1. Stick to Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Have you ever thought about the ingredients that are in the cleaning products you use in your apartment each day? If you're like many consumers, you probably haven't. However, people are becoming more conscious of the everyday products they're using in their homes, as well as the impact these products can have on the planet.

Many store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals and toxins that can not only be damaging to the environment, but to your indoor air quality as well. To cut down on potentially harmful fumes, consider making the switch to eco-friendly cleaning products. You might even try swapping out some of your "typical" cleaning chemicals with all-natural solutions. White vinegar, for example, can be effective and useful for cleaning windows and even removing stains from furniture.

2. Practice Water Conservation

Cutting down on your water consumption can also play a vital role in protecting the planet's resources. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average family can waste 180 gallons of water per week! Fortunately, there are plenty of small changes you can make to conserve water.

Do you tend to leave the faucet running while you brush your teeth? If so, then you could save several gallons of water per day by simply shutting off the water while you brush. That may not seem like much, but over the course of a few months or even a year, that's a huge amount of water saved.

You can further conserve water by making more conscious decisions about when you run your dishwasher or even how often you wash your clothes. Consider, for instance, waiting to run your dishwasher until it's full rather than running a cycle each night. The same goes for your clothes; hold off on doing laundry until you have a full load to wash. This will prevent unnecessary water use and cut down on waste.

3. Wash Clothes with Cold Water

Speaking of laundry, there's another small change you can make to save not on water—but on energy use. By washing your clothes in cold water instead of warm or hot water, you can drastically cut down on the amount of energy needed to wash a load of laundry. Many people don't realize that a great deal of energy is needed to heat enough water to wash a load of clothing in hot water.

Likewise, most garments don't need to be washed in warm or hot water in order to be properly cleaned. This is especially true if you use a laundry detergent that's specifically formulated for use with cold water. In fact, studies have shown that washing four out of five laundry loads in cold water can cut up to 864 pounds of CO2 emissions per household each year.

4. Cut Down on Single-Use Plastic

One of the worst contributors to pollution across the globe is single-use plastic. From plastic bags and cutlery to straws and cups, these plastic items are typically used only once before being tossed in the trash. Sadly, it is estimated that about half of the planet's annual plastic production is designated for single-use—and more than 91% of it doesn't get recycled.

The good news? You can reduce your dependency on single-use plastics by making a few small changes to your everyday shopping habits. Consider, for example, committing to using a refillable and reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water from the grocery store. Ditch plastic straws for reusable stainless steel or silicone options. These swaps may not seem like much, but they can add up to make a huge difference.

5. Reduce Energy Consumption

Last but not least, explore some renter-friendly ways to cut down on energy consumption in your apartment home. One of the easiest things you can do is to unplug your electronics and other small appliances (such as hair dryers, phone chargers, and lamps) while they're not in use. Many people don't realize that small electronics continue to draw electrical power while they're plugged in—even if they're not actually turned on.

Many renters find it convenient to plug electronics (such as televisions and cable boxes) into power strips. Not only does this protect them from electrical surges, but these power strips are equipped with an on/off switch that makes it possible to shut off power to multiple devices at once when not in use.

Find Your Next Apartment Home

As you can see, living a more eco-friendly lifestyle as a renter doesn't have to mean making drastic lifestyle changes. In fact, if everybody implemented just a few of these eco-friendly living tips, the world would be better off for it. So, which of these will you try?

If you're still on the hunt for a beautiful apartment home that suits your lifestyle in the Kansas City or Dallas-Fort Worth areas, Price Brothers is here to help. With 39 welcoming communities and a history that dates back more than 100 years, we take a lot of pride in the apartment homes we have to offer. Reach out today for help in finding your next place!

The post 5 Environmentally Friendly Tips for Apartment Living appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.

A Look at the Current Market

Since the coronavirus pandemic hit, the real estate market across the country has seen some significant changes. Property values have skyrocketed as demand has rapidly surpassed the supply of inventory. In fact, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, the median price for a single-family home increased by 7% across the country in 2020 alone.

