Most Popular Features In Apartments That Renters Love

Posted on April 29, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

If you’ve ever lived in a new apartment, you know that it pays to be picky. Even if it takes you awhile, finding the perfect apartment with all the features you love can certainly be worth the time. Though not every apartment renter has the same exact preferences, the following are features that renters generally desire. Do any of the following popular apartment features sound familiar to you?:

· Modern: Modern features in apartments are key for many renters. Homeowners may enjoy the charm of an older home, but there’s usually not much charm to be found in old, outdated apartments. Thankfully, our Arcadia Run residents are able to enjoy the benefits of our new construction apartments with modern features, such as granite kitchen counters, pendant lighting and ceramic tile in the bathrooms

· Location, location, location: Like any type of real estate, one of the most dominant factors when searching for an apartment is its location. Renters will cross off even the most beautiful apartment units from their list if it’s not close to their ideal location. For many of our Arcadia Run residents, our location in beautiful Manassas was a strong factor in their apartment choice. Close enough to enjoy all the benefits of our nation’s capital but far enough removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, our location in the D.C. metro is ideal.

· Flowing floor plan: There’s no doubt about it – renters love an open floor plan that allows for the most efficient use of space! The kitchen area flowing into the living room area is particularly attractive for both renters and homeowners, as it’s great for entertaining. Our Arcadia Run residents are able to take full advantage of this open floor plan in their apartments, as their modern kitchens open up to their spacious living areas.

· Convenient access to laundry: One of the last things that apartment residents want to deal with is lugging their laundry up and down the stairs and to the nearest Laundromat. It’s important for many renters to have access to an on-site laundry facility, but at Arcadia Run, we take it one step further with full-size washer and dryers in every apartment.

· Parking: Access to a parking spot is clearly a huge factor for renters with cars. The cost of parking when living in an apartment can be truly staggering, especially if you’re in the middle of the city. But parking may be even more important for renters in the suburbs or the metro areas of cities, since they likely don’t have the same access to public transportation as city dwellers do. We’re glad that we can offer the convenience of an open parking policy to our Arcadia Run residents, making parking for residents and guests a breeze!

· Outside area: For renters, one main attraction of an apartment could be the lack of a yard, which means no time or money spent on lawn maintenance. However, many renters may still want at least some outdoor space with minimal maintenance required, and that’s where balconies and patios come into play. Arcadia Run residents are able to sit outside and enjoy beautiful Manassas with their outdoor spaces, and we’re glad we’re able to offer this opportunity to them!

The Arcadia Run apartments offer the best of apartment living – just ask our residents, who all enjoy all the above features of an ideal apartment! And we’re continuing to expand our new apartment community, which means that even more residents will be able to experience all the incredible features available in our Manassas apartments for rent.

Choosing a Community That’s Right For You

Posted on April 17, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

With new apartment communities popping up all over the D.C. metro area, it seems like renters have endless selections. However, many of these ‘apartment communities’ don’t offer much as far as a community goes, and many residents might not even know their neighbors! At Arcadia Run, we have a different story.

Arcadia Run will soon grow to incorporate excellent planned amenities, including a swimming pool, clubhouse, fitness center and much more. Our annual and seasonal events bring tenants together and foster lasting friendships between residents. Think you’ll find this in any other apartment complex? Think again!

So, when you’re looking for the right apartment community for you, here’s how you can tell you’ve found the one:

The Tenants Like It

Just take a look around; are the existing tenants happy living here? Are they the type of people you can imagine yourself living next door to? At Arcadia Run, it’s true – our residents do love living here, just take a look at our latest resident testimonial. If they enjoy it so much, you might too!

You Get Everything You Want

There’s no need to give and take when searching for a new apartment, especially not with Arcadia Run. With the best features and finishes available, our apartments are every bit of luxury. Residents don’t need to sacrifice one thing for another, they get it all with Arcadia Run!

