Auston Grove Apartment Homes Blog

Last weekend, forecasters issued a tropical storm watch for parts of the South Carolina coast after the first tropical storm of the 2012 hurricane season formed in the Atlantic.

Sputtering in the Atlantic Ocean about 180 miles off the coast of South Carolina was tropical storm Alberto. Alberto was of no consequence. Right?

The official start to hurricane season is June 1, but tropical storms occasionally occur before then.

Forecasters did not expect the storm to make landfall or threaten Atlantic Seaboard communities. But the question remains for those in apartments in Raleigh, NC. Does Alberto signify the beginning of an intense 2012 hurricane season?

At Auston Grove, we surely won’t forget last hurricane season, and would like to remind you to review hurricane safety as the 2012 hurricane season draws near. If you have any questions about  hurricane safety, please feel free to see us in the office or give us a call.

John Murray, a senior research scientist at NASA Langley, said he's not making much of the storm as a precursor of things to come.

"I don't think it tells us anything about the frequency," Murray said. "It's just earlier. The frequency of hurricanes is going to be driven by a lot of other things." (Daily Press)

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

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

The Spring season means fresh or starting over. Do this by having fun with spring apartment decorating in your apartment. After you redecorate, you will have another reason to look forward to spring in your apartment in Raleigh, NC.

Here are some spring decorating ideas to get you started.
 
Spring Cleaning
Spring Cleaning is the perfect start to the season. After you do a thorough cleaning and throw away, decorating will be much easier. Open closets and dresser drawers and get rid of clutter! if you haven't used it or worn it in a year, dump it. In your apartment, air it, dust it, and rearrange it. After you get the apartment airy and fresh, decorating will be easier and fun.

New Fabrics
Change the fabrics around your apartment home to lighter and brighter colors. Replace your bedding and use soft, light material or earthy material, and light colors. Change your throw pillows and bath towels to spring colors.

Let the Light in
Change the drapes or curtains out and replace with sheers or valences. You could also change the lamp shades to something bright and cheerful rather than dark and wintery.
 
Change the Wall Hangings
Spring decorating is a great time to change out your artwork. You can find inexpensive and very nice pieces to hang on your wall from local Raleigh shops. You can also by items from local Raleigh artists.

Have fun decorating your home at Auston Grove Apartments.

The Raleigh Police Memorial Foundation will hold the Fourth Annual Run for Our Heroes 5K race on Saturday, April 28. If you have wanted to participate in a run for a cause event, this is the one. Grab some friends from your apartment in Raleigh and make a difference for yourself and others.

All proceeds from the event will go to the foundation’s fund to build a memorial to the eight Raleigh Police Officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. A ceremonial wreath-laying to honor the sacrifice and lives of the fallen officers will be held at 8:30 a.m. in Nash Square, across Hargett Street from the former Raleigh Police Department’s headquarters.

The 5K race/walk follows a course through beautiful and historic Downtown Raleigh. The race starts at 9 a.m. on Dawson Street and is mostly flat.

Everyone is invited to participate in the 4th Annual Run for Our Heroes – runners, walkers, adults, kids and supporters. For registration information, visit www.runforourheroes.org.

At 10 a.m., the McGruff Crime Dog 100-Yard Kids Dash will be held at Nash Square. The dash is for children ages 10 and younger.

A free social for participants follows the race at Napper Tandy’s Restaurant at 126 North West Street.

The Raleigh Police Memorial Foundation is dedicated to honoring the lives and memories of police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duty while serving the City of Raleigh. The foundation is a charitable, non-profit, private organization and is separate from the City of Raleigh Police Department.

More information on RaleighNC.gov

The weather is gorgeous. Along with the great weather comes a desire in most of us to lose weight. Luckily at our apartments in Raleigh, NC, we have a state-of-the-art fitness center along with so many other apartment amenities.

During the winter, many of us tend to overindulge eating comfort food, and now it is time for spring clothes and bathing suits.  Auston Grove has a cutting edge fitness center that can help trim off those winter pounds. Make sure you stop by.

 Here are some exercises you can do in our fitness center.

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.

Don’t spend St. Patricks Day in your apartment in Raleigh. Instead, head downtown for the annual Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Parade at noon on Saturday, March 17!  It is the largest parade in the Raleigh area.

When the Parade is over the fun is not, then the Festival Begins! The Festival is held on Moore Square in downtown Raleigh, at the end of the Parade route. There will be live music and dancing and a wide variety of vendor booths: Irish Organizations, Irish jewelry, trinkets, food vendors, childrens games and activities. This is fun for the entire family!

Remember, any extra funds go back to charities in the community. Happy St. Patty's Day!

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.