Renting: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hi! I'm Jamie from the blog [<a href="http://www.joyalfamily.blogspot.com/"><b><u>kreyv</u></b></a>]. Because of Mr. Hubs' medical schooling, residency, and fellowship, we have rented for nine of our eleven years of marriage. Here are my thoughts on the good, bad, and ugly.<br /><br />The <b>GOOD</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b><br />I would say that my favorite thing about renting is not being responsible for major maintenance issues. If anything gives you problems or breaks, it's not your problem. At our current rental, the maintenance manager even prefers to change our light bulbs, so that the lighting fixtures don't break (which wouldn't be the worst thing in the world...more on that later)! Aside from maintenance, we love having a pool, fitness club, and clubhouse to use whenever we like.<br /><br />We have found that most landlords/managers don't mind if you paint, which is a big relief, because chances are, I'm going to want to change the colors of the wall. Some places either charge you or ask that you repaint to the original color. However, if you are renting a private resident, many landlords will agree to let you change things at their expense. Our last rental was a single family home. We changed wall colors, bathroom vanities, light fixtures, and window coverings. Our landlord paid for all of it. We were able to make the home ours, and the landlord got free labor. Win win...for everyone except my husband who did all of the work!<br /><br />My final "good" is that there's not a huge commitment with renting. We have lived in four different states that, prior to moving, we knew nothing about. Finding a home to buy when you only have a weekend to look is completely scary. Plus, we don't have to worry about leaving an unsold second home when we move again.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbjbhvrOcKBwXRe6wacN-e10CJqhS3SHU7KTVtE2FwkgmdrO7s5icjH3C5pJ42dNXvOU1Ruvz7IHR1oFdq34sBm3C4JWc4cvY95SqW-KmlqlxtXtqTzDfGAMUaPFp12hkTQh4pWJVBZE/s1600/house-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbjbhvrOcKBwXRe6wacN-e10CJqhS3SHU7KTVtE2FwkgmdrO7s5icjH3C5pJ42dNXvOU1Ruvz7IHR1oFdq34sBm3C4JWc4cvY95SqW-KmlqlxtXtqTzDfGAMUaPFp12hkTQh4pWJVBZE/s1600/house-19.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />The <b>BAD</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />We are allowed to paint in our current rental, but here's the catch: we have to either repaint the entire thing, OR pay tons of money to have them repaint it. So, we've only painted the entry and the living room, and I just live with the ugly not my favorite paint in all of the other rooms.<br /><br />I am obsessed with interior design and believe that paint color and lighting are both crucial elements to a good design, neither meet my expectations in our rental. We have no overhead lighting in our living room, which is common in rentals, and I hate it! I need light! We installed a track lighting in our living room, which helps, but isn't the same as good lighting. And, speaking of lighting, the light fixtures here are not one bit cute. But, when renting, you can't be too picky. I guess I'll live with the bad lighting in exchange for granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and good floors.<br /><br />And finally, space and storage--or more accurately, the lack of. We are lucky to have walk-in closets in every room, which helps a ton, but we still don't have enough storage. It forces you to be very creative by adding shelves and exercising the art of organization.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0OoX2yVDlZ9-yv1WV6W4crF48gZu1J7tnjCC6R5EWmGym_tAOpFGc2dQlWiS84rBnIe8ydNC10DxDECyQ8a8pVMGdZTLYp7QM2rdhsLSeDtkoBxQ-qq5Uwi2Ge36h8w9stWjQqCpTlM/s1600/DSC_5642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0OoX2yVDlZ9-yv1WV6W4crF48gZu1J7tnjCC6R5EWmGym_tAOpFGc2dQlWiS84rBnIe8ydNC10DxDECyQ8a8pVMGdZTLYp7QM2rdhsLSeDtkoBxQ-qq5Uwi2Ge36h8w9stWjQqCpTlM/s1600/DSC_5642.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />The <b>UGLY</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b><br />Having a two year old adds some additional items to our wish list. I wish we had a yard. We are super close to lots of parks, but there's something to be said about a fenced in yard of your own. Besides the privacy, the worry of unknown dangers and strangers isn't such an issue. Other "uglies?" Knowing exactly what movie your neighbors are watching or what songs they are listening to, neighbors who add lawn ornaments, benches, and lighting to the teeny, tiny shared grass areas (<i>we live in town homes</i>), and people who drive around the parking lot as if it's a race track. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I guess I could some up those last items by saying neighbors. Neighbors that are too close! Luckily, our immediate neighbors are wonderful. Thank goodness!</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbtsmj3VShbmjR8Wrl1Iq2HW160yGAehip56r9Ez9AzaDDeZxJE9PfPOhxjWzJN_bw4hF1Ksa8O1gH-wycnW9dLaTnoT_gamm00nVLDlL-9cCaE4Q7JLoCHIXAFcDfIUlwNvOFq_bWtA/s1600/DSC_5630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbtsmj3VShbmjR8Wrl1Iq2HW160yGAehip56r9Ez9AzaDDeZxJE9PfPOhxjWzJN_bw4hF1Ksa8O1gH-wycnW9dLaTnoT_gamm00nVLDlL-9cCaE4Q7JLoCHIXAFcDfIUlwNvOFq_bWtA/s1600/DSC_5630.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />For now, the good outweighs the bad. I think that regardless of where you live, the important thing is that you make your house a home that reflects the people who live there.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Are you RENTING??</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you'd like to share, </span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>the good, the bad, the ugly</b></i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> of living in a rental, </span><a href="mailto:jen@madebygirl.com" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;"><b><u>email me</u></b></a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> your submission with 3-4 pictures of your apartment! Pls use the same format as above!</span> </span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><br />

Renting: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Hi! I'm Jamie from the blog [ kreyv ]. Because of Mr. Hubs' medical schooling, residency, and fellowship, we have rented for nine of...