You Can See Yourself Living There

If you can imagine yourself living in a luxury apartment, utilizing all that Manassas has to offer, socializing with your newest neighbors, and taking total advantage of the soon-to-be amenities at Arcadia Run, then yes, you’ll be a perfect fit at Arcadia Run!

Best of all, Arcadia Run offers more beyond the amenities and friendly neighbors. Our luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments make living here the best choice. With the newest appliances, tall ceilings, spacious floor plans, new carpeting and vinyl flooring, designer cabinets and even granite countertops, these apartments are everything residents look for and more. Take a look at our available spaces and see for yourself – you’re going to love living at Arcadia Run!

Why Renting Is A Great Option For You

Posted on April 16, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

It’s impossible to say that renting is always better than homeownership, or vice versa, because the decision to rent or buy is heavily influenced by many different factors that can change over time. There are certainly circumstances when renting makes the most sense for consumers, especially when they want to have the flexibility to be mobile and experience a certain area, for example. Our Arcadia Run residents have found that renting is the right option for them to experience beautiful Manassas, Virginia and the surrounding D.C. metro.

The flexibility that renting offers isn’t the only circumstance in which renting is a great option, however. If the following aspects appeal to you and fit with your lifestyle, then renting just may be perfect for you:

· Less maintenance and repair: One great advantage of apartments is that you’re not responsible for routine upkeep and repairs of the unit itself. You won’t have to worry about the headache of replacing broken appliances, for example, or the out-of-pocket expenses for that replacement.

· Amenities galore: Many apartment complexes come with the added bonus of on-site amenities. For example, having a fitness center on-site in your apartment complex not only offers convenience and influences residents to maintain a healthier lifestyle, but also can help residents save money on gym memberships they would otherwise have to pay for. We’re currently working on a wealth of amenities for our Arcadia Run residents – including a resort-style pool, fitness center, ball courts, playground and jogging trail – which will come later this year.

· No green thumb? No problem: Living in an apartment means you don’t have a yard, and for many renters, this is a huge advantage. Not being responsible for yard work and landscaping means that you’ll have more time to focus on things you enjoy. Not having to worry about lawn upkeep not only saves you time, but money as well.

· Financial benefits: Any upfront costs associated with moving into an apartment are typically lower than a down payment for a home. Also, renters don’t have to worry about downturns in markets or depreciating home values. A stress-free financial commitment detached from the short term risk associated with certain real estate purchases is a big draw for many.

For those who feel that renting is the right choice for them and are looking for an apartment in the D.C. metro, Arcadia Run offers all the above benefits of renting – and many more! As we do with all of our communities, we built our Arcadia Run apartments with only the highest standard in quality construction in mind. The features included in our Manassas apartments – including over-sized kitchens, granite kitchen counters, nine-foot ceilings, and full-size washer and dryers – make Arcadia Run the perfect choice for renters looking for luxury apartments in Prince William County.

SOURCE: Forbes/Trulia

What’s Next for the Multifamily Market?

Posted on March 14, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

As many experts have praised again and again, the multifamily industry performed consistently well throughout the recession. Now with the recovery in full swing, we’re seeing that this section of the market continues to prosper along with the rest of housing market! We can’t help but ask ourselves, “What’s next for the multifamily market?”

A recent article published by Multi-Housing News quells any fears that this incredible time in the apartment market is over. The article, written by renowned industry expert Michael Bull, notes that “with demand from Millennials and Echo Boomers expected to remain strong, 2014 should be another good year for the multifamily market.” And looking back on how rents and occupancy rates continued to grow throughout much of 2013, we’re excited to see the same progress this year!

But it’s not just Millennials pushing the apartment market forward; many retired professionals and grown families are seeking luxury apartments for rent as well. These spaces offer an alternative living option for those who no longer wish to be in the housing market or settle for the risks involved. In fact, there are many benefits of renting for retirees, and it’s a viable option for many.

