Apartments Online Magazine
Finding The Right
Apartment Renters Insurance A Smart Move $ Priceless $
11
Renters’ Insurance a Smart Move
15
Questions To Ask Your Landlord
20
ontent
Charleston’s New Arts Website
What Can You Do If Your Apartment Goes Into Foreclosure
24
Is It Safe? Apartment Safety Quiz.
27
Renting Vs. Buying Myths
30
About Summerville
34
Time To Refinance or Buy?
36
Finding The Right Apartment
40
Decorating Your Apartment
45
From The Editor
Buy Local
Promoting local business is as simple as having other company’s business cards or brochures posted on a board in your store. We are doing our part, so please join us, and promote your local merchants, and everyone will benefit!
Top Ten reasons to Think Local Buy Local - Be Local – Help Local Businesses 1. Buy Local -- Support yourself and South Carolina. Many studies have revealed when you buy from an independent, locally owned business in the your own area, rather than a nationally owned businesses, considerably more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses. Local businesses continue to strengthen the economic base of the local community. These include case studies showing that local local owned businesses generate a premium in enhanced economic impact to the community and our tax base. 2.Support Local Area Community Groups: Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller area business owners than they do from large companies. 3. Keep Your Area Unique: Where we shop, where we eat and
have fun -- all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind local businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character. Local tourism businesses also benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust.
4. Reduce Environmental Impact: Locally owned businesses in
your area can make more local purchases requiring less transportation. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
5. Create Additional Jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in the community, provide the most jobs to local residents. 6. Receive Better Service: Local businesses often hire people with
a better understanding of the products and services they offer, and take more time to get to know customers.
7.Invest in Your Community: Local businesses are owned by
people who live in this community, and they are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.
8. Put your Taxes to Good Use: Local businesses require a
relatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use
of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering your area.
9. Buy What you Want, Not What Big Advertising Budgets Want you to Buy: A South Carolina marketplace
comprised of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products and services based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, promises a much broader range of product choices.
10. Promote Local Prosperity: An escalating body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character. Larry Local Editor in Chief
Apartments Online Magazine
CEO Dennis Stewart Editor In Chief Carl Carolina Art Director Amy Coats Web Developers Matthew Coats Administration & Marketing Shaun Stacey
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Charleston’s Office Of Cultural Affairs launches www.CharlestonArts.sc, as thier new arts Web Site From: Charleston Currents The City of Charleston’s Office of Cultural Affairs has launched http://www.CharlestonArts.sc, a companion Web site to the OCA’s primary page at the city’s official site. CharlestonArts.sc will be updated daily with information and features, including an arts calendar that users can search by date, artist, presenting group or venue; social networking widgets; and a directory of local arts and cultural organizations and venues. “We are hopeful that CharlestonArts.sc will be a major benefit to local artists and arts organizations by disseminating information about their events with the most up-to-date information to a broader public,” said Ellen Dressler Moryl, director of the Office of Cultural Affairs. Other options for users at CharlestonArts.sc include the following: • Arts organizations can download forms from the Office of Cultural Affairs, submit events, update contact information and compare performance dates with other area organizations. • The Tools for Professional section of the Web site features job listings for arts professionals, including full time and part time work as well as internships and volunteer opportunities with arts and cultural organizations in the tri-county area. • Updated grant opportunities for arts organizations, with detailed information, including deadlines, application and contact information. • Call for Submissions and Call for Auditions pages with details about the location, deadlines, fees and additional requirements. The new Web site also hosts connecting pages for general information on the Office of Cultural Affairs and its projects: the Charleston Farmers Market, the City Gallery at Waterfront Park, Holiday Magic, Happy New Year Charleston!, the Holiday Parade of Boats, the Lowcountry Quarterly Arts Grant Program, Piccolo Spoleto and the MOJA Arts Festival. The Web Site was developed and is being hosted by Carolina Media Services ( www.ONLY.sc) .
Renters’ Insurance
A Smart Move
An estimated 75% of renters in the U.S. do not have renters’ insurance coverage. Many South Carolina homeowners make the mistake of not purchasing flood or exceptional disaster insurance for their houses, thinking their home insurance will cover the damages. The same scenario is seen with many South Carolina apartment dwellers that do not purchase renters’ insurance. Renters are under the mistaken impression that their landlord will replace their belongings in the event of a catastrophic damage. Here’s what renters’ insurance is and why it’s a good idea.
