Renting Your First Apartment

So, it’s time to start the renting process for your first apartment. You’re excited, but overwhelmed, and you don’t know where to start. Here’s a quick guide to get you through the process. 

 

Research Research Research

When renting your first apartment, there are key questions you need to ask yourself. Where do you want to live? What are the housing prices there? Do you have a car or do you need a walkable city? Do you commute via public transit? Where is the closest train station? Will you need parking?

Lined paper with the word budget on it, surrounded by charts and graphs and a pen

Do the math

What is your budget? Renting your first apartment changes your budget drastically, you may even be writing a budget for the first time during this process. When in doubt, remember the 30% rule. 30%-35% of your household income should be the sweet spot for rent, but don’t forget about utilities! Now is a great time to take a look at your general spending and see where you need to be spending less, in order to afford apartment living!

Knowing your credit score is almost as important as your income. Most apartment communities, and private landlords alike, will have a minimum requirement for your credit score, and will likely run a credit check before approving your application. Credit Karma is a great (and free) resource for monitoring your credit. 

Deal Breakers

Now that you know where you want to live and what rent fits your lifestyle, you can start the search. Lists are helpful to keep you focused and to remind you what filters you’ll be using on rental sites. When searching for your first apartment, make a list of things you absolutely cannot live without so you remember what to look for, and a list of things that might be nice, but you don’t need, so you can remind yourself during your tours. 

Take a peak

You’re ready to really dive in! You are officially starting to search for your first apartment! Start with apartment listing sites such as Zillow.com, explore the options in your desired area, and take a tour. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and to take a thorough look around. 

Don’t skimp on the tours, either. The more apartments you tour (either in person or virtually), the better an idea you’ll have of what is available and what you’re looking for. 

Phone a friendTwo roommates, one sitting in a chair on a tablet and one sitting on a bean bag with a tablet

Did you find your dream apartment, and it’s just slightly out of budget? Are you finding that there are no apartments available for your specific income? Don’t panic! You should consider a roommate. This is not a task to be taken lightly, and should not be a rushed decision, but finding the right person to share an apartment with can be the ticket in! It may also be nice to have a friend when renting your first apartment, as you won’t be alone in the learning curves!

Stay Realistic

If an apartment offer seems too good to be true, it most likely is. Be on the lookout for fake or dishonest listings. 

Many scam listings will have very similar verbiage in the listing itself, or in the initial response to your request for tour. Things like being unable to view the unit, or being requested to mail money without a tour, in person meeting, or lease, can be red flags to look out for. When in doubt, call the property management company directly to confirm the available apartment is in fact their listing. Scams depend on people like you, new to renting an apartment, to fall for the trick. 

The Tough Stuff

Lease on the table with someone pointing out a line with a pen while a couple looks on

The application has been submitted and you’ve been approved. This is an exciting feat, but there is still a lease to be signed. We all love a good skim when it comes to terms and conditions, but a lease agreement and contract need a closer look.  They are legally binding documents and should merit a diligent read through. Familiarize yourself with rules, regulations, fees, and conditions.

 

Your first apartment experience is exciting, and with these tips and tricks, you can avoid much of the First-Time-Renter-Scaries! Still confused about where to start? Princeton Properties has your back. A leasing agent is just a call away to help you in your search. 

Why Rent Vs. Own

As Smash Mouth once said, “the years start coming, and they don’t stop coming,” and that couldn’t be more true, especially when it comes to the changing needs of our home lives. More and more Millennials and Gen Zers are finding it more appealing to rent vs. own, and below are the reasons we agree!

woman with sticky note stuck to her forehead working on a lap top also covered with sticky notes

Stress Less: Life is stressful enough without your home being another source of discomfort. When you rent vs. own, you’re offloading much of the responsibility that may come with home ownership. You have access to 24/7 emergency maintenance and management, and you don’t have to worry about the little details like trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, or plowing your driveway. For even further peace of mind and convenience, your buildings may have controlled-access doors, digital entry systems, and exterior lighting in common areas and parking lots.

