Tips to Help Your Rent Application Get Approved

Apartment Application Process

Whether it’s your first apartment, your fifth, or you’re downsizing after decades of homeownership, you’ll need to complete a rent application. Property managers need to know that you have the financial resources to pay your rent each month as well as proof that you’ll be a responsible tenant. The key is to be calm and prepared at each step of the process and realize that it may take some time for the property management company to run a credit check, verify information, and possibly contact your references.

Property managers want to make sure you’re a good fit for the apartment community and vice versa for you. The process usually starts by applying online, then you’ll be contacted to let you know if you’ve been approved or denied. While that may sound intimidating, especially if it’s your first apartment or you have bad credit, there are several steps you can take to stack the odds in your favor to get your application approved. From there, you can go on a tour of the property, and if all goes well, you’ll be signing a lease and making plans to move in.

Navigating the Apartment Application Process

Include a cover letter

This would be helpful if you’re a first-time renter or have poor/nonexistent credit. If you can submit attachments with your online application, compose a short note explaining why you chose that particular property and why you would be a great tenant. If credit is an issue, you can state that you’ve had a job for x-years/months and that you are working hard to rebuild your credit.

Gather all required documentation

You will need your driver’s license, Social Security number, pay stubs, banking information, employment history, rental history (if you have one), and references.

Take steps to improve your credit

Pay down as many credit card bills as you can, which will boost your credit score. The property manager will go over your credit report and look for late payments and other delinquencies, as well as bankruptcy filings, so get things cleaned up as tightly as possible.

References

This extends to previous property managers, jobs, and banking history. See if you can track down your previous property managers and ask them to serve as references for you. Also, you can pull your employment history from your resume’ and provide names/contact info for the HR departments at those companies. Your bank can verify your account, how long you’ve held it, and how often deposits are made.

Granted, all of this may seem like a hassle or a tremendous amount of work, but remember, you’re looking for a place to live. It deserves as much or even more effort as seeking a new job. By going the extra mile, you will show your prospective property manager that you are a serious, responsible tenant whom they will be happy to welcome into their apartment community.

Apply for a VC Community Apartment

If you are ready to take the next step and apply for a new apartment, schedule a tour of a Vision Community. We have floor plans that provide your personal space and spacious common areas for you to hang out with your roommate and friends. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

Finding the Perfect Roommate

Sharing an apartment with a roommate is a great idea if you can find the right person. To create an experience that you both will enjoy, consider drafting a roommate agreement. This is a document that clearly spells out the terms of living together. By having the ground rules in writing and agreed on and signed off by both roommates, you have everything in black and white when tough discussions need to happen about one party not upholding their end of the agreement.

Here are some points to include in a roommate agreement:

Rent

How will the rent be divided? This will clarify if both parties split the rent evenly and if one party pays the landlord; will one roommate be reimbursed, or will each person write a check for their portion? (Tip: If you are getting reimbursed, request a receipt.)

Utilities

In some instances, utilities are also divided evenly between roommates. Another arrangement is to have one person pay for certain utilities and the other person pay the rest. For example, if one roommate works from home and uses the internet more, have them pay for that while you pay the electricity and the two of you split the gas bill.

Quiet time

On the topic of working from home, designate quiet hours. During those times, make it clear that you don’t want to be disturbed. Likewise, if your roommate likes to go to bed early and you’re a night owl, figure out what noise levels are acceptable after specified times. Some apartment communities already spell this out in the lease.

Cleaning

Develop a chores roster, where each roommate is responsible for cleaning specific areas of the apartment. If your roommate is a foodie and loves to cook, while you prefer carry-out, they can be in charge of cleaning the kitchen.

Guests

This is where things can get uncomfortable. If you and/or your roommate have a boyfriend or girlfriend, how often will he or she be over to hang out or stay over? The same goes for friends and family members.

These are just a few major points; you can also address pets, shared items like toilet paper and food, borrowing clothing and other stuff, and how to divide the security deposit if one person caused damage. Through careful planning and screening, hopefully, you will find a compatible roommate you can harmoniously share an apartment with. Coming home from work or hanging out on the weekends will once again become a welcome respite and not a dreaded undertaking. And as a bonus, you may end up with a friend for life.

