How to find your first apartment - MSN Real Estate

Whatever your college living situation was, odds are that it was probably a little noisier, grungier or smaller than what you had in mind for your post-graduation life. Add to that the probability that you'll need to relocate for a new job, and there's a good chance you'll be on the lookout for a new apartment.
Read More: How to find your first apartment - MSN Real Estate

Two Myths about Renter's Insurance - Steve Denman

There are two big myths about renters insurance. One is that it's too expensive and the other is that it's not needed. Not having renters insurance is a pretty big gamble, considering that without it you face the cost of replacing your personal belongings after and event such as fire or theft. What's more, you could face the prospect of defending yourself in a lawsuit because of some accident for which you might be held legally responsible, whether it happened where you live or live elsewhere. 

In many cases, for less than a couple of hundred dollars a year you can protect your valuable, like your furniture and clothes, from loss by fire, theft, wind and water damage or other covered hazards. But many renters still don't believe they need such insurance. A survey conducted by Cambridge Reports, Inc. for the Insurance Information Institute found that fewer than three out of every 10 renters purchase renters insurance. 

Many renters mistakenly believe their landlord's insurance will cover their own belongings. In fact, it would be extremely rare for a landlord's policy to extend to tenants' property. 
To determine how much insurance coverage you'll need, take a complete inventory of your personal items. An insurance agent can help with this by estimating the total value of your property. You'll also need to decide whether to opt for depreciated or limited replacement cost coverage. Depreciated coverage is the cost to repair or replace your belongings minus depreciation. Let's say you bought a quality sofa with an expected useful life of 10 years. If it's now five years old and would cost about $1000 to replace, you could expect to receive around $500 (less deductible) if your sofa was destroyed by fire. You would pay slightly more for limited replacement cost coverage, but you could expect to receive $1,000 for your sofa minus your deductible. 

You should also keep in mind that insurance coverage for some types of personal property is limited in terms of dollars. Renters insurance also give you personal legal liability coverage and medical payments to others who are accidentally injured while in your home, apartment or elsewhere if the injuries are caused by your actions. And, if you are forced to live elsewhere because of damage to your residence due to a covered loss, renters insurance covers additional living expense. 

Remember, you may not own the building in which you live, but you still need to have insurance to protect your property in the case of fire, theft or other hazards. Talk with you insurance agent for more information.

Steve Denman Ins Agcy Inc

www.stevedenman.com

47 Greensboro Highway

P.O. Box 408

Watkinsville, GA 30677-0011

Renter Insurance in Athens GA

Athens renters insurance is something that all Athens renters need to consider purchasing. Whether you own a modest amount of property or an enormous number of priceless assets, Athens renters insurance will afford you the kind of security you want for the possessions you treasure. Insurance may be seen by some as a luxury, but in trying economic times, it is a necessity if you want to protect yourself against unforeseen financial problems that result from fire, theft or loss of property. - http://www.rentersinsurance.net/athens.html

ATI Insurance www.atiinsurance.com - 400 Hawthorne Avenue #1, Athens - (404) 875-4700
Chasteen Insurance www.chasteeninsurance.com/ - 1030 Mitchell Bridge Road Suite 100 Athens - (706) 549-2774

Rhett Butler State Farm Insurance www.rhettbutler.biz - 2500 Lexington Road, Athens - (706) 354-0444

Let Someone Else Pay Your Rent!

Duplex -- 2Bed/1 Bath Each Side.  Located on Reed Street, Athens.  Price per building is $55,000.00.  For Rent to Own.  A 2 year contract at $400.00 per month for one unit will allow you to use $200.00 per month out of the rent as the down payment.  This will give you a down payment of $4,800.00 after 2 years.  The owner will finance the balance of $50,200 at between 5 and 7% over 30 years.  Payments should be no more than $425.00 after purchase and that includes the property taxes and insurance so when you rent the other side you will be living almost FREE. Call 706-543-6936 to inquire about this offer!

Amenities and Additional Photos!

Sliding glass doors Dining Area Washer & Dryer Hookup Low security deposit Fully carpeted

Central Heat/Air Inside Pets Welcome with fee Patios Fireplace On Busline

 
 

How About A Washer & Dryer?

Washer and Dryer rental is only $32.00 per month and that includes delivery!  Now that is better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick!  Our friendly leasing staff will help you find your new home. Call us today at 706 543 6936 to learn how to take advantage of this new offer!

Duplexes versus Apartments

The question is, should I rent an apartment or a duplex in Athens?  There are pros and cons with each and it seems that the only one who can truly make that decision is YOU!  However, there are various reasons as to why one or the other would be better for your particular need.

First, let us consider a duplex.  Most apartment complexes maintain the lawn (check your lease).  That is a good option for renting when you want some of the benefits of a house but don't want to pay the sometimes high prices and don't have the time to maintain the lawn yourself.  Duplexes also have dedicated parking spaces while most apartment complexes do not.  Of course, the main attraction to a duplex is the fact that you only have one neighbor!  The insulation between duplexes tends to be a little better than an apartment so you are likely to hear less of that noisy neighbor who plays video games till all hours of the night.

Apartments are an even more economical option for most tenants.  It seems that the closer you get to downtown and the bus-line that the more apartments you find.  So, if you lack your own transportation, you might certainly be looking for an apartment.  Athens seems to have more apartments than most cities.  This is an added advantage.  Being close to the University of Georgia also offers options for entertainment that you might not be able to find in other cities.  A good place to find something to do in Athens is VisitAthensGA.com.  Many apartments include all or partial utilities.  Check with the property you are renting to find out what is included.  Make sure that pest control is provided.

That's all for now!  If you have questions about which one is right for you, please call one of our qualified representatives at 706 543 6936!

Why Charge Security Deposits and Are They Refundable?

A security deposit is used against damages to your apartment.   Rental property can be expensive to maintain.  The good news is that this cost is usually taken care of by the management company (check with them to see whether this is included!).  The reason you pay a security deposit is that the property management company has to pay someone to clean, paint and do any repairs to your apartment after you move out.  Because the next tenant moving in is going to expect to receive their apartment spic-n-span, you must leave the apartment in the exact same way that you received it to keep someone from having to spend money to make apartment ready.  Property Managers do not want to pay this cost, but neither do the tenants!  The best way to avoid having to pay too much money is to make sure that you clean your apartment according to the rental property's guidelines and also ask if there is any painting/carpet cleaning that you are required to do.

They management of the property you are renting can provide you with this.  Usually this information would be included in a "vacating packet".  Are Security Deposits Refundable?  Well, it depends on the lease terms.  Some of them are.  If you rent from us, it is.  We have seen many tenants receive 90-100% of their security deposits.  We are very up-front with you regarding what we expect at your walk-through inspection.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.  That is what we are here for!