Auston Grove Apartment Homes Blog

In the American mind, renting has long symbolized striving rather than achieving. But as we climb our way out of the Great Recession, it seems something has changed. Americans are getting over the idea of owning the American dream; increasingly, they're OK with renting it.

Home ownership is on the decline, and renting is on the rise. But the trend isn't limited to the housing market. Across the board, Americans are increasingly acclimating to the idea of giving up the stability of being an owner for the flexibility of being a renter. This may sound like a decline in living standards. But the new realities of our increasingly mobile economy make it more likely that this transition from an Ownership Society to a Rentership Society.

The unsentimental fact about the American dream is that Americans never really owned it in the first place. For the past three decades, especially, consumers haven't so much bought their quality of life as they've borrowed it from banks and credit card companies.

Now consumers are following the example of corporations, becoming more efficient. And it starts at home.
 
Housing is the biggest single component of consumption in the U.S. economy and the source of much of our present misery. The typical consumer spends about 32% of his or her budget on shelter. In the last decade, that generally meant borrowing a lot of money to take "ownership" of a home.

During the boom, the home ownership rate grew steadily, peaking at a record 69% in 2006.

Ownership-boosters failed to note that homes purchased in 2005 and 2006 with no-money-down, interest-only mortgages weren't really bought. They were simply rented until the "owner" flipped them or walked away from the mortgage.

In the post-bust climate, renting has emerged as a much more economically efficient way to pay for housing. A one-year lease represents a far less onerous financial obligation than a 30-year mortgage. It's difficult to get into too much financial trouble as a renter. The homeownership rate has fallen from its peak in 2006 to 65.4% today.

For an increasing number of Americans it makes more sense to rent. According to Moody's, by late 2011 it was cheaper to rent than to own in 72% of American metropolitan areas, (such as  Raleigh) up from 54% a decade ago. And the more people who do it, the more socially acceptable and desirable it becomes. The decline in the ownership rate means that about three million more households rent today than did at the height of the bubble.

It's tempting to view the rise of renting as an economic step backward. But many would argue the rise of renting is a sign of a system adapting to new realities.

The U.S. economy needs the dynamism that renting enables as much as, or more than, it needs the stability that ownership engenders.

And the rising popularity of renting is hardly contained to the housing market.

Finally, perhaps, Americans are absorbing a piece of wisdom from Thoreau: "And when the farmer has got his house, he may not be the richer but the poorer for it, and it be the house that has got him."

For information on renting an apartment in Raleigh, contact Auston Grove.

Wall Street Journal

Auston Grove is excited to host the first ever Community Garage Sale! This is a great opportunity for you to make some money on those items you no longer need!

Your trash is someone else’s treasure!

Please set up your station around the outside of the community, ensuring you are not blocking any of the breezeways for your neighbors. We do ask that you clean your station in its entirety. Please do not leave unsold items at the trash compactor, but you can rather donate them to the GFC Donation Center.

The address to the Knightdale Center is: 7025 Knightdale Blvd.

For home pick-up, please call them at: (919) 878-3933.

Low mortgage rates and more affordable home prices in the Raleigh, Triangle area are creating an interest in home ownership by those who live in apartments. However, potential buyers who are unprepared for the true cost of owning a home may be shocked by the bite home ownership can take out of their wallet in addition to their mortgage payments.

Inspection and Appraisal Fees
Before you purchase a home you need to pay for a home inspection, and an appraisal, possible even inspections for pests or radon. The costs of these inspections are borne by buyers and are a necessary protection to avoid buying a flawed property or paying too much.

Closing Costs
Buyers need to be prepared with the cash for anywhere from 2% to 4% of the mortgage balance depending on your area.

Taxes
As a homeowner, you'll need to pay property taxes, which are generally part of the escrow you pay into each month. Remember, even if you have a fixed-rate home loan, your property taxes could go up and increase your monthly housing costs.

Insurance
Your lender will require home insurance, the cost of which depends on factors including the construction materials of your home and the location. Even if you have renter's insurance, you'll find that home insurance costs more because you are paying for the ability to rebuild your home in addition to replacing your personal possessions. Insurance costs will rise over time, and you will need supplemental insurance if you live in a flood zone.

HOA and Condo Fees
If you buy a home within a homeowners' association or a condominium association, you'll be required to pay a monthly or quarterly fee. These fees can rise, or your association may need to charge a special assessment for projects such as repaving the parking lot or repairing a roof.

Utility Bills
Depending on where you live, your costs for electricity, gas and water could be higher when you move into your own home than when you live in an apartment in Raleigh, NC. You may also need to pay for garbage collection along with your Internet, cable and phone bill.

Furniture
While this is essentially a discretionary expense, most people who move from an apartment to a larger home need to buy at least some new furniture.
 
Lawn Care
Whether you handle your yard work yourself or hire a professional, you will have to pay something to keep your landscaping in check. Lawn equipment can be costly and you may need a leaf blower and other yard tools, too.

