayton has to offer, and a bustling nightlife of its own, while offering easy access to over 20 state parks, Kettering provides plenty of options for those looking for big-city benefits with small-town charm. If you want to learn more about the area, check out our neighborhood.

The post What to Know Before Moving to a New City appeared first on Georgetown of Kettering Blog.

Living in an apartment can be great, but it can become a nightmare when your neighbors are too loud. That’s where soundproofing comes in. It’s the perfect way to keep the peace and enjoy some tranquility.

Soundproofing is a quick, easy, and affordable way to get the most out of your living space. You don’t need to be a professional contractor to do it yourself – we’ll show you how. And once you see how well it works, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!

If you're wondering "How can I soundproof an apartment room cheaply?" Continue reading to learn some tried and true ways of soundproofing your apartment!
 

How Can I Soundproof an Apartment Room Cheaply?

Noisy neighbors can be frustrating, especially if you're trying to sleep or work. Constant noise can make it difficult to concentrate or get a good night's sleep. But you can use your furniture or invest in apartment soundproofing products to reduce noise.
 

Use What You Have

Take a look around your apartment and see what you can use to your advantage.

Make sure that your furniture is up against the walls. It will help to create a tighter seal and will cut the sound transmission. If you have any heavy furniture, like a bookcase or a dresser, you can try moving it against the wall as a sound barrier between you and your noisy neighbors.

You can also use things like towels or blankets to block noise. If you have a door that hits the floor, you can put a towel at the bottom to help muffle the noise. The same goes for windows – if you have curtains, close them to help reduce the amount of noise that comes in.

You can also use rugs or carpets to help absorb sound. Consider investing in a rug for your bedroom or living room if you have hardwood floors.
 

Bookshelves

Bookshelves work as practical sound barriers and can help lessen the amount of noise that comes into a room. Here's a closer look at why bookshelves are so effective for soundproofing:

The bookshelves' dense material helps absorb sound waves rather than letting them bounce off surfaces. It reduces the amount of noise in a room.

Bookshelves also create what is known as an "echo chamber." This occurs when there is an enclosed space between two hard surfaces.

Sound waves bounce off these surfaces and create a loud echo. By placing bookshelves in an apartment, you can create an echo chamber that will help to reduce the amount of noise that comes into the room.

You can also fill the shelves with items that will help absorb sounds, such as books, blankets, or towels.
 

Seals for Doors

Most apartment doors are hollow. That means that sound can pass through them – which is not ideal if you’re trying to keep the noise levels down.

One easy way to reduce the sound that comes through your door is to install door seals. These are simple rubber or foam strips that fit around the perimeter of your door, and they work by creating a tight seal that blocks out noise.

You can find door seals at most hardware stores, and they’re easy to install yourself. Measure your door before you buy to get the right size!
 

Window Inserts

Window inserts are a great way to block outside noise without sacrificing the view from your apartment.

They come in different sizes, but they all function as an airtight seal that reduces sound by at least 50%. Some even pop out when you don't need them, so you can still open up your windows for fresh air.
 

Curtains for Soundproofing

Another quick and easy way to soundproof your apartment is to hang heavy curtains over your windows. It will help block out any outside noise and absorb some of the noise already in your apartment.

Soundproof curtains are made of dense materials like wool or heavy cotton, which absorb sound waves. They fit against the window frame, eliminating gaps where sound could escape.

Soundproof curtains also have a layer of insulation behind them. It prevents noise from passing through the wall.

They're affordable and easy to set up. And they can make a big difference in the amount of noise you hear.
 

The Last Resort

If noise still bothers you, even after trying all the other methods, there are still some options. The last option is to drown out the unwanted noise with another sound.
 

Ear Buds or Ear Plugs

If you can't seem to get the noise out of your head, consider using earbuds or earplugs. They won't soundproof your apartment, but they will help you block out sources of sound.

If you're using earbuds or headphones, try the "binaural beats" technique. It's a type of sound therapy that uses different frequencies of sound to cancel out noise. This tone is effective in helping to block out noises and reduce stress.

You can find binaural beats tracks online or in app stores. They're usually meant to be listened to with headphones.
 