How Convenient: Amenities are a huge perk for those who choose to rent vs. own. Driving to the gym, laundromat, or dog park may be a thing of the past when living in an apartment community. Residents will often find that their apartments are closer to highways, shopping centers, and recreation, which means you’ll be able to cut down on your commute to work, as well as your commute to play. The flexibility of renting allows you to choose (and change) your area based on these amenities and conveniences, and any other needs you may have.

Coins being dropped into a jar half filled with coins, coins all over the table next to it and a tipped over jar on the tableMoney Matters: When it comes to deciding whether to rent vs. own, money is probably the leading factor. When you rent you will be facing less for a down payment, and avoiding property taxes altogether. To rent vs. own means that your monthly expenses are more predictable, as you know there won’t be any surprise maintenance bills for your home or appliances, making budgeting for the things you really want easier.

Get Social: Making new friends as an adult is always hard, especially if you are moving to a new area. When you rent vs. own, you are going to find being social much less intimidating. Your neighbors are just a door, hallway, or floor away, and meeting them can seem much less daunting when you may simply bump into them. Many apartment communities offer social events for residents such as pool parties, game nights, and food truck gatherings to help meet people in your community without too much pressure. Even if  you’re looking to branch out from your apartment community, or simply get to know your area better, your resident office can have a wide range of local area information like events, best restaurants, and great sight seeing.

If you’re curious about what apartment community living looks like, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date on all that comes with making Princeton Properties your home! Not sure if Princeton Properties has availability in your area? See all of our neighborhoods.

Princeton Westford – Your New Home Without the Hassle

Princeton Westford in Westford, MA offers so many amenities for everyone in your family to enjoy throughout the year! Sitting on a very tranquil and spacious 90 acres, this community has plenty to keep you busy while spending time outdoors. Numerous areas to get out and walk or bike, play with the pup in our dog park, swing, slide and play in the onsite playground or take a dip in the swimming pool.  All these outdoor amenities are available to enjoy during the warmer months.  Or year round if that’s your thing. Spend your evenings sitting on your balcony or patio while overlooking the expansive grass courtyard below. Imagine….a beautiful lawn without the mowing! We’ll take care of all landscaping.  Do you have a green thumb?  Pick out a plot in our community garden and plant your own vegetables to grow.  Come enjoy Home without the Hassle.

One and two bedroom floor plans are available are we’re ready to help you choose which option is right for you! Call us to schedule an in-person or virtual tour of Princeton Westford today.

Additional information, photos and floor plans can be viewed at princetonwestford.com.

 

Introducing Princeton Square in Swanzey, NH!

We’re excited to share the news about the newly-named, Princeton Square (formerly Haley Park) in scenic Swanzey, NH!

There is already so much for us to love in the Swanzey/Keene, NH area. Princeton Square is now joining our family in the Keene neighborhood – making us love this area even more.

 

Whether you’re looking for a one bedroom or a two, we have plenty of floor plan options for you at Princeton Square. Residents will now be able to enjoy a wide variety of updates upon moving in, including newly-carpeted common areas, brightly-lit hallways (with new fixtures) and fresh paint. We have also begun renovating many of the apartments too. Who doesn’t love a brand new kitchen? Renovations at Princeton Square will include stainless steel appliances, tile back-splashes, granite counters and wood style flooring in the kitchen.  See a sneak peek below of the materials we are planning to use in the renovations! We are so excited to see how it all comes together.

Stay tuned for new photos once the renovations are completed.

The Swanzey/Keene area is a fantastic place to raise a family with it’s New England charm and great sense of “community”. Whether it’s arts, shopping, sports, or outdoor adventure, this area of New Hampshire is the perfect spot for a calm and relaxing lifestyle.

Visit us here to view additional photos, floor plans and for scheduling a tour. We’re excited to see you at Princeton Square!

 

High-Efficiency Heating & Cooling at Princeton Place!

We are excited to announce that Princeton Place in Worcester, MA is getting a heating and cooling upgrade! National Grid predicts that these new systems can save some residents up to $500 a year on their energy costs!