How Renters’ Insurance In South Carolina Works Renters’ insurance policies are designed to cover the renter in the event of covered loss to personal property. Renters’ insurance also protects you in the event you are responsible for injury or property damage to others in your rented apartment, home or condo. If a catastrophic event, such as fire, water damage, and tornadoes (coverage from floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes must be purchased separately) destroy your rental structure, the landlord is not responsible for replacing your personal belongings. Renter’s insurance will also protect your personal financial assets in the event that a third party has an accident in your apartment. Renters’ insurance in general provides “named peril” coverage, meaning the policy states specifically what you are insured against. Renters’ insurance can also cover you in the event of vandalism, theft, accidental discharge of water,
and more. Most importantly, renters’ insurance can cover the cost of another place to live if your apartment becomes uninhabitable from a named coverage event.
Average Cost Of Renters’ Insurance An average renters’ insurance policy cost per year can be around $300 per year. There are some insurance policies that will cost the individual as little as 45 cents each day. This will vary from person to person and how much or how little the renters’ insurance policyholder needs to insure. However, it is important to see how little it could cost an individual, as compared to how much money the individual would save in the event of an emergency or problem.
The cost of your renters’ insurance depends on several factors. The greater the value of your personal belongings, the greater the cost of the policy. Another determining factor in the renters’ insurance premium cost is the deductible. This is the amount of money that the individual will need to pay out of pocket before the costs will be covered by the insurance company. For example, some individuals have a deductible of $500, while others have a deductible of $1,000. Where your apartment is located is also factored into the cost.
Want to grow your business?
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce! As the unified voice of business, the South Carolina Chamber is working to grow wealth for South Carolinians and businesses in order to improve economic development and quality of life.
We help your business and you by: • Getting your voice heard by our state legislators through our Grassroots Network • Working to pass business-friendly legislation • Keeping you informed on issues and providing solutions for growing your business through our monthly magazine, South Carolina Business • Providing networking opportunities with legislators and other business owners • Training your employees on human resources, quality and management issues • Publishing a legal reference series
Join the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce!
Contact us today at 800-799-4601. Learn more at www.scchamber.net.
Questions to Ask Your Landlord Before You Sign A Lease In South Carolina BEFORE you sign a lease for any rental in the State of South Carolina, you should know everything about the Apartment, Condo or Home, and the Lease that you are going to sign. The following checklist is a handy tool and you should ask as many questions as possible. Your landlord, or the rental agent, should be willing to answer any questions that you have. You should also ask for anything concerning the lease to be in writing for your protection. · How much is the rent, and when is rent due? Are Weekends and Holidays excluded, if the rent is due by a certain date each month? · When is the rent considered late, and are there late penalties, and how much are they? · Is there an application? Are there any application fees, and is the application fee applied to the rent? · Does the Landlord have a written lease? What is the shortest term, and the longest term, of the lease? · Will your wife or roommate have to sign the Lease? · After the initial term of the lease, can you renew the lease, and at what rate? Or, can you stay in the property on a month-to-month basis, and at what rate? · What is your maximum exposure if you cancel or terminate the lease? Can you agree that if you have to move for employment reasons, that you can cancel the lease by giving a month’s notice?
· Can you sub lease, or assign the lease? Can you have a roommate? · How much is the rent/security deposit? Where will the deposit be held? What is the deposit for (ie. damages, guarantee rent paid)? · Who pays for water and other utilities (electric, gas, cable, trash, etc.)? What are the costs for setting up any of the utilities? · Is parking reserved, and if there is a garage, are there any additional parking fees? · If there is any storage areas, is it included in the rent, and if not, how much is the cost? · What are the amenities? Is there a pool? Is there a gym, workout room, computer facilities? Can they be used by anyone, including guests? Are there any additional fees for using the amenities? · How is routine maintenance completed handled? Do you do a walk through before you occupy the apartment? Are maintenance people on call ? If not, who should you call if there is an emergency? · Are there smoke detectors or other alarms, and if not, can you install them? · Are pets allowed? Are there any pet deposits? Where can the pets be walked? · Are you allowed to paint the walls and hang pictures? · Does the Landlord require renters insurance? · Where are the laundry facilities? If they are not provided in the apartment, can you install one? · How is trash collection handled, and on what days? · Are there any restrictions on vehicles (Commercial, trucks, motorcycles)? Renting a place to stay in South Carolina shouldn’t be difficult. Finding the right place that suits you best will be the hard part! Happy hunting!