Additionally, Brett Finkelstein, CEO of CFLane, an Atlanta-based investment and real estate management company, believes that “amenity packages are still key to attracting and retaining renters.” He adds that “tenants want a lifestyle, not just somewhere to live.” Here at Arcadia Run, we are in tune with what our renters want! In 2014, we’ll be introducing a pool, clubhouse, fitness center and much more to our community. With everything brand new, our renters know they’ll have access to the best updated equipment and facilities.

But some of Arcadia Run’s most unique features are the incredible apartments. How often do you find a truly luxurious apartment community? Or a newly built one at that? Not only are Arcadia Run apartments extremely conducive to active professionals and young families alike, but they simply offer more to the tenants. Living in an apartment at Arcadia Run is so much more than renting an apartment! It’s embracing an active and fulfilling lifestyle, surrounded by neighbors just like you. Take a look at our one- and two-bedroom apartments that are as spacious as they are luxurious. Updated appliances are included in every unit, as well as tall ceilings, extended windows, granite countertops, and designer cabinets. Get used to getting more!

Source: Multi-Housing News

Why Renting Makes Sense for Retirees

Posted on March 13, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

When you think of retirement, renting an apartment may not be the first thing that comes to mind – but there are plenty of reasons why it should be a consideration! Though owning a home does offer benefits for those in any stage of life, including retirement, renting an apartment could very well be the logical choice for many retirees. Read on to find out why retirees may want to consider a lease in lieu of a mortgage:

· Financial benefits: Though there are certainly long-term financial advantages associated with homeownership, renting can make more financial sense in the short-term. Monthly rent is typically cheaper than a monthly mortgage payment, and living in an apartment also means not having to pay out of pocket for broken appliances or home repairs. Additionally, if you’re planning on moving out of your current home, renting could make more sense than buying another home because you can avoid closing costs and down payments.

· Take advantage of your home equity: Selling your current home and moving to an apartment means you can finally reap the benefits of your home equity. Depending on your financial situation, that equity can be used as a source of income, instead of using it to re-invest into a new home.

· Flexibility: Retirement means more flexibility for your lifestyle. So shouldn’t you take advantage of this flexibility with your living situation? Renting an apartment in retirement means you can easily move closer to family or experience a new area, without having to commit to living there for an extended period of time. Our Arcadia Run apartments, for example, would be the perfect opportunity for retirees who have always wanted to live near Washington, D.C., but haven’t had the opportunity to do so previously.

· Less space to maintain – both inside and out: Living in a multi-level, multi-bedroom home simply doesn’t make sense for many retired empty nesters. Since an apartment unit is typically smaller than a single-family home, there’s less indoor space for renters to worry about maintaining. As we age, less space to clean (and less stairs to climb) could certainly become increasingly important. Living in an apartment also means that you can cross “mowing the lawn” off your to-do list – and less cleaning and yard work means more time for you to enjoy your retirement.

Our apartments at Arcadia Run are an excellent choice for prospective renters at all stages of life, including retirees. The convenience that comes along with being an Arcadia Run resident may be particularly attractive for retirees, however. And convenience is around every corner at Arcadia Run – whether it’s the convenience of living in a D.C. suburb, the convenience of an on-site fitness center – coming this year – or simply the convenience of having a full-size washer and dryer in your unit. The impressive features in our apartments, including over-sized kitchens, 9-foot ceilings and granite countertops, allow renters of all ages and at all stages of life to enjoy their Arcadia Run apartments in beautiful Manassas, Virginia.

SOURCE: Market Watch, MSN Money

Renting & Its Positive Impact on the Economy

Posted on March 7, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

When most think of ways to stir the economy, their minds don’t always jump straight to the apartment industry. However, renting your space has a hugely positive influence on the economy, improving everything from spending to employment. And best of all, renting is a more viable option for many, meaning everyone can contribute just by choosing to rent.

Last year, The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) worked with the National Apartment Association (NAA) to compile data and research on the performance of the apartment industry in 2011. Much of this research was gathered by Stephen S. Fuller, Ph. D., a professor at George Mason University, neighbors to Arcadia Run. This report was one of the first of its kind and fully detailed the industry as a whole and its impact on a national level.

