Here are some tips to help you socialize and start making new friends in your new home…

Be Friendly and Introduce Yourself to Neighbors

Being polite can really go a long way, and a simple hello with a smile can do wonders. Whenever you are passing by, or grabbing your mail, or even enjoying the wonderful weather outside, try to say hi and make a conversation.

Just make sure you are not interrupting anyone, and you are respecting their personal space.

Spend Time in Community Areas

If your apartment community has a dedicated common space, then take advantage of it to get to know your neighbors. Bring a cup of coffee, or two, and share it with a possible friend. Or use the community fitness center to bond with neighbors who share your workout routine. Who knows? Maybe those who are also spending time in these communal spaces are also looking for a new friend, like you.

If you have a pet, it’s also the perfect opportunity to meet fellow pet lovers while you walk them around. Pets are lovely conversations starters, and you might just find someone who shares the same pet with you.

Attend Resident Events

Another great way to meet your neighbors and make new friends is by attending community resident events. It’s an amazing opportunity to share interests and hobbies with those who live near you. Aside from making new bonds, you can also witness collaborations from different local businesses in the area.

Host An Apartment-Warming Party

If you have the time and resources, why not host a gathering at your new apartment? It’s a fun and simple way to show your new neighbors that you want to meet them and make new friends. Ask them to come over for some outdoor barbeque weekend in your balcony or a mini tea party. You can post the invitation in the community announcement page or just choose who you’d like to invite, it’s totally up to you!

By following these tips, making new friends in your new neighborhood will be easier than ever. Start making your new place your new home.

The post How To Make Friends In Your New Apartment appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

Make Your Apartment More Spacious

Make your apartment feel more spacious by matching your curtain color to the color of the wall. Doing this will blend the colors together creating an unbroken line making the apartment area look larger. Adding vertical lines on the walls or curtains can make a low ceiling seem higher.

You can also change the way you install your curtain rods. Install the curtain rods a few inches below the ceiling instead of putting them directly above the window frame. This way, the viewer’s attention will be drawn upward. And that makes your windows seem taller. The same idea goes with the window’s width. Install each end of the rods a few inches further away from the left and right sides of the frame. Doing this will give the illusion of an expanded width.

Another option to make a small space appear larger is to use light colors like gray or white on the walls and on the floor. Doing this makes the space brighter and that makes it seem bigger too.

Organizing Your Apartment

An effective yet simple way to decorate your apartment is to get furniture that includes storage areas or compartments. For example, you could get a coffee table that has shelves underneath it, a buffet that can store books, blankets, and other various items, or an entertainment system with drawers and doors.

If you are looking for ways to save money, you can often find furniture pieces like these with reasonable prices at a resale shop or even Goodwill. Regardless of where you get them, it is important to make the most of your living space and organization is key. Secret hiding places can help. 🙂

Making Your Apartment Lively

Add personality and color to your space by using decorations such as paintings, plants, pictures, and knick-knacks. House plants are also great for cleaning the air in your place while providing color to the surroundings. Various plants, cacti, and other small succulents are inexpensive and they can really add life to your apartment. Cacti and other succulents are also low maintenance because they do not require frequent watering.

Do you collect pictures from your vacation and trips? Print them out and have them framed. These can be used as fun décor hanging on your walls or standing on tables. Photographs make your place alive while at the same time reminding you of your fond memories.

Another creative way of decorating your walls is with canvas paintings.  You can easily buy them online, in stores, or better yet create your own special artwork.

And finally, you can make your apartment more lively by displaying knick-knacks you may have collected from your past. Decorating with antiques and personal treasures is an excellent way to personalize your apartment.

Now it’s your turn. Try out a few of these tips to turn your apartment into your home.

The post Apartment Rental Decorating Ideas 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!

The post 5 Tips for Getting Packages Delivered to Your Apartment appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

Luckily, living at either our Hidden Ponds or Foxtail Meadows communities brings you an abundance of locations to wet your whistle. Whether you want a fancy cocktail or something more casual, there is definitely something for every taste!

Let the drinks and good times flow at any these happy hour recommendations in Pewaukee.