What Can You do if Your Apartment Goes Into Foreclosure If your landlord is getting foreclosed, under certain circumstances you are protected as a Tenant, thanks to a tenant-friendly federal law that took effect on May 20, 2009. The Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009, applies to all states and broadly covers “any foreclosure on a federally related mortgage loan or on any dwelling or residential real property” and “any successor in interest to such property”. If the mortgage was not as defined in this Law, this article does not apply.
So, what happens? If You Don’t Have a Lease If you’re living in your apartment without a written lease ( we say written, because oral leases are generally not
enforceable), you have at least 90 days after the date of the foreclosure to move from your apartment.
If You Have a Lease
If you have a written lease, and the rental period ends after 90 days from the date of foreclosure, you can continue occupying your apartment all the way to the end of your rental period. Then you must vacate the property. So if you have 9 months left on your lease, you can stay the entire 9 months. If your rental period ends before 90 days following the foreclosure, then you have the full 90 days. Exception for primary-residence purchaser. If the building is sold in a foreclosure to a purchaser that wants to use your apartment as their “primary residence” , and you have a lease, then your lease expires on the date of the foreclosure sale. However, you then have 90 days to continue living in the apartment. After the 90 days you must move. So if you have a 9 month lease, you can ONLY stay for 90 days..
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IS IT SAFE? Apartment Safety Quiz
Not all questions apply to every apartment building, and some questions may also apply to your children. Think about how the answers may affect your safety. Are background checks performed on all tenants in your apartment complex before being approved? Are background checks performed on all employees of the Landlord ? Do you have an alarm system in your apartment? Does your apartment management enforce compliance of the rules of your complex when safety is concerned?
Was your entry door lock rekeyed or deadbolt locks replaced when you moved into the apartment? Are there security cameras throughout the complex? Do you have a community watch program in your complex? Do your exterior doors of your apartment fit tightly, with no more than 1/8 inch space between the door and frame? Can you look inside the elevator before entering it? Are the common areas well lit and accessible ? Do you use timers to activate lighting, radios and television when you are not at home? Are all windows accessible from hallways or from the ground level protected by bars that can be opened only from the inside of the apartment? Do your windows and sliding doors have anti-lift devises to prevent them from being lifted out? Do you use crime prevention or alarm decals on accessible windows or doors? Do you use a wide-angle peephole mounted no higher than 58 inches? And, do you use a cover on the door’s peephole to prevent people from seeing through it? Is just your first initial and last name on your apartment directory and mail boxes? Are the hallways in and around your building well lit, and burned out bulbs replaced promptly? Do the Apartment Complex employees wear uniforms, or badges to confirm that they work on the premises ? If you have security concerns, does the apartment management address them ?
Myths
Renting an Apartment Vs. Buying
Myth #1: Renting an Apartment is Like Throwing Your Money Away Renters pay for one thing every month: shelter. Renters also pay a reduced rate based on national statistics. Some could argue that Buyers throw their money away for the first five years they own a home, because they simply give money to the bank for the privilege of borrowing money. Most buyers in the past 5 years in South Carolina have seen little or no appreciation, and in fact, the opposite has occurred. Renters on the other hand do not pay interest to a mortgage company‌.. do not pay property taxes or maintenance fees. Renters pay RENT. Smart renters should take the money they save by renting and save it or invest it somewhere else.
Myth #2: It Costs the Same to Buy as it does to Rent Examine what it costs to first buy a home. The average purchased pays a minimum of 5% of the purchase price of the home to close on the home. On a home that costs $150,000, that is $7,500. A renter generally pays first month’s rent, last month’s rent and possibly a security deposit. On a rental that is $1,000 a month that is a total of $3,000. The renter is already $4,500 ahead of the Buyer. There are also other costs a Buyer is responsible for that a renter is not, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance and maintenance. These costs can add up and may even increase significantly over a period of years. In addition, Buyers are responsible for maintenance and repairs that could be thousands of dollars a year.
