The Art of Apartment Shopping

Posted on January 31, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

Shopping for a new apartment could be considered an art form – yes, seriously! It might not be featured in a museum, but these skills are certainly helpful when finding a new space to rent. With all of the information out there on various options, deciphering ‘the good’ from ‘the bad’ can be cause for a big headache.

To help out, we’ve put together a list of questions to ask yourself when perfecting your apartment shopping skills:

What’s the quality of the apartment/community?

Of course having a quality apartment tops the list! ‘Good Quality’ can apply to the carpeting, building structure and status, appliances, perks, features and little things that one might not think of. With new carpeting, vinyl ‘hardwood’ floors, granite countertops, designer cabinets, extended windows and updated appliances all in a newly built building, we’ve thought of it all! Arcadia Run apartments are the embodiment of luxury and are as thorough as they are beautiful.

Additionally, to truly make Arcadia Run an all-encompassing community, we’ve provided various amenities for our residents to enjoy. We plan to have a new pool, fitness center, walking and jogging trail, a clubhouse and a playground all incorporated into the community within this year.

How much space do you need? How much is available?

One of the most valuable assets in any apartment is space. And believe us, finding an apartment for the right price is even sweeter when the layout fits your needs. At Arcadia Run, our apartments go one step further. Each unit features 9 foot ceilings and an intuitive design. You won’t believe all the room you can have in one unit alone! We also offer a variety of floor plans with either one or two bedrooms, so you have options when choosing the one that’s right for you.

Is it the right location?

What would be the fun in living in a great apartment if it weren’t located somewhere just as appealing? Luckily for Arcadia Run residents, our community is located in beautiful Manassas, Virginia, giving residents close access to all that this great town has to offer. With a charming downtown scene complete with restaurants, shops, parks, historical sites, and entertainment venues, and convenient to Washington D.C., what more could you ask for?

Is the community right for me?

Speaking of things to do around town, a perk to any apartment community is, well, the community! This is especially true for families with children or social residents who want to mingle with their neighbors. Arcadia Run is always hosting different events for residents to connect, just take a look at our Facebook page. And, with the completion of our new clubhouse, residents can expect even more invitations in the future!

The endless searching for a new apartment stops here. Arcadia Run apartments meet every criterion on any renter’s checklist. It’s that simple. Get used to getting more with Arcadia Run apartments!

Apartment Trends to Watch for in 2014

Posted on January 20, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

Some trends come and go, others are here to stay. This year, renters will be looking for more in their apartments and communities – and Arcadia Run is way ahead of the curve. Our luxury apartments for rent come with features, finishes and amenities that renters didn’t even know they wanted until they found them here!

Granite Countertops: Granite countertops are timeless, there’s no doubt about that. In Arcadia Run, all of our apartments come with oversized kitchens complete with granite countertops. These counters are durable, functional, and beautiful – not many tenants can say they have this luxurious feature in their space!

Convenient Washers & Dryers: In-apartment washer and dryer units will also be a hot commodity this year. Yet another trend Arcadia Run already features in all apartments! Our washer and dryers are full-sized and stacked to save space. We can’t promise the same for other apartment complexes!

Conversation Pieces: As far as décor goes, more people will use a ‘conversation piece’ in their apartment space. This could be a piece of furniture, fixture, or item that is different and special to you. But no pressure; anything you find particular interesting works too! And with a spacious Arcadia Run apartment, tenants have plenty of room to bring in something truly unique.

More Color: Want to add more color to your apartment? Many renters will be utilizing pillows and bold rugs to add a little splash of color to their living rooms and bedrooms. Pillows not only add color, but can also help make any room cozier. Daring and eye-catching rugs also add a touch of personality and can help to separate rooms within your apartment.

Complete Amenities: What’s the fun of living in an amazing apartment community if you can’t enjoy all that it has to offer? Arcadia Run is one of the most complete communities in the Manassas area. This year, we plan to open a fitness center, clubhouse, resort-style swimming pool, ball courts and playground. Arcadia Run is truly an incredible place to rent a new apartment!

Plan on moving into an Arcadia Run apartment this year? We can’t wait for new residents to join our luxury apartment community! Who would’ve thought you could have all of this and more in your new apartment space? Check out our features page for even more information on all that we offer at Arcadia Run.

Who Will Drive the Apartment Industry in 2014?

Posted on January 14, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

While the apartment industry felt the effects of the housing crisis, the repercussions were much less severe than other industry sectors. In fact, the industry as a whole benefitted in more ways than one, and emerged from the recession with strong prospects. Most remarkably, the growth is in part to the certain demographics that drive the industry and their continued contributions to the market.

So who are these groups of people, and why will they choose to rent their space in 2014?

