For many, a $15,500 figure would be the price of a good used vehicle, but that’s not the case for Derek Jeter.  The beloved New York Yankee captain has just rented a high end apartment for $15,500 a month.  “Despite the fact he already owns a $20 million condo in the same building; Jeter is now renting a two-bedroom, three-bath condo in Trump World Tower” (Yahoo! Sports).  The reason for such a drastic move was a result of his inability to sleep at night due to a noisy neighbor’s construction efforts.  The condo is now up for sale by the way.

The majority of us would probably consider Jeter’s course of action to be very extreme.  All that money just because you were having trouble sleeping?  One should also consider the fact that he is a pro athlete, and rest or lack thereof can affect his play on the field.  As a Yankee fan myself, I would prefer he get any edge that will benefit his performance this season.  In other words, Go Yankees!

On a more pseudo philosophical note, “those who can do!”  Jeter had a problem, he found a solution that he could afford.  Granted, it was one way beyond most of our means, but can you honestly say you wouldn’t even consider making the same decision if you could afford it?

Suzan was beginning to feel like she had no rights in her own home.  Her landlord had made a few unexpected visits to her apartment.  Some while she was away, and a few while she was home.  Needless to say he let himself in with his spare key each time.

There was one occasion that finally broke the proverbial camel’s back.  Suzan’s landlord decided to make another unexpected visit.  It was the third this month.  Suzan happened to be home at the time.  Unbeknownst to her, the landlord was already in her apartment as she was about to exit her bathroom.  Fortunately, she heard what sounded like movement and dishes in her kitchen.  She slipped on some clothes, crept towards the kitchen, and grabbed a strategically placed baseball bat in the process.

As she made her approach towards the kitchen, she could see a very comfortable intruder.  It was her landlord, he had made himself at home, obviously unsuspecting of her presence.  Not only had he let himself into her apartment, almost seen her naked, he even had the audacity to grab a cup and help himself to an ample serving of her diet Coke.

Suzan decided to teach him a lesson. She crept up behind him as he was taking a big sip of his drink.  As he stood there with the cup to his lips she screamed, “Hey!”  Startled, he poured the remnants of the drink allover himself.  At this point Susan was still not done, as he turned to see where the voice had originated, she swung the bat at him.  The landlord’s response was to squeal and put up both his hands in a defensive position.  She had stopped just short of hitting him with the bat.  He was obviously taken by surprise and scared witless.  She told him, “get out of my house!”  He stared at her defiantly for a moment, then proceeded to do as she requested.

Once he left, Suzan decided to turn on the computer, and research her rights.  She came across a listing of renter’s rights.  There was one in particular that suited her needs.  It stated that a landlord was not allowed to make unexpected visits.  “Your landlord cannot come into your apartment or house without prior permission unless there is a true emergency like a fire or a flood in the bathroom” (realestate.findlaw.com).  It turns out that a landlord needs to give you a 24 hour warning of his/her intended visit, a time must be stated as well.  Short of an emergency, unexpected entry is against the law.

Suzan’s next step was to print a copy of the renter’s rights.  Of course the part about the 24 hour warning was bolded, italicized, and printed in a red font color.  She went to the door of her landlord’s apartment and knocked on it emphatically.  As he opened the door she forcefully handed him the printout for effect.  Needless to say that was the end of the string of unexpected visits from him.

Suzan’s situation was extreme, and not to mention fabricated, but a lesson can still be learned from all of this.  Given that there will always exist people that will attempt to infringe on your rights, it behooves you to be aware of the law.  The law was implemented as a means of protection.  Use it to your benefit!

Though I can’t say that the service we provide makes us as noble as: doctors, priests, or teachers, it does feel good to be in a profession where you can help people.  We started out with the goal of providing a forum where people could search an online database for their desired apartment, for free.  We also made it easy and affordable to upload available apartments to our server.  All this on a user friendly website, what you get is a successful service offering.  Below you will find a few examples of customer feedback to support our claim to fame.

