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‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: Apartments with Secrets

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Feb 212012

When I was younger—probably due to the influence of too many Nancy Drew mysteries—I was convinced there was a secret passage in my bedroom. Of course, I was living in a relatively new raised ranch-style house, and my room was on the second floor, sharing one wall with my little brother’s room and another with my parents’ master bedroom (I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed that when I was a teenager). Obviously, there was not even a possibility of a secret passage. But that didn’t stop me from knocking on all the walls to hear if any area sounded hollow, indicating a secret room, or looking to see if there were any rectangular-shaped indents on the floor, indicating a trap door.

Maybe I should have just played outside more.

Anyway, I’ve long since given up on finding a secret passage. I haven’t even tried pulling on the light fixtures in my current apartment to see if a hidden door would swing open. That would just be stupid, right?

Well apparently, not necessarily. According to a recent article in The New York Times, there are several apartments in New York City with secret compartments, passageways and closets. They’re relics of Prohibition—where people needed secret places to stash their booze—or the result of a quirky developer, or left over from when some murderer killed an old man and buried him under the floorboards and was ultimately driven insane by the beating of that infernal heart!

Right. Well, anyway, while not a “must have” of renters, how cool would it be if one of your apartments had something like that? It would certainly make your apartment stand out in a sea of stainless steel, breakfast bars and on-site parking.

Does your apartment feature any “mysteries” or quirky aspects, or have you ever come across any? Would you be more inclined to rent an apartment if it featured something different like a hidden compartment? And did you ever look for—or find—secret rooms when you were little?

-Jessica Fiur, News Editor

‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: The 9 Best Apartments on TV

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Feb 082012

Finding a new apartment is stressful. And you always have to make concessions—maybe you give up space for convenience, or you take a walk-up for because it’s less money. But you know what isn’t stressful? Watching TV. And television is filled with awesome—though, admittedly, not always realistic—apartments.

Let’s take a look at the 9 best apartments on TV.

Monica and Rachel’s apartment on Friends. This beautiful Manhattan apartment was above the coffee shop where Rachel worked and all their friends hung out, and was across the hall from some of their best friends. And it was a two bedroom. Bonus, the walls were purple! Of course, this apartment was not without controversy. After all, how could two 20 somethings, one a struggling chef, the other a waitress, afford such prime real estate? (Actually, the show answered this at one point. It was Monica’s grandmother’s apartment, and it was rent controlled.)

Jerry’s apartment on Seinfeld. Again, a beautiful, big, apartment in Manhattan. (Apparently TV writers in the ’90s had some major misconceptions about living in New York.) A pretty nice space, with a decent (for New York) size kitchen. Though neighbors like that certainly make the case for having a good chain lock, yadda, yadda, yadda.

Lucy and Ricky’s apartment on I Love Lucy. It had a dine-in kitchen (how is that even possible in New York City?). The landlords—who were also close, personal friends—lived in the building. And it was big enough for plenty of zany hijinks. Plus, the bedroom was large enough for two twin beds. What more could a married couple want?

Carrie’s apartment on Sex and the City. Though her apartment with Big in the movie was much more impressive (that closet is quite possibly the second best closet in all of pop-culture history, second only to Cher’s closet in Clueless), the TV show apartment definitely left an impression, and was a pretty realistic interpretation of a New York apartment—mice, landlord disputes and all (and, yes, as with the Friends apartment, some people also argued that a newspaper columnist could not afford that apartment, but she was also a best-selling author, so I think that’s fair).

Lily and Marshall’s apartment on How I Met Your Mother. They spent all their money buying a New York apartment in Dowisetrepla (down wind of the sewage treatment plant—don’t you know everything is abbreviated in NYC?), and then the floors were slanted. It’s nice to see characters on TV move in to an apartment that isn’t ideal, and it also shows how important doing your homework is before signing that lease.

Jack, Janet and Chrissy’s apartment on Three’s Company. How could you not love a place where the residents implore you to “come and knock on [their] door,” because “[they've] been waiting for you”? And this California apartment was right by the beach! Of course, there was the slight problem of the intruding landlord who was just a little too concerned with who one of the residents was dating. Isn’t that just always the case?

