1. More Availability

One big advantage of searching for an apartment in the winter is that there tends to be more availability. Since fewer people move during the colder months, landlords and property managers might have more vacant units to choose from.

This means you could have a wider selection of apartments to consider, giving you a better chance of finding one that fits your needs and preferences.

2. Lower Rent Prices

With decreased demand during the winter months, landlords may offer lower rent prices or special discounts to attract tenants.

This can potentially save you money on your monthly rent or even lead to additional perks such as waived application fees or complimentary amenities. So, if you’re looking to snag a great deal, winter could be the perfect time to do so.

3. Easier Scheduling

Since there are fewer people looking to rent apartments in the winter, you might find it easier to schedule viewings and appointments with landlords or property managers.

You won’t have to worry as much about competing with other potential renters or rushing to make decisions before someone else snatches up the unit you’re interested in.

4. Accurate Impressions

Viewing apartments in the winter can give you a more accurate impression of what it would be like to live there year-round. You’ll get to experience firsthand how well the heating system works, whether there are any drafty areas, and how the property handles snow removal and maintenance.

These factors are important considerations when choosing a place to call home, and winter provides the perfect opportunity to assess them.

5. Avoid the Summer Rush

By securing your apartment in the winter, you’ll be ahead of the game when the busy summer rental season rolls around. You won’t have to deal with the stress and competition that often comes with searching for housing during peak moving times. Instead, you can sit back and relax knowing that you’ve already found your ideal living space.

So, don’t let the cold weather discourage you from your apartment-hunting journey. Embrace the chill and take advantage of the many benefits that winter has to offer for renters. Happy apartment hunting!

The post Why Winter Is A Great Time For Apartment Hunting appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

Here are our top 5 tips for getting packages delivered to your apartment…

Community Storage or Mail Room

If you live in an apartment community that offers a package delivery storage room, use it! This is a space where we keep your packages until you arrive home to collect them. Delivery drivers typically have access to this room through management.

It’s extremely convenient and makes for a seemless package delivery option!

Delivery Alerts

The fastest way to track your package in real time, is by signing up for alerts. Most shipping companies offer text or email alerts letting you know where your package is or when it’s being delivered. This option will allow you to atleast know the date and time frame of delivery, so you may be able to be home.

During checkout, Amazon offers a scheduled day for delivery. If you know you’ll be home a certain day of the week, try getting your packages all delivered on that scheduled date.

“Hold for Pick-up” Option

This is available via USPS and FedEx. Simply have the item held at your local post office or nearest FedEx location where you can pick it up within the specified amount of time.

Pick Another Location

Direct your deliveries somewhere else where you know they’ll be secure until you pick them up.

Friends with any neighbors? Perhaps they’re home and available when you’re not? If you’re comfortable with your coworkers knowing what you’re receiving, consider having your packages shipped to your office. What are friends and family for, if not to help when in a bind, right? If you’ve got family or friends who live nearby, try asking them if it’s okay to send your deliveries to their door, at least for the holiday season.

Ship to the Retail Location

When checking out, request the item(s) be shipped to the retailer’s nearest store for pick-up. Most retailers do not charge a fee for shipping to one of their locations. Plus, they usually hold your package for 3-5 days until you’re able to make it into the store.

We hope you enjoy each and every present that arrives at your door this holiday season. Happy shopping!

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Your monthly rent usually doesn’t include apartment utilities. Renting expenses can vary greatly, but here are the typical utilities to expect. Electricity, gas, water, trash, recycling, cable, and internet. We suggest including renter’s insurance on this list, as well.

What Utilities are Included in Your Lease?

Before taking the first step in applying for an apartment, you should know what utilities will be included in your lease.

It’s common for renters to have their trash and recycling bills covered by their landlord. The renter will then be responsible for the electric and water bill, for instance. However, free WiFi is a new option some renters wouldn’t think to ask about. So make sure you have every utility listed clearly on your lease agreement.

It’s Electric!

Your electricity bill is usually the largest utility bill due monthly. There are key things to look for when renting an apartment that could play into a pricey bill. Here are a few things to consider…

Number of Rooms

The more rooms you have, the more rooms you’ll need to heat and run your air conditioner to keep cool. Always check if the apartment has electric baseboard heaters. These heaters are individual units that heat your apartment room-by-room. Another option offered room-by-room is a PTAC or packaged terminal air conditioner. PTAC’s are self-contained heating and air conditioning systems typically installed in the wall of a single room.

Ways to Conserve Energy

• Maintain an average temperature throughout the day. Don’t make the mistake of leaving your heater or air conditioning off during the day. Cranking the dials drastically when you get home can actually work against you. Your heater or air conditioner is using a lot more energy to drastically change the temperature than they would be if they kept a steady pace throughout the day and night.
• Invest in energy efficiency.
  1. Replace your light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs – Not only will you save money using anywhere from 25-75% less electricity, but you will also rarely need to replace these bulbs. They can last up to 20 times longer than regular light bulbs. A true win-win.
  2. Use Smart power strips – The electricity used when electronics are turned off or in standby mode, are a major source of energy waste. These are known as, “Phantom Loads”. You can eliminate this extra cost by using Smart or Advanced power strips. When your electronics are not in use, these power strips will turn them off. They can be set to a timer or controlled by a remote device. Both saving you money and upping your cool factor.

