“What Renters Want” With Jessica Fiur

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…

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…

Apartments don’t just sell themselves. You might have tons of natural light, a modern chef’s kitchen and be located near transportation, but, then again, so is your competitor’s place. So then real estate agents and developers must reach in to their bag of marketing tricks. Staging an apartment is probably the easiest, and most effective, way to hook renters. As all writers know, the most difficult thing about writing anything–book, article, grocery list–is staring down that black screen. Once something–anything–is on that page, it becomes a lot easier. Same goes for apartments. Blank walls are terrifying. Add some beautiful paintings,…

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,…