Curly’s Waterfront Sports Bar & Grill | Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3-6pm

There’s nothing like a good drink with an amazing view! Stop by Curly’s Waterfront Sports Bar & Grill to take in the beauty of Pewaukee on their wrap around deck. Can’t make it for happy hour? Curly’s is packed with amazing opportunities to have fun with family and friends. Between live music, bar games, and delicious food specials, there’s never a bad time to visit.

Thunder Bay Grille | Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3-6pm

Rose Sangria? Bourbon Smash? Some yummy cocktail with tasty rum and fruit puree? No matter your flavor or vibe, this place has your back. Specializing in hand crafted cocktails, local beer, and an incredible selection of wine, it can become a favorite spot after just your first visit. Thunder Bay is the perfect place for a nice meet-up with friends or for a professional dinner. If you visit on a Monday, you’ll also be able to take advantage of their half price wine bottles. Monday’s don’t have to be dreadful anymore! Thanks, Thunder Bay Grille!

Sunset Grill – Pewaukee Lake | Daily Specials

Day drinkers and night drinkers unite, in this recently updated hangout. Come by car or boat and you’ll be greeted by friendly staff ready to serve. Our Pewaukee apartment homes are comfy, but slipping away to the lake side and enjoying mouth watering deals all week long is an added perk to our locations. The drink menu is full of hometown favorites you’ll be sure to love, plus yummy breakfast cocktails served up every Saturday and Sunday between 8-11am.

After all this, if you’d prefer to keep happy hour just in your apartment at Hidden Ponds or Foxtail Meadows with their stunning views and convenient locations, we couldn’t blame you. Cheers!

The post Happy Hour Recommendations in Pewaukee appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

Le Reve Patisserie & Cafe

7610 Harwood Avenue | Wauwatosa, WI | (414) 778-3333

Open for lunch from 11am-2pm Monday through Friday, Le Reve is a French experience you will want to revisit again and again. Delight in their unmatched pastries, lunch hors d’oeuvres, and extensive non-alcoholic drink menu. They have an incredible sandwich list and upscale crepe options, as well. Dine in or order for carry out if you’re having a busier day. Located only 2 minutes away from our Wilshire Manor community in Wauwatosa, this is a perfect spot for those working from home too.

BelAir Cantina

6817 North Avenue | Wauwatosa, WI | (414) 988-8533

Dine in, curbside, or pick-up is available starting at 11am on weekdays. Serving up mouth watering tacos and burritos, you may go back to the office with their yummy left overs. This restaurant offers gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options to choose from too. It’s a great choice for working lunches or a quick carryout. BelAir says it best themselves, “The BelAir vibe is at once laid-back and full of energy—the perfect spot to gather.”

Ono Kine Grindz

7215 W. North Avenue | Wauwatosa, WI | (414) 778-0727

Voted Best BBQ and Deli in Milwaukee, Ono Kine Grindz opens at 11am, Tuesday-Friday for lunch. From addicting Ahi Poke to Kalua Pig, your taste buds will definitely thank you for visiting. If your schedule is packed, simply order online and scoop from their North Ave. location. 4 minutes away from Wilshire Manor Apartments, residents have another amazingly delicious lunch option nearby.

Cafe Hollandar

7677 W. State Street | Wauwatosa, WI | (414) 475-6771

Opening early at 9am, this European-inspired cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a very popular pick for Wauwatosa locals and for good reason! Found in the heart of the Village, Cafe Hollander’s menu is packed with flavor. The lunch options are endless with delectable burgers, sandwiches, and a variety of grand cafe plates. Oh, and they keep eggs on the menu all day long. YUM!

Skip the leftovers or boring lunch options and hop over to one of these appetizing spots instead. All within a few minutes walk or drive from our Wauwatosa community of Wilshire Manor Apartments, our residents get the pick of the litter every day! If you’re looking for a new home surrounded by amazing dining options, check out Wilshire’s availability here. 

The post Best Wauwatosa Lunch Spots appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

Snake Plant (aka Mother-In-Laws Tongue)

Effortless, eye-catching, and almost indestructible. What else could we ask for? Oh, add that it’s a plant chosen by NASA to be studied for its air purification properties. No big deal.