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Renting: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I'm Alethea from <a href="http://www.likewhateveronline.com/"><b><u>Like What Ever</u></b></a> blog! Long time follower of MadeByGirl! I'm here this Tuesday to share my rental experience with all of you! Here we go! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The <b>GOOD</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />I live in a great neighbourhood in a great part of the city (Toronto).  Supermarket, library, dry cleaners are close at hand.  I love that it's all within walking distance and that I don't live in the suburbs where you have to drive to your mailbox. Yikes!  On the weekends, restaurants are a plenty. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Great dinning options and night life are all nearby. Love it! My space itself is great. I really lucked out! Unlike most condos in the city, the living space and bedroom are huge. I've recently started to entertain and my friends always say how comfy they are which makes me super happy.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UUoluNCCITJ2Nb75QQ8aHOIHYR7j5hZ3BYURExRiqrGXD5l02LkvcJcQG7l5HDBSydDmSVJ1MJlrp9PJt_UFRWo4YkA7F5tsD7ieQaEwzwGAA5e0152RMj3BoWdyGG94r0ZpGkTVMvA/s1600/IMG_2925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UUoluNCCITJ2Nb75QQ8aHOIHYR7j5hZ3BYURExRiqrGXD5l02LkvcJcQG7l5HDBSydDmSVJ1MJlrp9PJt_UFRWo4YkA7F5tsD7ieQaEwzwGAA5e0152RMj3BoWdyGG94r0ZpGkTVMvA/s1600/IMG_2925.JPG" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCJ0b5yu7JO8-O2g9LWej60rs0dlPc_4ueLeul78eXyScRsCH3EpwdRi-ErTahQ42fmXrXsPIjejeIKyAeL0f_py51FLUpot6ViGRIt-6hqCqXpB1XyX1ORqOKvclLIhFEb5nHPVHW_Q/s1600/IMG_2964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCJ0b5yu7JO8-O2g9LWej60rs0dlPc_4ueLeul78eXyScRsCH3EpwdRi-ErTahQ42fmXrXsPIjejeIKyAeL0f_py51FLUpot6ViGRIt-6hqCqXpB1XyX1ORqOKvclLIhFEb5nHPVHW_Q/s1600/IMG_2964.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />The <b>BAD</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />Nothing would make me happier than to have my own laundry area.  I wish, wish, wish I had by own washer and dryer. Especially because my apartment is on the top level of a four floor walk-up.  No elevators here! The good thing about condos is each unit has their own en-suite laundry. And elevators.  </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">In addition to no laundry, I can't exactly break down walls in my apartment rental - but if I could, I would definitely break down the wall in my bedroom to open up the closet.  How amazing would a closet with french doors be. I wish! The bathroom is great but the separate faucets for hot and cold water are so not charming.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-o7Mgmfekh7vIFsS9RUUVjbFpt7emJN7ZKS3ZjhBK5XYiMKRf4x-lZm7BNDLYl99U70lSI_tERLTYR55HivyDhnMZAK89Qdg0Ask2wlvYk1NCmUMPHwxYGYuRjFygP6UjlgsWvaQXUDQ/s1600/IMG_2939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-o7Mgmfekh7vIFsS9RUUVjbFpt7emJN7ZKS3ZjhBK5XYiMKRf4x-lZm7BNDLYl99U70lSI_tERLTYR55HivyDhnMZAK89Qdg0Ask2wlvYk1NCmUMPHwxYGYuRjFygP6UjlgsWvaQXUDQ/s1600/IMG_2939.JPG" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qjiTANPOdrfqK5WXGwSzzQ-bznHVCn6hXtuiWjzFHZyPvKkWSy3qzzVG7H1HonB1UkzXEEP9R2doc2GqA5vRT85kPxf3pgNBM6159sx0q3xm6rg3lV_xl9Sr3NE-l8bFh046rn_fMXU/s1600/IMG_2995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qjiTANPOdrfqK5WXGwSzzQ-bznHVCn6hXtuiWjzFHZyPvKkWSy3qzzVG7H1HonB1UkzXEEP9R2doc2GqA5vRT85kPxf3pgNBM6159sx0q3xm6rg3lV_xl9Sr3NE-l8bFh046rn_fMXU/s1600/IMG_2995.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The <b>UGLY</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />You haven't seen ugly until you've taken a look at my kitchen counter top.  