White Noise Machine

If you want a more permanent solution, consider investing in a white noise machine. It's a device that emits sounds that mask other sounds.

White noise machines can help you block out unwanted noise and get a good night's sleep. They're also great for:

• Focus on work and studying
• Reducing stress
• Calming anxiety

Humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and fans are all options for noise control in your apartment. You can also find apps and websites that generate white noise.
 

Happy Soundproofing!

So, there you have it. You asked "How can I soundproof an apartment room cheaply?" and now you know some of the least expensive options. With a little bit of effort, you can create a peaceful oasis in the middle of all the hustle and bustle.

Take the time to do some of the projects we’ve outlined and make use of some of the products we recommended. You should start to notice a decrease in noise levels almost immediately.

Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. So be sure to explore other options and find what works best for your specific situation. And if you found yourself here looking for apartments in Dayton Ohio, check out our floor plans, pricing, and availability right here. Good luck!

The post How to Soundproof an Apartment: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Georgetown of Kettering Blog.

Regardless of why you choose to rent, you'll need to understand the different types of proof of income for an apartment. Otherwise, you will have a difficult time finding a suitable place to live. Let's explore everything you need to know about this topic so that you can get started on the right track in the future.
 

What Is Proof of Income?

Proof of income is a document or set of documents that show that you have the financial means to cover the costs of rent for an apartment.

As you might expect, this is to help protect the property management company or landlord from liability. Unfortunately, those in charge aren't able to simply take your word for it that you have enough money to afford your rent each month.

So, they will need concrete proof that you have the required finances.
 

What Are the Different Types of Proof of Income?

The good news is that there are plenty of ways for you to prove how much money you make.

This even applies to people who do not have conventional jobs, such as those who are self-employed. Let's explore some of the most notable that you can use to rent an apartment.
 

Student Scholarships and Grants

If you are a student, then you may be able to provide your financial aid award letter as proof of income.

This document will show how much money you are receiving from scholarships and grants. You can also use it to prove that you have the means to cover your share of rent for an apartment.

It's important to note that your landlord will understand that your income will fluctuate during your time as a student. As long as they deem you have enough money through scholarships/grants to cover your living expenses for the foreseeable future, they are likely to accommodate you.
 

Pay Stubs

Pay stubs are one of the most common ways to show how much money you make. This document will list your gross pay, which is the total amount of money that you have earned before taxes and other deductions are taken out.

Your net pay, or take-home pay, will also be listed on your pay stub. The majority of apartment applicants will use pay stubs in order to prove their income.
 

W-2 Forms

If you are an employee, then your employer should provide you with a W-2 form at the end of each year.

This document will show your total earnings for the year as well as how much money was withheld for taxes. If you haven't received a W-2 from your job yet, then you will need to use an alternative method.
 

1099 Forms

1099 forms are similar to W-2 forms, but they are used for people who are self-employed.

This document will show your total earnings for the year, as well as any taxes that were withheld. It's important to note that people who are self-employed may need to provide their tax returns as a form of supplementary documentation.

Although this doesn't always happen, landlords sometimes need more information in addition to the 1099 forms. It's not uncommon for applicants in this situation to submit 1099 forms and tax forms together.
 

Bank Statements

Bank statements can also be used as proof of income. This is especially true if you receive direct deposits from your employer or client. Your bank statement will show how much money was deposited into your account over a certain period of time.

This can prove to be an issue, however, if your job is seasonal or somewhat inconsistent. For example, you might regularly make $60,000 per year but may have not made much money in recent months due to taking time off.

This could give off the impression that you won't have enough money to pay your rent.
 

Letters From Employers

In some cases, you may need to provide a letter from your employer as proof of income. This is usually only required if you are relatively new to your job or if your income is not clearly stated on your pay stubs or W-2 forms.

The letter should state your position, salary, and how long you have been employed at the company. More often than not, this will be a sufficient way to show the landlord that you have a consistent income.
 

Tax Returns

If you are self-employed, then you will likely need to provide your tax returns as proof of income. This document will show how much money you made over the course of a year, as well as any taxes that were withheld. Tax returns may also be required if other methods are not able to satisfy the landlord's concerns.