Contractors are working hard to install high-efficiency Mitsubishi heat pumps in the living rooms of every apartment home. These new systems will save our residents money as they cost less to run than the old baseboard systems that were previously in place. As an added bonus, these systems will also provide air conditioning to our residents in the warm, summer months.

heat pump is an energy-saving air conditioner that simply reverses the flow of refrigerant. Combining the functions means one less system to worry about, joining the best of both worlds to create one of the best heating and cooling systems on the market today.

 

The contractors began working on Monday, January 6th and will be completing this project in two phases. To learn more about Princeton Place and view additional photos or floor plans click here.

A lot to Love About Princeton North Andover

Convenient, comfortable and a great place to call home. Welcome to Princeton North Andover!

Nestled on 13+ acres, this great location offers easy access to I-495/I-93 and Andover technology parks. Enjoy walking? There’s plenty of local shops and businesses nearby! If you decide to hop in the car you can drive 10 minutes in either direction on 125 and you’ll reach Haverhill or Andover – both with a bustling downtown food scene.  Bars, restaurants, fitness, shopping – Princeton North Andover is convenient to everything you could possible want!

Enjoy great amenities like a club house, fitness center, grill/picnic area, bicycle storage and social areas with wi-fi connection. Princeton North Andover offers both one and two bedroom options. Schedule a tour with our friendly leasing consultants today! While you wait, head here to view additional photos and view floor plans.

Vibrant Living at 3200 Washington in Jamaica Plain!

Thoughtfully curated by local design firm RODE Architects, our light-filled open-concept apartments in Jamaica Plain foster dynamic and flexible modern living!

Take in the city views from our roof deck this summer and enjoy commissioned artwork by local artists. 3200 Washington’s boutique design and modern amenities are the complete package.  Amazing views, private balconies, generous living spaces — you want it, we’ve got it!

Check out all of our bright, open, inviting floor plans here. Call us today to make this diverse, urban, and engaged community your home.

 

Wake Up and Ride at Mill and 3 Apartments – Now Equipped with Peloton

 

Want the convenience of an indoor cycling studio right at home? Mill and 3 Apartments in Chelmsford, MA now offers the Peloton Bike – the indoor exercise bike with online streaming classes!

Cycling is now at your fingertips in the fitness center at your apartment home! No special bike shoes are required, just come on down to the fitness center and hop on the Peloton to start streaming live and on-demand group fitness classes led by world-class NYC instructors. In addition to cycling classes, you will also find amazing strength and stretching courses all available to you any time!  Sticking to your New Year’s Resolution has never been so convenient or fun!

Use of the Peloton Bike is completely free for all Mill and 3 residents. What are you waiting for? Schedule your tour today of our beautiful apartment homes and make sure to stop by the fitness studio while you’re there!

 

Click here to learn more about the Peloton bike

 

Living at Princeton Westford Apartment Homes is Electrifying!

Living at Princeton Westford Apartment Homes just got a bit more electrifying!  We are proud to announce the addition of two electric vehicle charging stations.  These stations are available to you for a free charge!  We appreciate the green movement and we’re trying to do our part with the addition of electric car charging stations!

The Series 6 EV charging stations are sleek, futuristic and have a compact design. Thankfully since we are in New England they are also rugged, weatherproof, and made to withstand the harshest elements for years of worry-free operation.  Come check them out, located in front of the Princeton Westford Management Office.

Any of our residents driving an electric vehicle (EV) can pull right up and start charging at our SemaConnect EV charging station – you are not required to join SemaConnect in advance!

We’re so happy to see our residents enjoying this new amenity at Princeton Westford. Interested in learning more about what we have to offer? View floor plans, see additional photos and schedule a tour here!

 

Announcing Our “We Love Our Residents” Photo Contest!

February is the month of love and this Valentine’s Day we want our residents to know how we feel! To show our love and appreciation we are offering the chance to win a $50 Visa Gift card each day for 5 days. All you have to do is show us, through a photo of your choice, what YOU love this Valentine’s Day!

There are TWO way to enter and FIVE chances to win February 11th through February 15th! Read the official rules and details below…