Myth #3: Houses are a Good Investment In the past 12 months there have been a record number of foreclosures in South Carolina and across the United States. This record setting trend is going to continue for some time to come. During the housing boom, all Buyers believed that housing was a great investment. For many it was. But
the Boom turned to Bust for millions. If you have a crystal ball and can foresee the future, you may be able to predict what will happen in the future. Otherwise, by renting you will not be at the mercy of the economy.
Myth #4: There are Income Tax Benefits when you Pay Mortgage Payments Mortgage interest can only be deducted from taxable income. What this means is that for every dollar you spend on interest, you save about 28 cents. Most Buyers are going to pay more money for the Principal, Interest Taxes and Insurance, than they would for rent. You can calculate the amount of money you can save with your taxes, and then determine if this Myth is fact or fiction. There will be a time when it is better to buy a home, than it is to rent. If you can get a great deal on a home, you should always take that into consideration. Otherwise, there are a lot of Banks and Mortgage Companies that would live to accept your money each month.
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About Summerville South Carolina
Summerville SC features year round activities and promotions. Enjoy unique shops and dining experiences that will grab your attention and satisfy your taste buds. Downtown Summerville is well known for its heritage and natural beauty. The close knit community still gathers at Town Square for the 4th of July celebrations. Friday night local high school football attracts a spirited, overflowing crowd cheering on friends, family and favorite teams. In early December, the holiday season is unveiled in when town folks meet at Town Square for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting when thousands of white lights are turned on to brighten the downtown district and bring holiday cheer to the town. Summerville... great restaurants, charming shops, outdoor recreation, and historic sites... the amenities are endless! In Downtown Summerville, you will find a warm and welcoming community filled with great respect for its past and dedication to its future. Summerville, South Carolina is located 24 miles outside of Charleston, making it a close day trip location to add to your itinerary. Unique shopping and dining businesses add to Summerville’s charm, and you’ll be pleased with the diversity of. Southern charm and historic flavor makes Summerville and Dorchester County a ‘must-see’ destination. Summerville is host to several exclusive events, like Sculpture in the South, the Flowertown Festival, and Taste of the Town – all held in beautiful Azalea Park, a 12-acre oasis in the heart of town with peaceful ponds, paths, fountains, tennis courts, and an astonishing collection of permanent sculpture. With more than 700 homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, Summerville is famed for its historic character. Enjoy and experience the kind of charm and hospitality one expects from a pleasant, small Southern town with “big” charm -- a town like Summerville, South Carolina.
rate with the tax advantages of a mortgage, and you have an incredibly cheap way to build wealth, but you better act now.
Time to Refinance Buy !?
or
Right now, mortgage rates are at their lowest level since 1971. Think about that. Twenty-five years ago, homeowners were paying as much as 18% on a 30-year fixed. Today it’s just a little over 5%.Combine that
Real estate guru Barbara Corcoran has already seen a tremendous surge in refinance applications – more than triple the average – and the number of people getting approved is astronomically higher as well, she says. But that doesn’t mean the low rates are a panacea for the ills of the housing market. It is only once home prices start to go up that we will finally see a light at the end of tunnel, Corcoran says. Until that happens, we are still going to have to crawl out of this mess. “[Low interest rates are] a not a lifesaver,” Corcoran says. “This is just a helping hand.”
David Kittle, chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association, has this advice to homeowners looking to refinance: Do it. Don’t get greedy searching for another quarter-point. Lock in rates now. He is seeing applications soar over 125% just since Thanksgiving due to the low rates. Of course, you should only refinance if it saves you at least 3/8 on the rate and if you plan on staying in your home for at least four years, Kittle says. Along with good credit, proof of income and money by means of a down payment or equity in the home, there are certain things every homeowner needs regardless of interest rate levels.
Finding the Right Apartment
The following is a checklist of items that you should consider when comparing apartments: Once you have found the area of town that you want to live in, you may have a choice between several apartment complexes. If you need a 3 bedroom, with a garage, and cable internet access for your internet, you should be able to limit your search by making several phone calls. Most apartment managers will be helpful, so if one complex does not have what you need, just ask the manager if they can recommend a complex that has the apartment you are looking for. Whether the apartment complex you are looking at is new or 20 years old, there are several questions that you should ask before making a decision. The key is- who to ask. The right person may be the apartment manager, a receptionist, a maintenance person, a tenant, or even a real estate agent. Don’t be afraid to ask as many people as possible. If you see a mother at the pool, ask her about the safety of the complex and the surrounding area. Ask a maintenance person how the owner is as far as responding to maintenance issues.