Now that's ugly! You'd think since it's white it shouldn't be that bad, but it is.  It absorbs everything.  Wine, soy sauce, beet juice... everything.  So maybe it was originally white but now it's just a hodge podge of different stains. Don't even get me started on the kitchen floor which extends to the dinning room.  </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Again - it's white.  And even though it's fairly easy to clean, it's 10x easier to get dirty.  Plus with a shedding cat.. forget about it.  I thank god for Swifter Wet Wipes.  Also, I don't mind watching TV every now and then.  I love me some Glee just like the next person - but do I really have to listen to my neighbour's TV too?  Since I live in an apartment rental, the answer is yes! Paper thin walls just can't be helped.<br /><br />So that's it.  My good, bad & ugly of renting.  For the most part I do like my place a lot and will probably stay here until I purchase a cute little fixer upper to really get my creative design juices going. In the meantime, I've learned to live with all the not-so-good stuff because the really good stuff is far more.  I'm comfortable, the location is great, it's close to work, church, friends and family.  I don't have to shovel snow in the winter and every summer a nice garden suddenly appears in the front yard. <i> So what's not to love?!</i>  Trekking up and down the stairs for laundry is good exercise for my thighs any ways. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Glass half full.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxDo_MVj4iMJkAbe94pTCN67pg-B2QKsVTBraFie7n6gG3z7joErAipeNIBtW_KoxS3vxRBHJ-y4sCohM3vyO7uf7qprMDZVuZABW82NwTo8NZTF4xzmm_v92xivb6_9m_7Dvcaj0XDU/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxDo_MVj4iMJkAbe94pTCN67pg-B2QKsVTBraFie7n6gG3z7joErAipeNIBtW_KoxS3vxRBHJ-y4sCohM3vyO7uf7qprMDZVuZABW82NwTo8NZTF4xzmm_v92xivb6_9m_7Dvcaj0XDU/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Are you renting??</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you'd like to share, </span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>the good, the bad, the ugly</b></i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> of living in a rental, </span><a href="mailto:jen@madebygirl.com" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;"><b><u>email me</u></b></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> your submission with 3-4 pictures of your apartment! Pls use the same format as above! </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span></span>

Renting: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

I'm Alethea from Like What Ever blog! Long time follower of MadeByGirl! I'm here this Tuesday to share my rental experience with al...

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Renting: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hey there lovelies, this is Eileen from <a href="http://www.acreativedayblog.com/"><b><u>A Creative Day</u></b></a>. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I'm here this Wednesday sharing a little about my rental..</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <b>GOOD</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Renting has made me more creative in how I inject my design aesthetic into a place I can't really change. Do I want to wallpaper my entry? Yes. But instead I painted a wall graphic to add some interest but it can be easily painted over when we move out. It also allowed me to pitch to my husband why I NEEDED that massive 6 foot by 3 foot painting for my dining room... "See honey, I'm not going to paint so I really need a shot of color in here."