Bring Your New Bestie to a VC Community

If you and your newly-found roommate are looking for an apartment in Central Ohio, consider a Vision Community. We have floor plans that provide your personal space and spacious common areas for you to hang out with your roommate and friends. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

Apartment Kitchen Maintenance Tips

How to care for stainless steel appliances & granite countertops

Two amenities of upscale apartments today are stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. These finishes are in demand because of their sleek, modern appearance and functionality. They work well in contemporary open floor plans where entertaining in the kitchen is becoming increasingly popular. With their cool tones and distinctive patterns, stainless steel and granite also lend themselves to an industrial aesthetic when it comes to selecting furnishings and accent pieces. Stainless steel and granite are easy to maintain, and the good news is that you can take care of your appliances and countertops with everyday products you already have on hand.

How to care for stainless steel

One drawback of stainless steel is that it shows smudges and fingerprints easily. Dampen a microfiber cloth with white vinegar or club soda and wipe down the appliances to remove dirt, dust, and smudges. Baking soda and cream of tartar make good “abrasive cleansers” as well and you can use olive oil or baby oil to restore shine. Commercial spray products formulated specifically for granite are available at most hardware or home improvement stores. Wipe the surface carefully, moving in one direction to prevent streaks.

What not to use on stainless steel appliances includes oven cleaner, steel wool, alcohol, or window cleaners, as they can discolor the stainless steel. Also, avoid any cleaning products with a chloride base.

How to care for granite

Although they are sealed, your granite countertops are porous and need to be treated carefully to not cause damage. Use trivets under hot dishes or pans and coasters or other protection beneath cups or glasses containing water and other liquids, as they can leave stains. The best product to clean granite countertops is mild dishwashing soap mixed with warm water, followed by a rinse of warm water. Stubborn stains can be removed by applying a paste of baking soda and water and leaving it for 15-20 minutes before wiping and rinsing. For disinfecting, mix one part of water with one part of 70% isopropyl alcohol and spray the countertops. Rinse with warm water and dry completely.

Do not use acidic products such as vinegar or lemon juice on granite countertops as they can etch and damage the surface. There are also commercial products specifically for granite countertops. 

With a little TLC, you can keep your stainless steel appliances and granite countertops in pristine condition. Showcase them with complementary copper cookware, natural crockery, and pops of black. Your appliances and countertops will continue to shine as the focal points of your kitchen, making cooking fun and extending the entertainment space in your apartment.

VC Kitchens Offer Space and Function

Your kitchen is the life of the party, so be sure to organize it to its fullest potential. If you are looking for a new apartment with top-end appliances, counter space and storage options, tour a Vision Community today. We have floor plans for you to view virtually or in person. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

smart storage tips for apartment kitchens

Storage Tips for Apartment Kitchens

Smart storage tips for your kitchen

No matter how spacious your apartment kitchen is, it always seems like you could use more storage space. Since you’re in a finite space that you can’t touch structurally, it may seem like there isn’t a whole lot you can do. But you are wrong! With a few hacks, you can add storage options to your cabinets and walls without causing damage to the walls or busting your budget. Your kitchen will be more organized and functional. And … you will ultimately save money. By being able to easily see what you have in stock, you won’t waste money buying food, herbs and spices, condiments, etc., that you can’t find or think you’ve run out of.

Hacks to add more storage space in your kitchen:

Use shelf risers

These are little platform shelves of various heights that you can place in your cabinets or even on your kitchen counters. They automatically add a second tier and are great for holding cups and glasses and you stack your plates and bowls beneath. Perfect for breakfast when you need to grab a quick cup of coffee and bowl of oatmeal before you head for work.

Buy a Lazy Susan

A Lazy Susan is a circular shelf that is mounted on a turntable. Place your canned goods on it and you can easily rotate the turntable for quick access. This is also a great way to manage your canned goods inventory based on expiration date. Another perk is that a Lazy Susan gets rid of the need to stack cans on cans for easier access.

Hang a Pegboard

If you have some leeway about hanging stuff on your walls, a pegboard is a great space-saver. You can hang cutlery and other kitchen implements. Depending on the size of the pegboard, you can even hang pots and pans.

Use Tension Rods Under the Sink

Tension rods are inexpensive and a no-brainer to install. Add one to the cabinets under the sink. You automatically have doubled your space and can hang your spray bottles of cleaners and extra dish rags on it.

The best news about these hacks is that they are all inexpensive and can be purchased practically anywhere. All it takes is one afternoon, and you can transform your kitchen into an organized, efficient space that will help you save time, eliminate waste, and make grocery shopping and meal prep much more enjoyable.