Heating and Gas Bills

These bills are commonly found on your electricity bill. However, due to gas appliances and gas heaters, these could be sent separately. Either way, it’s beneficial to know if you should calculate these costs into your monthly budget before renting your apartment or townhome.

It’s also smart to ask your landlord or property manager what to expect in utility costs. Calling the utility company is equally important. Never go off just an opinion or personal guess. Ask the landlord for the exact apartment address and apartment number of your potential new rental home. Then provide that address to the utility company for the average bill in that specific unit. This will be the closest you will come to know your likely costs in the future.

Who Pays for Water?

The majority of apartment complexes or townhome properties include water in the rent price. In comparison, there are locations that make their tenants split the cost of the entire building or with the floor their apartment is located on. As an example, if you live on the fourth floor, you would split the water bill with every other apartment on that floor. It seems less than appealing, right? Thankfully, our properties are not included in that group!

The average daily water usage is split between the toilet, bathtub or shower, and appliances, including a washer and dishwasher. In addition to those, don’t forget the water used for drinking and personal hygiene.

Cable and Internet Bills

Are you streaming your TV services or purchasing a cable package to DVR your favorite shows? No matter the case, you’ll need the internet for both!

Research what cable and internet companies service the area you’re looking to live in. Then decide if you’re going to need faster speeds to fit your needs. (We’re poets over here.) The majority of our properties, for instance, offer AT&T Fiber which has speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. The demands of an online gamer will be different than someone who just pops on Amazon for a quick purchase here and there. So make sure you’re not overpaying for something you’ll never use.

Total Utility Costs

To summarize, there is no way to estimate the total utility costs without considering your individual renting scenario. This budget will depend on things like how many people live in the apartment, what climate you live in, and what your daily habits are. Take the time to research what best fits your needs. When in doubt, ask questions! Never be afraid to cover your bases and ask questions when touring different apartment communities. Expensive surprises are the worst kind of surprises. To help get you started, we’ve added a few links from local companies below. Also, hop on over to our Rental Application page and check out what beautiful apartment homes we currently have available. One of our amazing property managers will be happy to answer any questions you may have!

WE Energies Energy-Saving Tips 

AT&T U-Verse TV & Internet Bundles

Spectrum Cable & Internet Services

The post How Much Do Utilities Cost in an Apartment? appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

Renovated and Ready to Show off! Apple Valley Apartments & Townhomes is a familiar Menomonee Falls community with a brand new look.

Now offering distinctive 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments and townhomes! These rare finds offer all the perks to townhome or condo-ownership without any of the fees!

Centered in the heart of Menomonee Falls, our community is located near several grocery stores, shopping centers, restaurants, parks, and more. You’ll have a convenient advantage to just about everything you would ever need. Surrounded by large trees and natural escape views, Apple Valley is the best example of where convenience meets comfort.

Spacious, remodeled floor plans offer open-concept living and include brand new everything! Enjoy new appliances, flooring, counter-tops, breakfast bars, cabinets, large vanities, and modern fixtures throughout. Importantly, Apple Valley offers personal garages, underground parking and ample guest parking. Our smoke-free, cat-friendly community will soon offer a fitness center, as well. Soak up every season through peerless windows and a large terrace overlooking the beautiful landscape. With an assortment of floor plans to choose from, we are positive you will find the perfect new place to call home.

We are excited to introduce Apple Valley Apartments & Townhomes and would like to invite you, this Saturday, November 9th, 2020, between 11am – 2pm for our first-ever Open House! If you’re unable to join us this weekend, we would love the opportunity to have you for a private tour. Contact us today! (262) 251-4990

The post Discover Morgenson Realty’s Newest Property, Apple Valley Apartments & Townhomes in Menomonee Falls! appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

We offered 3 steps to Declutter your apartment for Spring, last year. So, the least we can do is offer 3 tips and encouragement, that will make your move to any of our Southeastern Wisconsin locations in winter, much easier!

• TIP # 1 – DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Worrying about being too cold or too hot, is always stressful when you prepare for heavy activity during the winter months. Continuous exertion will cause your body to heat up, leaving you uncomfortable and even more “excited” about moving day. Layers are your friend! Being able to discard layers of clothing throughout the day will insure you’re ability to get the job done efficiently and without too many breaks in the Uhaul changing room.

• Tip # 2 – IT’S ELECTRIC

Moving when it’s cold outside is one thing, moving into a FREEZING apartment is a WHOLE other thing! WE Energies should be in your name for the 1st of the month or whichever day you are planning on officially taking your apartment keys. The first trip to your new home could be to put away groceries in the refrigerator and freezer. While there, make sure your heat is on and ready to keep you and your movers nice and warm.

• Tip # 3 – SALT SALT SALT  (any Jimmy Buffet fans??…)

Safety is priority number one! However, with all of the salt on sidewalks and entryways, safety also comes with some serious clean up. Take care of your new floors with walkway protection film, like this brand from a local hardware store- Menards Surface Shields. Break down a few card board boxes for the entrance and you’re covered! Literally.

Extra Tip – Instead of tossing those shirts too worn for Goodwill donation, use them as extra cleaning supplies.

It’s always the little things, that fall between the cracks during moving time. Be a pal and share this post with those family and friends prepping for an upcoming move.

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