5 Signs Renting Is For You

Posted on March 27, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

Anyone in search of a new place to live will have to make the choice of whether to rent or buy their home. Buying a home has it’s own appeal but today’s market conditions are making a great case for Renting an apartment. While the age-old debate of buy vs. rent can’t be settled in one article, hopefully these points will guide you in making your decision.

You Are Investment Minded

It used to be a sound part of any retirement plan to buy a home with the intent to downsize later to add to your nest egg. But this strategy is quite a bit riskier in today’s market where home values can just as easily go down as they can go up.

Some believe the downside to renting is you will never obtain the valuable asset of a home after paying off a mortgage. However, as a renter you can take the down payment you would have put down on a house into a more sure investment.

And while the mortgage you pay may be less than rent, your actual expenses as a homeowner may be more when you factor in things like property tax, insurance and maintenance. Experts say these expenses can add around 3% to the cost of your home annually—money that could be invested wisely instead.

Your Life Is A Little Unpredictable

According to the New York Times, it takes at least five years of paying a mortgage before the monthly savings catch up to extra cost of your monthly rent. Most experts believe in the “5-year rule,” which is if there is a chance you will be moving again in 5 years, then you should stick to renting.

If you have a job that is unpredictable or if you feel you are in an unstable job market, then it probably makes more sense to rent. Also, if you want the freedom in the future to look for jobs outside of your current city, then renting is an easier way to keep that option open.

You Have A Busy Schedule

Owning a home not only requires an investment of money, but often requires your time to maintain the home. This may not be an issue for some, but for those with busier schedules it’s a point worth considering.

The benefit to renting, especially for a busy professional, is the fact that it’s the landlord’s responsibility to handle costly and time-consuming maintenance issues. Not to mention the peace of mind that comes from not being financially responsible for surprise maintenance issues that are inevitable with any home.

You Want to Grow Your Family

This goes back to the 5-year rule. If you are growing your family it’s important to consider if you will outgrow your space over the next few years. Moving expenses, down payments and closing costs can really add up especially when moving multiple times in a span of just a few years.

You’re Not Particularly Handy

This one may be a little difficult for some of us to admit, but it’s important to consider what we can and can’t do ourselves before investing in a home. Consider the expense of the maintenance you can do yourself as well as the cost of hiring professionals to do what you can’t.

While the decision to rent or buy will depend on your individual situation, hopefully you now have a little more insight to make the best choice for you. Check out the new modern apartment homes in Manassas, VA we have available at Arcadia Run.

SOURCES: NYtimes.com, USnews.com, WSJ.com

Why Apartment Living is Perfect for Millennials

Posted on March 26, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

At Arcadia Run, we can attest to the fact that apartment living can be a great choice for consumers in all stages of life. Whether you’re single or have a family, in the city or in the suburbs, apartment living can make sense for many people in many different situations. But there are plenty of reasons why renting is the perfect choice for millennials in particular, including the following:

Flexibility: The flexibility of renting an apartment is ideal for millennials who don’t want to be tied down to one particular area. Once a lease is up, renters have the option to renew – or to pick up and move to a different area, city or state! The ease of renting and the flexibility offered by short-term leases are key factors in the attractiveness of renting for many millennials.

Financial freedom: Many millennials aren’t willing or able to taken on a mortgage for a home, especially when many members of this generation are busy paying back student loans while also trying to put away money into savings. An apartment can be particularly appealing when there’s the option to split the rent with a roommate (or a few roommates)!

Modern living: Many apartments offer the modern lifestyle that millennials crave. One factor in modern living is the apartment building itself, and at Arcadia Run, you’ll find modern apartment features such as over-sized kitchens, granite kitchen countertops and extended windows. Amenities are another factor that can make apartments modern, and at Arcadia Run, millennials are sure to love the resort-style swimming pool, fitness center and clubhouse coming to Arcadia Run this year!

Less stress and less maintenance: if something breaks in your apartment, you don’t have to worry about the stress of replacing or fixing it – you just call the front desk! This ease of maintenance that apartments offer is perfect for on-the-go millennials who don’t have the time to deal with these issues that often arise when owning a home.

Perfect amount of space: Single family homes can often have way too much interior (and exterior) space for busy millennials to keep up with. And unused space translates into more cleaning – and who really wants to clean space they don’t even use? Many modern apartment buildings, such as Arcadia Run, offer units that are spacious enough to live very comfortably, but they’re not unnecessarily large either.

Millennials who are interested in taking advantage of all the benefits of apartment living in beautiful Manassas, VA, don’t need to look any further than Arcadia Run! Our spacious, modern apartments units are offered in several floor plans, so you’re bound to find the perfect unit for your needs and lifestyle!