As previously mentioned, you might find yourself needing to submit tax returns if you have not received a W-2 from your job yet.
 

Understanding Proof of Income For an Apartment Is Essential

This will help you avoid obstacles you would have otherwise encountered. So, be sure you keep the above information about proof of income for an apartment in mind so that you can make the decision that is best for you.

Want to learn more about what we have to offer? Feel free to get in touch with us today and see how we can help.

The post What Is Proof of Income for an Apartment? appeared first on Georgetown of Kettering Blog.

Living with someone is a true test of a relationship. There are boundaries to set, personalities to contend with, and a lot of little quirks that come out only when you finally move in. 

The big one, though, is whether or not they can pick up after themselves. Living with messy roommates is enough to frustrate anyone, but it's another thing when it's difficult to communicate with that person. 

Even if you land in one of the best apartments in Dayton, OH, the sweet jingle of those keys will sound like chains rattling if your roommate keeps your place a total mess. 

We're going to look at how to approach handling a messy roommate today, giving you some insight into tips and tricks that might help you smooth things over. Hopefully, the ideas below nudge you toward a happier living space. 

Let's get started with some tips for dealing with messy roommates. 
 

How to Deal With Messy Roommates

The first thing you should do is establish a boundary. Express yourself and tell the individual what you would prefer in the house when it comes to cleaning and picking up after one another. 

It's an intimidating conversation to start on your own, but it's something that all roommates should do to avoid conflict later on. Whether the person in question is your best friend, an old acquaintance, or someone that you've never met, a conversation needs to happen. 

You might have a long and beautiful relationship with a friend, but the realm of cleaning and personal hygiene doesn't need to enter into most normal friendships. So, you're in some new territory for the relationship. 

The difficulty of the situation lies in the fact that you want to keep a smooth personal relationship, and arguments over things they don't care about could explode into deeper issues. 

Many of us are too shy to confront someone about a habit that they have. In normal life, these issues aren't too bad because we aren't forced to live in the same space as most people with habits that don't align with our own. There's no need to bring something up, so we don't. 

In the house, though, messiness or inconsiderate roommates take a toll on our mental health.  
 

What Happens if They Refuse to Clean

Even though you express your wish to keep things clean and your roommate agrees, the reality of the situation might not work out so smoothly. You could find that their idea of "clean" is much different than yours (or anyone else's for that matter), and you're living in a dirty home.

It's acceptable to approach your roommate after a while and tell them that you have a different idea about how clean the house should be. So long as they're receptive, try to be as specific as you can in terms of how well things should get cleaned. 

The better idea they have of your wishes, the more they can accommodate if they're a nice and considerate person. Additionally, it helps to mention why you like to keep things clean. 

Some people don't need things as tidy as you do, so they might need a little insight into your perspective so they can value how important it is to clean. For example, mention that your mental health declines in a dirty environment if that's the case for you. 
 

Asking Your Roommate to Clean

When all else fails, you're put in a difficult spot. There are things to clean and you're holding up your personal end of the bargain. That only accounts for half of your house, though, and the other half is left unkept. 

If you start cleaning the whole house, that might set a precedent or the other individual might take offense to you doing their part. In any case, overstepping and cleaning things out of your purview shakes up the personal dynamic in some way. 

So, you have to ask the other person to clean or else things will remain dirty. One option is to dance around the subject a little bit while keeping cleaning at the center of the discussion. 

You could say, "did you ever get around to cleaning the bathroom? I haven't been there today so I wasn't sure." You could also say something like "I think we might have people over in a day or two, do you think you could do the dishes by then?"

These are non-confrontational ways to approach the situation. When all else fails, though, you have to come right out and ask direct questions. 

"Can you clean the bathroom?" "Could you please do the dishes?"

Getting to the point and saying things assertively is a good way to let them know that they're important to you. Do your best, though, to avoid saying things in an aggressive or mean manner. 

That will only serve to make things worse. 
 

Suggest That You Both Clean at the Same Time

Before you and your roommate enter mental no man's land and start fighting about cleaning, suggest that you do cleaning together. Give them a date when you plan to clean the apartment and ask if they'd be willing to help you out. 

