Tuesday 10 February 2015

How to Live Hassle-free in an Apartment?




With so many apartment projects out there, hunting for the best can be a real hassle. Also, living in an apartment isn’t always picnic as you’ve to deal with noisy neighbors, cramped space and gruesome landlords; all making things more dicey. Looking at the other side of the picture, life in an apartment can be awesome but only if you’ve some creative tricks up your sleeve. Below are a few ways to make that happen!

In Search of a Perfect Pad
To live better, place must be better too so start looking for an apartment that has everything you need. Research can take ample time but as said “Patience is a virtue”; remember the quote and soon you’ll find the best accommodation there is! Make a small list of basics; see whether requirements are in harmony before moving in. Jot down a few questions to ask potential landlords and agencies.

Be Friends with your Proprietor
Special attention mustn’t be given to apartment units only but screen landlords too just like they do to would-be tenants. Every transaction and deal must be in writing to avoid inconvenience later highlighting limitations of both parties. Hopefully there won’t be any problem but if any, you’ve evidence to prove innocence before things get berserk.

Move & Rental Discount
Try negotiating the price with landlords as long as you’re alone in market. Having multiple tenants interested over a single property raise competition while proprietor bids highest cost ever. Negotiate over aspects like pet fees, parking space or any other amenity besides rent. Winter season is best to move in a new home as chilly breeze also halt market competition.
Beginning or end of November is the best time. Obviously, cost varies from one country to another and if you’re in Dubai, winter is unlikely to hit. Hence an affordable apartment for rent in Dubai Marina along with other areas is available via negotiations or when economy cools.

Upgrading: Though Temporary!
Major drawback of an apartment is; you can’t upgrade a lot of things that are older or even broken unless owner approves it. Re-modelling entire kitchen isn’t possible but temporary upgrades shouldn’t be overlooked to make it a more Eco-friendly spot. There’s always a way to discuss things with your landlord and if he’s a humble soul, no need to worry about being straightforward, he’ll understand! You won’t believe that a few villas for rent in Dubai at particular places are exhausted and more affordable than imagine but a few fixes would definitely make them a worthy seclusion.

The Roommate: Nightmare or a Blessing
Having a roommate means you’ve to deal with a whole lot of new things. Though rental amount is divided, what about living expense and obnoxious behavior at-times! It’s quite nerve-wracking coming back from work or study after a tiring day and seeing food debris and nacho wrappers all over the place. It can also be other way around for what if he prepares dinner while you’re at work and do additional chores. Roommates are both blessing and a curse in disguise. Try dealing with frightening issues ASAP or both of you will get an eviction notice from landlord. Sign a peace treaty to end the feud if any!

Summary
Follow the above tips and you can definitely enjoy apartment living; ignorance may be threatening.
This article is written on the behalf of a leading real estate Agency: Exclusive Links

Four Tips to Make Your Small Apartment Cosy




Living in an apartment has a charm of its own as long as it’s clean and uncluttered. Not all but most apartments are small when compared to a stand-alone villa that’s why even a tiny, messy dustbin in a corner looks ominous at-times. It can be homey and hospitable only if you curate every item that has been ruthlessly jettisoned; pay special attention for what to keep and what should go.
Decoration on the other hand is also daunting especially being a renter. Think about all the things you can’t do such as repainting a wall, redo the floors and counter tops, install furnishings per likes so on. Everyone wishes to feel at home after coming back from tiring days work so here’s how to make your apartment look cosy!
  1. A Cosy Nook
Position your furniture in a nice and bright corner for a cosy sitting spot. Couch comes right in centre of the room along with a pair of chairs facing opposite side. Now, place coffee table or trunk in between both with books on top. Sit on each furniture piece to check if it’s comfortable or further alignment is required; ensure they don’t bump. Left with more space, throw a smaller table near couch’s end with a rug underneath. That’s what I call a true cosy nook!
  1. Light Up the Way
Soft lighting makes a room cosier and intimidating depending on how bright it is naturally. For instance if there’re less or no windows at all, bright lights are more preferable. Track and overhead lights must be balanced without that stingy glare in the eyes. Incandescent light bulbs once favored for their ambient and soft glow however today, they’re outmatched with energy-efficient/LED bulbs. Why not install a lamp to control glow at different times throughout the day!
  1. Don’t say “NO” to Curtains
Let’s say you buy an apartment in Dubai that’s small but have lots of windows for brightness and air! As temperature can rise above 40 degree during summer, you certainly need curtains to prevent heated interior. Since you can’t improvise too much with a rental apartment, make the most with what you can.
Though it depends on personal preference, dark curtains like aubergine, hunter green, charcoal gray or pure black grazing the floor looks elegant. Plus, you won’t need to clean them frequently. You’re often restricted to festoon large botanical prints or wall arts so why not go for printed curtains! Not only they block blazing heat to an extent but also makes good interior decor item.
  1. Throw a bit of Personal Flair
One can only feel at home if surrounded by personal mementos, trinkets and accessories. That can be anything from bookcases, tables, nightstands, glowing action figure or framed photos; as long as they don’t fiddle with rental laws. Multipurpose sofa that turns into a bed alongside Moroccan style couches with rugs underneath is simply splendid. Miniature plants are also an excellent choice that you can easily place in a corner!
Rules for apartment interior decor are almost similar everywhere but you should check with landlord or local real estate agency. Interested in a nice and comfy accommodation; click here for apartments for rent in Dubai if that’s your destination.


Summary
My apartment gives a homey touch, thanks to the above tips! So are you going to follow them too?