SOURCES: ForRent.com

Small Ways to “Think Green” In Your Apartment

Posted on March 23, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

Moving into a new apartment gives tenants a chance to revamp their green living habits. With growing concerns to preserve the environment and reduce our ecological footprints, more and more people are taking proactive steps to live in a more environmentally responsible way.

Here are a few small green ways you can make a big difference when living in your new apartment at Arcadia Run!

Buy eco-friendly cleaning products to use when cleaning your apartment. Or better yet, make your own cleaning products from natural materials you might already have. Most organic cleaners are just as effective as the others – and without filling your space with strong chemical odors!
Why not try out your green thumb and care for a small herb garden on your balcony or patio – or even on your kitchen counter! You’ll always have your favorite herbs handy, saving you a trip to the grocery store.
Who doesn’t love their single-cup coffee maker? Unfortunately, those little empty k-cups easily find their way into landfills, and they’re building up fast. Opt for a reusable k-cup instead – it’s cheaper in the long term and helps reduce waste.
When we’re rushing out the door in the morning, it can be hard to remember to unplug small electronics or turn off a lamp. Try writing yourself notes or setting reminders to do so – you’ll end up preserving energy, which could translate to a smaller utility bill!
Instead of buying bottled water, invest in a water filter pitcher instead. You’ll avoid a trashcan full of plastic bottles and will always have fresh water when you want it.
Build your collection of canvas grocery bags. Using reusable canvas bags are sturdier and better for the environment than the plastic ones. Plus, some grocery stores even offer incentives to use canvas bags instead!

In truth, these are green living habits that can be implemented anywhere. And at Arcadia Run, we love to see our residents do more to preserve the environment – every little bit helps! So what better time to adopt a few easy green habits than the spring season? Warmer weather and blooming flowers will be here in no time at all!

Overcoming Challenges When Moving With Kids

Posted on March 6, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

Moving should be an exciting venture – you’re going to have a new place to decorate, a new town to explore and new neighbors-soon-to-be-friends to meet. But oftentimes, the reality of moving overshadows the excitement, especially when facing the struggles of moving with kids.

Apartment Guide recently compiled a short list of guidelines to help make moving with kids a painless experience – here are a few tips to help ease the transition!

Include Family in the Search
Including your children in the apartment search and bringing them along for tours will help brighten their spirits about moving in the first place. If they help pick your new digs, chances are they’ll feel right at home when you do move.

Explore
When moving to any new location, it’s always fun to explore and see what your new hometown has in store. Kids will be especially pleased to learn that Manassas VA, home to Arcadia Run, has so many fun things to do – from playgrounds and parks, to kid zones and community events!

Find the Positives
It can be difficult for kids to move; it could mean leaving their friends, their school and their room they’ve grown to love. But this doesn’t mean they won’t make new friends, love their new school and have a room that’s even better than their old one! Accentuate the positive points to moving – and when you choose Arcadia Run, there are several!

Keep the Favorites Close
Pack your kid’s favorite stuffed animal or nighttime story last so it’s nearby if you need it. Chances are you won’t be able to unpack every box on your first night in the new place, so it’s important to have the necessities easily accessible.

Don’t Shy Away from Childcare
When the day comes to physically move your belongings from place A to place B, it might help to find childcare for your children. It’ll make your job of coordinating the move a little easier and you’ll be able to tackle the hectic process with little distraction.

Host a Small Get-Together
Once you get settled, Apartment Guide suggests throwing a small get-together with your children’s friends, as well as any other children you’ve met in your new apartment community. This help shows your kids that moving doesn’t mean leaving your old friends behind; it simply means you have more opportunities grow your existing circle of friends!

With these tips, moving your family to a new apartment can be the fun adventure you’re hoping for. And, with the opening of our Phase 2, we’re so excited to welcome new families to Arcadia Run!

Source: Apartment Guide

How Off-Season Apartment Hunting Can Benefit Renters

Posted on February 12, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

It’s true – many renters believe there is an ‘off’ and ‘on’ season when it comes to finding a new apartment to call home. And while that’s true to some extent, it doesn’t necessarily mean ‘off’ season isn’t the time to land that dream apartment.

The winter months are typically considered the ‘off-season’, and believe it or not, there are several benefits to apartment shopping this time of year!

Less Competition:

When searching for a new apartment home during the winter, when most of your fellow renters aren’t, much of the competition that’s present during the spring and summer is eliminated. Less competition in general gives you a better chance of finding that perfect apartment!

Less Pressure:

And, with fewer renters hitting the market, there will be less pressure to move quickly. While an opportunity might not last forever, you could have a little more breathing room and the luxury to take your time. But believe us, once you see our new apartments at Arcadia Run, you won’t want to waste another minute searching anywhere else!

Better Selection:

Also because of reduced competition, renters may find they have more selection when it comes to choosing their next space. Here at Arcadia Run, we take great pride in offering several apartment home floor plans, giving our tenants the best variety any season of the year!