</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMU6SkQc5krunhIWgk9lV9u2IM50cTmr6ADxe_oZXtc-3PEPigpDDMRM0Q0bHFY4SsjZiwoMJFKKzqNGj13zwveMDjF3gRgCMDfmgLFdKmrbIK6YLpILVK-d0VNnzIc65SpmPTuWyeaY/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMU6SkQc5krunhIWgk9lV9u2IM50cTmr6ADxe_oZXtc-3PEPigpDDMRM0Q0bHFY4SsjZiwoMJFKKzqNGj13zwveMDjF3gRgCMDfmgLFdKmrbIK6YLpILVK-d0VNnzIc65SpmPTuWyeaY/s1600/5.JPG" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gcqkwtQclYJNrcd82XLg0jhXsdOaRYFZ9LDMY05Q9XOJ6apJfX7-T0dNPoIO3eCgjvaMakmvaP4BbxOmh-S6jH2AUqY-4W2ebk9ytJKxbiBufY-jSFwkSRLCq6XARUo4dYH2fKBsFeo/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gcqkwtQclYJNrcd82XLg0jhXsdOaRYFZ9LDMY05Q9XOJ6apJfX7-T0dNPoIO3eCgjvaMakmvaP4BbxOmh-S6jH2AUqY-4W2ebk9ytJKxbiBufY-jSFwkSRLCq6XARUo4dYH2fKBsFeo/s1600/8.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The <b>BAD</b><br /><br />My degree is in architecture so all I want to do is rip down some walls, open up our floor plan and do a little happy dance with all my eames chairs. My landlord and husband say no. Also, said landlord is fighting replacing the black and white wallpaper in the bathroom that totally doesn't match the black and white tile in the same room. I guess what frustrates me the most about renting is not having the control. I want to be able to decide if I want to replace the cabinets in the kitchen or paint my bedroom navy, and renting requires the opinion of another person who most certainly might not agree with what you think needs to be done.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSsuMGULcI-7quNFjOOATJOdlZYjiRjej12MGFdh9ibFan2MLFFrUSD_tOZUStuZ3sob09VwcAe58cuSc-KsbgJfr-e___aFA68NseQ4xzIyx170Rp2OLnsflnaDS0SkLqEBxddb-Wvw/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSsuMGULcI-7quNFjOOATJOdlZYjiRjej12MGFdh9ibFan2MLFFrUSD_tOZUStuZ3sob09VwcAe58cuSc-KsbgJfr-e___aFA68NseQ4xzIyx170Rp2OLnsflnaDS0SkLqEBxddb-Wvw/s1600/9.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuekaOeD6NpHeT3F7MGbcc4irQFrG_bE0frnuNeV_K-lhGIX8YmK7pPgmqVlQIrbzEsRp4SmRxnmf4_FtSIFQDHYtzV99zgBeGAUEC0NuThhNnmiPFzpqoiIcowDQtT5Tzd3B4O4OvPvk/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuekaOeD6NpHeT3F7MGbcc4irQFrG_bE0frnuNeV_K-lhGIX8YmK7pPgmqVlQIrbzEsRp4SmRxnmf4_FtSIFQDHYtzV99zgBeGAUEC0NuThhNnmiPFzpqoiIcowDQtT5Tzd3B4O4OvPvk/s1600/6.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIX7sR0fwhqAdqN8WxmaWTKLNq4kJPL1rwUqGWCF-AO24et1WkmGnzdgql11Kcbs9qxhhJYafMwUs6ijHlza7TU4f3W1Hbyw5R05hTHnVpc1eVu4tHRx3VxOyHXItUSnfN-XVfuNE_sKs/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIX7sR0fwhqAdqN8WxmaWTKLNq4kJPL1rwUqGWCF-AO24et1WkmGnzdgql11Kcbs9qxhhJYafMwUs6ijHlza7TU4f3W1Hbyw5R05hTHnVpc1eVu4tHRx3VxOyHXItUSnfN-XVfuNE_sKs/s1600/15.JPG" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The <b>UGLY</b><br /><br />The outer space "I really belong in a Star Trek movie" chandelier that was in our dining room. Period. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><b>Interested in sharing your place???</b> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">If you'd like to share, <i><b>the good, the bad, the ugly</b></i> of living in a rental, <a href="mailto:jen@madebygirl.com" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;"><b><u>email me</u></b></a> your submission with 3-4 pictures of your apartment! Pls use the same format as above! </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><br />

Renting: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Hey there lovelies, this is Eileen from A Creative Day . I'm here this Wednesday sharing a little about my rental.. The GOOD Renting has...

