The NEW American Dream

It used to be that everyone young person's dream was to get married and buy a "starter" home. They hoped to build equity in the home then, years later, sell if for a large profit. Then our country experienced the financial crisis of 2008, when the U.S. housing market suffered widespread losses. While we still have a desire to have our own space with the freedom to remodel it as we wish, the effects of the housing crisis may have prompted a more cautious approach by buyers who are more realistic about the level of equity they can build in their homes. Homeowners and prospective homeowners are now looking more closely at the costs and benefits of such a large transaction. While a home is still a good investment, many financial experts still caution against purchasing a home for the sole purpose of making lots of money.


 
For many Americans with active lifestyles, renting is a great way to free up time that would normally be spent maintaining a house and yard. Renting also provides the freedom of being able to pick up and move without the burden of having to sell a house.

Here are a few more benefits of renting:

• Flexibility. Renting allows you to explore an area before making the longer-term commitment to homeownership. From schools to shopping to neighbors, each neighborhood had benefits and drawbacks that may not be obvious during the relatively quick home buying process.
• Career uncertainty. If you think you might need to move in the near future, or are considering job changes that may require relocation, you might want to rent.
  
• Income uncertainty. If you expect a pay increase or decrease in the near future, that can change your borrowing ability as well as impact your ability to make mortgage payments.
  
• Poor credit. Creating a history of on-time rental payments can help you build the type of credit you'll need to qualify for a home loan.
  
• No maintenance expenses. When problems arise, you simple call the landlord.
  
• Utilities. In some instances, the landlord may pay for many utilities such as water, sewer, trash removal, maybe even heat and hot water.

Whether renting or buying is more cost effective depends on your market, where you choose to live and whether you like to do home improvement and maintenance projects yourself. Should you decide that renting is for you, give Premier Property Management Services a call at (877) 208-4570 and let us help you find the perfect apartment!

Apartment for Rent

We have a new apartment available on West Street in Hartford! It's in the process of being renovated, but it's available to be shown. 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, larger sized rooms, both bedrooms have double sliding door closets, screened-in private porch off of the living room. The building is secured with off street parking. Each floor is secured and the elevator is also secured, requiring a key in order to select a floor. Every floor has it’s own laundry room. The rent is $900 a month, which includes heat and hot water, and we require 2 months security deposit. In order to apply, applicants must provide a $25 fee per adult applicant along with proof of income (copies of 2 recent pay stubs) and a recently printed credit report (www.creditkarma.com is a free credit report service)

10 Tips for Container Gardening

Looking to brighten up your outdoor space? Want to have some fresh vegetables and herbs? Space can be short in apartment and condominium complexes, so container gardening might be for you! Check out these tips from Hudson Valley Seed Library and start growing you own container garden this weekend:

1. The bigger the plant, the bigger the pot should be.

2. The longer the plant takes to mature, the bigger the pot.

3. Fruiting plants (tomatoes, peppers etc.) need more soil and more nutrients than greens (lettuce, Tatsoi etc)

4. Don’t over crowd. You can plant varieties a bit closer than normal in a pot, but crowding leads to weak spindly plants. One tomato plant in a big pot will actually produce more tomatoes than 4 tomato plants in the same size pot.

5. Pots are thirsty. They dry out quickly. Keep pots evenly moist, trying not to let them dry out between watering or get too saturated.

6. Make sure there are drainage holes. (Some folks say gravel or sand at the bottom helps as well.)

7. Container plants still need lots of sun. If you have part shade stick to herbs and greens.

8. Rooftops can be windy. If you’re growing containers on the roof, consider setting up some kind of windbreak, like lattice, that won’t cast shade.

9. Use a light potting mix but make sure you have nutrient rich compost mixed in.

10. Succession sow. Since you are growing in a small space, plant some seeds, let them grow, eat your harvest, and plant some more. Just make sure to add compost and nutrients between sowings

Summer Maintenance Checklist

Now that summer’s here, you’ll want to prepare your condominium or apartment for the onslaught of summer heat. These simple chores will help keep your home happy and healthy.