VC Kitchens Offer Space and Function

Your kitchen is the life of the party, so be sure to organize it to its fullest potential. If you are looking for a new apartment with top-end appliances, counter space and storage options, tour a Vision Community today. We have floor plans for you to view virtually or in person. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

 

furnishing an open concept apartment

Furnishing an Open Concept Apartment

Tips for furnishing an open concept floor plan apartment

Open-concept floor plans have been trending for several years now. These layouts feature one large open space that seamlessly connects the main living area of an apartment to the kitchen. This design scheme conveys the illusion of a much larger space and is ideal for apartment dwellers because they remove that aura of claustrophobia.  The beauty of open-concept floor plans is that they truly are a blank canvas when it comes to arranging furniture and decorating. While in an apartment, you are limited as far as painting, flooring, and finishes go, but there is a lot you can do to transform the space. The only limits are your creativity and budget.

Here are some decorating ideas:

Break up space with area rugs

You can place a colorful area rug on top of a neutral carpet to add a pop of color and design a living space that is separate from the kitchen. Arrange your sofa, chairs, and coffee and end tables around the area rug to create a cozy nook for relaxing and entertaining.

Choose a focal point in the main living area

In most apartments, this will most likely be a fireplace or a TV. If you have both, then mount the TV on the wall above the fireplace mantel. Or, if you don’t use a TV or have it placed elsewhere, then prop a colorful print or canvas on the mantel to instantly draw the eye.

Add a room divider

You can use an accordion screen to break up the space between the kitchen and main living area. Another idea is to place your sofa with the back toward the kitchen to automatically divide the room.

Use rounded sofa furnishings and different textures

Choosing sofas and chairs with rounded edges adds softness and warmth to your main living area. You can also add colorful throws and pillows in smooth and nubby textures (like cashmere, velvet, tweed, or boucle’)  to add interest and comfort. These accents are also easy to swap out during the changes of seasons.

Fill in with accent pieces

This is where you can unleash your creativity. Add your favorite artwork, vases, books, photos, and other small decorative items. Unique floor and table lamps augment existing lighting and add interest. And you can’t go wrong with live plants and floral arrangements.

You can readily source any of these items online or have fun visiting local thrift shops and estate sales. With a little imagination, you can transform your open-concept apartment floor plan into a functional and comfortable space that you will look forward to coming home to.

Vision Communities Offer Open Concept Floor Plans

If you are looking for a new apartment be sure to tour Vision Communities. We have many floor plans to choose from, some of which are open concept, which makes a smaller space feel big. We have floor plans for you to view virtually or in person. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

 

Living with a roommate vs. living alone

Roommates vs. Living Alone

Whether you’re starting out in your first apartment or an empty nester ready to downsize, the decision to live with a roommate is a big one. There are many pros and cons to weigh and keep in mind that whatever you decide, you are stuck for the duration of your lease, which is usually 12 months. Before you make a move, it’s important to do some self-reflection on your preferred lifestyle. For example, if you lived with a partner and are divorced or widowed, you may crave companionship. On the other hand, if you are coming from a noisy crowded dorm or Greek setting, you make seek solitude. It’s a very personal choice and one that shouldn’t be made in haste.

Here are some pros and cons of living with a roommate or alone:

Shared living expenses

This is the major benefit of living with a roommate. You can share the cost of rent, utilities, and other household expenses like cleaning supplies or grocery staples. This works well if both parties are financially stable and responsible. Where this arrangement can go south is if one roommate is a financial flake, unreliable, has a history of frequently being in and out of work, or carries a heavy level of debt. The option here is to ask potential roommates detailed questions about their finances (and expect to reciprocate) or if you can afford it, live by yourself.

Shared chores

Having a fastidious roommate paired with a slob made for comedy gold TV back in the ‘70s, but in reality, it rarely works out. The neat roommate will soon resent the slovenly roommate’s habits and vice versa. If you know your potential roommate already, then you should be aware of their housekeeping habits. If they give you pause, then steer clear. Either seek a roommate whose idea of a clean apartment matches yours or consider living solo.

Automatic companionship

One of the benefits of having a compatible roommate is somebody to hang out with. This is an ideal situation if you get along well and are in sync in other areas like fiscal responsibility and tidiness habits. However, if you and your roommate don’t get along, this can make for a tense living situation. The same can be said if your roommate has a boyfriend or girlfriend who is around all the time. Also, if you are an introverted personality who needs a lot of quiet and alone time, you will probably be more comfortable living alone.

By thinking through the situation, honestly assessing your lifestyle and finances, and carefully vetting potential roommates, you can decide whether you want to share an apartment with a roommate or live alone.

