The decision to move from your current home
to a new one can inspire a wide variety of emotions. However, if it inspires confusion
about whether you want to move into an apartment or a single-family home, take
the time to consider the pros and cons of each. Ask yourself these questions to
best determine whether you will be happiest renting a house or an apartment
home.
How Much Money Do You Need to Save?
The price of rent for an apartment home is
often significantly less than the cost of renting a house. Also, since an
apartment is smaller, some of your utilities are likely to be more affordable.
For example, the cost of heating and cooling an apartment will be significantly
lower than the cost of heating and cooling a whole house. For a variety of
reasons, you can probably save more money while in an apartment.
How Much Do You Need Convenient
Amenities?
Apartment buildings often have a variety of
amenities that houses don't. After all, the apartment building is designed to
serve many tenants, while a house is typically designed for one family.
Although amenities will vary among apartment buildings, many have a laundry
room, a swimming pool, a vending machine, and a fitness center. A house isn't
as likely to have these features.
On the other hand, if you move into a
long-term lease on a home, you may be allowed to make modifications of the home
that include the addition of amenities. For example, you may invest in a
swimming pool. In some cases, the landlord may even cover the costs of such an
addition. It all depends on your unique situation, but it never hurts to
ask.
How Much Privacy Do You Need?
Although you can enjoy privacy in an
apartment home, a house will allow you to more easily protect your privacy.
When neighbors aren't on the other side of your wall, you may feel freer to
make noise and listen to your television as loudly as you want. Also, when you
have a house, you can more easily tune out noisy neighbors since they are
further from your own home.
Do You Feel Prepared to Take on Yard
Maintenance?
If you move into an apartment building, the
apartment owner or manager typically makes arrangements for all the landscaping
and yard maintenance needed to keep the property beautiful and
comfortable.
On the other hand, if you rent a home, you
may need to cut grass or otherwise maintain the yard. Sometimes landlords will
cover all yard maintenance when you rent a house or an apartment. In other
situations, the landlord may offer a discount on rent for yard maintenance.
Speak to your landlord about the expectations and requirements before deciding
on a place to call home.
What Are Your Safety Concerns?
When you're in an apartment, you may feel
safer than you would in a house while you're at home. However, many home
renters get to know their neighbors and therefore feel safer walking in the
neighborhood. They may even participate in a neighborhood watch program.
Choose the home that helps you personally feel safer.
Do You Need More Space?
While some apartments are quite large and
some houses are small, apartments are typically smaller than single-family
houses. If you have children or will move with friends or other family members,
you may choose a house to give everyone some breathing room.
If you are a single person who is looking
to rent a small space, a studio apartment may be big enough for your needs. You
may also choose a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment for a little more room.
However, if you hope to have a lot of extra room, moving into a house is likely
an optimal solution.
Finally, contact Montgomery Realtors
today to discuss
your housing needs. We offer both rental houses and apartment communities where
you can make yourself at home. Let us know what you're looking for. We are
happy to help you find affordable, high-quality housing that meets the needs
and wants of you and your family.
