10 Tips for Small SpacesFrom Fred Albert,Time-Tested Advice From AFMA Helps Make Small Spaces BiggerThe 87 percent of Americans who describe their home as small to medium in size know the importance of using every square inch to maximum efficiency. Rather than making their space look bigger, people want a cozy, intimate feel and prefer to use their space wisely and get the most out of it. "One of the great things about small rooms is that they help us think creatively about the way we live," said Jackie Hirschhaut, Vice President of the American Furniture Manufacturers Association. "Furniture is a true complement to a small abode – it helps you maximize your space by providing function, comfort and style."
AFMA suggests the following tips for ways to increase square footage without building on an addition:
Go Vertical Consider tall furniture rather than wide to preserve precious floor space.
e taken advantage of the valuable space under the bed – in style. Use decorative boxes and storage bins to stow out-of-season clothing, wrapping paper, sporting goods or anything else.
Retractable Doors When shopping for an armoire or entertainment center, look for ones with retractable doors to provide more space when the doors are open.
Try the Kids' Department Youth furniture is designed to fit into smaller rooms but also accommodates adults just fine. Have a small guest bedroom or a little alcove office? A child's dresser or desk might be the perfect fit.
Rollin', Rollin', Rollin' Many pieces of furniture have wheels – whether it is a sofa, a coffee table, a storage shelf, kitchen table or an ottoman. Enjoy extra mobility and function with a wheeled piece of furniture that is fashionable and practical.
Don't Leaf It Out If a full-size dining room table is just too big for the dining area, ask your retailer about one with removable leaves.
Accent It A mirror is always a nice accent to any room, but especially a small one. Mirrors add light and depth when space is limited. And the right accessories will highlight one's personal style and enhance the intimacy of a small space.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
The Costs of Moving - A Quick Checklist
The Costs of Moving - A Quick Checklist
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When you’re preparing to move, either into your first apartment, or just a new apartment, make sure you’re prepared financially by referring to this quick checklist.
The Old Lease - If you’re moving from one apartment to another, make sure you’ve fulfilled the terms of your old lease. If you move out early, you may be responsible for a reletting fee and/or the remainder of rent due on your lease.
Security Deposit - You’ll need to pay a security deposit. If you’re moving from one apartment to another, you may not get your old security deposit back in time, the amounts may be different, or you may only get a certain percentage of your deposit back. Make sure you have this money in the bank, just in case.
Utilities - If you are moving to a new town, or moving to a building that has different utility providers, you may need to pay deposits for things like electricity, phone or any utility not included in your rent. If you are changing phone numbers or getting a new phone line installed, you may need to pay additional set up charges for that.
Costs of Moving
Will you be hiring movers?
What will the packing materials cost?
Will you be renting a truck?
If you’re having friends help you, it is common courtesy to offer them lunch and refreshments, make sure you figure this into your costs of moving, especially if you have a lot of friends.
Meals (you won’t have your oven or microwave)
Cell phone calls.
Will you need to stay in a hotel in between apartments?
Pets
Pet Deposit – If you have a pet, your new apartment may require a special deposit for your animal. Make sure you ask about this, and if there is one, find out what has to be done to get that fee back, before you sign the lease.
During the Move – It’s probably not a good idea to have Tiger hanging around when you’re trying to move. There’s a good possibility that your pet may either get lost or get hurt. Don’t take a chance of this happening. Have a good friend watch your pet, or, kennel your pet for the day or days surrounding your move. If you will be kenneling your pet, consider that cost in your total moving budget. If a friend will be watching your pet, although it will be less expensive than a kennel, you should still buy a thank you gift.
Time – Sure, you’ll be spending a good deal of your time moving, but time is money. Think about the financial implications of taking time off of work as you pack and unpack.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.
(Rate this article)
When you’re preparing to move, either into your first apartment, or just a new apartment, make sure you’re prepared financially by referring to this quick checklist.
The Old Lease - If you’re moving from one apartment to another, make sure you’ve fulfilled the terms of your old lease. If you move out early, you may be responsible for a reletting fee and/or the remainder of rent due on your lease.
Security Deposit - You’ll need to pay a security deposit. If you’re moving from one apartment to another, you may not get your old security deposit back in time, the amounts may be different, or you may only get a certain percentage of your deposit back. Make sure you have this money in the bank, just in case.
Utilities - If you are moving to a new town, or moving to a building that has different utility providers, you may need to pay deposits for things like electricity, phone or any utility not included in your rent. If you are changing phone numbers or getting a new phone line installed, you may need to pay additional set up charges for that.
Costs of Moving
Will you be hiring movers?
What will the packing materials cost?
Will you be renting a truck?
If you’re having friends help you, it is common courtesy to offer them lunch and refreshments, make sure you figure this into your costs of moving, especially if you have a lot of friends.
Meals (you won’t have your oven or microwave)
Cell phone calls.
Will you need to stay in a hotel in between apartments?
Pets
Pet Deposit – If you have a pet, your new apartment may require a special deposit for your animal. Make sure you ask about this, and if there is one, find out what has to be done to get that fee back, before you sign the lease.