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Renting: The Good, The Bad, the Ugly

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hello Made By Girl readers! I'm Myrna and I write a blog called <a href="http://fortheloveofblack.blogspot.com/"><b><u>For the Love of Black</u></b></a>.  At this time I'm living in a rental basement suite & now I'm here to share my experience!</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>The GOOD </b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b> </b><br />I have rented A LOT in my life as well owned a few homes so I think I know the pros & cons pretty good by now!! One of the best things about renting is not having to come up with money for the repair man every time an appliance breaks down or save for a new roof & so on. It's all taken care of!! I also love the ease of knowing I can pick up and move fairly easy if I'm renting on a month to month basis. This tends to keep me more organized. I don't accumulate much stuff or things I don't need, since I don't have an attic or basement to store things in for years and years!!</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwArhQ85EdxvBAyLWp1aMTNqbie-pxby5SnV1O-hh3Be4TxNpuOwwESlXIMuKqG_C-0ugC0XFJv-PIrXXeLubVkN-7RVNWou9Hmwrn6sCwiLzaN9CYsave7WhYLb-Q1RsynQgV4_kjKU4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-08+at+9.53.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwArhQ85EdxvBAyLWp1aMTNqbie-pxby5SnV1O-hh3Be4TxNpuOwwESlXIMuKqG_C-0ugC0XFJv-PIrXXeLubVkN-7RVNWou9Hmwrn6sCwiLzaN9CYsave7WhYLb-Q1RsynQgV4_kjKU4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-08+at+9.53.16+PM.png" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeE-Kgv7R__lYh1jBs1JsKKiWqCEZ3zT2IiQGCPnWsV4N6amu4yQ_EZXdjHmoFqF2HQ_rpR3X-Y869OuxR2ZhYgVRWccoz7KXujr2mFPUZq5QIRRaJPSI0agJHrPknPon-8-wfi5G2qQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-08+at+9.56.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeE-Kgv7R__lYh1jBs1JsKKiWqCEZ3zT2IiQGCPnWsV4N6amu4yQ_EZXdjHmoFqF2HQ_rpR3X-Y869OuxR2ZhYgVRWccoz7KXujr2mFPUZq5QIRRaJPSI0agJHrPknPon-8-wfi5G2qQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-08+at+9.56.07+PM.png" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw0iwEoLLF_WP3Nz3ReNYLQHbCOketHlvTtiLD_eUcBlKnVjLgVNzkvRID3pAlt8sFC-6Lc4cu0ZL25XZX4XusjgUG4OwqKfs-_nNg866_rNQVXOqtkkFkSR-uoZEg1mbSEXnEQJr47I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-08+at+9.55.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw0iwEoLLF_WP3Nz3ReNYLQHbCOketHlvTtiLD_eUcBlKnVjLgVNzkvRID3pAlt8sFC-6Lc4cu0ZL25XZX4XusjgUG4OwqKfs-_nNg866_rNQVXOqtkkFkSR-uoZEg1mbSEXnEQJr47I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-08+at+9.55.36+PM.png" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5JN1EXVCHlOJ8krmnNODoLr-yhJMkrrLV8cJVZwPSY-ETcoZ2E61l0F_pI68J8OPrJJeKHF-iLd8tIt6hKZzyA-2VseGGuFEFJ7bNV5Kc07oatttdJ-4-QCKhxY4zx_Rap0OfIwEhA8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-08+at+9.58.13+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5JN1EXVCHlOJ8krmnNODoLr-yhJMkrrLV8cJVZwPSY-ETcoZ2E61l0F_pI68J8OPrJJeKHF-iLd8tIt6hKZzyA-2VseGGuFEFJ7bNV5Kc07oatttdJ-4-QCKhxY4zx_Rap0OfIwEhA8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-08+at+9.58.13+PM.png" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwML0O-6dSydA8YCjTEbOEd4lYlGMzsHEmrE4-mNNk3fbxVhwIxfNXtZaXs0JOG7KrRUbxK2UY3A-nHiadBsGRc0Rjo8jqvT92h_0-7K24ESti1y0TwY8tZ8bNUhHoG_f_FS59Ys00an4/s1600/DSC01840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwML0O-6dSydA8YCjTEbOEd4lYlGMzsHEmrE4-mNNk3fbxVhwIxfNXtZaXs0JOG7KrRUbxK2UY3A-nHiadBsGRc0Rjo8jqvT92h_0-7K24ESti1y0TwY8tZ8bNUhHoG_f_FS59Ys00an4/s1600/DSC01840.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>The BAD</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Having to be quiet!! It's so hard not to turn up that favorite song on the radio or that movie you've been dying to watch. Even walking or doing laundry or banging pots and pans has to be done quietly!!  Also hearing the people who live above, below or either side of you can be drag especially, you know.... (AHEM) okay, I wont go there!!!!</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKy9pcwIt6jlXtQt4FduZc9b0blxKymEgj7bw3if_arnxIHnQ2tG8cy4W_NPJfubcb99fjEnbJAgHQz5sWG0NjshrBfZpRhdncMejR8ur08kC2ka4CydK3vH1BNpJvsTOWZDHcjvWhEE8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-08+at+9.56.