All of this is great news, of course…if you're looking to sell a home. On the other hand, if you're thinking about buying, a combination of low inventory and increased prices could complicate things.

Could Renting Be the Best Option?

So while now may not be the most practical time to buy a home, the good news is that there are plenty of great rental options available. In fact, there are many reasons (aside from convenience and more readily available inventory) to consider renting instead of buying your next place.

Consider, for example, the fact that apartment living often comes with access to more amenities than you would have when buying a single-family home outright. Many apartment communities these days offer amenities such as a clubhouse with a gym/fitness center, a pool, trails, playgrounds, and the like. These are things that may come with an upcharge through an HOA in a neighborhood of single-family homes (if these amenities are included at all).

Meanwhile, renting also comes with some added flexibility; most apartment home leases last for about a year. After that time, you have the option to either renew your lease or look elsewhere for your next home. This makes renting a practical option for many who aren't quite ready to "settle down" due to career opportunities or other factors.

Likewise, many renters enjoy the peace of mind that comes with zero-maintenance living in an apartment home. When you purchase a home outright, you're generally responsible not only for the upkeep of the structure itself (siding, roofing, etc.)—but for repairs inside the home, like appliance and HVAC repairs. When you live in an apartment home, these are all things that your property manager and/or maintenance staff will take care of for you. This means you can worry less about unexpected maintenance issues affecting your finances.

And of course, when you choose to rent instead of purchasing a property outright, you save yourself from the stress and hassle of getting into a bidding war and all the other stressors that can go into buying a home. This includes the financial burden of saving up for a down payment, closing costs, and other expenses often associated with a home purchase. Likewise, many apartments offer quick move-in options, so you won't have to wait weeks or even months to get things settled.

A Few More Things to Consider

As you can see, renting offers a number of compelling advantages to buying a home—especially in today's real estate market. At the end of the day, however, it's all about figuring out what works best for you given your current life circumstances, finances, and other factors.

Typically, people who buy a home do so because they want to build up equity and have a place that's truly their own. And of course, this is a goal that's worthy of pursuing when the time is right for you. The reality, though, is that with current home values and demand being so high, it makes more financial sense for many people to postpone their home searches until the market balances out a bit.

Find an Apartment for Rent Today!

If you're interested in renting an apartment home in the Kansas City or Dallas Ft. Worth area, there are plenty of great options to choose from. From cozy studios to larger two-bedroom options, Price Brothers can help you find the community that's right for you. Contact us today to get started!

The post Renting vs. Buying: What’s Best For You? appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.

If 2020 has proven anything it is that events in life are unexpected and though time moves forward, sometimes annual traditions do not go the way they were planned. This year’s New Year celebrations will be like no other we have experienced before. Though ringing in 2021 may not look like previous celebrations, that does not mean the festivities need to be skipped. Put on those 2021 hats, pull out the horns, and get ready to countdown the end of 2020 in the comfort of your apartment home.

Create a Memory Board

Sit down and create a memory board full of all the amazing things that happened in 2020. Looking back it might be difficult with everything that happened this past year, but if you take a closer look, you will be surprised at how many positive things also happened this year. Gather up pictures, create images, clip articles, or whatever you can think of to make a memory board for 2020. If you have a lot of positive memories, consider turning it into a scrapbook.

Dance the Night Away

Dancing is a form of celebrating that helps get the blood flowing, boosting energy. Why not start 2021 off with high spirits and lots of energy. Put on your dancing shoes and dance 2020 away. Play some music, play video games that require participating by dancing, or even have a limbo contest. If dancing is not your thing, maybe exercise your way into the New Year. Start exercising about 15 to 20 minutes before midnight. Then at midnight, make yourself a huge bowl of ice cream. New Year calories don’t count, right?