Dexter’s apartment on Dexter. It’s in a great location—right by the harbor in Miami. It’s big enough for his son to have his own room (because he also bought the apartment next door), and for his sister to stay over when she’s in between apartments. And the neighbors mind their own business. Plus there are plenty of air conditioner vents—perfect for a balmy Florida night, or for hiding slides of blood from people he’s ritualistically murdered.

Max and Caroline’s apartment on 2 Broke Girls. Probably the most realistic of the lot of them—two waitresses share a one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. The quarters are cramped, and Caroline has to sleep on a Murphy Bed. But, it’s not without its charms. The place is conveniently located near their work. And the backyard is apparently big enough to fit a horse. Yup, realistic.

Pee-wee’s playhouse on Pee-wee’s Playhouse. I know, I know, it’s not technically an apartment. But it had a Chair. That. Talked. How could it not be included in this blog? (“Blog”? That’s the secret word! Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!)

Did I miss any of your favorite TV apartments? List them below!

-Jessica Fiur

‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: Top 10 Things You’ll Never Hear a Renter Say

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Feb 022012

In honor of David Letterman’s 30 years in late night, here is a Top 10 list of things you’ll never hear a renter say:

10. “I’d love an avocado refrigerator.” Today’s renters want a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances. No one wants to live in an apartment that hasn’t been updated since the ’70s.

9. “No rush changing my lightbulb; I know you have more pressing matters to attend to.” No matter how minor a resident’s request is to you, to him it’s the most important thing in the world. Don’t be vague about when something will be fixed; give a specific time so that he can be around if necessary, and if that time has to be changed, tell the resident beforehand, not an hour after the time you quoted.

8. “The broken tile in the lobby makes for a fun obstacle course!” Not only could this scare away potential new renters, but it presents a real safety issue for your current residents. Always make sure your lobby and common areas are well maintained.

7. “My upstairs neighbor’s tapping is helping me learn Morse Code.” A noisy neighbor can make even the mildest Bruce Banner turn into the Hulk. Don’t just ignore the problem. If you’re planning a new building, aim for apartments to be as sound-proof as possible. If you require carpeting over a certain percentage of an apartment to muffle noise, give residents warnings if they don’t. And if you get a lot of complaints about certain people, talk to them about it.

6. “Cold showers build character, and are a refreshing way to start the day.” Something as simple as a broken water heater can cause you to lose residents faster than, say, someone jumping out of a cold shower. Keep an eye on this, and the first sign of a complaint, fix it.

5. “It’s cool that there’s a line for the treadmill. I just came down to watch, anyway.” It’s all well and good if you want to add “luxury” elements, such as a gym, to your building to enhance the appeal. But one treadmill and a set of weights does not a gym make (actually, that’s more like a prison yard). Take into consideration the projected demand before you add something like a gym and figure out how much equipment to buy. If there’s a gym already but always a crowd, implement rules such as “only 30 minutes to a machine during peak hours.”

4. “Paying by check is easy—and fun!” OK, paying rent will never be fun, but it can be made easier for people. Let people pay their rent online. It’s greener, anyway, plus then you literally can never hear someone say, “the check’s in the mail.”

3. ”It wasn’t until that fifth Chinese food menu under my door that I realized I was craving beef lo mein.” Make sure your building is secure, of course for safety reasons, but also so solicitors won’t bother your residents.

2. “I named that one Mickey.” Rodents and cockroaches are never, never welcome. Spray often, and take care of this quickly. Not just because it’s disgusting, but once one apartment has them, it can easily spread to the next.

1. “I know you’re a business, so it’s cool that you’re raising my rent.” Sorry, you’re on your own for that one.

-Jessica Fiur, News Editor

‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: 9 Things Renters in Their 50s and 60s Want in an Apartment

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Jan 192012

Because of the mortgage crisis, many people in their 50s and 60s, who would once be proud homeowners, are renting. And some empty nesters feel that their house is just too big for them now (and when they tried to turn your old bedroom into a jacuzzi room, they flooded the second floor), so they want to downsize to an apartment. So what are renters in their 50s and 60s looking for in an apartment?

