Blog on Finding an Apartment for Rent in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, etc.

Canada’s New Wave of Marketing of Apartments for Rent to Newcomers

January 25th, 2012

Due to an unprecedented boom in immigration across Canada, the marketing landscape has undergone and will continue to experience many significant changes. In 2006, the Canadian Marketing Association published an article entitled “Ethnic Marketing in Canada: The Challenges Ahead”. In it, author Jack Jedwab states that the population of Canada will grow by ten percent between 2006 and 2017. That’s a jump from 32 to 35 million. He specifies that the Chinese, South Asian, Black, Filipino, Arab and other visible minority groups will account for more than 80 percent of that growth. In fact, he adds that visible minorities will represent the majority of the population of Vancouver by 2017. Toronto won’t be too far behind.

With changing demographics come changing opinions, begging the question of whether your real estate company is prepared to market your rental units to our country’s newcomers. Profitguide.com’s Kim Hart MacNeill explains that 2010 saw a whopping 281,000 immigrants in Canada—the most we’ve seen in nearly a century. Her article, “Selling to Canada’s New Immigrants”, also insists that the nation’s combination of a low birth rate and an aging population leaves the newcomer audience a market too large to overlook.

In its 2009 Consumerology Report, Toronto-based veteran advertising agency Bensimon Byrne revealed that a significant portion of first-generation immigrants feel strongly disconnected from marketing efforts. Findings reveal, “Almost a third of new Canadians feel strongly that most television advertising does not reflect them, not because of visible minorities or language but because of the advertising’s lack of relevance to their own life experience.” The report continues to explain that first- and second-generation immigrants are also likely to read newspapers in both English and their mother tongue. Such being the case, when your apartment rental company designs a media plan targeting new immigrants, are your advertising dollars being spent as effectively as possible?

Customize by Custom
There’s more to ethnic marketing than copy-pasting your ads to fit into generalizations of a particular group, explains Charlotte Riley in a 2005 Canadian Business Online article. “Companies often make the mistake of simply translating their existing campaign into different languages instead of targeting campaigns to specific ethnic groups,” she says, adding that today’s newcomers are more sophisticated and better educated than their predecessors, making them all-around savvy consumers.

In other words, if you’re considering a print ad campaign, go beyond “ethnicizing” or basic translations and address specific cultures respectfully but distinctively. Bensimon’s recommendation is to “incorporate diverse life situations into…ads, rather than focus on ethnic casting and translations to create relevance.” When you do advertise your available apartments for rent in a foreign newspaper, ask the person responsible for placement to ensure your company’s promotion isn’t compartmentalized into an ethnic section.

Think Inside the Box
Does your rental property have a community immigration contact person? Is your rental agent well versed in the surrounding neighbourhood’s services for newcomers? Are you prepared to point immigrants to reliable job agencies? Is your staff trained to be culturally sensitive regarding holidays and dietary customs? Forming relationships with multicultural contacts in and around your complex is key to obtaining insider information regarding these and many other questions that may arise when catering to an immigrant rental population.

Encourage your staff to conduct some field research and environmental scans by talking to store owners, finding out what kinds of restaurants are in the neighbourhood. As well, ask whether agencies will allow your company to promote rental units on their bulletin boards. Since immigrant communities tend to be tightly knit, opportunities for a powerful word-of-mouth network abound. Position yourself as a community supporter by offering superior services and taking that “extra step” and you could build loyalty for life.

Follow the Leaders
Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Magazines like Canadian Newcomer are the go-to resource for hundreds of thousands of new immigrants. Known as “The How-To Magazine for New Immigrants”, Canadian Newcomer is distributed free of charge in more than 100 towns and cities across Canada with an estimated readership of more than 170,000. Believe it or not, this figure doesn’t even include online readership (www.cnmag.ca) and a hefty Twitter following (@canadianewcomer). Talking about real-life issues affecting new Canadians today, their experts discuss everything from employment and education to pets and finances. Ask your site staff to get familiar with the topics and tips featured as a way to get the discussion rolling with prospective renters.

Design a Community Marketing Plan
Bensimon’s survey uncovered that 72 percent of first-generation Canadians would rather live in diverse surroundings. Moreover, findings showed that newer Canadians are interested in activities like community theatre and symphonies. Pinpointing and understanding these kinds of insights via environmental scans can offer landlords a remarkable advantage over the competition: they will separate you from the masses and convey a distinct and appealing message of what your community has to offer.

After learning the specific likes and dislikes of your target audience, you can then design a marketing plan that perhaps includes staff members to run events for community development. Posting signs throughout the rental complex will keep prospective residents intrigued and current residents in the loop—a great retention tool! Using the information collected in your field research, your company can then explore marketing collateral that highlights your property’s advantages. Some promotional tools include a site-specific website, orientation guides and brochures outlining nearby services. It’s a game of trial and error, but once you’ve found your niche, the rental prospects will flow.

For more information on apartment marketing, listings and syndication, apartment video production and marketing, 3-D floor plans, social media marketing and management, website design and search engine optimization, contact our team at contact@rentseeker.ca.