When it comes to light, it can tolerate a variety, but prefers indirect. Water this hardy species when the soil becomes dry. Too much water is a snake plants kryptonite, hence the almost indestructible description.

Pro-tip: How do you know if your plant needs water? Using your fingers, push down into the soil an inch. If the soil is wet, check back again in a day or two. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water! 

Air Plant

No soil, no pots, no plants, right? Wrong! Air plants don’t require either!

These light green beauties are perfect for terrariums and can give a room a modern look. To take care of your air plant, put it in an area with direct sunlight. A simple spray 2-3 times weekly is all it needs. Perfect for shelf decor and hanging geometric plant holders, air plants are an apartment dwelling dream come true!

Peace Lily (aka Closet Plants) 

This unique plant is a powerful air purifier. The peace lily breaks down toxic gases like formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and benzene. This beloved houseplant is forgiving and known for its wide dark green leaves with white hoods that blossom every spring.

Look for the peace lilies telltale signs of thirst by its drooping. Watering once a week and spritzing the leaves will keep this eye-catching plant hydrated and happy. The full shade of a bedroom corner or partial shade on a plant stand in your living room are both good choices for the low-light loving peace lily.

Haworthia (aka Zebra Plant)

The zebra plant is a striking succulent known to be resilient and one of the easiest to grow. These miniature plants range in color and texture leaving a variety to choose from. They also thrive in both direct and indirect sunlight. Over watering haworthia can lead to root rot. It’s important to match your watering habits with the amount of sunlight your plant receives. Typically, these leafy clusters only need water every 3 weeks or so. Check on them around the 2 week mark if you’ve made its home an area that exposes it to constant, direct sunlight.

All of these factors make them a versatile option to move around your apartment with ease.

Bonus: Plants you can eat!

If you live at a community with a patio or balcony, consider growing plants you can eat too! Herbs like basil, cilantro and parsley make for pretty greenery, plus they’re found in tons of everyday recipes. A quick-growing veggie like green onions or scallions, takes minimal effort and seedlings sprout within 7-14 days. Chili peppers are another easy option. Along with zucchini and eggplants, these are the most common fruits eaten like vegetables and they’re super simple to grow! Extend your apartment by experimenting with different kinds of plants for your patio or balcony.

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to forgo the outdoors. As Wisconsin heads into fall and winter, it’s important to try and make your surroundings as bright and inviting as possible. Use our list of plants to purify the air, add some color, and amplify your unique style.

The post Low Maintenance Plants Perfect For Apartments appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

LOFT LIVING

These versatile open spaces feel much more like a town home than an apartment. Being welcomed by 10′-15′ cathedral ceilings is an impressive way to say hello. The first floor typically includes the kitchen, dining and living spaces. Bedroom and bathroom are found on the second floor or upper area. This is where the “loft” portion comes into play. The lofted bedroom usually has a half-wall, open to the downstairs. Renters are able to enjoy a beautiful  skylight tucked into the vaulted ceiling, while overlooking to the rest of the apartment. Pretty cool, huh?

BRIGHT, NATURAL LIGHT

The high ceilings, skylights, and large sliding glass doors of a loft let in an extravagant amount of natural light. With less barriers, light is able to flow through the space more easily. This gives the impression of living in a much bigger space than the square footage would suggest.

ATTRACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL

Living in a loft apartment allows renters to get away with decorating tricks that those in traditional floor plans could only dream of. Those tall walls are just screaming to be covered in funky artwork or antique frames and mirrors. We’ve even seen a deer hunting stand! (Wisconsin residents are the best residents, that’s for sure.) Proof that a loft is the perfect foundation for showcasing any unique style with endless possibilities.

Our loft-style residents receive more complements on their apartment home than any other. There’s something about the loft floor plan that feels refined, relaxed in a way that no traditional apartment possibly could. We encourage any renter who is looking for a fun and practical place to live to check out any one of our beautiful communities to tour a loft floor plan for yourself!

The post Apartment Layouts: Loft Style appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

1.  Check Cleaning Protocols

Asking questions is essential to protecting yourself beyond just moving day. Apartment communities have tons of high-touch areas shared by residents, guests and delivery drivers. Ask the property manager what steps have been taken to sanitize these surfaces. Intercom buttons, door handles and stair railings should all be cleaned with antibacterial products on a regular basis. 