You never know why someone else refuses to clean up after themselves. There's laziness, but it could be something a little deeper. For example, they might feel very bad about their mess, but the anxiety they feel about the huge garbage heap might overwhelm them.

As a result, they could avoid the entire process. Extending a compassionate hand and offering to tackle something as a team could be the thing they need. Your house will get cleaned, and you might strengthen your roommate relationship at the same time. 
 

Do You Have Messy Roommates?

Living with messy roommates that aren't willing to change is difficult. After a while, you might just tune out and accept that things are going to stay messy. 

We hope the messy roommate solutions above help to chip away at the issue. If not though, you always have the option of finding different apartments for rent in Dayton, Ohio. We're here to help you with that. 

Explore our site for more ideas and options for new places to live.

The post Messy Roommates? Here’s How to Handle It appeared first on Georgetown of Kettering Blog.

Have you considered growing plants in your apartment? You're not alone. During the pandemic, demand for houseplants went through the roof and some nurseries even experienced supply shortages.

A little greenery can really liven up a space, but maintaining plants in an apartment comes with a host of challenges. Many apartments don't have access to a balcony and some don't get an appropriate amount of light.

The best apartment plants require little direct sunlight and minimal care. Read on to learn which plants thrive in apartments and how growing plants can have a positive impact on your health.
 

Plants for Apartments

Pothos

Pothos, particularly the Golden Pothos, are among the easiest to maintain houseplants. You don't need a green thumb to keep these around.

Like most plants, pothos do best in bright light. However, they can make do with a wide range of lighting conditions, so they're a great choice for apartment dwellers. Do your best to keep your pothos out of direct sunlight, as that can burn the leaves.

Pothos do require regular watering. It's best if you let the soil dry out before watering again, so you'll likely need to water your pothos once a week. Be careful not to overwater it, as that could cause root rot and spell disaster for your plant.

As pothos grow, they develop long vines. That makes them the perfect plant to display in a hanging basket or on a high shelf. If your pothos vines get too long, just trim them to your preferred length.

One word of caution regarding pothos: their leaves can be toxic if ingested by small children or pets. Fortunately, this almost never poses a serious issue, but you'll still want to keep a watchful eye.
 

Aloe Vera

These plants are known for their soothing properties, and they're also easy plants to maintain.

Aloe Vera grows best if your apartment gets hours of bright sun. They're tropical succulents, so they can handle direct sunlight. If your apartment doesn't get a lot of sunlight, you'll need to put your plant near a window. 

To grow an aloe vera to its full potential, you'll need to start by planting it in well-draining soil and find a pot large enough to accommodate its root ball as it grows.

When it comes time to water your aloe vera, you'll want to saturate it and then let the soil dry out. You'll know it's time to water again when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.

If you cut open an aloe vera leaf, you'll notice that a clear gel leaks out. This gel is what gives aloe its medicinal properties. You can even apply it directly to your skin. It works great as sunburn relief and can even be used to treat certain skin conditions like psoriasis.
 

Snake Plants

The striking shape of their leaves and their deep green hue makes a snake plant an attractive houseplant, but their hardiness makes them some of the best indoor plants for apartments.

In fact, snake plants are so hardy that they can thrive even if they're nearly forgotten about. They seldom need to be watered and do best if their soil is allowed to completely dry out between waterings.

You'll actually want to avoid watering your snake plant too often, as they are prone to root rot if they're overwatered. Make sure that you pot your snake plant in a well-draining potting mix to combat this.

Snake plants prefer bright indirect light but will do just fine in most lighting conditions. If your apartment doesn't get a lot of direct sun, these are the perfect plant for you.

Like pothos leaves, snake plant leaves can also be toxic to pets. Allowing a pet to ingest them can result in diarrhea and vomiting.  
 

Cacti

These prickly plants are tough enough to survive harsh desert conditions, so they're sure to thrive in your cozy apartment.

During the spring and summer, monitor your cactus's soil and water the plant when its soil dries out entirely. In the winter, you'll only need to water your cactus if it starts to shrivel.