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKy9pcwIt6jlXtQt4FduZc9b0blxKymEgj7bw3if_arnxIHnQ2tG8cy4W_NPJfubcb99fjEnbJAgHQz5sWG0NjshrBfZpRhdncMejR8ur08kC2ka4CydK3vH1BNpJvsTOWZDHcjvWhEE8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-08+at+9.56.45+PM.png" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXxzNf2ls5jL8V5G_lHCIaR_tAxOyOGUpdzFL7e0crNjBKb0CFRlO2e2QMnoI-NPsFBoIbKwMhk1Cqmw6q1qk0HKuL1uIT2h5Y0LQ9bJLbSKSKPEvIBJfPyqWktZJz_aWJea3G_dtKrU/s1600/DSC01868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXxzNf2ls5jL8V5G_lHCIaR_tAxOyOGUpdzFL7e0crNjBKb0CFRlO2e2QMnoI-NPsFBoIbKwMhk1Cqmw6q1qk0HKuL1uIT2h5Y0LQ9bJLbSKSKPEvIBJfPyqWktZJz_aWJea3G_dtKrU/s1600/DSC01868.JPG" /></a></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The UGLY</span></b></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The UGLY is when I have to if I can paint my place and then be told NO!! It's the way I put my stamp on my place and make it feel like home. I've found that the majority of times I do ask, and then other times  I just paint....because it's easier to ask for forgiveness then permission, right?? Ha! And besides, I just paint it back before I move :) Also, flooring or other fixtures can be a pain to live with.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">There's pros & cons to renting. However, as of right now, I'm happy to rent. Decorating and making the space your own as well as surrounding yourself with the people you love is really what it's all about!</span><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzdJkxSaIJzYbR2W_1NCO7WisUgNmXUh6mvWSi7WTv6vjLp7BIxZ4P6nzOV4hTGRk4_31HTU6I32-xn7bp2p_KHYEL4DV-BFDx68hIZmWj3ZhyIpQdC8Bcp_VoHqVJR1vxbf3E58yHd8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-08+at+9.54.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzdJkxSaIJzYbR2W_1NCO7WisUgNmXUh6mvWSi7WTv6vjLp7BIxZ4P6nzOV4hTGRk4_31HTU6I32-xn7bp2p_KHYEL4DV-BFDx68hIZmWj3ZhyIpQdC8Bcp_VoHqVJR1vxbf3E58yHd8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-08+at+9.54.25+PM.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyaV731Sh_rfc5K5hKzeWwkkZj3G1xkfGDgFKxaq3eSTU7HnLiyM0WXsG-9xtP48-1Xv7IjIswUY8Iu9jE_hakYrmKOgs_xanSYAnvgAN4Frt97Vb_RvZlnL8kr_DeckTFZAdlJDiFJU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-08+at+9.57.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyaV731Sh_rfc5K5hKzeWwkkZj3G1xkfGDgFKxaq3eSTU7HnLiyM0WXsG-9xtP48-1Xv7IjIswUY8Iu9jE_hakYrmKOgs_xanSYAnvgAN4Frt97Vb_RvZlnL8kr_DeckTFZAdlJDiFJU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-08+at+9.57.38+PM.png" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />If you'd like to share, <i><b>the good, the bad, the ugly</b></i> of living in a rental, <a href="mailto:jen@madebygirl.com" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;"><b><u>email me</u></b></a> your submission with 3-4 pictures of your apartment! Pls use the same format as above! </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>

Renting: The Good, The Bad, the Ugly

Hello Made By Girl readers! I'm Myrna and I write a blog called For the Love of Black .  At this time I'm living in a rental basemen...

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Renting: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hi everyone! This is <b style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.taylormorgandesign.blogspot.com/"><u>Taylor</u></a></b> from <b><a href="http://www.taylormorgandesign.blogspot.com/" style="color: black;"><u>Taylor Morgan</u></a></b>, here to share with you my experience with renting. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">  </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The GOOD</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>  </b></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The biggest plus to renting is not having the responsibility of fixing things when they break or go wrong. I love being able to pick up my phone, make a simple phone call and have someone come to fix everything that day without a bill to pay! Stress free! There is an excitement to being able to live in lots of fun places as well. I have lived in LA, Austin, and now NYC and have loved every where I have rented (NYC being the favorite though!). And in NYC more people rent than own so it's just kind of the norm. I love it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The greatest part about renting in NYC compared to other cities I've lived in is that they let you do more to your apartment (<i>as long as you keep it nice</i>) because they know most people are renters but still want to feel at home. Our building is great with letting you paint & such so I don't feel to restricted even though I am a renter. I painted stripes and mounted our t.v. so I'm a happy camper!