Baby Boomers

Not surprisingly, many baby boomers are opting to rent their spaces instead of owning them. Many have decided they want a more secure housing alternative that comes with more features, like community amenities and luxury appliances. Additionally, many are looking to rent apartments because they wish to waive repair and maintenance efforts. When renting an apartment, any repair or maintenance costs typically fall on the landlord, allowing tenants to enjoy their apartment while saving money.

Parents & Families

A tenant trend that’s been extremely prevalent this past year has been an increase in parents with children. It’s easy to see why this could be true in Arcadia Run – our community includes everything a growing family might want or need. With a planned pool, clubhouse and playgrounds, Arcadia Run is every busy parent’s dream. And, with events like our recent Holiday Party, families can connect with their neighbors and create lasting friendships.

Better yet, Manassas is a great town to raise a family. The charming historic district offers so much for residents including seasonal festivals, countless museums, and a thriving downtown scene with family-friendly restaurants.

Young Professionals

Young professionals who are renting their space are seeking to maintain their mobility, and will continue to do so in 2014. Many renters may have the ability to find a leasing option that works best for them, giving them more freedom when choosing a space. With Manassas being the home to major corporations, living and working in this great town is more attainable than ever!

No matter the demographic you fall into, Arcadia Run is one of the best luxury apartment communities in the Manassas area. Our brand-new apartments are available in different floor plans and pricing to match your needs. The included community amenities are some of the best in market and truly seal the deal on this amazing development. This new year brings promise to the apartment industry and we’re excited to welcome new guests to our Arcadia Run community!

Get the Most Out of Your Closet Space

Posted on January 3, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

No matter the size of your apartment or home, it’s always a good idea to do everything you can to get the most out of the storage space. In Arcadia Run, our luxury apartments provide walk-in closets, a feature that is nearly unheard of in other apartment developments. But, even with these massive closets, there are still ways to optimize the space inside.

But, before you begin to reorganize your closet, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

First things first, go through your closet and storage bins to find out what you really need. There’s no reason to keep clothes that no longer fit or that you won’t wear. Donate them, share them with friends, or consign them to free up more room.

Next, pack away anything that’s out of season. Short-sleeved shirts and sundresses may be taking up the space where sweaters and coats could be hanging. Once the season changes, go through your clothing again and restart the process.

After you’ve gone through your items and found what you do and don’t need, the next step is to prioritize items. The things you use the most should be the easiest to get to. These items should be in plain sight and are typically positioned in the middle of your closet. Things you think you will use less often, like shoes you don’t wear everyday, can be placed near the bottom. And, the items that you never use or won’t be wearing until the next season can go to the top.

Dividing your closet, or any other storage space for that matter, in this manner will help you to maintain its neatness. You won’t be digging for lost clothing and when you need something, you’ll know exactly where it is.

A way to create this type of organization is to get creative with shelving units. You might not find the dream unit that fills your closet perfectly, but you can certainly create one using multiple pieces. Different sized and shaped cubbies or boxes will help with prioritizing your items, while keeping everything in proper place.

And finally, if you’re feeling really ambitious, make finding something in your closet even easier by color coordinating the items. This is especially helpful if trying to put together an outfit or looking for a particular colored blouse. However, this takes time and dedication or it will quickly lose order.

Maybe most importantly, closets should be treated just like any other room. By making it a priority to keep it organized, like you would a kitchen or living room, you’ll save yourself time and hassle when looking for clothes. Getting dressed in the morning has never been easier!

Signs You’ll Be Happier Renting

Posted on December 3, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

Despite experts and economists promoting 2013 as the year to buy, there are still many people out there who’d much rather rent instead. While the market is prime for buying a home, it’s also ideal for renting a luxury apartment like one in Arcadia Run.

So, how do you know if you’ll be happier by renting? Here are a few signs that could mean you’re cut out for living the active lifestyle in an apartment community!

Yardwork? No thanks: Let’s be honest, who has time for yardwork these days? Let alone cash on hand for costly home repairs like leaky pipes and flickering lights? By renting, residents can live in an apartment they love without worrying about the maintenance it requires. The responsibility and cost of repairs typically falls on the landlords or leasing companies, not the renter. This makes avoiding yardwork that much sweeter!

The home buying process is exhausting in itself: Buying a home is way more than a simple transaction. There’s paperwork upon paperwork, and possibly a couple of waiting games in between. Until you move your belongings into a house of your choice, just about anything can happen to prevent you from owning it. For those who don’t like this insecurity, or who would rather not deal with confusing paperwork, renting is a much easier option.

You’re not ready to settle down: Whether or not you’re ready to settle into a certain location doesn’t matter – but buying a home is a very permanent decision. What if you don’t like the house as much in five years? What will the market be like then, will you even be able to move out? With renting, residents can maintain their mobility. With this comes more freedom and allows them to keep their options open. And, it’s just nice to know you can easily move if you so please.