Vision Communities Offer Modern Apartment Amenities

If you are looking for a new apartment for yourself or for you and a potential roommate, be sure to put a VC community on your list to tour. We have floor plans for you to view virtually or in person. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

 

Modern Apartment Amenities

How would you like to be able to go to the gym, hang out at a coffee bar, walk your dog, and charge your hybrid without leaving home? Well, with modern apartment amenities, you can do all of that and more. In recent years, apartment community developers have stepped up their game to meet the needs of today’s renters. They have taken notice of the need for work-life balance and responded accordingly with upscale amenities. And while yes, you are paying for these perks as part of your monthly rent, if you weigh the cost and benefits of time saved, you will see they are well worth it. 

Here are some modern apartment amenities you should be taking advantage of in your community:

Online lease management and rent payment

No more trips to the leasing office or post office to sign your lease or mail your rent check. (Does anybody write checks anymore?) Review and sign your lease electronically every term and pay your rent online. You can have your rent payment automatically deducted from your bank account to make things even easier.

Onsite fitness center

Cancel your gym membership. Many modern apartment communities have fitness centers and some are open 24/7. You are no longer locked into specific hours when your gym is open or long-term membership contracts. Work out whenever you want. Some apartment communities also offer walking trails or access to parks and recreation areas.

Pool and cookout area

Most municipalities prohibit any type of grills on apartment patios or balconies. No problem. Your apartment community will have a designated grilling area and firepit for grilling or making s’mores. And while swimming pools are standard fare at most apartment complexes, these days, you will find a heated pool, often with a poolside bar area. You can do all of your swimming, sunning, cooking out, and socializing in one area. 

Special amenities for dogs 

Now you have a place to take your dog for exercising and socializing with other dogs. Many apartment communities have fenced-in dog parks and dog stations on the property for disposing of waste.  Tired of the mess and frustration of trying to bathe your dog in the bathtub? Many apartment complexes have dog wash areas that are more comfortable for you and your dog.

Other popular apartment amenities include online maintenance requests, full-sized washers and dryers in apartments, a coffee bar, community centers for hosting events, on-site recreation, hybrid car charging stations, and much more. By using the perks that are available to you, you will get the most out of apartment living and reap the benefits and rewards to enhance your work-life balance.

Vision Communities Offer Modern Apartment Amenities

If you are looking for a new apartment, be sure to put a VC community on your list to tour. We have floor plans for you to view virtually or in person. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

 

Adding a Pop of Color to Your Apartment Without Painting

When apartment living comes to mind, do you think of a sea of white, off-white, or other bland, boring color? It’s true that apartments are painted in neutral colors to appeal to the broadest range of potential residents, but that doesn’t mean you are resigned to staring at four lifeless walls. Since most leases don’t allow residents to paint the walls, there are plenty of ways to liven up tepid décor with some easy and inexpensive pops of color. Here are some designer tips that won’t wreck your budget.

Colorful artwork

You can choose bright, bold artwork in your favorite colors to adorn your apartment walls. Support local artists by shopping at neighborhood galleries or scouring thrift shops, estate sales, and flea markets for unique finds. You can even find great reproductions, movie posters, and pop art prints online that can even be framed and shipped directly to you. Hang them with no-mark wall hooks. How easy is that?

Pillows, throws, and area rugs

Choose pillows and throws in your preferred hues to place on your sofa or chairs. Area rugs can go a long way in waking up beige or gray carpeting. A bonus: by choosing these types of soft furnishings, you can easily switch them out during the change of seasons and holidays.

Colorful sofa or chairs

Make a statement in your living room with a bold, colorful sofa or side chairs. Choose a solid color or pattern. You will be surprised how much this will elevate your mood when you come home after a long day at work or running errands.

Tapestries or temporary wallpaper

Another way to dress up a room such as your bedroom is to hang a tapestry on the wall or add temporary wallpaper. It adds interest to the room, and you can choose colors to soothe and relax you before going to sleep. Temporary wallpaper goes up easily without difficult bubbles to smooth out and peels off without leaving residue on the walls. 

You don’t need to be stuck in a boring vanilla apartment. With a little creativity and smart shopping, you can personalize your space with your favorite colors, creating an oasis you look forward to hanging out in. Say goodbye to dull walls once and for all!

Vision Communities Apartments

If you are looking for a new apartment, be sure to stop by Vision Communities for a tour. We have floor plans for you to view virtually or in person. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live. 

 

Apartment Community Dog Park Responsibilities

Sometimes, dog owners are hesitant to move into an apartment because they don’t know how or where to take their dog out for walks and to relieve themselves. Well, the good news is that most modern apartment communities have fenced-in dog parks. Apartment dog parks are a great way to get your canine companion out and about for exercise and to socialize with other dogs residing in the complex. It’s also a great way to meet new neighbors who are also dog lovers.