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH146n4Kmox7_2h0ORCXvsZcn4Fio86S7p7J4J2mI5IGJ18Iz8TuSarqvGk6CyMuydzEMaFqjrOa3e1DQ7o3PBnZ-gG4tLmZJia3WoGSwMUuOyPOKHjXw50hWVrpa2GXA-uAyhyzhGvqU/s1600/photo-86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH146n4Kmox7_2h0ORCXvsZcn4Fio86S7p7J4J2mI5IGJ18Iz8TuSarqvGk6CyMuydzEMaFqjrOa3e1DQ7o3PBnZ-gG4tLmZJia3WoGSwMUuOyPOKHjXw50hWVrpa2GXA-uAyhyzhGvqU/s1600/photo-86.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cGH1lgWxvO-Yv0JI8hxXEjDTuDQ0fXDettqHcd1D4ouzGonu1WbKdt2xPDVjI9J7jF5i1zVXuwRWrb7oooTztSNY-OfRni4FtkiTZe1fxe2v2HzEAuutaFsi0NqQE14YcPUpwpa3Bzs/s1600/DSC_1249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cGH1lgWxvO-Yv0JI8hxXEjDTuDQ0fXDettqHcd1D4ouzGonu1WbKdt2xPDVjI9J7jF5i1zVXuwRWrb7oooTztSNY-OfRni4FtkiTZe1fxe2v2HzEAuutaFsi0NqQE14YcPUpwpa3Bzs/s1600/DSC_1249.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The BAD</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Space. There isn't a lot of it in an apartment. Especially an apartment in NYC. Husband and I live in a 500 square foot studio apartment in downtown Manhattan. I was really skeptical about a studio at first, but surprisingly I don't feel to cramped. Our apartment seems to be the perfect size for the two of us. The depressing part is that we pay more in rent for our 500 square foot apartment than most of our friends' house mortgages in other states. But then I remember I just said friend's in <i>other states</i> and I actually feel bad for them that they don't also live in NYC. So it evens out.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrpCmB3CJPbt2CVdWmueYUQe2Uyzgs61lV1vVFaBXJtkGMddcWKfwhqljMsLPp88UeDyqOnCC84OPfskCtTwCpQWXvvOYwgfiBUJpWg_ILQ0TvwfbjRNuAjL8PEAPqcf7Gzn6XJjlhHs/s1600/DSC_0786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrpCmB3CJPbt2CVdWmueYUQe2Uyzgs61lV1vVFaBXJtkGMddcWKfwhqljMsLPp88UeDyqOnCC84OPfskCtTwCpQWXvvOYwgfiBUJpWg_ILQ0TvwfbjRNuAjL8PEAPqcf7Gzn6XJjlhHs/s1600/DSC_0786.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-QelKG2EtV00mXyLHr9C1-dPYazhkwmVRaOC6vySPS_R-JIMHAZtEtV6_NGCSRUIZS7-rRFdi_XeQ5T9E_iAFj516eHcTao0gg76V3BDh5rBmCgte_v3q7TSQ9rdqLWyXJGqSkCSwvo/s1600/DSC_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-QelKG2EtV00mXyLHr9C1-dPYazhkwmVRaOC6vySPS_R-JIMHAZtEtV6_NGCSRUIZS7-rRFdi_XeQ5T9E_iAFj516eHcTao0gg76V3BDh5rBmCgte_v3q7TSQ9rdqLWyXJGqSkCSwvo/s1600/DSC_0023.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The <b>UGLY</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Neighbors that are to close for comfort. The smaller the apartments are, the closer your neighbors are. I don't actually hear my neighbors to often but I feel like they must hear us. I feel like we are loud but who knows?! It's more the smells that get to me. Like when they are cooking something that I think stinks or even worse, smoking something that <i>really </i>stinks! Be considerate people. We live so close we obviously have to share the same air! Biggest pet peeve.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Overall though, I feel like renting appeals more to me at this stage in my life. I am not ready to commit to one place, it scares me more than committing to marriage to tell you the truth. Makes me feel to tied down. Although I'm sure I won't find it scary to commit to when we are buying our dream penthouse in the city one day. Until then, I am a happy renter!</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1nWlcJSxay9nkwoGJmnlceG5Wx-GCZGR1basgo19OYQlpe_q1QvlLBO62h5SwZITEPzJslaUYvGe5Y1Wi4NfMoAsOOs1sGZAbqsZ3oIgebNurYKGOsG2TXUMrTvEls8GoLxCGcJCkBs/s1600/DSC_0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1nWlcJSxay9nkwoGJmnlceG5Wx-GCZGR1basgo19OYQlpe_q1QvlLBO62h5SwZITEPzJslaUYvGe5Y1Wi4NfMoAsOOs1sGZAbqsZ3oIgebNurYKGOsG2TXUMrTvEls8GoLxCGcJCkBs/s1600/DSC_0077.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Check out this VIDEO we made.  It's our cheesy version of MTV cribs.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ib9I6JR45hs?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you'd like to share, <i>the good, the bad, the ugly</i> of living in a rental, <b><a href="mailto:jen@madebygirl.com" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;"><u>email me</u></a></b> your submission with 3-4 pictures of your apartment!</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Renting: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Hi everyone! This is Taylor from Taylor Morgan , here to share with you my experience with renting.    The GOOD   The biggest plus to renti...

