Choosing your next dwelling can be time consuming and frustrating for some people. But if you are like me and love to ‘property window shop’ then it’s fun! In Albuquerque we have a festival (there is festival for everything out here) called The Parade of Homes, which is a close second to Christmas for me. This year the festival dates are April 25- 27 and May 2- 4, 2014. Have no fear, there is one in the Fall too if you miss this one (Christmas can come twice a year!). Learn more about the parade by clicking on the link above.

This post is not about the spectacular homes featured in the parade (maybe in another post), in this post I examine whether expensive amenities are worth the cost when looking for an apartment to rent. I add my two cents on a previous blog post by Trulia, click on the link to pay them a visit.

1. On-site Fitness Center

The ease and convenience of an on-site fitness center means you have fewer excuses not to stay in shape. Particularly if you live in a harsh climate, this perk means you’ll get in your workout even when it’s brutally hot or insanely cold out. Of course, this only applies if the equipment in the gym is in good condition, and if it’s not so crowded you can’t get on a treadmill. Stop by and see the place for yourself before deciding.

My thoughts: Agreed! If my community didn’t have a gym I’d never work out in the winter. 

2. Doorman

A doorman isn’t just a matter of feeling important or having someone to greet you each morning or evening. It’s also a valuable security feature. If you were a criminal, would you choose to cause trouble where someone was on watch or opt for the easier target down the street? Doormen aren’t security guards, but they pose enough of an obstacle to deter many crimes.

My thoughts: If you live in a city where apartments don’t come with doormen, like say Albuquerque or a smaller state, look for a gated community with restricted access. Out here many non-gated communities provide courtesy patrol at no extra cost. 

3. Better Location

When you can cut ten or fifteen minutes off every single commute you make for the next year, this is real savings. It’s always worth the extra price to get an apartment close to work, school, or the places you frequent. Also look for an apartment convenient to your favorite shopping centers and restaurants.

My thoughts: I couldn’t agree more. Apart from the convenience of a shorter commute time, there is the added benefit of being able to walk everywhere when the weather is nice. 

4. Wi-Fi

If you have home access to Wi-Fi, you can lower your cell phone data plan and save money every month. Plus, you’ll have Wi-Fi for as many devices as you own, and you don’t have to worry about charges for sharing your data plan or overage charges. In the long run, it’s cheaper to add this to your rent than to pay for each of these services all year.

My thoughts: If  you do any online shopping or banking, I suggest you get your own Wi-Fi. You want the safety of having private and safe online access, it will be worth it in the long run to keep your personal information safe. 

5. Storage

Search “apartment storage ideas” and you’ll find pages of great ideas to make your apartment seem larger than it really is. If you aren’t the DIY type, then you might consider renting an extra storage closet on-site, typically in the parking garage.  Besides quick access to your bike and seasonal decorations, an on-site storage closet may save you from looking for another bedroom, which can cost more than $500 extra in rent per month.

My thoughts: You’d be better off renting a self storage unit, you can get them really cheap. As for quick access to your bike, unless you are hard core, and want to take bike rides in the dead of winter, you won’t need your bike until the weather is nicer. In that case some buildings have basements that will allow you store your bike at no extra cost. Just be sure and invest in a good bike lock.

6. Pet Services

Pet daycare, dog walking, grooming, and other pet services can be expensive if you have to hire someone to do it. But including this with your rent is often cheaper and more convenient. Definitely check out the workers yourself before agreeing to this arrangement. If it’s well-managed, it’s a valuable perk to have.

My thoughts: How many times a year do you take your dog to the groomer? Do the math before you make a decision on this one. It might be more cost effective in the long run to not have this amenity. 

Property window shopping and attending the parade mentioned above is part of the research I do for my novel series Family Portrait. The Banovics inherited a spectacular property in Holmby Hills and Mendocino County California. The properties I visit gives me a visual idea of where the characters live and how they interact in the space.

 

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