· Traffic: Getting to and from work, schools, and shopping. · Parking: Does the apartment complex have plenty of parking, and the safety of the apartment complex. · Laundry facilities: Most newer apartment complexes have washers and dryers in the apartments. Make sure you confirm where you will have to go to do your laundry if the apartments do not have these appliances. · Noise: Wherever you live, you want piece and quiet. You will want to know if the complex as a whole is quiet and peaceful, or near an airport, is the unit near an elevator, pool, garbage dumpster, or other area that will be noisy. · Maintenance: You will want to make sure that the landlord keeps up the maintenance of both the exterior and interior of the apartments. Ask other tenants how the apartments are maintained. Go to the complex at night and make sure all of the lights in the parking lot are working. · Amenities: The newer the apartment complex, the more amenities it should have. Most apartment developers are finding that to keep up with the
competition, they are having to add all of the best amenities to the exterior and interior of their apartments. If you see amenities that looks out of the ordinary, ask if there are any costs associated with their use. 路 Rental obligations and other Factors: The amount of monthly rent is a major factor, but before committing to a lease, ask about: deposits, pets, late payments, water, trash, subletting, cable, internet access, penalties for breaking the lease, painting the apartment, new carpet, and all other obligations that may be charged to you. 路 Apartment Interior: This is where your personal preferences are important. When comparing individual apartments, make sure you consider the following: closet space and storage- both inside and outside the apartment, appliances- Are they new, or in good condition, and are they what you need (microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, washer, dryer), kitchen and bathrooms- Are the kitchen and bathrooms spacious and have the storage space that you need, Lights- does the apartment have sufficient lighting? Pets- if the prior owner had a pet, and left distinct odors, be careful. Carpet and flooring- is the carpet in good condition, and your preference on wood flooring. Paint- does the paint in the apartment look good? Electric and cable outlets- are all of the rooms accessible for your electric and cable needs? Windows, screens and doors- are all the windows, screens and doors operable, and do they lock properly? Your Final Decision: Be Careful !!! After you have compared and considered all of your options, ask the Landlord for a copy of the lease and any other documents that you will be asked to sign. Although most leases are standard, you should be careful before you commit yourself, and we always suggest that you have an attorney explain all of the lease, and your obligations before signing.
Decorating Your Apartment
Your apartment is your Castle (temporary). If you are going to be living there, you might as well enjoy it. The 2 basic differences between decoration your apartment and a home are 1) The Apartment is probably going to be a lot smaller, and 2) You DO NOT own the apartment, so first ask permission, and don’t spend a fortune if you can’t take it with you. Below are some tips to get you started in decorating your apartment. Space is always going to be a premium. If you already have furniture you may have to deal with limited space. If you are going to buy furniture, make a scale of the apartment, and bring it with you. You do not need to be traditional, and you do not need 2 night stands in a small bedroom. Opt for a dining table with an insert that can be enlarged when needed. Remember TV’s are now Flat, and you do not need bulky furniture for them to sit on. Use a wall mount instead. If you have a home office, pick furniture that is decorative and useful. Get a comfortable chair, and do not worry about so much cabinet space, since you are no longer going to keep junk around the apartment. For the walls, be imaginative. If you like pictures, then put them up. Mirrors are both useful, and make areas appear larger. Try not to “waste” wall space if you are
going to need some shelving for other items, or to hold your Flat screen TV. You don’t have to buy expensive artwork to accomplish your goals. Go to stores that sell prints and dare your friends to question your taste in classic or progressive art. Some people are fine with enlarging several pictures of past memories, whether it was a vacation, pet, or family portrait. Some go with a sports theme, and who would ever be critical of a Gamecock fan! Don’t forget the plants. You choose whether they are silk or real! There are some plants that are low maintenance. Whichever you choose remember that some color is always nice. Do not get plants that are too large for the area, because like bulky furniture, too much is too much.
As for the colors, sometimes variety can be the spice of life. If you are trying to create an environment, look through magazines and see what designers do. Don’t be afraid to have 2 walls in the same room be different colors. If you don’t like the way it looks, you have only wasted a little paint. You can have a great time decorating your apartment, no matter how small it is. The smaller your apartment is, the more creative you have to be.
inal Word
May your home always be too small to hold all your friends. Irish Proverb