(written for the February edition of the Great Toronto Apartment Association’s Building Blocks Publication for Toronto based apartment owners and landlords)

- The RentSeeker.ca Team

Tags: Apartment Marketing, Apartments for rent in Canada, calgary, Canadian Newcomers, Immigration to Canada, Newcomers Housing, ottawa, RentSeeker.ca Apartments for rent, toronto
Posted in Apartment Marketing Tips, Immigration to Canada, Marketing Apartments for rent to Canadian Newcomers, RentSeeker.ca | No Comments »

Keep Your Rental Apartment Warm While Saving Energy

January 8th, 2012

Saving Energy in Apartment for Rent

Ever feel like the inside of your apartment is actually colder than it is outside? If you’re a Canuck living in a rental apartment, you know this feeling all too well. Even if you’re living in a new building, chances are, it’s full of little nooks and crannies that are letting heat escape left, right and center. Typically, a home loses nearly 50 percent of its heat through the walls and roof.

The problem, in addition to icy toes, is a colossal waste of energy. The good news is that there are many do-it-yourself ways to stay warm and green—just by insuring your apartment is properly insulated. Just remember to consult with your landlord prior to doing anything that could impact the rest of the building in any way.

Cut the Draft
Many apartment buildings are twenty-plus years old, meaning that they’re likely a bit draftier. First off, you need to be proactive. If you apartment is cold, changes are it’s not because the heat isn’t on high enough. In fact, raising the heat could result in even more wasted energy when it’s the windows, doors and electrical outlets that are letting the cold air in.

It’s time to launch an investigation to find any cracks and gaps that are causing air leaks. Places to check are air conditioning units, phone jacks, electrical outlets, mail slots, doorframes and window frames. Just hold your hand over each area. If there’s a problem, you’ll know. A good indicator is light: If the hallway light is visible under your front door, cold air is getting in. Another trick is to close the window or door on a piece of paper. If it pulls out easily, without tearing, you’ve got a problem.

Once you’ve determined the problem areas, fill out a work order to request weather stripping. One roll can cost as little as a few dollars and can be purchased at your local hardware store. A great way to insulate windows is to use some plastic film as a barrier. Also available at your local hardware store, the plastic wrap just needs to be measured, cut and taped down with masking tape. Your landlord will thank you for all the energy saved.

Stick to One Space
If you’re not using a room, close the door to it. Also, make your apartment a balcony-free zone in the winter so as to avoid massive loss of heat every time the door opens. When you need fresh air, go for a brisk walk. You need the vitamin D!

Ask for a Space Heater
Now that your suite is draft-free, you should be feeling a difference in temperature. If you’re still chilly, ask for a space heater. These little machines are relatively inexpensive to run and can effectively heat a small space rather quickly. Like all electrical appliances, however, there is always a fire hazard so take extra precautions to ensure that there is nothing obstructing the heating unit. Obstructions might include clothing, blankets, towels—even dust can cause a problem so make sure the heater is clean.

Invest in a Humidifier
Not only is artificial heat extremely drying to your skin and lungs, without humidity, it can seem less efficient. Spaces that are slightly humid tend to feel warmer, meaning that even if the heat in your rental isn’t set to high, you can still feel comfortable.

Re-Decorate
Winter is a great time to change up your rental unit’s interior décor. Just by adding some heavy curtains over drafty windows and plush area rugs atop poorly insulated floors, you’ll save a ton of energy and heat by trapping the warm air inside—rather than heating the outside.

Add Layers
If you want to stay warm without racking up energy bills, pile on the layers. Think thick wooly socks, slippers, fleece and long johns. Paired with a warm cup of tea and a comfy blanket, you’ll be shocked at how cozy your apartment will feel. Before long, the layers will have to come off one at a time and you’ll be thankful that your unit isn’t over-heated.

Check Your Radiator’s Efficiency
This is when your landlord comes into play. Radiators can be very un-green, especially when they’re located right by windows where the majority warmth produced is lost to the outdoors. If your apartment isn’t submetered yet, this means your landlord is paying for heat that’s not being used. First, ask your landlord to bleed the rads to ensure there are no air bubbles. Then, ask that he/she install reflectors behind them. This will focus the warmth toward the middle of the space rather than into the windows and walls.

Go Green!

The RentSeeker.ca Team

Tags: Apartment Heating Tips from RentSeeker.ca, Energy Saving, RentSeeker.ca Apartment Living Tips
Posted in Apartment Living Energy Saving Tips, Apartments for Rent, Energy Saving Tips: RentSeeker.ca, Green Energy, Heating Your Apartment without wasting Energy, RentSeeker.ca | No Comments »

Grown-Up Marketing – How to Target Seniors Searching Apartments for Rent

January 5th, 2012

Seniors Housing

There’s nothing worse than being treated as though you’re something that you’re not. It’s like being back in highschool and getting scolded when you’re not the one doing the talking. For baby boomers, it’s being marketing to as though the deathbed is behind the next door. There is a common misconception among rental market advertising that seniors are out of touch, that they’re not as actively involved online and that they’re not nearly as important an audience as their kids and grandkids.

On the contrary, the baby boomer demographic is the fastest growing group to jump on the computer technology bandwagon, spending a whopping $7-billion annually online. In other words, much like 18-34 year olds, this generation is completely open-minded when it comes to new products, lifestyles and marketing.

When it comes to marketing your available apartments for rent, you would be wise to allocate a fair amount of resources targeting this demographic, providing your property can cater to some very high expectations. Throughout your campaign, though, keep in mind that you’re not advertising to a sleepy audience, but rather, a lively, virile group with discerning tastes and extensive wish lists.