Check detectors. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re functioning properly. Change all batteries.

Inspect air-conditioners. Remove and clean the filters before turning on the AC. If you have central air-conditioning, consider a professional servicing.

Clean ceiling fans. Wipe ceiling fans with a damp rag. If you have high ceilings, a ceiling-fan duster can help you de-grime hard-to-reach blades.

Clean your outdoor cooker.* For gas grills, turn the heat up to high and let the grill cook with the lid closed for about half an hour. Allow the grill to cool, then brush it off with a grill brush. Wipe down the exterior with a damp sponge and a gentle cleanser. Clean the grill’s drip pans.

Analyze your deck. Look over your deck for signs of rotting and nails that are poking up. Report any unsafe conditions to your management company. Consider brightening up your deck with some large pots filled with flowers or herbs. Wipe down patio furniture.

Wash your windows. If you didn’t tackle window washing in the spring, now’s the time to get your glass clean.

Stop dirt at the door. Keep summer’s mud and muck outside with not one, but two doormats at your main entry door. Place a coarse mat at the outside and a softer, cloth one on the inside to catch the most dirt. Better still, instruct family members to remove their shoes upon entering.

Now that your home is ready for summer, go out and enjoy the beautiful weather!

* Check your condominium maintenance standards for rules about grills and outdoor cookers. You can also check with your local Fire Marshall.

Join Us in Welcoming Our Newest Manager

We are pleased to announce that Melissa Odelius has joined Premier's staff as a Property Manager.

Melissa has over 13 years in the administrative/customer service field, and was most recently employed with a CPA firm, assisting with accounting and tax preparation.

She is very excited about working with Premier because it will give her an opportunity to be an active member of the community, working daily to make people's lives a little easier. As a renter herself, she understands how frustrating it can be when things are not taken care of properly, and she hopes to ease others' frustrations as much as possible.

During her training period, Melissa will be working on Premier's rental side, advertising properties available for rent and showing units at Park Street in Manchester, May Street in Hartford, Stanley Street in New Britain and West Street in Bristol. 

We are very happy to have Melissa on our team, and are excited about the energy and enthusiasm she brings to the position.

Premier Helps Residents After Fire Destroys Several Units

This photo by Patrick Dooley of Squad Fire Photos shows the fire and smoke that poured out of the building. See more of Patrick's photos HERE

On May 9, 2015, a 4-alarm fire ripped through one of our properties in Meriden, CT. Twenty-two units were damaged, and around 100 residents were left homeless. Three were injured in the fire, but luckily everyone inside made it to safety.

Representatives from Premier were on the scene for several hours that day, offering comfort to residents and working with the Red Cross to help ensure all the victims had housing and daily necessities. They also worked closely with the Fire Marshall to help communicate information to owners and residents.

Since the fire, we've been assisting the Board in working with fire inspectors and finding contractors to begin the cleanup and repair process.

Kevin Wilson, Premier's Director of Operations, promises to continue to stay on top of the project until the building is restored to its original specs and everyone has returned to their homes.

Looking for a management company that you can count on in any situation? Call us at (877) 208-4570 or visit our website.

The Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning

Have you noticed that your clothes dryer takes a longer than usual time to dry, although it seems to be getting very hot to the touch? Before you buy a new dryer, consider a dryer vent cleaning.

Dryer vent piping can be as long as 40 feet with several bends and turns, and in many cases goes neglected for years. Professionals use a sturdy snake or power brush and a strong vacuum to clear out pipes.

An average dryer vent cleaning costs around $95, but can save you around $20 per month on your energy bill.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, blocked dryer vents cause more than 15,000 fires annually.

As your Manager, Premier Property Management can help you located a reliable dryer vent cleaner. Contact us today at (877) 208-4570 or visit our website.