Certain companies handle the cleaning of a vacant apartment differently than others. Professional cleaners usually provide their own cleaning supplies. Oftentimes, those are home or industrial multi-surface cleaners that kill bacteria and germs, but that isn’t always the case. Some cleaning service companies may use products they prefer or use as a personal preference. These could include things like less effective natural cleaning alternatives or even essential oils. Make sure you confirm what professional cleaning was performed in your new apartment, prior to moving in.  

Morgenson Realty has doubled-down on common area cleanings on a daily basis. That means we have cleaners on-site, at each location, cleaning all high-touch areas twice a day, every day. Our cleaners are clocking those times during the outbreak, along with extra assistance from our property managers and maintenance staff. 

2. Prep Prior to Moving Day 

All of us WANT to be the people with labeled boxes and neatly arranged clothes still on the hangers. Realistically, the majority of us are panicking last minute with everything we own in trash bags. If you consider the health risks and laundry list of logistics, moving can feel impossible. While it may seem like you need everything you own immediately after moving in, you can probably live with less. Pack things that are necessary for everyday life separate from your, “post COVID-19 crisis belongings”. Is that a thing? It is now!

Solo is the best social distancing option available. Minimize your in-person contact by taking whatever you can yourself. This will mean more trips from your old place to your new apartment, but keeps your risk level low. Don’t worry, your family won’t be disappointed they couldn’t help. Not at all. 

Moving can be freeing for some folks. It’s like spring cleaning, right? Finally, you get to toss that stained tupperware, old shower curtain, and drawers filled with random receipts. Thinking about fresh new things can be exciting and all of a sudden you’re filling your trash can with chipped coasters and your entire expired spice rack. Unfortunately, replacing those possessions isn’t as easy as it used to be. Stores aren’t as focused on stocking shelves with home decor items and Amazon shipping options are dating over a month, in some cases. If you’re able, salvage your current shower curtain and avoid risking weeks worth of shower splash onto your new bathroom floor. 

3. Know Your Must-haves 

Before physically moving or even completing your leasing process online, you’ll need to find the perfect apartment. While shopping is far from easy with a safer at home order, you can prioritize your rental needs once you decide your must-haves. Start by eliminating apartments that are outside of your budget or that you shouldn’t settle on.

Filter your online search results and only show listings you would consider applying to that day. If you know having a washer and dryer in your apartment is one of your requirements, eliminate all housing options that do not offer in-unit laundry. In addition, verify different properties by looking up their reviews. Current and past residents may have already done the legwork for you. If the only reviews you can find online talk about bed bugs, it’s safe to say that apartment is a hard pass. 

On the other hand, maybe you’re considering scheduling in-person showings at a couple of fancy properties. Is it fun to tour rental units that provide billiard rooms and other luxurious community amenities? Sure! Is it safe to schedule a tour if those units aren’t affordable? Not right now. Be thoughtful about what is realistic both for your safety and the safety of those leasing agents or property managers offering a showing.

Remember the popular theme of this crisis, we’re all in this together. While moving to a new place has added hurdles, there are kind and generous people waiting to assist you in navigating the unknowns. If you’re worried or unsure about the best ways to handle moving, we understand. Learn more about how each property is helping current and new residents move safely by contacting them directly. Simply choose which location or locations interest you most and call, email, or even text us today! There will be a property manager on the other side, waiting to answer any questions you may have. Stay well!

The post 3 Tips for a Safe and Healthy Move appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

Located between Interstate 94 and Capitol Drive, Hidden Ponds provides an unrestricted commute. Visit Lake Country and the entire Metro Milwaukee area with ease. Considering its name, this picturesque community is unseen from main roadways. Resting just east of Highway 16 and Pewaukee Lake.  

While maintaining it’s peaceful  surroundings, we adapted Hidden Ponds Apartments to meet all the needs of the modern renter. Our residents enjoy regular visits from beautiful cranes, deer, and even wild turkey’s, for instance. Along with its incredible views, Hidden Ponds offers premium amenities that consist of cardio rooms, an outdoor grill area, playground, and more. Additional essentials you can expect include underground parking, storage units, washers and dryers in-unit, laundry on-site for studio floor plans, plus all utilities except electric. 