Marketing Professor Tom Barry of SMU’s Cox School of Business urges companies to focus the message on feel age as opposed to real age, explaining, “Use models that are cognitively younger; they don’t have to look younger, but have a persona that is psychologically younger.” In other words, he says, the content of advertising, sales, and marketing messages should be based on the cognitive state of the audience. Age, after all, is nothing but a number, so if you’re marketing rental suites to this demographic as old or elderly, you’ve alienated the majority of your audience.

The key to advertising rental units to seniors is research, in addition to knowing what, exactly, your building has to offer that might be attractive to someone in this demographic. If you’re feeling slightly out of touch, here are some tips on how to engage baby boomers, capture their attention and get them in for an apartment showing.

Go Live
Did you know that the largest percentage increase in Internet use has been credited to the 70-75 age group? And they’re not just checking into an email account that stays open all day. Rather, they’re on Facebook, YouTube and other social media sites. Don’t believe us? Take it from the pros then: Kinesis Inc., a Portland, Oregon, web design and branding firm, found that more than 60 percent of baby boomers actively consume socially created content like blogs, videos, and podcasts. So next time you’re posting, tweeting or liking, don’t forget to consider whether grandma or auntie would find your content interesting.

Advertise with Intelligence
We all know that advertising apartments for rent is becoming more and more of a web-based phenomenon. This is not to say, however, that print ads have become obsolete. Baby boomers are still heavily reliant upon magazines and newspapers to get their information, meaning that certain dailies and monthlies could have a positive impact on getting traffic to your property. When targeting seniors in particular, it’s important to take several technical items into account, namely font size. Simply put, the font should never be smaller than 11-point and color ads always attract more attention. Also, keep ads un-cluttered with a clearly marked call to action that includes both email, address and phone number.

The photos should do the talking—but keep them honest. We’ve seen enough old people playing tennis and laughing by a pool. Get creative by promoting what your company can do to enhance their lives. Do you offer a shuttle bus for errands? Is your rental property near a fitness facility? Tell the story, but do it in a way that isn’t patronizing or alienating. This means abandoning labels like “golden years” and “elderly”.

Don’t forget to ask advertisers if they’ll give you editorial space alongside the ad to showcase the property in greater depth.

Build Trust with Customer Service
The baby boomer generation has been around a while. They’ve had more experiences than most of us, meaning you’ll be hard pressed to pull the wool over their eyes. The truth is, the best thing your leasing agent can be is his/herself, to sell the property and the surrounding neighbourhood as a “package deal” that caters directly to the prospect. This means adding a personal touch by doing some legwork to find out about the appealing features of the area and promote them.

Build rapport by letting the individual know that their landlord is just a phone call away should any concerns in their rental unit arise. Another way of doing this is by having honest testimonials by like-minded individuals ready to share at some point during the viewing process. You might even host a baby boomer event and invite some prospects to come along. This is a great opportunity for current residents to speak to their experiences with the property, the management and what the community has to offer.

Finally, always follow up with a note. Handwritten is a unique way of engaging, but again, this is a demographic that’s heavily involved online—email is just as acceptable.

Sell Gently
Hard sells rarely work with this group. Again, they’ve been around a while and have seen it all. One of the most effective tools of persuasion is honesty and compassion. If a person of this age group is moving into your rental property, chances are, they’re downsizing from a house. This could be a giant lifestyle change whereby moving means culling decades of possessions in order to accommodate a smaller space. Perhaps your leasing agent has gone through a similar experience and can empathize as a way to reassure the individual that your property is the right move. If you have storage units available for rent, promote them (and perhaps offer a deal on the monthly fee).

Cut a Deal
Everyone likes a bargain—and many landlords are offering deals to all demographics as a way to fill available apartment units. Purveyors of apartments that cater to baby boomers have jumped on the bandwagon, offering a range of bonuses and incentives to make prospects feel as though they’ve made the right choice by signing with your company. These incentives include rent reduction, waiving of move-in fees, gift cards, fitness memberships, and the list goes on. Put in the work and make the extra effort to get this age group into your apartment building. In the long run, they make loyal residents who are with your for the long haul, and care for your property just as much as you do.

The RentSeeker.ca Team

Tags: Apartments for Rent, marketing, rentseeker.ca, seniors
Posted in Apartment Marketing by RentSeeker.ca, Apartments for Rent in Canada, RentSeeker.ca, Senior Homes, Seniors Online | No Comments »

Marketing Rental Apartments to Students

December 19th, 2011

Whether or not you’d categorize yourself as a student-housing landlord, it’s time to start taking advantage of the Echo Boom demographic. Hot on the coattails of the Baby Boomer generation are their kids, which account for a whopping 23 per cent of Canada’s population.

According to David K. Foot, Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Toronto, “The Ontario university system grew to accommodate the Baby Boomers—and this generation’s impact will be felt for years to come, thanks in part to their offspring, the Echo Boom.” He adds that this impact will continue to affect enrolments well into the 2020s, an argument bolstered by a Statistics Canada projection, which shows he 20-24 year age group growing by 2.3 per cent between 2006 and 2016.