The only difficult part of cactus maintenance is ensuring it gets the appropriate amount of light, but that's simple to do if you know what species of cactus you own.

Most cacti need plenty of sunlight, and many can withstand harsh lighting conditions. They'll do just fine even with long hours of direct sunlight, like the light that comes through a south-facing window.

On the other hand, some cacti, like the Scarlet Ball cactus, thrive in low-light conditions. 
 

The Benefits of Houseplants

Plants can do so much more than beautify an apartment. They've been proven to offer physical and psychological benefit to those that care for and live among them 

Improve Mental Health

Gardening is a therapeutic exercise and taking care of a houseplant offers many of the same benefits of traditional gardening. Some U.K.-based doctors even instruct patients to take care of a houseplant as part of their treatment.

Improve Air Quality

While getting a houseplant may not purify the air as some studies claim, plants still release plenty of oxygen during photosynthesis. This oxygen makes the air feel fresher and helps you breathe easier.

Could Help Keep Colds at Bay

Plants naturally make a room more humid as they release water vapor. This increased humidity helps prevent dry skin, dry coughing, and colds.
 

Many Plants Thrive in Apartments

Houseplants are more popular than ever and you don't need the skills of an expert gardener or a lot of space to grow a happy houseplant. Even apartment dwellers can get in on the joy of maintaining a houseplant. The best apartment plants have minimal care requirements, don't need a lot of direct sunlight, and are plenty hardy.

Plants even offer plenty of benefits to their caregivers, like improving mental health and air quality.

If you're looking for a new apartment in the Kettering, Ohio area, reach out to Georgetown of Kettering for a tour. Their beautiful complex offers all the amenities of modern apartment living.

The post Best Plants to Grow in an Apartment appeared first on Georgetown of Kettering Blog.

Apartment living often gets a bit of a bad rap in favor of buying a home. This narrative is common in both the media and public opinion, but it needs some serious qualification. Sure, under the right circumstances, buying your own house is a wise investment decision and a solid choice for long-term personal or family planning, but not always.

In certain cases and for many people, the advantages of apartment living are much more practical and can deliver an enormous amount of personal and financial freedom. Let’s go over some infrequently mentioned benefits of living in an apartment to demonstrate what you can look forward to.

Advantages of Living in an Apartment

Goodbye maintenance worries

When you lease or rent an apartment with a reputable, professional landlord, you’re almost guaranteed to have a handyman on hand who will take care of your home and building maintenance issues. Most apartment structures and buildings have their own contractors on hand for a wide variety of major and minor repairs. These are almost always included in the contract you signed as part of the obligatory upkeep of both your apartment and the building as a whole. In many cases, these repairs will be free of charge and in some apartment complexes, they can be reached by a hotline 24 hours a day.

Buying a home on the other hand? Welcome to the world of hiring, paying for, and sorting through all of your own repair and maintenance tasks from day one until you eventually sell.

Forget the gardening woes

Just as maintenance and repair problems mostly stop being an issue when you live in an apartment, so too do gardening and lawn care worries. Obviously enough, apartments rarely include their own gardens, and this especially applies to high-rise buildings. With their absence, all the notoriously tedious issues of keeping them in good, healthy order also go away. This however doesn’t mean that living in an apartment building won’t let you enjoy the pleasures of green spaces and sun-bathed lawns, since many buildings and complexes do come with their own community garden spaces that you can enjoy without having to worry about keeping them in good order.

On the other hand, if you buy a house, whatever lawn and garden space it has are entirely in your hands. If you want it to look good, you might find yourself spending a fortune on upkeep, and sometimes even if you don’t want to; in many neighborhoods, bylaws make basic lawn care obligatory.

Buy in or leave whenever you like

This particular pleasure of apartment living applies especially to renting and leasing apartments. The simple fact is that taking this route for the place you want to call home lets you move into wherever you like in any city you prefer at any time, or leave just as easily. Unlike a home purchase, a rental contract or lease agreement is both highly flexible legal structures. You can find many apartments that offer short-term leases so you aren't tied down to a year+ commitment. With apartment living, one of the many benefits is the ability to move somewhere new every year or two. They also bypass the need for parting with major amounts of money as you would when buying your own house or condo.