9 Things Renters in Their 50s and 60s Want in an Apartment

Luxury. After years of work and probably cleaning up after the kids, they’ve earned it, baby, and they want those goodies. Renters in this age bracket do not want to drag their laundry for blocks or have their packages delivered to a friend’s address because no one is there to sign for them. They want in-unit (or at least in-building) washing machines. They want the 24-hour concierge. They want the la-di-da and chi-chi things that they eschewed their whole lives. And, after working for many years, they can probably afford it.

Modern appliances, updated kitchens and painted walls. Basically, renters in this age group want their apartment move-in ready. (Just because their current residences might be equipped with an avocado-colored refrigerator and shag carpeting doesn’t mean they like it.) They don’t want to deal with ovens that don’t work. Or grimy bathtubs. Or the tape silhouette of the previous resident sprawled out on the living room floor.

A nice view. A view into the back alley dumpster just won’t cut it anymore. Renters in their 50s and 60s want that nice view of the city or of the water, or whatever your area has to offer. (Which could include a view into a svelte neighbor’s bedroom. Who are we to judge?)

Parking, near transportation. If they’re still working, they certainly don’t want to be. So they’ll want their commute to work to be as painless as possible. Plus this will make running errands a lot easier.

No stairs. Elevators are important when it comes to bringing up groceries, or simply getting to the apartment. Some renters in their 50s and 60s have difficulty walking up stairs, so those become a safety hazard. Plus, who even has a Slinky anymore?

Near theaters, restaurants, etc. What’s there to do around town? No one wants to just sit around in their apartment all day, no matter how luxurious the place is. Renters in their 50s and 60s want to eat out at the nice restaurants, go to the movies, check out a local museum, see a show. Bonus if you mention local or community activities they can get involved in, such as lectures, local theater groups, etc.

Safety. 24-hour security systems are important, especially if it’s a single resident.

Around people their own age. Renters in their 50s and 60s don’t want to be surrounded by teenagers in the building fitness center (actually, no one wants to be surrounded by teenagers. Not even teenagers) or drunk 20-somethings coming in and out of the building at all hours of the night. They want to be around people their own age, especially if they’re empty nesters.

An extra room. Just because they’re probably sleeping in one bedroom (renters in this age group usually don’t look on Craig’s List for roommates) doesn’t mean they wouldn’t want a two-bedroom unit. In fact, quite the opposite. They can use the room for an office, or as a guest room–for when the grandchildren visit, of course. (Sigh. Subtle, this age group is not.)

What else do renters in their 50s and 60s want in an apartment?

Read what renters want in their early 20s, late 20s to mid 30s and 30s to 40s.

-Jessica Fiur, News Editor

‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: 9 Things Renters in Their Late 30s to 40s Want in an Apartment

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Dec 282011

Renters in their late 30s to 40s are like a fine wine: If they’re not housed correctly, their moods will turn to vinegar. These renters want what they want. They likely have careers, families, responsibilities… In short, they’re adults, and would like to live as such, thankyouverymuch.

9 Things Renters in Their Late 30s to 40s Want in an Apartment

Near work or transportation. Renters in their late 30s to 40s have probably spent more of their lives working than not working. So time not at work–with their families, friends, or alone with the latest issue of People and a Snickers bar–is precious. They don’t want a long or difficult commute. Definitely stress how accessible transportation is or how much a building parking space costs.

Safety. After a long day at work, the last thing these renters want to do is defend themselves against someone trying to rob them of their paycheck–the government does that enough (bah-dum-cha!). Seriously though, and especially if these renters have a family, safety is a huge issue. Let them know if your apartment has 24-hour security, a video call box, etc.

Near good schools. Again, many of these renters have kids. And little Sam and Matilda will definitely factor in when parents are considering that lease, so consider listing all the nearby schools and having some ratings handy. A bonus would be to know where the bus stops, etc. are located.

A family-friendly area (and areas in the building). Little Sam and Matilda might be going to a good school, but then come those pesky weekends, and parents need to be able to entertain their children. Are there things for them to do around town? Other kids in the building? How about a playroom or daycare in the community? You’ll earn yourself brownie points by mentioning this during the apartment tour.

Space. In your 20s, a one-bedroom unit filled with four roommates (and probably some cheap beer) is fine. In your late 30s to 40s, this is not fine. This is actually pretty terrible.