The report concluded that in 2011, the “apartment industry and its 35 million residents generated an economic contribution of $1.1 trillion to the national economy and supported 25.4 million jobs.” Best of all, these overwhelming numbers are only set to grow as the industry grows, strengthening its effect on the economy.

A new interactive campaign coordinated by WeAreApartments.org goes into further detail about how individual markets contribute to the overall economy. In Virginia, home to Arcadia Run, there are nearly 920,000 residents living in 493,200 apartments. These residents and their apartments support over 750,000 jobs and contribute $31.6 billion to the state’s economy.

So yes, renters do carry their share when contributing to economic recovery. And it’s quite a significant share if you ask us! For many, renting just makes sense, and with Arcadia Run, there’s no better choice than one of our luxury apartments!

The available apartments at Arcadia Run are everything you’d expect to find in an upscale, newly built multifamily community. Each unit is spacious with tall ceilings and extended windows – some even feature walk-in closets. All apartments come standard with new carpeting, granite kitchen countertops and designer cabinets, things that may be considered ‘extra’ in other apartment developments. And, available in various floor plans with either one or two bedrooms, these apartments are ideal for a fresh start.

But it’s not only the apartments that draw families to Arcadia Run. The amenities and community culture help to make Arcadia Run one of the most extensive and well-rounded developments in Manassas. This year, we will be building a resort-style swimming pool, brand new fitness center, ball courts and playground all for residents to enjoy. Family events, like fall festivals and holiday parties, as well as activities going on in Manassas, allow residents to mingle with their neighbors and create lasting friendships. Having all of this and contributing to the improving economy in a big way – does it get any better than Arcadia Run?

Source: National Multifamily Housing Council, WeAreApartments.org

Strong Demand for Apartments Predicted to Increase

Posted on February 24, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

We’re excited to share some great news for the apartment industry, courtesy of information from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)! According to panelists at the NAHB’s recent International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, demand for apartments is expected to continue to increase over the next few years, strengthening an industry that has already been performing well in recent years. At Arcadia Run, we’re very happy to be a part of this incredible industry, and are proud to provide our residents with more features and finishes than they’d ever expect in such a spectacular location.

The multifamily housing market – which includes apartments and condominiums – has made significant improvements since 2009, when there were 82,000 multifamily housing starts. In 2013, that number jumped to an impressive 340,000 multifamily housing starts. The strength in the market is only expected to increase, with 363,000 multifamily housing starts being predicted for 2015.

According to Chief Economist at NAHB, David Crowe, theses impressive numbers come from three main sources:

· The “echo-boom” generation – also known as millennials or generation Y – continues to increase in size and fuel the demand for apartments. Since this demographic will increase in the next few years, even more demand can be expected. Additionally, pent-up demand from this generation, who will be moving out of mom and dad’s house over the next few years, is expected to increase the need for more apartments.

· Young adults continue to prefer renting to homeownership, a trend that’s increased since 2004 and is predicted to continue. Issues such as tight underwriting standards for mortgages, lower entry salaries and lower credit scores have led more young adults – as well as some older adults – to continue to prefer renting to owning a home.

· Though the apartment rental industry has been performing strongly for the past several years, it was affected by the housing collapse and production of multifamily housing decreased significantly. When the apartment industry began to pick up speed in 2011, the increased performance was partly due to the market getting back to the normal flow.

Additional good news from the NAHB and the Census Bureau concerning the apartment industry is that rental vacancy was at a 12-year low in the fourth quarter of 2013, when the most recent data was available. NAHB points out that this tightening rental market reflects an improving economy, highlighting the importance of the apartment industry in not only the housing market but the overall economy as well.

Low rental vacancy rates and a continuing strong demand for multifamily housing are both excellent indicators of a healthy apartment industry, and at Arcadia Run, we certainly appreciate the benefits of being a part of this market. We look forward to being able to help sustain this projected increased in demand for apartment hunters in the Washington, D.C. metro region, which continues to be desirable area in which to live.