Before you unleash your dog and let them freely roam the apartment dog park, here are some etiquette tips to remember:

  1. Bring a leash. Although that sounds counterintuitive, you’ll need a leash to walk your dog to and from the dog park. A leash is also essential if a fight breaks out or other situations arise where you need to quickly corral your canine. It’s a safety precaution for you, your dog, other dogs, and humans.
  2. Pay attention to your dog. Sure. It’s easy to start chatting with your neighbors and get distracted but do occasionally check on your dog. You want to be alert to any signs of aggression or bullying by your dog or others. Head off any possible attacks or fights by being attuned to canine body language.
  3. Make sure your dog is spayed/neutered and fully vaccinated. Most apartment communities require residents to be current on their pets’ vaccinations as a provision in their leases. It’s easy to spread highly contagious diseases like kennel cough, and you don’t want the embarrassment or even potential liability of an “amorous” dog hooking up at the dog park; resulting in a litter of puppies to deal with.
  4. Clean up after your dog. Not only do you or other residents not want to step in smelly dog poop, but dogs eat other dogs’ poop. This is another mode of disease and parasite transmission. Some dog parks have plastic bag dispensers; if they don’t, bring your own. Use the waste containers in the dog park or on the property.

Having access to a fenced-in apartment dog park without having to leave the premises is a great perk of apartment living. By practicing good dog park etiquette, you and your furry friend can get some exercise and enjoy relaxing and socializing with your human and canine neighbors.

Vision Communities Welcomes Dogs

At Vision Communities, we know that pets are family too. That’s why we provide pet-friendly communities with amenities that cater to our furry friends. Our dog parks offer plenty of space for playtime and socialization, so your pup can enjoy life just as much as you do. With spacious studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom floor plans and luxurious amenities, living at Vision Communities is the perfect way to enhance your work-life balance. Schedule a tour today and discover why our communities are the ideal place to call home.

Minimalist apartment living tips for spring cleaning and decluttering.

Tips for Downsizing, Decluttering, and Minimalism

Whether it’s mid-winter cabin fever, spring cleaning, call it what you like, but eventually, you’ll find yourself wanting to just get rid of stuff. You might be moving, downsizing in general, or adopting a minimalist lifestyle. Whatever the reason, getting rid of unused stuff in your apartment can make a huge difference in your mood as being surrounded by clutter can make you feel anxious and claustrophobic without you even realizing it. There are several approaches you can take to shedding clutter. You don’t have to go all “Marie Kondo” and thank your belongings for their service, but taking a thoughtful approach to what’s causing your closets and cabinets to burst at the seams can make the process less painless.

There are many, many apps and blogs that go into specific details about how to declutter; there are specific formulas to follow and even entire books written on the topic. In simplest terms, a foolproof method is “keep, discard, donate.” You can set your own timeframe to determine how long an item must be out of commission to be considered, for example, if you haven’t worn a specific item for one year, or if that kitchen gadget you had to have was used only once. You get the idea. 

Keep. These are items that you frequently use, are your favorites, and are in the regular rotation in your wardrobe, kitchen, home office, etc. While you are looking at them, it’s a good time to inspect them for any signs of wear and tear and actually take them in for repair or fix them yourself, like sewing on a missing button from a shirt. This is also a great opportunity to reorganize your apartment and invest in space savers like a rack to hang pots in your kitchen, or stacking clothes hangers.

Donate. Choose a charity to take your donated items to. Before you start filling boxes and garbage bags, take a moment to carefully inspect each item. Ask yourself if you would wear or use the garment/gadget. If you no longer want torn and stained clothing or scratched, battered cookware, nobody else will. Be mindful of what you donate. If you are having trouble letting go of a specific item, take a photo of it. You can also think of your property being used and enjoyed by somebody else. 

Discard. This is for stuff you absolutely don’t want any longer. Don’t hang on to clothing that you think will eventually come back in style or will fit once you lose weight. Don’t keep condiments or spices that you infrequently use. They are probably expired or lost their potency anyway. Once you’ve made the decision, release the item. 

Getting rid of stuff is so therapeutic. So if it’s downsizing, decluttering, minimalizing — whatever you call it — will clear the path for more space in your home and you will feel a lot more relaxed in your own apartment. During these stressful times, you deserve it! 

Explore Vision Communities Spacious Floorplans

If you are looking to downsize from a house to an apartment, find a great apartment at one of our Vision Communities. We have floor plans for you to view virtually or in person. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC. 

Check out our newest property Meadows, opening in Hilliard this spring, and get a great apartment in a great area.

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live.