Maintenance
Home maintenance costs time and money. While you may be able to change your furnace filters, clean your gutters and keep your appliances running smoothly yourself, you may also need to hire a contractor to clean and inspect your chimney and to keep your heating and air conditioning system in top shape.

Repairs
While maintenance tasks can be predictable, the most costly part of home ownership typically comes with unexpected repairs such as replacing or repairing the roof, removing a tree, or paying for mold mitigation in a damp basement. The list of possibilities is endless, so homeowners should set aside savings for an emergency. Experts suggest budgeting for 1% or 2% of your mortgage balance as a yearly maintenance and repair fund.

The Bottom Line
Buying a home costs more than you think. If you don’t expect to stay in your home for at least seven to 10 years, contact Auston Grove Apartment Homes.

SF Gate

Auston Grove, apartments in Raleigh, NC are pet friendly apartments. So of course we want you to take the best care of your dog as you can.  Are you concerned about your dog’s diet? Here is an easy recipe for homemade dog food that will satisfy your dog’s taste buds. But best of all, it is a healthy alternative.

Dog Food Recipe

• 5 lbs Ground Beef
• 4-6 Cloves of Garlic
• ¾ Cup of Canola Oil
• 32 Cups of Water
• 2 Cans of Kidney Beans
• ½ Cup of Molasses
• 45oz Quick Oats
• 10 Cups of Mixed Vegetables (carrots, celery, cabbage, cauliflower, tomato, potato)

First brown the ground beef in a large pot, draining the fat is optional. Next add the garlic and oil for flavor and saute. Next add the water and bring to a boil. Add the vegetables and simmer. When the vegetables are tender add the kidney beans and molasses. Add the quick oats and stir until all the liquid is absorbed.

Cool the finished product before storing. You can freeze in individual portions. When you serve it to your four legged friend, add some dry dog food.

Take a look at the following video for more explanation and instructions and for more homemade dog food ideas.

When searching for an apartment in Raleigh, NC, keep in mind that a good apartment home staff can make the difference between an ordinary rental and a dream home. A very crucial part of the apartment-finding process is talking with the manager and office staff about the property. Most people don't realize what the manager does within an apartment home community.

A good manager and staff is one who has their resident's well-being and comfort in mind. When renting and you have a maintenance task; a stopped up toilet, a leaking sink, or your carpet needs to be re-stretched, the apartment home manager has to take care of it.

Before you commit to a place, talk with the on-site manager at Auston Grove Apartments and ask us some questions about our maintenance.

Ask questions and, when you tour Auston Grove, be sure to look over the general cleanliness. With our 9 foot ceilings, crown molding and various homes with sun rooms, we know you will love the floor plans, the property and the neighborhood. We are very proud of our exceptional customer service, and inviting lush landscape.  
 
When you decide to live in an apartment home in the desired Raleigh and Triangle area you need to know you've made the right choice about your living space. You need to know your interests are taken care of; that you won't be left stranded should there be a problem in your building or in the complex. When you find this type of satisfaction you will feel confident in making a lasting commitment and a pleasurable rental experience. For information or a tour, contact us.

You have probably heard by now that gas prices will only be going up and as we approach summer they may be as high as $5.00/gallon! If you live in an apartment in Raleigh, NC and you like to drive around the Research Triangle and the North Carolina countryside on your summer weekend, gas mileage is very important.

You can improve your car’s gas mileage. If you do them all, you can increase your gas mileage by 50%. When you bought your car you had a specified number of miles per gallon, but you may not be seeing that mileage today. Why?

Stop neglecting regular car maintenance.  If it has been awhile since you have had a tune up on your car, schedule one! Be sure to keep up on your car’s regular maintenance. Regularly maintained cars get the best gas mileage. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Check your tire air pressure. Your tires can directly affect your gas mileage. As the temperature changes, so does the pressure in your tires. Regularly check that your tires have the required PSI. When the pressure in your tires is too low, your tires no longer work efficiently, they work like water balloons. With too much surface on the road, there is too much friction causing your car to work harder. Your gas mileage can be dramatically affected by poor tire pressure.

Believe it or not, changing your driving habits can affect your gas mileage. The way you drive affects how much gas you burn. Not planning to stop, revving up and slowing down and driving over the speed limit all use too much gas.  By changing your behavior behind the wheel, you can increase the gas mileage in your car.

Enjoy the ride, and keep money in your pocket as gas prices rise, follow these tips to increase your gas mileage.

It is almost officially spring, time to get out and get active. Everyone who lives in an apartment in Raleigh knows that this city has some of the most dynamic restaurants in the country. Raleigh itself is a blend of Southern charm, the old and the new, and our restaurants blend all of this as well; from mom and pop restaurants to fine dining and everything in between.