Is your company benefiting from this boom by marketing available rental units to college and university students? Most landlords have caught on to the growing trend, adding “Students Only” zones to their websites. Having a drop-down menu with all of the major schools across Canada to select from is a great start. However, to form a significant imprint on the minds of this particular demographic, landlords are starting to pull out all the stops. Here are some suggestions on marketing your apartments to a very busy group.

Join Frosh Week
Sometimes we all wish we could go back to that week or two at the very beginning of school where inhibitions are thrown to the wind all in favor of enjoying that first bit of freedom from mom and dad. Although it’s unlikely you remember, Frosh Week is the perfect opportunity for local businesses to bombard a captive audience with a ton of advertising. Get in touch with schools near your rental apartment communities to find out how you can get involved in the festivities. For lots of exposure, pitch some signage, have a BBQ and host a party at one of your sites for current and prospective residents.

Make your Friends your Neighbors
What did we all need more of as students? Cold hard cash. If you have apartments for rent in a college or university town, advertise to current residents and offer them money when they refer friends. And don’t just advertise in the elevators and common areas; Take out ads in campus newspapers and start a Facebook page. You’ll be surprised at just how popular your residents are when their friends start lining up at your rental office.

Advertise, Advertise, Advertise!
Oftentimes, landlords hold off on advertising until leasing season is in full swing. Students, however, will be in apartment-search mode all-year round due to changing semesters, poor choice of roommate, etc. Come fall, be prepared to approach potential renters throughout Frosh Week, sporting events, orientation days, etc. Contact the university for additional marketing opportunities, including calendars and brochures.

Make New Friends
One of the smartest things you can do to attract renters to your properties is by partnering with nearby schools. Hosting meetings with student life committees is especially effective as it’s here you can find out whether there are opportunities to host events. Other options to explore are environmental initiatives and partnering with the security department to ensure students are adequately protected in their commute home from campus at night.

Get Involved
In addition to offering snacks and refreshments, ask your site team put together a welcome package for move-in day. In it, you might want to include nearby grocery stores, movie theatres, libraries, public transit routes and schedules, and restaurant/entertainment guides. A great way to do this is in calendar form, where you can add important rental information such as rent deadlines. Don’t forget to add your branding wherever possible!

Build a Facebook Page
By now, your company probably has a corporate Facebook page. More and more landlords are currently building site-specific Facebook pages to engage residents and build community on a very personal level. Post photos of building events, community updates and apartment living tips; launch events, such as photography contests and seasonal costume competitions. The more dynamic the page, the more attractive it will be to prospective renters who happen to come across it when they’re “creeping” other users’ walls.

Share the Wealth
Many students live on a shoestring budget and others have no concept of how to stock their rental unit with everyday maintenance essentials. New renters and students are especially great candidates for buildings with lending closets, which are generally stocked with a vacuum, ladder, iron, ironing board and basic toolbox. Other appealing items are DVDs and kitchen appliances. Better yet, post a sheet in the lobby that asks renters what they’d like to see in a lending closet. Once it’s stocked, simply ask renters to sign out items by visiting the rental office.

- Listings
- Syndciation
- Apartment Videos
- 3-D Floor Plans
- Social Media (Design & Management)
- Website Design / Redesign & Search Engine Optimization

The RentSeeker.ca Team
Apartments for Rent Made Easy

Tags: RentSeeker.ca Apartment Marketing, RentSeeker.ca Student Housing, Student Apartments for Rent, Student Forums, Student Rental Housing
Posted in RentSeeker.ca, RentSeeker.ca Apartment Marketing, Social Media, Student Rental Housing, Uncategorized | No Comments »

RentSeeker.ca Congratulates Clients on their Recent FRPO MAC Award Wins!

December 5th, 2011

FRPO

On Thursday December 1, 2011, the Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) held its annual MAC Awards Gala, celebrating businesses and individuals who are leaders in the residential rental housing industry.

Among winners announced over the course of the night were RentSeeker.ca clients CAPREIT, who took away the award for Property Management Advertisement; Minto, who received the Property Management Website Award (Corporate Branding) as well as the Environmental Award of Excellence; The Tandem Group, who left with the Property Management Website Award for the Sheppard Centre; Medallion Corporation, whom FRPO Recognized for Lobby Renovation of the Year (595 Sherbourne St.); and Briarlane Rental Property Management, who won for their suite renovation (under $5000) at 263 Dixon Rd.

Other awards included the Suite Renovation Award (over $5000), which went to Timbercreek Asset Management for the company’s work at 600 Kingston Rd.; the Rental Development Award was presented to Concert Realty Services Ltd. for Sierra at Village Gate West; the Leasing Professional of the Year Award went to Jeff Brown at Pinedale Properties; Realstar Management’s Thomas and Arlene O’Donnell were collectively acknowledged as Resident Manager of the Year; Realstar also took home the award for Customer Service Excellence; and the Curb Appeal Award went to Greenrock Property Management (77 Davisville Ave.).

In addition to winning the Outstanding Community Service Award and Property Manager of the Year (Eugene Bussoli), Family-owned and operated Greenwin Inc. was acknowledged with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring founders Harold Green, Albert J. Latner and Al Green.