Presenting renters with an abundance of floor plans, these Pewaukee apartments are often hard to come-by. Studios, 1 bedrooms and 2 bedroom apartments lined with large patios and balconies are available to tour. Loft and ranch layouts create open-concept living spaces, inviting natural light and spacious opportunities.

Don’t just take our word for it. Come see for yourself! This Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Hidden Ponds Apartments is hosting a Self-Guided Open House. That’s right! We understand the difficult commitment of finding your new home without the possibility of seeing it. Self-guided tours allow a safe social distance, while providing you the confidence to rent in peace. 

Contact us to schedule your self-guided or virtual tour today!

See you Saturday!

The post Tour Hidden Ponds in the Heart of Pewaukee appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

Apartment shopping can be an overwhelming task. When you go in search of the perfect apartment home, you typically have a few ideas in mind; affordability, great amenities, walk-in closets, and open-concept floorplans. You may not be considering what you’re actually agreeing to. Going into a lease agreement with your Landlord is a big decision. It’s important to keep an eye on issues that may be red flags early on. To get you started, we’ve listed 6 things to avoid when apartment shopping below.

1. Zero Photos 

The days of apartment renting magazines are long gone and searching has centered around mobile apps and online websites. Maybe you’re searching for a one bedroom loft in Waukesha and you have several options to scroll through. Steer clear of listings with zero photos. Apartment ads with one or two photos of only the outside of the building can be scary too. Remember, those with nothing to hide, hide nothing.

2. No Reviews or Bad Reviews 

We look up reviews for places to eat or a hotel we stay in for three nights. Why wouldn’t we hold the same standard for our new home? 1 star reviews happen, even to the best apartment communities. However, zero reviews or only poor reviews can be a good indication of a bad landlord. Residents who are taken care of tend to support where they live. If the leasing agent or manager seems nice during your showing, but you see no evidence of that online, you might need to worry about what actually being a resident could look like. Go out of your way to mention these concerns and see how problems are addressed or unfortunately, not addressed at all.

3. No Approval Standards 

Here you are, the tour is over and you’re ready to apply! This is where you discuss the awkward questions about things you normally don’t want to share with others. What do you need to get approved for an apartment? Standard rental criteria usually includes 3 major things; credit score, income, and a background check. Rental verification’s are often of importance to most Landlords, as well. Having the security of knowing your neighbors had to go through the same approval process you did should give you confidence, not cause for concern.

4. Signing Before Seeing

The model unit is always clean, well-maintained. and beautifully decorated. In a perfect world the apartment in your lease agreement could be just as beautiful. Unfortunately, there is no way to know without seeing the exact apartment or a similar layout. Oftentimes renters trust that what they’re seeing is what they’re getting. What they are getting is carpet that doesn’t match, older-style appliances, the list could go on and on. It can’t hurt to send an email to the leasing agent verifying there are no major differences between the two either.

5. No Move-in Inspection 

It’s move in day and you’re excited to start organizing your brand new apartment home! If you have a moving company, you watch and ensure they’re extra careful not to ding walls or damage your belongings. Unfortunately, a few days after settling in, you realize they took a chunk out of bedroom door casing. What now?

No move-in inspection form or grace period after your move in day, is a good indication that you may be unfairly charged for damage after you move out. Make sure that the complex has a move-in or check-in form and you have the opportunity to inspect your apartment for damage. Have the manager document those items and provide you a copy for your records.

6. No After Hours Phone Number

Your front-loading washer has a hole in the seal and water is gushing out everywhere. It’s midnight and the dishwasher is flooding your kitchen floor. “Who ya gonna call?” Ghost Busters? It seems likely their phone number would be easier to find in that moment. Most apartment communities have an after hours phone number if something major goes wrong. What are those hours? What is that contact phone number? Avoid finding out the hard way.

Rest assured, these are all avoidable problems when renting with us. Visit any of our beautiful communities for a tour today!

The post 6 Things to Avoid When Apartment Shopping appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.