At Arcadia Run, we don’t just give our residents a place to rent, however – we offer exceptionally finished apartments, with nine-foot ceilings, extended windows and expansive kitchens with granite countertops, in an incredible location in Manassas, Virginia. And there’s even more to look forward to this year at Arcadia Run with the planned completion of amenities such as a swimming pool and fitness center in our community. Not only are we thrilled about the outlook for the apartment industry, but we are also thrilled for the future of Arcadia Run – and we can’t to show you what’s in store!

SOURCE: National Association of Home Builders, Business Insider

Fourth Quarter Highlights in the Apartment Industry

Posted on February 18, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

With the release of 2013’s fourth quarter results for the Washington D.C. metropolitan area’s apartment industry comes excitement and promise in the market. It’s all good news for those who rent their space around the beltway!

According to reports published by MPF Research, one of the biggest standouts from last quarter was the marked increase in construction volumes. In fact, this has been a highlight for this region for the past two years. Since 2012, and through the last quarter of 2013, construction volumes remained above 20,000 units, a very comfortable amount. Better yet, the delivery volume hit a 10-year high last year, ranking our metro with the largest completion volume in the nation.

The apartment industry is growing in the D.C. metro area, and Arcadia Run is no exception! This year, we plan to bring a new clubhouse for residents to socialize, a fitness center, a swimming pool, ball courts, a playground and walking and jogging trails all to the Arcadia Run development.

So, what does this all mean for potential renters? Rent! As the industry continues to advance and flourish, more and more people will opt to rent apartments like the ones available at Arcadia Run. The more people signing their lease, the more competition will increase, lowering overall supply and raising rents. With so much activity in the multi-family housing sector, smart renters are moving into their new apartments as soon as they can.

If searching for the right apartment in the D.C. Metro area, the luxury apartments at Arcadia Run in Manassas are the only choice! One of the hottest apartment communities on this side of the beltway, the spaces at Arcadia Run have everything renters look for.

Arcadia Run focuses on providing the most for tenants. Our luxury apartments are truly some of the nicest and most extensive in the Manassas market. Every unit features 9-foot ceilings, extended windows, patios or balconies, vinyl ‘hardwood’ flooring, and completely updated appliances. With the option of one or two bedrooms, some apartments even have walk-in closets.

The close proximity to various dining and shopping venues, as well as Jiffy Lube Live, are both huge advantages to the active Arcadia Run resident. And as mentioned, with new amenities, luxurious apartment features and a promising market, moving into Arcadia Run is one of the best decisions a renter can make!

Source: MPF Research

Rental Vacancy Rate Encourages Renters

Posted on February 12, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

Rental vacancies across the apartment industry hit a new high in the fourth quarter of last year. Then again, it’s more of a low! Nationally, the average vacancy rate fell to just 4.1% during the last quarter 2013. This is the lowest vacancy rate in over a decade and a new achievement for the multi-family housing market.

The impressive vacancy rate suggests that more people are finding apartments they love and are choosing to rent – certainly not a bad idea in today’s market. As the overall economy continues to improve, more people will feel financially secure and rent that apartment they’ve been eyeing. And, as more and more people move into an apartment they love, it’s possible rents will increase and supplies will decrease. Simply put, this low rate means that those considering a new apartment in Arcadia Run should act fast. Our newly built apartment community is growing in popularity and new tenants are quickly falling in love with their new space. Who knows how long your dream apartment will be available?

The luxury apartments at Arcadia Run are unlike any in the Manassas area. Built to the Arcadia Communities standard, these units are truly designed with residents’ lifestyles in mind. Finally, an apartment that can keep up with you!

In all Arcadia Run apartments, residents will find 9-foot ceilings, extended windows, full-size washer and dryer, balconies or patios, granite countertops, designer cabinets and an intuitive layout. With both one and two bedroom floor plans, any family will find a space that fits.