Host Virtual Countdown Party

Gather with friends and family virtually this New Year’s Eve by setting up a video conference where everyone can just hang out virtually playing games, sharing memories, and sharing a toast at midnight. To make it official, create invitations to send via email containing the link and plan some fun activities to do together throughout the evening.

Have a Balloon Party

Fill your apartment home with balloons and have a party. Balloons are so much fun and festive, it is impossible to not have fun in a room filled with balloons. A room full of balloons can act as a backdrop to your virtual countdown party or fun to play in during your dance party. No matter how you plan to celebrate, a room full of balloons is sure to bring cheer to everyone staying home this New Year’s Eve.

Cook a Fancy Meal

Treat yourself to a fancy meal this New Year’s Eve by learning how to cook something new. Already know how to cook your favorite meal? Even better. Spend time in the kitchen cooking and getting ready for the final countdown to 2020. Are you all thumbs in the kitchen? Reach out to your favorite restaurant and order your favorite meal for delivery or curbside pick up.

Build a Blanket Fort

Gather up all the pillows and blankets in your apartment home and build a blanket fort. Create fun tunnels to explore with a quiet place for those who do not want loud celebrating, a room for movie watching, and a gathering room for the final countdown. This is one activity that is fun for kids, but will bring back memories for many adults.

Have a Photo Booth

Photo booths are fun ways to celebrate, create memories and can easily be set up at home in time for the New Year. Gather up all the hats, glasses, boas, and festive accessories you can find and set up your own photo booth. Don’t forget to make cardboard cutouts of speech bubbles too. Once all set up, get ready and strike a pose!

Watch New Year’s Eve Around the World

With almost the entire world gone virtual, it is possible to watch New Year’s Eve happenings around the world from the comfort of your home. Check online for celebrations in different countries and see which countries you can watch the NYE countdown live. Have plenty of sparkling cider or champagne so you are prepared to countdown the New Year all night long.

Enjoy a Sweet Tasting Party

Make a list of everyone’s favorite sweet treats and either buy or bake them all. Create a festive spread and share with each other what everyone loves about their favorite treat. Then while waiting for the ball to drop, sample all the different treats you have gathered.

Make It a Game Night

Go dig deep in your closets and pull out all those old board games you used to love to play. Set them all up and have a night in playing, laughing and spending time with the family. With a little creativity, some games can even be done virtually. Popular virtual games to play with the family include Scattergories, Pictionary, Name that Tune and Yahtzee.

Watch Fireworks

Those in apartment homes overlooking where New Year’s fireworks are being set off have the perfect location to start 2021 with a blast. Those without a view can still watch the fireworks while being socially distant. Map out where in the town the fireworks are going to take place and find a location where you can park your car and have a great view. The night of New Year’s Eve, grab some hot cocoa and head on out to watch the fireworks from your car.

This New Year’s Eve may not look like previous years, but that does not mean you can’t celebrate. You can enjoy ringing in the New Year at home with any one, or all, of the above listed activities that are perfect for apartment living. Now go put on your finest at-home attire and prepare to celebrate the start of 2021 like no other year before it.

The post At-Home New Year’s Celebration Fun appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.

Apartment homes offer the same capabilities of growing indoor plants and herbs during the winter months as any other home does. It just requires a little bit more creative thinking to make it work in a smaller space. Selecting herbs and plants that thrive inside is key to growing an indoor herb garden and keeping plants in your apartment. Even if you are not an experienced gardener, it is possible to develop a green thumb for indoor plants and herbs, especially during the winter months.

Tips for Growing Plants & Herbs Indoors

1. Sunlight

Plants need sunlight, especially flowering plants. Find a window where the plants in your apartment home will receive six to eight hours of direct sunlight. If you do not have a patio or a window with access to a full day’s worth of sunlight, it might be best to select plants that require less sunlight to thrive or use a light that can mimic the benefits plants receive from direct sunlight. Avoid placing plants in the direct path of an air conditioner or heating vents, which can dry out the soil.

