What is a “Renter by Choice”? How do you know if you are one? Most of us have been taught that success is about buying a home as soon as we can afford it. Home buying is the most practical choice… or is it? Ideas about homeownership have changed over the years as many of us start to realize that apartment rental is not just a stepping stone on the way to homeownership – we actually prefer renting! Renters have evolved past dogma that defines renting as a mere way station on the way to the purchase of a home and are proud Renters by Choice!
Modern lifestyles benefit from amenities that can be expensive and unrealistic for homeowners. Investing in extra square footage to include a workout space in a traditional home can be tricky. Not only does a homeowner need to pay for extra space and carefully select exercise equipment, but that equipment must be maintained, cleaned, and serviced regularly to keep it working properly. The result is a lot of effort and expense for a part of your home that you may only use about 1 hour a day.
Renters can enjoy workout rooms, tennis courts, yoga studios, playgrounds, movie theaters, coffee stations and so much more without the need to buy or maintain anything. The convenience of amenities like these in your own apartment community and the ability to enjoy them without worrying about maintenance or additional expenses allow renters to enjoy a lifestyle that would not be possible for most of us to obtain if we were responsible for building and maintaining these features ourselves.
Today’s apartment dwellers are less enthralled with the romantic notion of a tidy little yard and a white picket fence – that yard will have to be mown and that fence will need to be painted, and who wants to spend what little free time we have on home maintenance? Instead of working to finance a traditional home that will soon become your primary preoccupation, many people are choosing to rent and allow a property management service to take responsibility for maintenance.
The antiquated idea that apartments are small and not as comfortable as a suburban residential home is no longer applicable. Modern apartment communities cater to renters’ lifestyles by offering a variety of floor plans, including larger apartments that provide as much space as a traditional home. Renters can choose the amount of space they want in the location they prefer, rather than having to choose a specific neighborhood based on the size of the home they want.
Many apartment communities also include a “clubhouse”, a beautifully appointed area where you can entertain family and friends. Rather than spending money on a formal dining room and living room that are often used only for guests (and used very little otherwise) renters can enjoy a clubhouse that is large enough for family and friends to gather comfortably. Many clubhouses also include a “kitchen” or bar area where you can cook for your company without messing up your personal space. A clubhouse provides the ability to relax with your guests rather than worrying about cleaning your home or moving furniture.
Renters By Choice often prioritize convenience and a higher quality of living. Modern apartment communities cater to residents by offering services such as Valet Trash or a Concierge. Not only can you forget about tiresome home maintenance, but you can enjoy services a traditional home could never offer! A Concierge can make reservations for you, suggest places to shop for specific items, and help you learn about your community.
Are you thinking about becoming a Renter by Choice? Contact us for a tour to find out what renting can do for you!
(434) 971-8439