What could make these luxury apartments even better? A community, of course! In the future, Arcadia Run residents will have access to exclusive amenities. This year, a new resort-style swimming pool, clubhouse, and fitness center will be added to our development. Ball courts, a playground and a jogging trail will also be coming in 2014, offering even more for residents to enjoy.

Get used to getting even more with Arcadia Communities! As our Arcadia Run community grows, so will the amount of interested tenants, so don’t waste any time! Contact us to speak with a leasing agent or schedule a tour. You’ll be glad you did!

Source: Reuters

What Do Apartment Tenants Really Want?

Posted on February 6, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

Finding the perfect apartment can certainly be an overwhelming task – there are many factors to consider, and the idea of the “perfect unit” varies from tenant to tenant. However, there are several factors that many apartment hunters look for in their future residence. The following are some of the most popular factors that future tenants strive to find in their new apartments:

· Location, location, location. You’ve likely heard all about the importance of location when looking for a real estate property. When searching for any type of property, location is often the biggest factor, and apartment hunting is no exception. At Arcadia Run, it’s no wonder tenants love where they live – located in Manassas, our location offers the perfect mix of urban convenience and historic charm. Proximity to Washington, D.C. allows for convenience to the best our nation’s capital has to offer, and being removed from the hustle and bustle of the city means that our residents can take full advantage of beautiful and historic Manassas.

· Ample closet space. Closet space is particularly important for apartment tenants since apartments usually don’t offer as much square footage as single-family detached homes. This means that a little extra closet space can go a long way. Thankfully for Arcadia Run residents, our units offer great closets, some of which are walk-in units.

· Plenty of natural light. There’s no doubt that natural light can do wonders to brighten up a room, allowing it to feel warmer, inviting and spacious. The extended windows in our Arcadia Run apartments offer a great source of natural light, and this spacious feeling is further amplified by our high nine-foot ceilings and open floor plans.

· Great kitchen. The kitchen is often the focal point of any residence – it’s where friends and family can meet to spend quality time together and where memories are often made. For many apartment tenants, the size and layout of the kitchen is vital to their decision of where to live, since they’ll want to make the most of this important space. In our Arcadia Run floor plans, we’ve carefully planned for the kitchen to open up to the living and dining space – ideal for entertaining and allowing friends and family to gather and spend time together. In our kitchens, you’ll find granite counters and 42” designer cabinets, which allows our tenants to spend time in this space with style.

· On-site washer and dryer. The last thing that apartment tenants want to deal with is the inconvenience of dragging their laundry to an off-site laundromat. Even if there is a central laundry location on the site of an apartment complex, tenants who don’t live on the first floor are still inconvenienced. That’s why Arcadia Run offers full-size washers and dryers in all of our units – so that all of our residents can experience the convenience of doing their laundry in the privacy of their own units.

· Outdoor space. For those who aren’t interested in landscaping or lawn maintenance but still want to have some sort of outdoor space, an apartment with a balcony can be a perfect fit. Balconies allow tenants to enjoy nice weather and have an additional space for entertaining, but don’t require the upkeep that lawns do. At Arcadia Run, our units include balconies or patios so that our residents can enjoy the beautiful Manassas area within the convenience of their own units.

· Modern feel. When future tenants are searching for the perfect apartment, the overall look and feel of the unit and building is important. A modern feel to an apartment is understandably important for many tenants – who wants to live in a unit that feels old and outdated? All of the previously mentioned high-quality features of our Arcadia Run apartments give an overall impression of modernity and high style, a great feature to our beautiful units.

Arcadia Run apartments truly offer everything that apartment hunters in the Washington, D.C. metro area could hope to have in their new living arrangements – just ask our tenants! Everything we’ve done in our Arcadia Run apartments has been designed to maximize convenience with beautiful design, and we’re proud to offer brand new apartments that go above and beyond in satisfying our residents.

SOURCE: apartmenttherapy.com