You care where your money is: Forget having your money tied up in a new home, renters can do whatever they want with their money! This means having cash on hand for investing in the stock market, starting a business, or having an emergency fund. This ties back into having the freedom and fluidity that homebuyers might not have.

If you find yourself agreeing with any of the signs above, then you very well might be happier renting an apartment. In Manassas, our luxury apartments in Arcadia Run are the premier choice. You can have all you want in a new space without buying a home!

Source: AOL Real Estate

Multifamily Sentiment Remains Positive

Posted on November 25, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently released their Multifamily Production Index (MPI) results for the third quarter of 2013. Using three key elements, the MPI measures builder and developer confidence levels and outlook on current market conditions for apartments and condominiums.

Like other NAHB indices, any reading above 50 suggests a positive sentiment. In the case of MPI in the third quarter, the level was reported at 54. This is the seventh consecutive quarter to produce a positive reading. The three elements contributing to this new level are: the building of low-rent units, the building of market-rate rental units, and the building of for-sale units. Despite variations within these sections from quarter to quarter, the overall outlook remains positive.

W. Dean Henry, CEO of Legacy Partners Residential, a leading real estate investment management firm, agrees that the apartment industry is on the upswing. Henry says, “there are challenges still facing the industry … but the demand for apartments and condos is strong enough for developers to proceed in most markets.”

On top of the positive MPI sentiment, the apartment industry also boasts an improving Multifamily Vacancy Index result. For this index, a lower reading indicates lower vacancies, ultimately a good sign for the multifamily sector. In the third quarter, the level fell two points to 40. And, since 2010, the MVI has been steadily improving and stabilizing at healthy numbers.

Here at Arcadia Run, we’re always excited to see growth in the apartment and multifamily sector! Our newly built apartments are some of the best in the Manassas area and are an excellent example of positive production in the industry. Even better, our apartments define luxury: With features like tall ceilings, vinyl flooring, granite countertops, new carpet and extended windows, these new units could fill up quickly!

And, best of all, Arcadia Run goes above and beyond to provide more than what other apartment communities offer. Here, renters have access to amenities not typically available when renting an apartment. In the next year alone, we’ll be adding a clubhouse, a swimming pool, ball courts, and a jogging trail to our complex! Finally, an apartment community that can keep up with your active lifestyle!

Source:

The National Association of Home Builders

RIS Media

Renting May Boost Employment

Posted on November 19, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

In our current economy, every small step taken to support and strengthen recovery efforts is valuable. Along with the housing market, the apartment industry has had, and continues to have, a huge influence on local and national economies. This industry adds countless jobs and can bring in incredible revenue for the local areas where an apartment community is placed.

And, as we mentioned in our last blog post, by renting, young professionals can maintain their mobility. In the long run, this can help more renters find employment and to easily grow within their career. As you may have guessed, higher employment is always good news for the economy!

In fact, even CNN Money has something to say about it; “encouraging young people to buy a home may be storing up trouble for the future in the shape of higher unemployment.” The possible weakening in employment would be the result of lower levels of mobility, greater commuting times, and fewer new businesses – obstacles that can be avoided when more people choose to rent.

It’s clear that renting has many more advantages and perks when compared to other living options! Aside from living active lifestyles without the stresses of home maintenance, renters might have better job prospects too. In Arcadia Run, residents have access to some of the best and most extensive amenities in Manassas. Our apartments are brand new and are available in a variety of floor plans with plenty of styles to choose from. Residents can join a great community that offers so much, all while enjoying this charming and historic town!

Source: CNN Money

Renting ‘Just Makes Sense’ For Many

Posted on November 13, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

Deciding whether to rent or buy a home can be very challenging. Economists and industry experts everywhere are pegging this year to be one of the best to buy a home. Conversely, some of the same experts and industry leaders are advocating for the opposite – saying that it’s a prime market for renters. For many, renting just makes sense – financially and logistically. Here’s why:

They don’t want the hassle of homeownership.
Sure, the idea of homeownership may be tantalizing. Before the recession, owning a home nearly guaranteed financial security. Today, it’s considered to be a huge gamble. This stress alone is enough for many to rent instead. And, the risks of buying a home go far beyond financial strains – losing your home can mean losing everything you’ve worked for. This is the very reason why more and more people are choosing to rent. It dodges the risks of buying a home yet allows the tenant to live in a place they love, like Manassas.

They want to stay active.
Arcadia Run might very well be the most active apartment community in Northern Virginia. With amenities that can keep up with our lively residents, and a wide selection of floor plans, our complex is the only choice. And, aside from staying physically active, many choose to rent in order to maintain mobility in their career. Who knows where they’ll be in 10 years, let alone the next 30?

