Should you rent a duplex apartment? Compare the pros and cons.

In a follow-up to two of my most popular articles for prospective tenants, I've published "Pros and Cons of Renting a Duplex Apartment."

Like its predecessors, "Pros and Cons of Top Floor Apartments" and "Pros and Cons of First Floor Apartments," my duplex pro-and-con write-up offers you an insider's view on the advantages and disadvantages of living in one particular type of apartment.

Want a sneak preview of what I have to say about these two-residence rental homes? Here you go:

Pro: Big Brother is Across Town

Lots of apartment complexes house a property manager on site or at the very least there is a leasing office on the premises. Not so when you rent a duplex. Read the cons of this arrangement below, but first think about why this might be a good thing.

If you value your privacy and don't like the idea of management keeping tabs on your comings and goings, or those of your visitors, you'll be glad there is no arm of the landlord there to observe you on a daily basis. Maybe you keep late hours, or maybe your boyfriend/girlfriend frequently stays over. Whatever the case may be, it's none of your landlord's business.

Con: The Maintenance Man is Across Town, Too

Of course you might find yourself wishing there was a property manager, leasing office or maintenance staff on the premises when your air conditioning stops working, when ants take over your bathroom, when you lock yourself out of your apartment, or when you've forgotten to pay rent and it's currently 4:57 p.m. on the first of the month.

Privacy concerns aside, it really can be more convenient to live where you have easier access to your property manager. ...

Want to read more? Go here!


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Should you stop renting in 2011?

While this is a blog for renters and landlords, I have to wonder how many of my renting readers are considering taking the plunge in 2011 and buying a home?

"Should You Stop Renting and Buy a Home in 2011?" is directed at anyone surveying the real estate market and thinking this year is the year to stop paying rent forever. It includes links to several experts' predictions for the real estate market for the coming year.

Hint: If you're going to stop renting and buy a home in 2011, do it before June!


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Best buys for better apartment living

"Thin walls, limited space and little control over maintenance. When you live in an apartment, these are just a few of the inconveniences that come with the territory. However, you can make your rented home a little more livable with these Top 10 Best Buys for Better Apartment Living."

Check out the article linked above for a Top 10 List of good purchases to deal with some of the nonsense that comes with apartment life and make your home-sweet-rented-home a little more comfortable.

The article cites portable heaters, houseplants, area rugs and white noise machines among its suggestions.

(Perfect reading, too, if you have a renter on your Christmas shopping list this year!)



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