“You people helped make my apartment search as easy as it could possibly get.  I was able to make a list of 5 apartments that fit my profile. By the third one, I had found the perfect place.  Thank you Apartment Source!”

-Monica Santos

“Gooo Apartment Source!!!  I’ve moved many times before.  Each time it has been a long process for me and my family.  A friend recommended that I used a site like yours.  I figured it couldn’t hurt.  I tried a few other sites like yours, but yours was my favorite.   I was able to find my new home within a couple of weeks.  Thank you!”

-Matthew Reed

“…I called and spoke to a customer service rep, I explained to him that the list of available apartments in my small town was pretty short.  He told me that he would get back to me on the matter.  Within two days I received an expanded list.  Needless to say I was able to find my new apartment thanks to the follow up.  I will recommend Apartment Source to anyone that will listen.”

-J. Haltson

“Omg, this was the easiest I have eva found a spot.  I was using a realtor at first, he sucked, smh.  My google search lead me to you guys. A few clicks, new place, lml:-)  Thanx Apartment source, you guys rock!”

-Jessica XOXO

“Esta pagina me dio todo lo que yo queria. Encontre apartamentos facil. Fue un placer y ahora tengo un apartamento barato que me encanta. Gracias por dejar el servicio de apartamentos gratis.”

-Jose Alvarez

“My nephew came to this country a few years ago.  He had lived with me ever since that time.  It was about time for him to spread his own wings and fly.  He had been searching for a while before I decided to try to help.  I found your site online, and that was all it took.  Now he lives not too far from me, and my apartment is my own once again.  Consider me and my family a satisfied customer.”

-Jacob Chu

“…thank you, thank you, thank you!”

-Cecil Jackson

It is very encouraging to read these type of testimonials, so please keep them coming.  It gives us (the staff at Apartment Source) that feeling of achievement that money alone can’t buy.  Helping our fellow man/woman makes it all the more rewarding.  We will maintain our high level commitment to you, the customer, and continually work to improve our service offerings.

Neighborhoods such as Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg in Berlin, Germany are the sites of rising real estate costs, culminating in what some would call; attempted gentrification.  The definition of the word gentrification is: the restoration of rundown urban areas by the middle class resulting in the displacement of the low-income residents.  Rent prices have increased to the point where the average resident can no longer afford it.  These areas of interest used to offer reasonably priced apartment rental rates, but that is no longer the case.

They say that one’s character is truly tested in the midst of adversity, you can tell a lot about a person by how they choose to respond to hard times.  With that theory in mind, I wonder what can be said about the good people of Hedonist International? They have chosen to employ radical measures in order to protest the soaring rent prices.  Their modus operandi is to pose as would be apartment renters.  Once they gain access to the targeted apartment, the party begins.  They remove most, if not all of their clothing, and don masks.  Their bodies have been strategically painted with slogans such as, “Too Expensive” and “Rip Off.” To further add insult to injury, they dance for joy accompanied by the invigorating beats of techno music.  Though the whole event might seem extravagant and time consuming, they still manage to escape prior to the arrival of the authorities.

Needless to say these protests have won the support and praise of many, but Hedonist International’s chosen means of revealing their displeasure hasn’t sparked the approval of everyone in Berlin.  Real estate brokers describe the demonstrations as juvenile and unlawful.  Some of the actual prospective renters consider them lewd.  They are not too pleased to witness naked party goers while in search of a new home.

One of the protesters made reference to the rent prices being so exuberant that they practically demand the shirt off your back.  Obviously they didn’t just stop with their shirts.  Personally I find quite a bit of humor in their method, but their cause is a very serious matter.  You can’t blame someone for fighting for affordable housing.  Everyone should be able to afford a roof over their heads.

In a perfect world naked techno parties wouldn’t be the result of unjust rent prices.  They might still occur, but in the form of a leisurely practice, instead of a desperate attempt to be heard.  I wish these brave unorthodox protestors success in their cause.