Get In Early:

Come spring, when other tenants are just starting their search, you’ll already be comfortably living in the apartment community of your choice! Who wouldn’t enjoy that?

Truly, any time of the year has its own benefits when apartment hunting, but not all as unique as the winter. So take advantage of the season and choose a new apartment home at Arcadia Run. Phase 2 of our community is now leasing, offering tenants with an incredible selection of newly built, luxury apartments.

Get used to getting more with Arcadia Run – granite countertops, luxury ‘hardwood’ vinyl flooring, upgraded kitchen appliances, extended windows, plans for outstanding community amenities and so much more!

Arcadia Run’s 7-Day Sweetheart Sweepstakes

Posted on February 6, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

COMING SOON! The Arcadia Run 7-Day Sweetheart Sweepstakes!

Posted on February 4, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

Sweep your sweetheart off their feet with the Arcadia Run 7-Day Sweetheart Sweepstakes! It’s a wonderful opportunity to support local businesses, test your Valentine’s Day knowledge, and possibly walk away with hundreds of dollars worth of free gift cards, dinners, and fun outings that both you and your sweetheart can enjoy!

Check back on our Facebook, Twitter, and Blog Friday, February 6th and each day after for 7-days of Valentine’s Day themed trivia and a chance to win some fabulous prizes provided by these great local vendors:

Melissa Anne Photography

Bio: Traveling photographer with the love of story-telling. Every session is customized to capture your events most precious moments. We are fun, laid back, and creative!

The Winery at La Grange

Bio: The Winery at La Grange is settled in the foothills with beautiful mountain views, a haunted tasting room, a wine production facility and plenty of land for picnics.

Pampered Chef by Tonya’s Tasty Treats

Bio: I love my Pampered Chef business! I’d like to help you fill your kitchen with these wonderful products at a discount, half price and/or free! If you are looking for a little extra cash or as in income, along with the chance to travel I would love to have you on my team. Contact me for more details on either.

Salsa Sweets

Bio: Salsa Sweets, LLC specializes in hand-decorated sugar cookies with royal icing in Virginia. Our goal is to be with you for every special moment, event, and memory that you want to create in your life and for those that you love, via custom and personalized cookies. Home is where the heart is, which I why I keep my clients local.

BeautiControl – Mobile Spa Treatment

Bio: BeautiControl provides personalized services and unforgettable experiences that change women’s lives. We inspire every woman to control and celebrate her life with style.

Bio: Thirty-One is more than just a company. We are people who believe in celebrating, encouraging and rewarding women for who they are. We’ve built a family of individuals who feel women deserve to treat themselves to something special. Our commitment is to provide women with a fulfilling, enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Firebirds, Gainesville

Bio: We are known for our authentic, wood-fired entrees infused with bold flavors, fresh herbs and spices. Our restaurants feature a selection of aged steaks that are hand-cut in the restaurant, fresh seafood, chicken and ribs seared over local hickory, oak or pecan wood in authentic wood-fired grills behind exposed kitchens. Our award-winning FIREBAR™ hosts a selection of private Firebirds’ label wines and specialty cocktails.

Stay tuned for more information about how you can be the winner of the Arcadia Run 7-Day Sweetheart Sweepstakes GRAND PRIZE!

7-Day Sweetheart Sweepstakes Rules & Guidelines

Comfy Apartment Sofas We Love

Posted on January 29, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

A well-worn couch or sofa is a living room staple for many new apartment homes. Best of all, new couches these days are made to have that perfectly-broken-in-comfort that is so desirable. So, for those in Arcadia Run on the hunt for their next living room oasis, check out these sofas we absolutely love – having a cozy nook to curl into is even better on a wintry day!

Macy’s Kenton Fabric Loveseat

If you’re searching for the same sofa-level comfort in a smaller package, then this loveseat from Macy’s is your ideal fit! All the coziness in a smaller frame – what’s not to love?

Ikea’s Karlstad Loveseat & Chaise Lounge

Ikea is known for its affordable furniture, and their couches and sofas are no exception. We’re in love with this loveseat/chaise combo that begs to be cuddled on. We might never get back up!

Crate&Barrel’s Cullen Apartment Sofa

You’ll love this luxury sofa made especially for apartment living. With deep seats and plush cushions, this couch will quickly become your favorite spot in the whole apartment. Add throw pillows and blankets for even more coziness!

Pottery Barn’s York Slope Arm Sofa with Chaise Sectional

We simply cannot praise this sofa set-up enough. Deeply cushioned, Pottery Barn promises “unrivaled comfort” in one of their highest-rated pieces. Upping the ante is the chaise sectional, offering more room and comfort!

Restoration Hardware’s 5’ Belgian Classic Roll Arm Sofa

This chic and insanely comfortable sofa is the ideal size for many renters. The deep profile is prime for curling up with a good book or the latest Netflix series, and the huge selection of slipcovers makes it easy to match with your existing décor.