During the Move – It’s probably not a good idea to have Tiger hanging around when you’re trying to move. There’s a good possibility that your pet may either get lost or get hurt. Don’t take a chance of this happening. Have a good friend watch your pet, or, kennel your pet for the day or days surrounding your move. If you will be kenneling your pet, consider that cost in your total moving budget. If a friend will be watching your pet, although it will be less expensive than a kennel, you should still buy a thank you gift.
Time – Sure, you’ll be spending a good deal of your time moving, but time is money. Think about the financial implications of taking time off of work as you pack and unpack.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.
Monday, April 14, 2008
When the Landlord Forecloses on Your Apartment
When the Landlord Forecloses on Your Apartment
As a renter, you may or may not have been paying attention to the fallout of the subprime mess. Well, maybe you should. Even buildings with renters have been foreclosured as landlords defaulted on mortgage payments, so reports the New York Times (which owns About.com).
What should you do if this happens to you? Check out this primer from Nolo.com on the legal ramifications of foreclosures for renters.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.
As a renter, you may or may not have been paying attention to the fallout of the subprime mess. Well, maybe you should. Even buildings with renters have been foreclosured as landlords defaulted on mortgage payments, so reports the New York Times (which owns About.com).
What should you do if this happens to you? Check out this primer from Nolo.com on the legal ramifications of foreclosures for renters.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
New Jersey apartment market boosted by NYC exodus since Sept. 11
New Jersey apartment market boosted by NYC exodus since Sept. 11 - Brief ArticleReal Estate Weekly, Feb 6, 2002 E-mail Print Link Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Brokerage Company recently released its Apartment Research Report for the Northern & Central New Jersey markets. The report indicates that the exodus from New York City in the aftermath of Sept. 11 has given the New Jersey apartment market a boost, according to David Thurston, regional manager in the firm's Fort Lee office.
Following are some of the most significant aspects of the report:
More Articles of Interest Report: NJ apt market...Kushner Companies...Legg Mason Dorman &...Andrew Previtali -...Campus' $50m college... Most Popular Publications in Business Business WireBlack EnterpriseReal Estate WeeklyLos Angeles Business ...Communication WorldMore » * Job growth is forecast to be stagnant in 2002, but new office and residential developments will aid in sustaining the long-term health of the local economy. In addition to job relocations to New Jersey from across the Hudson, new building construction has led to continued job formation in the region in certain locations. While manufacturing jobs in Newark dipped by more than 5% in October 2001 on a year-over-year basis, the F.I.R.E. sector experienced solid gains of 3% during that time frame.
* Apartment construction had begun to slow by the end of last year, and the forecast is for a moderate building season due to the current economic climate. Although apartment construction has continued throughout Northern and Central New Jersey, the pace has slowed somewhat due to economic constraints. As a result, the number of units completed over the next 12 months will fall.
Demand from residents across the Hudson may spur increased activity this year, however, particularly by mid-year as the economy begins to stabilize. Permit activity decreased in 2001 across Northern and Central New Jersey by more than 13%. Construction activity in Jersey City actually increased, as demand from local residents for luxury rental units near the Hudson priced at a discount to Manhattan rents continued to lure developers.
* The local market will be one of the few in the nation that experiences a decline in vacancy this year. Unlike most other areas of the country, and despite the difficult economic times, Northern and Central New Jersey should experience a decline in average vacancy rates over the next 12 months. Once construction slows in Hudson County and the market begins to stabilize, average vacancy in this submarket will be among the lowest in the region. At present, Bergen and Morris counties are the tightest in the area and have experienced vacancy levels below 2%.
* Rents are forecast to grow by an average of 3% over the next 12 months as residents migrate across the Hudson and bring additional competition to the local rental market. Surprisingly tight market conditions amidst a difficult economic period will lead to rent growth of roughly 3% over the next 12 months. New properties in Hudson County have pulled up the overall rents in the market and the new luxury product that has been coming online in the area will continue to bolster average rent gains for Northern and Central New Jersey.
* Values will rise as a result of strong market fundamentals. Low vacancy and strong rent growth will increase values by an average of 4% in 2002. The majority of sales have historically involved older Class C properties, but with the development of new high-end properties as well as the redevelopment of older properties, the local apartment market is in the midst of a renaissance. Current low interest rates allow for more aggressive bids by investors; however, rates are likely to increase as the economy begins to rebound by mid-year. Average sales prices will be higher in the beginning of the year and then taper off slightly by the end of 2002.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Hagedorn PublicationCOPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.
Following are some of the most significant aspects of the report:
More Articles of Interest Report: NJ apt market...Kushner Companies...Legg Mason Dorman &...Andrew Previtali -...Campus' $50m college... Most Popular Publications in Business Business WireBlack EnterpriseReal Estate WeeklyLos Angeles Business ...Communication WorldMore » * Job growth is forecast to be stagnant in 2002, but new office and residential developments will aid in sustaining the long-term health of the local economy. In addition to job relocations to New Jersey from across the Hudson, new building construction has led to continued job formation in the region in certain locations. While manufacturing jobs in Newark dipped by more than 5% in October 2001 on a year-over-year basis, the F.I.R.E. sector experienced solid gains of 3% during that time frame.