Even with the seemingly consistent rising costs of public transportation, it is still budget-friendly.  When it comes to a vehicle, one has to factor in; gas, insurance, maintenance, possible tolls, and the list goes on.  With mass transit, the cost of one fare gets you there.  In fact, there are discounts for buying fares in bulk.  Public transportation can be very cost effective when you consider the alternative.

“Going green” is a popular term that has arisen in light of pollution and the excessive consumption of the earth’s natural resources. It is widely believed that opting to use public transportation is beneficial to the planet.  One person switching to public transit can reduce daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds (American Public Transportation Association, February 1, 2011). I have come across certain information that would refute that theory, but I am not convinced.  So for those of you utilizing public transportation, mother earth thanks you.

Not all mass transit systems are created equal.  A study by the U.S. News analysis found the top 10 U.S. cities with the best combination of: public transportation investment, ridership, and safety were:

1)  Portland, Oregon

2)  Salt Lake City, Utah

3)  New York, New York

4)  Boston, Massachusetts

5)  Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

6)  San Francisco, California

7)  Los Angeles, California

8)  Honolulu, Hawaii

9)  (tie)  Denver, CO

9)  (tie)  Austin, Texas

One should take into account the distance between a perspective apartment rental and public transportation.  There are many valid reasons to support that train of thought.

I’m a New Yorker, and privy to the third highest ranking mass transit system in the United States.  In closing I would like to add a little rant of my own; “To the powers that be, the rising cost of public transportation should dictate that service improve relatively!  Why are we paying more for less?”

It may appear that a house payment is less expensive than paying rent, but that is not necessarily true. When you consider that many apartments include utilities in the rental payment, renting can be more economical. The landlord equips most rentals with major appliances, while a homeowner will have to purchase them.

Renting versus buying has its advantages. When something breaks, all you have to do in a rental is call the landlord. An individual renter is not responsible to neither fix nor pay for the cost of the repairs. Apartments usually have repairmen on site to fix anything that might go wrong, and repair it a quicker than an individual can.

When you buy a home, you take on the responsibility of; taxes, insurance, and upkeep. All homeowners will experience additional expenses not figured into the household budget. Along with ownership comes liability for any accident on your property, while at a rental property the landlord is held accountable.

Apartment renting allows you more flexibility. If your job should relocate or you just want a change, it is easier to move if you are renting versus owning a home. When you are buying a home, it is more difficult to move at will. You have to decide if you are ready for the long-term commitment buying a home requires, or if renting and leaving the problems up to the landlord is more suitable to your life style.

When your purchase a home you are free to do anything you want to the property. Rental apartments may have restrictions on pets and children, as well as personal lifestyle. A landlord usually will not allow any changes unless you make special arrangements and get them approved. If you do make changes, it is usually at your expense. It is less rewarding when you put money into an apartment as opposed to a property you purchased.

If financial circumstances change, a homeowner may have to make major lifestyle changes or try to sell their home. If you are renting, you can always find less expensive apartments for rent. Your lifestyle will help you make the decision between renting and buying.

There are other factors to consider when deciding whether to rent or to buy, but these are some of the more relevant ones. Either way, it is not a decision to be taken lightly.

1.) Safety -The most important consideration when looking for your new apartment is your personal safety and that of anyone residing with you.  When looking for a safe apartment, evaluate the condition of the apartment itself, including its age and overall maintenance level.  Be sure to inspect the condition of plumbing and wiring and operation and maintenance of fixtures and climate control.  Does the apartment have working smoke detectors and secure doors and windows?  What type of neighborhood surrounds your prospective living quarters and who are your neighbors?

2.) Contract and Landlord -Reading your lease contract, meeting and evaluating your landlord are all connected to your safety in an apartment.  Do you feel that your landlord is reasonable and conscientious about maintaining his property?  Will he be responsive in the event of an emergency or maintenance issues?  How long is your lease and what will be the penalty if you are unable to fulfill it?  What rules must you adhere to? Always read your contract thoroughly before signing.

