Boston.com Feature: 10 Questions Every Renter Should Ask!

Everyone knows renting an apartment or townhome is a tiring and long process that requires plenty of precision, persistence, and time devotion. Between taking the appropriate time to view different potential apartments, to gathering up enough money for potential deposits, the entire process is one that can be draining. But, for every renter, no matter what price range or location, there is a series of questions that should be asked to the landlord, broker, or leasing consultant.

Last week, Corcoran's own Razi Alavi, a leasing consultant at The Commons at SouthField in Weymouth was featured in Boston.com's real estate section. Razi, who is a seasoned leasing veteran at Corcoran shed some light on 10 questions that everyone should ask when renting an apartment.

You can read the full article on Boston.com in detail here, but here are a few highlights:

1. Utilities included? Many landlords will include some utilities, but in some cases they might include all of them. This helps keep bills organized and will lower the amount of bills you have to pay each month.

2. How much money is due up front? Security deposit, first month's rent, last month's rent, broker fee....the list of up-front costs can be steep, but in the end it could pay off by the time your lease runs up

3. Where is the nearest public transportation? If you don't drive to work, this question is a must-ask. Living in the city (Boston) presents great public transit options, in the suburbs however you might have to look a little harder to find a close T station or bus route

4. Do you allow pets? Whether you are bringing a pet or trying to live in an apartment that doesn't allow pets this question should be one of the first

5. Who can I call for maintenance? All Corcoran communities have at least one maintenance manager who is available 24/7 to tend to any maintenance related need. Individual landlords usually have their own contractor or will do the work themselves

6. Do you offer furnished apartments? Many who are re-locating from out of state locations will choose this as it saves the workload. While it may cost more, it could outweigh the cost of purchasing/renting your own furniture

7. Do you offer short term leases? It can be tough to find a short term lease, but look carefully around and you might be able to find one if your only going to be there for a short period

8. Is storage available? People LOVE to accumulate "stuff" and by stuff we mean literally anything. If you are bringing lots of clothes a storage unit could be an integral piece in keeping organized

9. Can I pay rent online? In today's day and age, this is necessary. It saves paper, time, and makes it easier on your residents.

10. What kind of parking is there? Parking fees certainly exist at some places. Check them out and see if it fits in your budget.

A Big Happy Birthday to Two Very Special Ladies!

Amy Misenti (L) and Vivian Simone

Last week, staff members and residents of Andover Commons in Andover, MA celebrated two very special birthdays. Amy Misenti (Left) recently turned 103 years young in June and Vivian Simone (Right) celebrated her 101st birthday back in February. 

Last week Amy and Vivian celebrated with their fellow residents and staff members at a dual-birthday party at the resident lounge room at Andover Commons. Property Manager Bethany Hollingworth and Resident Services Coordinator Eleanor Cox even reached out and invited immediate family members to attend the celebration. On behalf of everyone at Corcoran Management we would like to give a big congratulations to these two ladies! 

CMC Recognized as a Department of Energy Business Partner for Utility Data Gathering!

As utility cost and awareness rises year by year, it's integral for companies of all industries to invest and develop eco-friendly and sustainable business practices. That's never been more relevant for the multifamily industry than right now. Over the course of the last four plus year, sustainable new multifamily construction has boomed, and we are proud to announce that Corcoran Management has been honored as one of the leaders in this new initiative. 

There are many benefits to energy efficient operations in the multifamily industry. Property managers and owners can expect to see reduced operating costs, lower property consumption bills, better maintenance efficiency, and also knowing they have benefit of marketing and advertising a "green" community to future prospects and residents. 

Corcoran developed the first fully sustainable and eco-friendly apartment community in the Boston area back in 2008. Parkside Commons, located in Chelsea, is an LEED Silver community that consists of 238 apartment homes that feature a number of eco-friendly aspects such as:

-         Low amounts of VOC’s in paints, solvents, cleaning supplies, carpets, and adhesives

-         Dual-flush toilets

-         Low ozone-depleting chemicals in air conditioners

-         Drip irrigation to reduce in-ground irrigation

-         Low-flo devices on showers/sinks

-         Solar panels

Since developing Parkside, Corcoran has also built The Commons at SouthField Highlands which received LEED Silver status in 2013. The newest addition to the SouthField community, The Commons on The Green is aiming for the recognition of LEED Gold this coming year. To read more about Corcoran’s green practices visit our official website.