The apartment market is as promising as the housing market.
Many people unfairly label the apartment industry as a fleeting or non-beneficial investment. The truth is, the apartment market has mirrored the housing market almost identically. So as housing has continued its recovery over this year, so has the apartment industry. The planning, building, and renting of an apartment complex, as well as the residents’ use of local businesses, provides an unprecedented financial boost to the economy. In 2011, the apartment industry and its residents, contributed $1.1 trillion to the national economy. They also supported nearly 25.4 million jobs across the country.

While deciding to rent or to buy will always be a hot debate, one of the best places to rent in Northern Virginia is Arcadia Run. Our luxury apartments give renters the most options possible in Manassas and provide stress-free living for countless tenants. With building maintenance, resident amenities, and prime location in a Washington D.C. metro, apartment living couldn’t get any better than this!

Source: The National Multi Housing Council

Home Affordability Sinks Once Again

Posted on November 6, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

Living in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area means searching endlessly to find the perfect home or apartment for the perfect price. With an area that is known for its affluence, it can be difficult to find something with a reasonable price tag. To make finding a home even more difficult, improvements in the economy are pushing home affordability down.

While headlines everywhere read how the housing market is prime for buying a home, the fact of the matter is that these same improvements are keeping many people from moving into a place they love. In an article published by NBC News, home affordability has sunken to its lowest in nearly five years. And according to Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, affordability has fallen this low because “home price increases easily outpaced income growth.” He also noted that “expected rising mortgage interest rates will further lower affordability in the upcoming months.”

On top of national home affordability, these same issues hit closer to home. In recent survey conducted by the Urban Land Institute, a real estate research group, 89 percent of respondents in the Washington D.C. market felt that the region’s lack of affordable housing was “very severe” or “somewhat severe”. While this news might be unfortunate for some, it’s encouraging to the multi-housing and apartment industries.

In Manassas, many people smartly opt to rent a luxury apartment in Arcadia Run. Renters can easily avoid the stresses and financial strains of the ever-changing housing market by renting instead of buying.

Why shell out money to buy a home, pay for homeowners insurance or put endless work and money into home maintenance when you can have it all included with your monthly rent? In Arcadia Run, residents have many more options than they ever would if buying a home. Between the amenities and variations in floor plans and prices, guests in Arcadia Run have everything they need to live the active lifestyle they desire.

Without the stresses of homeownership, renters can enjoy their time in Arcadia Run and get the most out of their apartment community. They will have access to a planned clubhouse, pool, gym, walking and biking trails, and will live only a few minutes from historic downtown Manassas and Jiffy Lube Live. With so much to look forward to when renting in Arcadia Run, why would you want to live anywhere else?

Source:

NBC News

The Washington Post

Benefits of Renting a Luxury Apartment

Posted on October 31, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

Sure, there’s the option to rent a regular apartment, but there’s something special about living in a luxury apartment. Better yet, a luxury apartment in Arcadia Run. You wouldn’t believe the added benefits residents get in our apartments, especially when compared to regular complexes. Here are a few perks of living in Arcadia Run:

Amenities: Many apartment complexes don’t offer amenities. If they do, they’re often outdated and undesirable. In Arcadia Run, our residents are given access to all the best conveniences: A planned pool and clubhouse, fitness center, playground and jogging trail. These could very well be the best amenities offered anywhere in Manassas!

Practicality: Having a combined bed/bath/dining room isn’t the most practical way to live. Some apartment buildings skimp on planning, layout and space in order to save money, but not so in Arcadia. We designed rooms with a distinct separation between private and common areas. Simply put, our apartments are easy to live in and just make sense.

Light: It may seem odd to list light as a luxury item, but many apartments don’t offer adequate windows for natural light. In Arcadia Run, the extended windows allow for plenty of sunlight, keeping your apartment bright and welcoming.

Ceiling Height: Just because it’s an apartment doesn’t mean it can’t have high ceilings! This possibility is often overlooked by other apartment developments, making rooms feel small. Nine-foot ceilings come standard in Arcadia Run, making it that much more luxurious.

Features: Moving into an new apartment that has designer cabinets, full-size washer and dryer, granite countertops, luxury vinyl flooring and other over-the-top features is almost unheard of. And with all of these features in pristine condition, you have one less thing to worry about when moving into your new home!

Location: Of course you’ve heard this before: location is everything. It is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of another desirable feature. In Arcadia Run, residents can have it all! Our location in Manassas has tons of things to do with endless dining, recreation, shopping, and entertainment options – including Jiffy Lube Live! Pair our location with our luxury apartments and you’ve got the perfect place to live.

See? Arcadia Run is synonymous with luxury! And this isn’t just our opinion, it was even written about byForbes.com. For the best renting experience possible, Arcadia Run is the only choice.