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Renting: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hello! I'm Anna from <a href="http://www.anewfoundtreasure.com/"><b><u>A Newfound Treasure</u></b></a> Blog, and today, I'm sharing my current rental experience on Jen's fabulous blog.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not too long ago, we happily moved from Florida to South Carolina, but we had difficulty trying to sell our home. This forced us to find renters for our FL home, as well as, search for a SC rental to move into. Now, we're on both ends of renting, which has caused me to be extra mindful of our landlord's property while still trying to create a home reflective of who we are. South Carolina is where we want to be, so we can suck it up to be in our "happy place," right?</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The GOOD</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Renting allows you to be flexible. Last minute moves or job changes, that perhaps cause you to move from one end of the country to the other, can (hopefully) be less stressful. (ie. Vegas to NYC) ;-) You can have a "no strings attached" approach to where you are, which can be freeing in and of itself. A rental is the perfect option for an ultra spontaneous person that could up and move at the drop of a hat.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">It is also great if you're moving to an unfamiliar place, because you can really shop around for your perfect part of town without committing to an area right off the bat. The great thing about <i>our</i> rental is that we have an abundance of space, being that we're in a house, not an apartment. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Also, when things need to be fixed, it doesn't come at our expense -- major perk! All of those little things add up, and it's so nice to know that if something goes wrong, our landlords are just a call away.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyihkP7SRida9ux81MxBCr4W1fcL7ztGIO-LzIzdXU8oHxR45xpvn6aArCnHE4vQMnRb-mzzqt4hD7N_o0xWml1EMydw7zjm9C7JZl4sGY0f5Kj-EdIgB8_lI6Rf9sB_FiLsv_YHfc0Us/s1600/revamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyihkP7SRida9ux81MxBCr4W1fcL7ztGIO-LzIzdXU8oHxR45xpvn6aArCnHE4vQMnRb-mzzqt4hD7N_o0xWml1EMydw7zjm9C7JZl4sGY0f5Kj-EdIgB8_lI6Rf9sB_FiLsv_YHfc0Us/s1600/revamp.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The BAD</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are plenty of things that aren't ideal when living in a rental. Most of what the house is probably isn't your first choice. Wall colors and light fixtures can sometimes be total eyesores, but you must remind yourself that the time and money investment to change out chandeliers and repaint the walls aren't always worth it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Instead of focusing on the actual home, try to incorporate art, fabric, and furniture that draw your eye away from the things you dislike the most about your home. I chose to use bright colored furniture and fabric that hopefully distract you from noticing the pukey-beige walls that coat the entire downstairs of our home.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYN8i9geS4fxxd0o6fd9BBF3bJsIUmMOiLFB94AhQyWygExtJMLoIVC9zjnP4Pla7e3rPQ29_M1oTqx2eqPix32asCJoHG_bsZTvNQTNtWFasvZbAnoycxP0jIhGsWqP1-Wa7nYJX26Oo/s1600/LR3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYN8i9geS4fxxd0o6fd9BBF3bJsIUmMOiLFB94AhQyWygExtJMLoIVC9zjnP4Pla7e3rPQ29_M1oTqx2eqPix32asCJoHG_bsZTvNQTNtWFasvZbAnoycxP0jIhGsWqP1-Wa7nYJX26Oo/s1600/LR3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The UGLY</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gracious, I have a list of things that I would do differently if we owned this home. Why the tacky carpets? I wish more than anything that linoleum wasn't a word in my vocabulary, but it is all over this place. The kitchen, the bathrooms, the laundry room… it's hideous. Rugs have been a lifesaver for me. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">With 2 little boys running around, rugs are essential in preserving the carpet. More importantly, rugs do a great job of grounding a space while hiding that ugly carpet or linoleum!</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJD2J1HfbAxJA1pbQiZQ4BTvuCkaZOxPYpRVYxERkr91Ig5sZx6juOs0DVQ75HKRB3Ah-zx-EfghBZWDGftFD0n-cE0DINm9ZyKY4GXlj2SzEDchGmb3pCSYpcZG0hV0W88aM1OuV8dk/s1600/foyer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJD2J1HfbAxJA1pbQiZQ4BTvuCkaZOxPYpRVYxERkr91Ig5sZx6juOs0DVQ75HKRB3Ah-zx-EfghBZWDGftFD0n-cE0DINm9ZyKY4GXlj2SzEDchGmb3pCSYpcZG0hV0W88aM1OuV8dk/s1600/foyer1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />If you'd like to share, <i><b>the good, the bad, the ugly</b></i> of living in a rental, <a href="mailto:jen@madebygirl.com" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;"><b><u>email me</u></b></a> your submission with 3-4 pictures of your apartment! Pls use the same format as above! </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>

Renting: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Hello! I'm Anna from A Newfound Treasure Blog, and today, I'm sharing my current rental experience on Jen's fabulous blog. Not ...

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