A Taste of Downtown Raleigh Gourmet Food Tour is enjoyed by everyone in Raleigh every Saturday from 1:30-4:30 & 2:00-5:00. Enjoy talking with chefs and owners of area restaurants who are serving ethnic and southern cuisine, house-made chocolate, authentic barbecue, beautiful and delicious cupcakes, local beer, and organic wine. There's something for everyone in Raleigh.

Are you looking for a four legged friend to be your roommate in your apartment in Raleigh, NC? Being both a dog and pet friendly apartment community, we thought you would like to know who is top dog in Raleigh. The lab, again.

Nationally, Labrador Retriever also remains America's most popular breed while the Beagle and Rottweiler (not allowed at Auston Grove) make strong gains.

Once again, the Labrador Retriever is the top dog in Raleigh according to the American Kennel Club's 2011 ranking of the most popular dogs in the U.S.

"The Maltese entered Raleigh's top 10 by jumping 12 spots to tie the Shih Tzu for ninth place," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson.  "This fearless breed ranks 23rd nationally, but is feeling the love in Raleigh."

Notable trends in Raleigh's top breeds:

• The highly intelligent Poodle leapt three places last year to become Raleigh's fifth most popular breed.
• Top 10 tumbles locally include the portable Yorkshire Terrier (falling one place to sixth) and the protective Boxer (falling one place to tie for seventh).

The AKC also announced its nationwide rankings today.  The Beagle overtook the beloved Yorkshire Terrier to become the third most popular dog breed, while the Golden Retriever advanced from the fifth to the fourth.  But fans of the Labrador Retriever need not fear: the beloved Lab remained the champ – a spot it has now held for 21 consecutive years – thanks to its well-earned reputation for playfulness and loyalty, and its use as a police and search-and-rescue dog.

The Sacramento Bee

Three of the state’s most happening cities: Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, make up the Research Triangle area of North Carolina. Research Triangle Park is a collection of international companies and private and public research facilities. Living in an apartment in Raleigh, NC means great job opportunities in many fields, and also first-rate cultural events as well. Here are some of the best things to do in the Research Triangle Area.

Raleigh
There are dozens of museums in Raleigh, including the North Carolina Museum of Art, the African American Cultural Complex, and the Gregg Museum of Art and Design.

Great shopping and restaurants can be found throughout the city, including the Glenwood South, Fayetteville Street and Warehouse districts.

Located just a short drive from Raleigh, the Falls Lake Recreation Area offers hiking trails, swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking and camping.

Durham
Home of Duke University and its own hive of activities, Durham hosts lots of cultural and entertainment options. The North Carolina Museum of Life and Science offers amazing interactive exhibits and a wildlife sanctuary.

In the heart of downtown Durham, adjoining the Durham Athletic Park and home of the Durham Bulls, the American Tobacco Complex houses the Durham Performing Arts Center, as well as restaurants, shops and events held throughout the year.

Chapel Hill
For the smallest city in the Triangle, Chapel Hill has the biggest rep as a center of learning. Birthplace of the country’s first state university — the University of North Carolina in 1795 — the town is alive with all kinds of culture, music and fun things to do.

The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is a great place to both take in the stars and watch live science demonstrations appropriate for children and adults. Take in more of nature’s wonders at the North Carolina Botanical Garden, just a short trip from downtown. It houses the largest collection of native plants in the Southeast, in addition to a carnivorous plant section.

UNC’s Dean Smith Center hosts basketball games, live concerts and many other events. For a more intimate experience, check out the many smaller venues and bars for good music, such as the Cat’s Cradle, the Cave, the Art Center and Mansion 462.

If you are thinking of relocating to the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, contact Auston Grove Apartments.

Original article- Moving Today

Try out First Night Raleigh 2012. The New Year's Eve celebration, First Night Raleigh 2012 is celebrating its 21st year. This year’s First Night Raleigh festival takes on a French-inspired theme.  Many of the celebration’s dozens of performances and activities have been designed to reflect French influences. Forget about spending New Year’s Eve in your apartment in Raleigh, NC; head to downtown Raleigh for a fun-filled event. "All Day Passes" are on sale now.

The 21st annual New Year’s Eve arts festival will take place on Saturday, December 31, 2011, in a 20+ block area of downtown Raleigh.  The festivities start with a children's celebration at the state history and natural science museums. Kids can participate in hands-on crafts creating impressionist paintings, making miniature sailboats and decorating their own versions of the Eiffel Tower. "The Owl Tree," an interactive sculpture, encourages you to make a wish for the coming year. There will also be circus performers, storytellers, giant puppets and more. A mini French film festival will take place inside the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. There will be a screening of "Madeline" at 4:30 p.m.

The biggest plan for it is a 90-foot Ferris wheel, which festival organizers are calling La Grand Roue de Raleigh, like La Grand Roue de Paris, the large Ferris wheel in Paris.

The People's Procession takes the party from the museums to Fayetteville Street for an early countdown at 7 p.m. with live music, fireworks and the descent of the Raleigh Acorn. There's a countdown, acorn drop and fireworks at midnight too.