RentSeeker.ca is proud to count Greenwin Inc. as a client and congratulates them for building a legacy and setting a standard of excellence within the industries of residential and commercial real estate.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating all of the companies acknowledged, including those who received nomination nods. Finally, thank you to FRPO for organizing and hosting this evening. We are proud to be a part of the celebration.

All of us here at RentSeeker.ca thank you for your business. In just two short years, you have shown constant support of our work by exploring our internet listing and marketing services, offering constructive feedback to enhance our site and spreading the word about what we have to offer landlords and renters alike.

We hope to continue exceeding expectations with our products and service!

Posted in Apartment Associations, Briarlane Property Management, Canada, CAPREIT, Concert Properties, FRPO, Greenwin, Medallion, Minto, Ottawa, RentSeeker.ca, Tandem Group, Timbercreek, Toronto | No Comments »

Found in Space: Decorating a Rental Apartment because it Feels Good

November 16th, 2011

We’ve all been there: the bachelor apartment, the junior one bedroom apartment, the couch crash… Living in a small space is a rite of passage for most city dwellers whether it’s student housing or a more permanent setting. In fact, as the demand for housing continues to grow at an alarming rate, apartment and condo developers are cramming as many units as they can into one building, making small spaces the new norm.

Having grown up in the apartment industry, I’ve seen a lot. Some residents are downsizing from houses and attempt to recreate the look of their former home in less than a thousand square feet whereas others are so overwhelmed by the new layout that they default to the basics: bed, chair, table, lamp and television. In a recent conversation, Jenn, a resident at 88 Erskine Ave. in Toronto, explained, “My suite felt so empty when I first moved in. I was just out of university and had no furniture. Slowly but surely, I began to collect small-scale pieces that made me feel at home. It just took longer than I had expected to find the right stuff.”

On the other hand, Sharon, another resident, explains that moving into an apartment later in life meant paring down to maximize the space. “It was really tough at first to get rid of so many things that I’d lived with for so long.” Nevertheless, she expressed that adjusting to a rental unit wasn’t easy. Six years later, though, she can’t bring herself to making the leap into the housing market. “I love my apartment. It’s my home now. Every day I come home to this cozy space where I’m surrounded by the things that mean the absolute most to me. I honestly can’t picture myself anywhere else at this point.”

I’ve spoken to many residents, students and young professionals in particular, who are desperate to make a rental unit their own, but shy away from decorating because they can’t shake the thought that renting is impermanent. In other words, their thought process is ‘I’m not here forever, so what’s the point of making the effort?’ According to cognitive engineer Don Norman, whose career credits include stints at Apple and Hewlett-Packard, surrounding yourself with items that are beautiful, functional and reflective can have a positive impact on your cognitive ability.

At the 2003 TED conference, Norman presented Three Ways Good Design Makes you Happy, which suggests that simple, subtle and pleasant things relate to emotions. Offering a personal example, he tells the story of purchasing a gold-plated special edition juicer produced by French product designer Philippe Starck. The product, he admits, sits in his entry way for all to see. It’s not used to make juice, but rather, as an object that’s simply pleasing to look at. He proceeds to talk about owning a knife produced by renowned knife company Global, remarking that the item has everything because it’s beautiful and functional. “I can tell you stories about it,” he says, “which makes it reflective.” Not to mention, it works like a charm.

Whether you’re well-versed in the elements and principals of design or flat-out indifferent to what colors work where and why, it can be reassuring to know that even a rented apartment can incite feelings of happiness and belonging—it’s just a matter of maximizing the space by filling it with functional pieces and items that carry meaning for you. Take Norman’s advice, for instance: When you have a positive reaction to something, your brain produces dopamine, which in turn can have a motivating effect. He argues, “If you’re happy, things work better because you’re more creative.”

I’ve lived in more apartments than I care to count, each one differing in size and layout from the next. My two saving graces have been forced open-mindfulness and “borrowed” inspiration. Fine, I admit it. I’m a copycat. If I had my way, I’d spend all my time in home décor stores trying to find ways to re-create the look of my home with things I already have. But really, what idea isn’t a permutation of something that already exists? In a world of HGTV and IKEA, we have the luxury of letting someone else be the expert. In this case, Norman’s expert emphasis on selecting items that cause a person to reflect on some level resonates.

We all have memorabilia, things we hold onto for emotional reasons. Why keep them boxed up in your apartment building’s storage area? With the current design trend being reclaimed everything, start your shopping at home. Frame old news clippings and tickets and hang them on the wall; make a shadow box of a family heirloom and display it; make a side table out of vintage suitcases. Once you start experimenting and surrounding yourself with possessions that carry meaning, the décor direction will tend to follow. Suddenly, you might find yourself, like Sharon, wanting to spend a wee bit more time in that place that was never meant to be permanent.