Do you have a living room set-up that you want the world to know about? Share with us on Facebook – we’d love to see how our tenants make their new apartment homes at Arcadia Run uniquely theirs!

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Keeping Your “Apartment Resolutions” in 2015

Posted on January 20, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

Along with the other resolutions we set for ourselves, like hitting the gym more often or focusing on our careers, why not also make 2015 the year you find the perfect apartment?

The ideal apartment should fit your lifestyle and provide all you’re looking for in one community – you deserve nothing less in 2015! Here are a few “apartment resolutions” to keep in mind when searching for your best apartment yet:

Upgraded Features & Finishes

Think luxury! With newer apartment complexes offering quality apartment homes at reasonable price points, it’s more attainable than ever to live somewhere with luxury features and stunning finishes. When renting, life is only made easier with upgraded kitchen appliances, easy-to-clean surfaces, and bright floor plans with natural lighting.

At Arcadia Run, tenants will find all this and more. Granite countertops, luxury “hardwood” flooring, upgraded appliances, extended windows, Shaw carpeting and intuitive designs are all part of living in an Arcadia Run luxury apartment!

Community Fun

Anyone can live in a ho-hum community, but why should you? At Arcadia Run, we’re dedicated to providing our residents with an apartment community that complements their active lifestyles. This year, we have plans for a new clubhouse featuring a fitness center, swimming pool and residents’ lounge. This exclusive amenity, along with our walking/jogging trails, playground and ball courts makes for a buzzing apartment community that is so much fun to be part of.

Not to mention, Arcadia Run also hosts several community events throughout the year – giving residents a good excuse to mix and mingle with their newest neighbors (as if they needed one!)

Unbeatable Location

And lastly, the location of your future apartment carries significant weight for many renters. Most of us want to live in a city or town that has its own character, is close to our work, and provides endless things to do. Manassas, Virginia, home to Arcadia Run, can deliver just that! With charming, historical qualities and several major employers, Manassas is an incredible mix of small town ideals and big city opportunities. Nearby Washington D.C. only provides more venues for employment, exploration and entertainment.

If you want to fulfill your apartment resolutions in 2015, look no further than Arcadia Run! Phase 2 is now open and leasing, adding to our diverse selection of apartments available. Have it all and more with Arcadia Run!

Making the Most of Your Apartment Space

Posted on January 14, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

When you think of apartment living, you may think of cramped quarters with barely enough room to walk – but fortunately for our Arcadia Run residents, our spacious apartments offer ample room for comfortable living. Even so, you wouldn’t decorate or stage any apartment in the same way you would a single-family home, as there’s typically less space in an apartment. If you’ve found yourself stumped on the best way to maximize your apartment space, follow the tips below!:

· Look for multi-functional furniture: For example, an ottoman that also serves as storage, or a table that doubles as a desk and a dining room table. Eliminating excess furniture from your apartment means a less cluttered, more open feel.

· Shelves, shelves, shelves: Shelves are a great way to make the most an area without taking up floor space, and they’re not just for the living area. Placing shelving on kitchen and bathroom walls gives extra storage space and makes for less cluttered counters. You can even opt for shelving above your bed, in lieu of a headboard, for extra storage in the bedroom, eliminating the need for a nightstand.
· Think minimalist: The last thing you want in your apartment is large, clunky furniture, so employ minimalist, lightweight furniture instead. This doesn’t mean it has to be boring – look for furniture in fun colors to give a pop of color to the room.

· Utilize vertical space: Decorating to make full use of the vertical space in your apartment draws the eye upward, and creates the illusion of high ceilings and a larger room. For example, bookcases and curtains that are floor to ceiling, hanging long artwork above furniture, and shelves placed high on the walls are great ways to utilize your vertical space.

· Look under the bed: Underneath your bed is a great place for storage, and it doesn’t have be cluttered. There are bins specifically made for this space to keep everything organized and under control. If you’re finding there’s not quite enough room under the bed, look into getting bed risers to expand the space.

· Re-evaluate what’s really necessary: Every so often, take a good look at your possessions – and question what you’re really using and what you really need. Books you’ll never read are taking up valuable shelf space, and you only need so many sets of towels. Donate what you don’t need to free up extra space and feel good about a good deed! Jenna Mahoney, author of “Small Apartment Hacks,” suggests going through and getting rid of anything you don’t use in the usual rotation every three months.

The bottom line: it’s all about maximizing space. And at Arcadia Run, that space is full of incredible features such as oversized kitchens, granite counters and nine foot ceilings. With the combination of these features, our ideal location in Manassas, VA and your expert decorating techniques, you’ll have the apartment you’ve always dreamed of!

SOURCE: House Beautiful, ForRent.com, Forbes, Birchbox