Elevators. Got a fifth-floor walk up? To quote Roger Murtaugh, “I’m getting to old for this.” Renters in their late 30s to 40s do not want to schlep their groceries up five flights of stairs. Speaking of…

Near grocery stores. Bars take a back seat to these renters, who are more likely to go out for an occasional nightcap (and be back by a decent hour so they can have a good night’s sleep for work tomorrow) than go to an all-night bar crawl. But they do need access to grocery stores, especially if you’re in a city where many people do not have a car.

A space that’s good for entertaining. While they might not be burning the midnight oil at the local bars, renters in their late 30s to 40s do like throwing dinner parties and entertaining. Point out if the apartment has a chef’s kitchen, an eat-in dining room, or a living room that would comfortably fit a lot of people and a big screen TV.

“Non-sexy” amenities. In-unit washer and dryer? Dishwasher? Additional storage space? These amenities might not have the cache of a community spa with yoga classes, billiards room, or a doggy salon (seriously, that’s a thing), but renters in their late 30s to 40s will absolutely want them.

What else do you think renters in their late 30s to 40s want?

Also, read what renters in their early 20s want, and what renters in their late 20s to mid 30s want.

-Jessica Fiur, News Editor

‘What Renters Want’ With Jessica Fiur: What Renters in Their Late 20s to Mid 30s Are Looking For

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Dec 202011

It’s an odd renter group, those in their late 20s to mid 30s. They no longer want the same things that renters in their early 20s want. After all, they think they’re too mature to go out to the bars (they’re not). But they also think they’re too cool for peace and quiet (they’re not). It’s frustrating for these renters, who are both feeling too old for the party scene, and too young to catch a 4:30 supper. Like that Britney Spears’ song “I’m not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman” (except, you know, less awful). This diverse age group includes people with steady jobs, and even careers. Many are married, and/or have kids. But they are also still young and like nights out on the town (thank you, Sex and the City).

So what do renters in their late 20s to mid 30s want?

Quiet. With those pesky aforementioned jobs and/or kids, as much as these renters want to party the night away, they still need a good night’s sleep. If your apartment is particularly quiet, stress it to these renters.

Proximity to restaurants, entertainment. Renters in their late 20s to early 30s like to see the latest movies, go shopping and eat out. The importance of proximity to bars, however, takes a bit of a back seat. People in this age usually go out to meet friends, instead of perspective dates. (And the ones who are looking for dates can hopefully spring for cabs now.)

Accessible transportation. Getting to work on time, and getting home at a decent hour, are important aspects to keep in mind for renters in their late 20s to mid 30s. They believe in “work/life balance” and “not being stuck in traffic for three hours and then first getting home to cook dinner at 9 p.m.” Weird things like that. You will definitely garner interest in your apartment if you stress how you’re close to buses or subways, or how your building has access to a parking garage.

Safety. Suddenly, tolerance for walking through a drug den while wearing a fancy suit goes way down (strange, I know). These renters value safety for themselves and their young families. They’ll pay more to live in a building with a 24-hour doorman or an apartment that’s located in a safe neighborhood.

Amenities. Pools, concierge, laundry on site? Renters in their late 20s to mid 30s want these goodies. And they can afford them. If they’re working and have a family, they want their lives to be easier. If they’re working and don’t have children, they probably have a disposable income. Now’s the time to trot out how luxurious your building is.

What else do you think renters in their late 20s to early 30s are looking for?

-Jessica Fiur, News Editor

‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: 4 Things Renters in Their Early 20s Want (And 2 They Don’t)

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Dec 142011

Remember when you were little and considered chicken nuggets and a soda the epitome of fine dining? (Actually, I still do, but that’s neither here nor there.) Tastes and needs change as we get older, and the same principles apply to renting. What people in their early 20s want is completely different from what retirees want. Knowing your renters can help you target the right age group when you’re showing your apartments.

In the next couple of blogs, I’ll be exploring what different age groups are looking for when they look at apartment rentals, starting with people in their early 20s.

What Renters in Their Early 20s Want in an Apartment

For many people in this age group, this is the first time they’re living away from home, besides college—which is why it should be no surprise that what these renters want is similar to what dorms offer.