Regarding furniture placement, window treatments and color, try sticking to some simple guidelines:

Aim High: Hang floor-to-ceiling curtains in a sheer, light material like linen to create a sense of height and draw the eye upwards. Check out Home Outfitters (www.homeoutfitters.com), which carries luxury items at affordable prices by designers like Brian Gluckstein.
View Finder: If the view from your apartment isn’t appealing, place some green plants or pretty flowers along the windowsill. Grocery stores like Metro carry lots of options, including low-maintenance orchids, for less than $15.
Open Minded: Keep the space airy and open by selecting tables and chairs constructed out of clear materials like glass and acrylic. Mirrored surfaces also reflect light and give an illusion of depth.
Lighten Up: Apartments aren’t typically equipped with the best lighting, so it’s up to the renter to brighten the space with table lamps and floor lamps. Lots of light will work wonders for the coziness of the unit. Progress Lighting and Hampton Bay, both found at Home Depot (www.homedepot.ca), carry hundreds of styles—with many in the $10 to $20 range!
Work the Magic: Lighter colors of paint reflect light and produce an illusion of space. If your landlord permits, paint the walls with soft tones or shades of white to trick the eye into thinking the apartment is larger than it really is.
Weigh Your Options: The scale of furniture matters, so if you’re looking for a new sofa, keep the size of the room in mind. Oversized furniture will overwhelm the room, actually making it appear smaller. Stores like IKEA (www.ikea.ca) and Urban Brick (www.thebrick.com) have mastered the art of furnishing apartment-sized spaces practically, stylishly and affordably.
Forms with Function: Decorate with your needs in mind. Make sure that each item serves a purpose and fits with the others and use multi-function furniture like pullout beds in bachelor apartments and ottomans with storage to hide clutter.

Thanks to Jessica Green of Greenwin Inc. for contributing to this article.

-The RentSeeker.ca Team

Tags: apartment, Apartment Living, Apartments for Rent, design, Furnishing Apartments for Rent, ottawa, rentseeker.ca, toronto
Posted in Apartment Design Tips from RentSeeker.ca, Apartment Living, Renting an Apartment, RentSeeker.ca Apartment Living Tips | No Comments »

Apartment Living: Fire Safety Tips from RentSeeker.ca

November 1st, 2011

Apartment Living - Fire Safety Planning

Turning up the Heat on Fire Safety in Your Rental Apartment

An astonishing number of Canadians in rental apartments across the country are affected every year in fires, whether accidental or electrical. During 2009 Toronto Fire Services responded to 142,014 calls with 278,271 vehicle responses. The causes range from smoking, appliances, cooking, candles, lamps and garbage disposal to electrical issues within the building complex. However, no matter what the cause, the impact on both renters and property management can be devastating.

Avoiding fires and fire damage in your rental complex is possible—it just requires some thoughtfulness and planning on your part. By taking just a few precautionary steps, you can protect yourself, your family and other renters in your apartment building.

First, it’s important for apartment renters to maintain open levels of communication with the management. Find out about your building’s fire safety features by asking your building manager or superintendent about how the property is protected in the event of a fire. Oftentimes, your move-in package will contain information of this nature, including locations of alarms, sprinklers, emergency exits and fire extinguishers. Apartment buildings higher than 12 storeys must have a voice communication system.

A key feature to look for inside your rental unit is whether there is at least one working smoke alarm (typically, alarms will have a test button). The Ontario Fire Code stipulates that every home must have one working smoke alarm. Ideally, however, you should have one in every room in your unit with the exception of kitchens, bathrooms and closets.

According to the City of Toronto’s Safety and Fire Prevention Services, most fatal fires happen at night when people are sleeping. This means that a working smoke alarm will detect smoke and alert you accordingly. Just be sure to change the batteries regularly. If the alarm is more than five to 10 years old, it’s time for a new one. Finally, never disable the smoke alarm in your apartment. If you find that steam from your shower or proximity to the kitchen is tripping the alarm, consult with your building’s management on re-locating it.

As fires spread quickly leaving apartment renters little time to act, this forward-thinking mentality is of the essence—even if you’re renting in a lower-level or basement apartment unit. Ask yourself the following questions:

What is my escape route?

What if my main escape route is blocked by smoke?

Do I have an alternate escape route if my primary route is blocked by fire or smoke?

Be prepared with at least two escape routes that do not include the elevator. Having an escape route might be the difference between life and death for you and your family.

Did you know that most people die from smoke inhalation rather than the fire itself? This is why having a roll of duct tape, which is available at hardware stores, is absolutely necessary as it can block smoke from entering your apartment through door cracks, vents and other openings.

Here are some other tips to consider:

Never smoke in bed. If possible, always smoke outside and ensure that your cigarette is fully extinguished on completion. When in doubt, douse them in water.

Examine electrical outlets regularly. If a cord is warm or a plug is blackened, contact your apartment building’s management or an electrician.

Never leave items cooking on a stove unattended.

Ensure candles are fully extinguished and trim their wicks if they are producing large flames.

Keep lamps a safe distance from curtains and heating sources.

Never dispose of burning materials in the garbage disposal.

Consider obtaining tenant’s insurance for damage to your belongings and, where applicable, the belongings of others and the rental property.

Fires in both highrise and lowrise apartment buildings can happen at any moment, which is why you must always have a fire safety plan. Speak to your landlord or local fire department for tips on how to keep you and your family safe.

The RentSeeker.ca Team

“Apartments for Rent Made Easy”

Tags: Apartment Living, Fire Safety, property management, rental, rentseeker.ca, toronto
Posted in Apartment Living, Fire Safety, RentSeeker.ca Apartment Living Tips | No Comments »

RentSeeker.ca Apartments for Rent Furnished vs. Unfurnished

October 7th, 2011

RentSeeker.ca Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments for Rent Part 1:

One of the most challenging and intriguing problems that face potential short term renters is deciding on the type of apartment they want to rent.