2. Soil

Plants depend heavily on soil as a means to absorb water, air and nutrients needed to thrive. Apartment plants have less room to grow and need to be planted in good soil in order to survive. Because of this, ordinary garden soil will not be enough for household plants and herb gardens. Selecting a potting mix that is well-draining, will provide plants with enough air, water and nutrients. In addition, a water soluble fertilizer can be added to the soil often providing the plant with the nutrients it needs.

3. Water

Potted plants need a lot of water and some should be watered multiple times a day. This can be done by using a watering can or bringing plants to the kitchen sink or bathtub. Before watering, check the soil by poking a finger an inch or two into the soil. If it is still wet, it does not need additional water. If it is only slightly damp or dry, give it some water. In addition to water, you may need to provide indoor plants with a touch of humidity. This can be done by using a spray bottle filled with water and regularly spraying down the leaves.

4. Tips for Growing Herbs

Herbs can be planted in small containers and set on a kitchen countertop or on a windowsill. Indoor herb gardens offer fresh herbs that are readily available for cooking. However, try to avoid over-harvesting the herbs because this may lead to the need to replace with a new plant. Allow time in between harvesting to allow the plant to recover and continue to grow. Keep in mind, herbs grown in an apartment will not be as full as plants grown in an outside garden. So ultimately, indoor grown herbs cannot be harvested as quickly or as often.

Taking care of an indoor herb garden is similar to taking care of house plants. However, there are just a few extra things that will help an indoor herb garden thrive in the winter. To help herbs grow, place the planter on the windowsill of a south-facing window for unblocked light exposure. Herbs will not grow or look healthy if they are not getting enough sunlight. In addition, plant the herbs in pots that allow good drainage. Pots and saucers are perfect planting containers for herbs. You must also closely monitor the temperature of the room the herbs are in. Ideally, indoor herbs prefer temperatures between 65 to 70 degrees F.

5. Best Plants for Apartment Living

You cannot simply go to the store and pick out any type of plant to grow in an apartment. Some plants do not grow well when confined to a pot, while others thrive in this type of setting. Here are some plants that are best for an apartment home:

• Air Plant: This plant is perfect for apartment homes with pets that like to dig in dirt. The plant grabs moisture from the air, is soil free, easy to plant, and only needs a spritz of water every few days.
• Bird’s Nest Fern: This fern is not like any other. It is capable of surviving in low light conditions and in average humidity.
• Christmas Cactus: This plant blooms beautiful flowers in the winter and does not require a lot of direct sunlight.
• Peace Lily: This plant helps purify the air, only needing indirect sunlight and less water in the winter months.
• Philodendron: This plant is very inexpensive and easy to take care of with weekly watering and indirect sunlight.
• Rex Begonia: This very colorful plant survives on little water, light, and fertilizer. Thus making it the perfect apartment home plant.
• Snake Plant: The stiff green leaves are great for purifying the air and is another plant only needing indirect sunlight. This plant should be kept away from drafts and the soil should be allowed to dry out in between watering.
• Spider Plant: This plant thrives in indirect sunlight and well-aerated potting soil. The plant can be divided and replanted in multiple pots.

6. Best Herbs for Apartment Living

When selecting herbs to plant in a kitchen garden in an apartment, you must first consider the types of foods you cook and the herbs most commonly used. Herbs are available as seeds or small plants and many can be grown in small containers on the countertop or windowsill. Below are some of the best herbs to grow in an apartment home:

• Basil
• Chives
• Dill
• Lavender
• Lemon Balm
• Marjoram
• Mint
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme

Many feel a drawback to living in an apartment is not having access to a yard where they can grow a garden. However, with a little bit of creativity and working on that green thumb, it is possible to have all the plants and herbs you need in your home. Having all of these in winter, helps make an apartment feel like a home and gives you fresh herbs at your fingertips for cooking.

The post Tips on Growing Indoor Plants and Herbs During the Winter Months appeared first on Sorrento at Deer Creek Blog.