People their own age. After college, living in an apartment is essentially an extension of dorm living. People in their early 20s want to meet other people in their early 20s (it’s before they get bitter and realize many people in apartments just keep to themselves and don’t necessarily know their neighbors). Emphasize the friendliness of the community, as well as any building parties, etc. (They probably won’t attend, but they’ll like to know that people are encouraged to socialize.)

Proximity to bars. This is the big one. Restaurants too, of course, and entertainment, but definitely bars. Renters in their early 20s want to go out and have fun. They won’t mind as much as older renters if the apartments are a little noisy because of music from local bars or from their neighbors coming home at 4 a.m.

Large living spaces. Call it the Friends curse. (Or fill in any TV show that depicts young, beautiful people in expensive cities living in three-bedroom apartments on their waitress/barista salaries.) When people in their 20s look for their first apartments, they want big spaces, chock full of all the luxury amenities. Of course, not everyone in this age bracket is making their full earning potential yet, and they will probably have to settle on something smaller–unless they are willing to take on one, two, even three roommates. So, don’t be dismayed if when looking at a seemingly small apartment, these young renters wrinkle their noses. They’ll come around. And if you own a luxury building, you might want to try aiming a little older.

Safety. (Actually, this is usually more important to the young renters’ parents, but in many cases, they’re the ones paying the bills anyway.) As mentioned before, people in their 20s might be coming home at 4 a.m. after hitting a local bar. So if there’s a doorman or a security system, it will definitely be welcomed.

What Renters in Their Early 20s Aren’t Necessarily Looking For

Quiet. Of course, no one wants to live in a “loud” apartment. It’s just that renters in their early 20s tend to have a higher tolerance to noise than others.

Proximity to their offices. Yeah, young renters have to get to work, but they’ll find a way, even if that means sitting in traffic for two hours or taking three trains and a bus (and sometimes while hung over). It’s a bonus if they find an apartment they love that’s also an easy commute.

What else do you think renters in their early 20s are looking for?

-Jessica Fiur, News Editor

‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: The Cooking Show Phenomenon, and How It Changed Multifamily

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Dec 062011

A few years ago, I had no idea what creme fraiche was. I didn’t know beets could be made into foam (or why anyone would want them to be. I’m actually still trying to figure this one out). Actually, to be honest, I didn’t even know how to boil an egg. Seriously. Don’t judge.

But all that changed with the influx of cooking shows such as “Top Chef,” “Iron Chef,” “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives”…the list goes on. Suddenly I don’t just know how to cook, but I want to. And it’s not just me. Everyone watches these shows now, and everyone is yearning to be a foodie.

This gourmet explosion, where everyone thinks they can earn five Michelin stars in their own home, has lead to an interesting multifamily phenomenon: the chef’s kitchen.

A quick Google search for “chef’s kitchen apartment” yields 13,800,000 results. It is a major amenity touted in all the new luxury condominiums and apartments. There is clearly a demand for stainless steel appliances, dual sinks, tons of counter space, multiple burners on the stove…

Will this real estate trend last, or will a chef’s kitchen go the way of the dodo (or, more accurately, the avocado-colored refrigerator) if new shows become popular—after all, the summer Olympics are coming up. Maybe lap pools (or, for the obscenely rich, humongous bath tubs) will become all the rage and the must-have amenity for new developments.

Ultimately, I wonder if these chef’s kitchens are actually being used for their intended purpose by the residents, especially in cities such as New York where it’s just as—if not more—convenient to order delivery as it is to roast a chicken. Honestly, while I may know what molecular gastronomy is now, I’m still more likely to pick up some sushi on the way home than to whip up my own spicy tuna with wasabi foam.

Do you include chef’s kitchens in your buildings? Have you seen an influx of requests for them?

-Jessica Fiur, News Editor

‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: Apartments with Secrets

‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: The 9 Best Apartments on TV

‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: Top 10 Things You’ll Never Hear a Renter Say

‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: 9 Things Renters in Their 50s and 60s Want in an Apartment

‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: 9 Things Renters in Their Late 30s to 40s Want in an Apartment

‘What Renters Want’ With Jessica Fiur: What Renters in Their Late 20s to Mid 30s Are Looking For

‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: 4 Things Renters in Their Early 20s Want (And 2 They Don’t)

‘What Renters Want’ with Jessica Fiur: The Cooking Show Phenomenon, and How It Changed Multifamily

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