One consistent area of interest we often hear feedback from is the choice option between furnished and un-furnished apartment rentals. The sacrifice or trade-off between quality and cost could make the decision making process somewhat intriguing. If you’ve been shopping around for furnished apartments in Toronto on RentSeeker.ca, or in any city in Canada, you probably will have noticed that the asking price for one is more then then unfurnished apartments. This might actually be pretty good value and is due to a number of reasons. In order to properly and fairly assess the value of a furnished apartment, it is worthwhile to understand the landlord or building manager’s perspective. From the owners perspective, an individual looking to rent a furnished apartment is someone who probably wants to be catered to, and is likely only there for a short time. S/He would probably expect that the utility bills be set up under the landlords name instead of having to deal with the headaches themselves. While this might not be the case in your particular circumstance, this is sometimes an assumption. Let’s break down some of the the cost factors and value:

New Furniture

The Landlord will buy furniture to place into the apartment. This can range anywhere from a simple couch, table and chairs to full towel service, free TV and the more. Whatever it is, understand that the landlord has to charge more for these additional expenses

Repairs.

You might be the nicest most considerate guy, the type of person that never puts down a glass without first placing a coaster; however the landlord will operate under the assumption that some furniture is bound to get damaged and will increase his price to cover any real or imagined damage. This might be able to negotiated, as some landlords would prefer a security deposit and if there are no damages would refund it at the end of the lease period. Consider if it would be easier to pay a lump sum upfront and possibly have it returned, or to pay a little more every month.

Short term.

As we said, most furnished apartment rentals in the GTA as well as nearly everywhere are for the short(er) term, this means that in between every tenant, the landlord must go in to the apartment, and in most cases, paint all the walls, and hire professional contractors to enhance the suite appeal. In a typical unfurnished apartment rental, the tenant is usually there for a much longer period of time making theses checks more infrequent and thus less of an expense from an owners perspective.

Utilities.

Sometimes a short term tenant does not want to deal with the hassle of setting up his or hers own account with electric hydro gas etc. The landlord will often set up the features under their name and estimate the approximate usage and / or by passing the bill on to the tenant. Many unfurnished apartment rentals in Toronto and other cities include hydro in the rent.

While the price of a furnished apartment will probably run you more money per month, the added benefit for short term renters, namely furniture, and also often better service might end up being worth it

PART 2:

So you decided to rent a furnished apartment rental, and are now wondering, what are some of things I need to ask and know. Well, our team here at RentSeeker.ca, came up with some ideas for you:

1. The first question you should ask is for them to give you an itemized list of the furniture that is included in the apartment and the condition that it is in. For example;

Couches
End tables
Bed(s)
Kitchen table
Lamps
Televisions
Toaster ovens
Chairs
Microwave
Dishes
Cutlery
Crib

and…well, you get the idea.

2. Another important question to ask is if the rent price includes the furniture or if there is a separate fee for that. You don’t want to move in only to realize that there is another fee on top of the one you are paying already. Know how much the total bill would be at the end of every month!

3. Ask if utilities are included. This can vary by Landlord, so make sure to ASK. The same holds true regarding cable TV, phone lines, etc,.

4. Ask if there is a security deposit for the furniture. Some landlords instead of charging for repair will often ask for a deposit to cover any potential damage that might accrue. This can work out to your benefit as it means that if you are careful you wouldn’t have to pay anything for repairs. However the downside is that you have to give a lump sum in advance. This is often negotiable so ask your landlord what arrangements you can work out with them.

5. Find out what type of amenities the building and area offer. Sometimes newer built furnished property rentals will offer a higher standard of amenities and services on site.

These are some questions we came up with that you might wish to ask your landlord before you commit to your rental agreement. Think of your own questions and post them and share them on RentSeeker.ca on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rentseeker — so that others can benefit from your ideas and experiences!

-The RentSeeker.ca Team

“Apartment Rentals Made Easy”

Tags: Apartments for Rent, DelSuites, Furnished Apartments, Furnished Toronto Rentals, Rent Seeker, Renting an Apartment, rentseeker.ca, toronto rentals
Posted in Apartment Living, Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments Rentals, Moving, RentSeeker Apartments for Rent | No Comments »

Apartment Hunting? Downtown or Suburbs? Pros & Cons…

September 26th, 2011

The Ups and Downs of renting an apartment in Downtown

If you’ve been looking to move into a new apartment and have always wondered if you should look for a location in the downtown district or in the suburbs, then this article is for you!

While looking to rent an apartment, whether with a family, just married or single, many of us have often wondered what it would be like to move into one of the modern-style, gleaming high-rise apartment buildings located in the downtown core. Sometimes we dream that it would be cool to move away from the suburbs, and relocate into the center of a bustling metropolises, but weren’t sure if it was really worth it. Check out Rentseeker’s top four picks for the “Ups and Downs” of renting an apartment in the Downtown!

At RentSeeker.ca we are always looking for new ways to better understand the apartment rental market and to better serve our clients and consumers. As we researched through news articles on apartment rentals in Toronto, we started thinking about how varied and diverse Toronto is as a cultural city. Apartments in Toronto can be found in virtually any location and neighbourhoods. So with all the bewildering choices that face every person new move, one of the big questions we always hear is, is it better to rent downtown or in the suburbs? Wherever you ultimately decide to rent, RentSeeker would like to offer a couple of pros and cons about Downtown apartment (and condo) living to enable you to better understand your choices before you commit to your new dream apartment rental.