If your work is subject to frequent relocations, or if the city you live in is looking dubious on its near-future economic prospects, renting an apartment is the single safest way to have a comfortable home that won’t tie you down.

Style Choices Galore

One of the major pleasures of apartment rental or leasing is being able to pick and choose among neighborhood and design choices much more affordably than if you were buying. Want to live in a highly modern building with all sorts of cutting-edge finishing work, or maybe you prefer a more antique touch? Whichever the case may be, you can probably find it in a rental offering and move in right after you sign a contract.

When buying a home, however, you’ll almost certainly need to make numerous compromises on style and location in order to keep your purchase tolerably affordable.

Living anywhere without years of savings

Buying a house usually means having plenty of money to spare on a down payment, and this simply isn’t possible for many people. The problem applies especially to the country’s more expensive and trendy cities. This issue largely disappears if you simply go for an apartment lease or rental agreement. In both cases, your neighborhood and city options become much more manageable with even a modest salary, and you can change places at any time at a minimal cost.

Communal Enjoyment

While not everyone is extroverted, being able to meet and greet neighbors in a setting that makes it easy to know them is usually a pleasure. In apartment complexes and buildings, this can happen easily and rapidly. Meeting interesting people is especially possible in complexes with plenty of communal space to relax in. Buying a house changes this story entirely. For one thing, neighbors might not be near enough to promote familiarity, and on the other hand, if you end up having one that you can’t stand, you’re pretty much stuck with them unless you or they sell.

Many apartment communities also have monthly events for residents to enjoy. This gives you the perfect opportunity to meet some of your neighbors in a relaxed and fun setting. Before moving into a new apartment community, check out their monthly Newsletter or resident bulletin board (online or in-person) to see the many wonderful events going on that month. By attending these events you just might find neighbors with similar interests as you! 
 

Amenities Galore

Apartment buildings and complexes aren’t just about the living space they give you. One of the benefits of living in an apartment includes numerous amenities. These might include communal pools, park space, free garbage disposal, maintenance hotlines, or interior fixtures like central heating that you don’t need to install or keep functional at your own expense.

Homeowners by contrast have to pay for every single amenity they want in their home. They not only need to pay for its installation or presence, but they also need to pay for its constant upkeep. Want a house with its own pool? Good luck buying one that’s not priced higher than normal, and good luck installing one on a tight budget. Finding an apartment complex with a professional gym and pool combo is much easier on the other hand.

Watchful neighbors

Your neighbors might not always be your best friends, but you can usually count on finding one or two that can keep an eye on your home when you’re away, or pitch in to take care of pets and water plants. The very same communal spirit we already mentioned above can make getting help from neighbors much easier in this way.

Easing the financial burdens

Apartment rental and leasing mean one major expense: You pay the rent. That’s usually it and a little more needs to go out of your pocket except for your daily living expenses. When you buy a house or other home, on the other hand, the financial picture can change drastically for all of the reasons we’ve already mentioned and many others. Then of course there are the possible long-term costs of having invested in a property in a neighborhood or city that later descends into a prolonged economic slump.

Not letting gentrification get in the way

Gentrification takes problems in the opposite direction of an economic slump when it comes to buying a home. While in the latter case you lose out on the value of your property, in the case of gentrification, it can make it nearly impossible to afford a purchase in a desirable city or neighborhood unless you’re exceptionally well off.

Renting an apartment is much easier in particularly desirable gentrified neighborhoods. Rental prices in these areas might still be more expensive than average, but compared to the sheer cost of buying a home, they’re far more manageable if you really want to enjoy trendy urban living.

Affordable ownership

If you’re dead set on homeownership, apartment living is still your best bet than buying your own property at a reasonable cost. In almost any city, apartment prices are markedly lower than those of detached homes, and the mortgage conditions on buying them also tend to be much more affordable. Unless you don’t mind living far out in the suburbs or countryside, an apartment purchase can place you much closer to the vibrant core of a city than buying a home is likely to.