3.) Cost -The cost of your new residence is probably the first thing you think about when moving, but don’t forget to factor in other costs of moving into and living at your new location.  The size and efficiency of the living space, age of appliances and quality of construction are all important.  In addition, deposits and fees may constitute additional unexpected costs.

4.) Location -You will want to find a location that will fit your responsibilities and lifestyle.  A place near work or family is always desirable.  The proximity of services and shopping venues should also be a considered.  In the end, you will have to discern what type of access you require?

Though we live in a world with very few guarantees, utilizing the above mentioned guidelines will better you chances of finding a suitable apartment.

In today’s economy, deciding what to invest in can be a complex situation.
The recent recession officially ended in 2009, but the economy continues
to stagger and will likely take another plunge in the near or not so distant
future. Economists say that while the value of the dollar decreases, the price
and value of tangible items will rise. Most tangible items are held in the
stock market, which is also very unpredictable. This article will discuss some
good investments for both a short-term and long-term periods.

Real Estate

This is the top investment to make right now. Virtually anyone can afford
some type of property, including an empty lot. Even in the popular city of
New York, there are numerous apartments, condos, homes and businesses
for sale. Many of them priced at a fraction of their value 5 years ago. Median
home values have spiked to low averages everywhere, making it easy for
almost anyone to afford a real estate purchase. Both investors and families
are finding the benefit of buying a foreclosed home at low cost and living in
it or making it a rental. Real estate values are expected to rise again. When
the economy does recover, due to inflation, values, along with prices, will
spike significantly and either double or triple in some areas. Homeowners
who purchase now will enjoy a low mortgage, great rent revenue or an
excellent re-sell profit in the future. These are the three outcomes, so there
is no way one can lose.

Money

Since the dollar’s value is expected to drop for a while prior to recovering,
investing in money is actually a good idea. A high-interest savings account
or CD will result in money gained once the dollar recovers. Another option
for long-term investing is buying treasury bonds. These will gain value over
time, usually a period between 7 and 30 years. The interest ranges from 5%
and 7.5%, so the return values are excellent.

Tangible Necessities

Some items are expected to decrease in availability, but not in demand. One
example is ammunition. As the availability continues to decrease, the value

will rise. Thousands of people depend on it for hunting, range practice and
competition matches. Stock-piling surplus ammo from internet deals and
reselling it in 5-10 years will turn attractive profits.

One can still make money in tough financial times. A bad investment can
yield very harsh repercussions. It becomes even more prudent that one
makes educated decisions. Good luck to us all!

Not all apartments are created equally

Cheap apartments might seem like good deals to individuals with limited resources, but cheap apartments can bring about stress. Cheap apartments are often located in areas that are unsafe or run down. A tenant might find that it is not wise to be outside late at night or leave valuables unattended in an unlocked car. Renting a cheap apartment might result in appliances and other furnishings being in poor condition. There may be problems with roaches and other pests.

Luxury apartments can also have some pitfalls. A tenant may discover that the rent is too expensive, especially when an unexpected car repair, illness or some other emergency requiring extra money arises. Some people may find rent difficult to pay in emergency circumstances. Failing to pay can result in eviction and forfeiture of one’s deposit.

Apartments can be noisy

Most working people enjoy coming home to a quiet place after a hard day. When an apartment is in a noisy area or has boisterous tenants, there may never be the peace and tranquility after a long day. If there are children in a complex, the joyful noise associated with play might not be appreciated by a renter who works late shifts and needs to sleep during the day and early evening.

Rents can increase

A renter may be told that his or her rent will not increase, but as soon as the lease is up, the story may change. Some complexes raise rents if tenants fail to re-sign a lease. The renter may continue to live on a month to month basis at a higher rent. This can be very stressful for a renter on a limited budget.