Commuting

On the up side, probably the most often heard reason to live in downtown is the virtual absence of commuting. Imagine waking up in the morning at a decent hour and strolling to work, instead of getting up an hour early to beat the rush hour traffic. Imagine not sitting behind someone on the freeway for 45 minutes of stop and go traffic, who thinks it’s cool to put the bass on high and belt some rock tunes, before you’ve even had your morning coffee. Imagine not having to leave work an hour late in order to wait 25 minutes in traffic instead of the average 45 minutes.

Living in downtown is almost like an extra gift of two hours every day to your hectic schedule, enough time to take your boy/girl friend, wife, partner or anyone you want to to a movie, dinner or just relax.

Noise

A major drawback for many people is the noise of colleges and parties that can wake up people in the building, including yourself and family. While if you’re a student that might not be such a bad thing, for many older people, this is a major inconvenience. If you are looking for a quiet apartment building, RentSeeker.ca offers a feature that allows you to check off your requirements for a building and only shows you the buildings that match your needs. In addition many buildings often cater specifically to a senior crowd and often include many convenient amenities for their tenants that other buildings won’t have.

If you are a student, check out the RentSeeker.ca’s Student Rental Housing to learn which apartments are available to rent in Toronto and especially downtown Toronto (and cities across Canada), that are near your college or university.

Traffic

Another potential downside of renting an apartment in downtown Toronto or any major downtown metropolitan area is the constant, almost 24 hour snarl of traffic that often surrounds the apartment buildings. While your commute is now a walk, listening to the constant blaring of horns from irate drivers can often take the pleasure out of sleeping in late. Many apartment buildings are now being designed with an emphasis on noise reduction, especially in the apartment suites. However until the technique is perfected, living in the suburbs generally offers a more peaceful environment then living in downtown.

Expenses

Living in downtown comes at a cost though. Apartment managers in the downtown district often charge 2-3 times more then a typical suburban apartment rental. While this is a major consideration, it should be weighed carefully against the fact that you will be saving quite a bit in gas and especially time. Calculate the time and expenses that you save for living near your work, against the extra fees you pay for living ion the downtown area, and see what makes sense for you.

Wherever you decide to rent, visit RentSeeker.ca to see apartment rentals in your area. Whether you’re looking for an apartment in the Kensington market, or the Beaches, from middle class to upper class, RentSeeker offers an array of professionally managed apartments for rent across Canada by Major Canadian Landlords. The decision is ultimately yours to make, but we hope that we here at Rentseeker have given you some food for thought, about some of the “Ups and Downs” of renting apartments in Downtown.

Good luck with your move!

The RentSeeker.ca Team

Tags: apartments for rent in toronto, apartments in ottawa, calgary apartment rentals, edmonton apartments, mississauga apartments for rent, rentseeker.ca, toronto rentals
Posted in Apartment Hunting Tips, Apartments for Rent, Renting an Apartment, Tips | No Comments »

Apartment Hunting with Children? Here Are Some Tips…

August 25th, 2011

Apartment Hunting with Children

Searching for an apartment to rent in large cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton, and cities across Canada becomes slightly more complicated when you have children. As a parent you want to carefully research your options and consider your children’s needs, before committing to a particular apartment.

Find yourself in that position? Firstly, we recommend using an online apartment search service (which is FREE for renters), such as Rentseeker.ca, which will allow you to conduct your apartment search from the convenience of your own home or office, based on your specific criteria. Multiple rental listings can be found in most popular cities across Canada. It will save time, money and effort by having the ability to view details, photos, videos, maps, area amenities, and even the company owner information. With that information all available online at your convenience, you can route your map and head out to visit the apartments you found fit your criteria.

Here are some more tips you might want to look for when searching for an apartment rental with children or a family in mind:

Safety

As children, we have always been taught safety first. The same holds true in your apartment search. Think of the area that you plan on living in and do some research regarding the neighborhoods reputation. You can also walk around and see whether the place is well kept and maintained. Talk to potential neighbors if you can, and find out how they feel regarding their neighborhood.

Building

Nowadays many buildings come with security features such as concierges, video cameras and security patrols. They are a great deterrent, making it the property less of a target for crime. Rentseeker.ca offers a features on its website that allows you to check off a box that will only show you apartments in your area that have these or similar security measurements.

Street

Parents might also want to consider the location of the apartment in relationship to the street. An ideal location would be an apartment that does not face or back up to a busy street or intersection. However if it must, check to see if it has a fenced in area or backyard where the children can run around in and play safely.

Local Area & Amenities

One of the primary considerations of parents is the location of the apartment. Is it near Schools? Shopping? Transportation?

Rentseeker features WalkScore in all rental listings. What this does is rate the area in terms of its ease of accessibility to schools, shopping, transportation etc.. When you search for an apartment to rent in any city in Canada, this tool can be a extremely useful to help gather information about the area. Think of the amount of time and effort that can be saved if you find an apartment near your children’s school, rather then having to commute.

With those tips in mind, and using RentSeeker as your source for apartments for rent across Canada, you’ll understand why RentSeeker.ca = Apartments for Rent Made Easy