* Apartment construction had begun to slow by the end of last year, and the forecast is for a moderate building season due to the current economic climate. Although apartment construction has continued throughout Northern and Central New Jersey, the pace has slowed somewhat due to economic constraints. As a result, the number of units completed over the next 12 months will fall.
Demand from residents across the Hudson may spur increased activity this year, however, particularly by mid-year as the economy begins to stabilize. Permit activity decreased in 2001 across Northern and Central New Jersey by more than 13%. Construction activity in Jersey City actually increased, as demand from local residents for luxury rental units near the Hudson priced at a discount to Manhattan rents continued to lure developers.
* The local market will be one of the few in the nation that experiences a decline in vacancy this year. Unlike most other areas of the country, and despite the difficult economic times, Northern and Central New Jersey should experience a decline in average vacancy rates over the next 12 months. Once construction slows in Hudson County and the market begins to stabilize, average vacancy in this submarket will be among the lowest in the region. At present, Bergen and Morris counties are the tightest in the area and have experienced vacancy levels below 2%.
* Rents are forecast to grow by an average of 3% over the next 12 months as residents migrate across the Hudson and bring additional competition to the local rental market. Surprisingly tight market conditions amidst a difficult economic period will lead to rent growth of roughly 3% over the next 12 months. New properties in Hudson County have pulled up the overall rents in the market and the new luxury product that has been coming online in the area will continue to bolster average rent gains for Northern and Central New Jersey.
* Values will rise as a result of strong market fundamentals. Low vacancy and strong rent growth will increase values by an average of 4% in 2002. The majority of sales have historically involved older Class C properties, but with the development of new high-end properties as well as the redevelopment of older properties, the local apartment market is in the midst of a renaissance. Current low interest rates allow for more aggressive bids by investors; however, rates are likely to increase as the economy begins to rebound by mid-year. Average sales prices will be higher in the beginning of the year and then taper off slightly by the end of 2002.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Hagedorn PublicationCOPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Senior citizens back in apartments after water main break
by Seung Min Kim/The Star-Ledger Saturday March 29, 2008, 12:10 PM
Hundreds of residents at two senior citizen apartment buildings in Bridgewater are back in their homes this afternoon after a water main break Friday evening forced evacuations, flooded toilets and caused water to drip from light fixtures and circuit breaker panels.
The break was discovered around 6 p.m., Bridgewater police Lt. Eric Goleskie said.
New Jersey American Water had been repairing a leaky 12-inch main under the North Bridge Street underpass, located near the Centerbridge apartments. Workers had opened valves to maintain water pressure to the apartments, but the flux in pressures ruptured water pipes to Centerbridge, Goleskie said.
No injuries were reported, but 11 residents in Centerbridge I and 16 others in Centerbridge II reported water damage in their apartments, Goleskie said.
Residents in Centerbridge I were allowed back into their apartments around 1:20 this morning. Their neighbors in Centerbridge II returned home about 40 minutes later. Combined, the two apartment buildings have about 250 units.
Many of the residents stayed with friends or family during the evacuation while others were taken to the nearby senior citizens center, Goleskie said.
Agencies that responded include the several departments from Bridgewater; the Country Hills, Green Knoll, Bradley Gardens and North Branch fire companies, the offices of emergency management for Bridgewater and Somerset County; the Red Cross; rescue squads from Martinsville, Somerville and Hillsborough, and the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter, which provided shelter for displaced pets.For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.
Hundreds of residents at two senior citizen apartment buildings in Bridgewater are back in their homes this afternoon after a water main break Friday evening forced evacuations, flooded toilets and caused water to drip from light fixtures and circuit breaker panels.
The break was discovered around 6 p.m., Bridgewater police Lt. Eric Goleskie said.
New Jersey American Water had been repairing a leaky 12-inch main under the North Bridge Street underpass, located near the Centerbridge apartments. Workers had opened valves to maintain water pressure to the apartments, but the flux in pressures ruptured water pipes to Centerbridge, Goleskie said.
No injuries were reported, but 11 residents in Centerbridge I and 16 others in Centerbridge II reported water damage in their apartments, Goleskie said.
Residents in Centerbridge I were allowed back into their apartments around 1:20 this morning. Their neighbors in Centerbridge II returned home about 40 minutes later. Combined, the two apartment buildings have about 250 units.
Many of the residents stayed with friends or family during the evacuation while others were taken to the nearby senior citizens center, Goleskie said.
Agencies that responded include the several departments from Bridgewater; the Country Hills, Green Knoll, Bradley Gardens and North Branch fire companies, the offices of emergency management for Bridgewater and Somerset County; the Red Cross; rescue squads from Martinsville, Somerville and Hillsborough, and the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter, which provided shelter for displaced pets.For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.
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