Find Out More

If you're looking to enjoy all the many benefits of comfortable, affordable apartment living in Kettering, Ohio, then come pay a visit to Georgetown of Kettering. We don't just rent apartments, we also focus on helping you find just the right place for your needs. Our landscaped residency is designed to make affordable apartment living as relaxing and easygoing as possible.

The post 11 Advantages of Apartment Living that You Need to Know About appeared first on Georgetown of Kettering Blog.

According to the Pew Research Center, more American households are renting these days than at any point in the previous five decades. There are a number of compelling reasons why you might prefer renting over buying, including having flexibility in where you live, not being responsible for maintenance costs and repairs, and having access to amenities.

Some people might even find themselves in a situation where it makes sense to rent two apartments or to have their name on the lease for two different apartments.

Can you have two apartments in your name? Is there anything that prohibits you from signing more than one lease?

Let's take a look at everything you need to know.
 

Can You Have Two Apartments in Your Name?

The simple answer to this question is: yes. You can rent more than one apartment in your name. However, whether or not you can actually pull this off has to do with if you can cover the rent and meet all of the obligations of both leases simultaneously.

A lot of people simply cannot afford to have more than one rent check to write each month. However, others might find having two apartments to be advantageous.
 

Apartment Leasing Information: Why Would You Need Two Apartments at Once?

There are a number of reasons why you might want to have two leases at once. Let's take a look at some common scenarios.

You're a Frequent Traveler

Whether you are a business traveler or you travel for school or pleasure, having a second apartment can make sense in some circumstances. For example, maybe you spend a lot of time in Seattle for your work but your home base is in Austin. In this instance, it could make sense to rent a second place rather than constantly checking in and out of hotels or short-term rentals.

Your Leases Are Overlapping When You Move

One of the most common reasons someone might need to have their name on two leases at once is because their previous lease hasn't quite ended before their new lease begins. It can be a lot easier to move when your leases overlap because it gives you time to move your stuff out and doesn't require that you find temporary housing for a period of time.

In this scenario, you would only be covering two rents for a specific period of time. If the notion of taking on two apartments for a period of time is stressful for you, you might be able to come up with a deal with your current landlord that works for both of you.

You Simply Want Two Apartments and Can Afford It

There are other people who are in a financial position where they can choose to have more than one apartment. They might do this as a matter of convenience, leisure, or business.

You're an Apartment Lease Co-Signer

Another reason you might be on two leases is if you rent an apartment and you co-sign for a family member's apartment or if you are a co-signer on a number of leases. You can definitely be a co-signer on more than one lease, but it's worth understanding the risks you are taking on by doing so.

If you are co-signing a lease to help someone else get an apartment, make sure that you have a clear understanding of who is paying the rent and other associated costs.
 

Can You Sign on a New Lease If You Are a Co-Signer on Another Lease?

With rent prices rising around the country, it's becoming all the more common for people to use a co-signer when taking out a lease. Being a co-signer on another lease for a friend or family member shouldn't hold you back from getting your own new lease so long as your background check and credit score are still in good shape.

That being said, it's important to take the liability of being a co-signer seriously. You will want to be sure that the person you are co-signing for is trustworthy, otherwise, you could end up being financially responsible for their lease in addition to your own.
 

What Are Some Possible Exceptions to Being Able to Rent Two Apartments?

There are a couple of different scenarios were trying to rent two different apartments might not work out for you. For one, you might not be able to get a second lease if your landlord sees you as a financial risk. Whether you have bad credit, your payment history isn't great, or you simply don't seem to have the cash to float two apartments, you might find yourself limited in your ability to rent two spots.

Secondly, there might be restrictions on renting a second apartment if your first apartment is connected to a government-assisted housing program. If this is your situation, you might need to consult with a lawyer to decide what your options are.
 

Are You Looking For a New Montgomery County Apartment?

While Georgetown of Kettering does not allow residents to have multiple leases in their name, we still offer one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with a wide variety of floor plans that you can choose from. These apartments range from 750 to 1300 square feet in a variety of options to fit your lifestyle.

Are you looking for your next apartment? If so, you can check out our available floor plans here.

The post Can You Rent Two Apartments in Your Name? appeared first on Georgetown of Kettering Blog.