Category: Apartment Living

Renting from a high-quality landlord is a dream of many renters who choose apartment living. Unfortunately, it isn’t always the case. When seeking a rental, it’s vital to know the landlord’s history.

Are you wondering if you’re getting sucked into a slumlord apartment? Read here for nine telltale signs that your apartment has a quality landlord.

1. The Landlord Is Organized

One of the benefits of living in an apartment is you don’t have to worry about the paperwork and requirements of owning a property. Landlords deal with mortgages, contracts, insurance, and more.

Knowing your landlord is organized relieves the stress of worrying about paperwork and policies.

2. Well Maintained Properties

Apartment living means no property maintenance duties. The lawn is cared for, and skilled repair crews handle maintenance.

A good landlord assures maintenance issues get rectified immediately. They don’t want their tenants living in unsafe conditions or units in disrepair.

3. High Reputation Score

Before signing a lease, renters should check the reputation score of the landlord. A quality landlord will have exceptional ratings and reviews on Google, Yelp, and apartment review platforms.

If you come across questionable reviews for an apartment complex you like, speak with the landlord to discuss your concerns. Also, check the date of bad reviews.

4. Honesty

Landlords should be open and upfront with potential rentals. If you believe the landlord is providing deceptive answers, it’s a red flag.

Honesty is always the best policy. The landlord needs to provide open, honest answers to the potential tenant’s questions about:

• upfront costs
• credit checks
• rental checks
• availability
• policies and procedures

Check for hesitant responses and questions that get ignored.

5. Open Communication

How the landlord communicates at the beginning of the renting process indicates future communications.

Tenants are partners in the rental business. If major repairs and upgrades are needed, the landlord should convey this information as soon as possible.

When rent increases are going into effect, the landlord shouldn’t wait until lease renewals. Respect tenants enough to let them know as soon as information is available.

6. Lives Near By

Slumlords are more likely to live far away from their rental units. This makes it harder for them to respond to tenant issues promptly.

You want a landlord who is available to address issues regardless of where they reside. In many instances, this means they have to live near the rental property.

7. Offers PM Systems

In the age of digital technology, a quality landlord offers an app to streamline the leasing experience. The tenant can pay online, file maintenance requests, and more.

8. Excellent Rental History

Rental histories are vital. A good landlord can boast about lease renewals. See if they have stats on rental unit turnover and the average length of stay.

Properties with poor rental histories are a sign of poor management.

9. No Lawsuits

One of the best signs of a quality landlord is their legal history. Quality landlords rarely end up in court for poor property maintenance or unscrupulous practices.

Looking for a New Apartment Home?

Now that you know what a quality landlord offers, you can go apartment hunting with confidence.

If you’re looking for a rental home in the Fort Wayne area, we’d love for you to call Willow Creek Crossing apartments home. Click here to schedule a tour today.

Almost 70% of Indiana households have a dog, a cat, or both. That makes finding the perfect pet friendly apartment in Indiana a “must.” But, with so many different amenities, sorting out which are necessary for you and your pet can take time and effort.

To help simplify the process, we’ve compiled a list of the must-have pet friendly apartment amenities for pet owners. From spacious outdoor areas to dedicated pet waste stations, these features will ensure that you and your furry friend have an enjoyable living experience. Read on to learn more about the essential amenities when searching for the perfect pet friendly apartment.

Dog Park or Play Areas

Access to a designated dog play area or park is essential for pet owners. These amenities provide your furry family member with the necessary exercise and socialization.

A pet friendly apartment complex with space for pets to play is a significant quality-of-life improvement for pet owners. Moreover, well-maintained parks and play areas give your pup much-needed exercise and stimulation. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity for pet owners to get to know their neighbors.

Trail and Walkway Access

This amenity is so necessary for working pet owners. Taking dogs on daily walks is necessary but time-consuming. For the average 8-5 worker who commutes, finding the time for this ritual takes a lot of work.

However, apartments that offer access to trails and walkways change the narrative. This kind of pet friendly apartment amenity helps you maintain a healthy walk schedule for your furry family member.

Apart from pet needs, this amenity also helps pet owners keep up with their health and well-being, providing a great way to stay active. When considering a potential apartment, make sure to ask about the pet policy and inquire about nearby trails and walkways.

Pet Waste Disposal

Regarding pet amenities, pet waste disposal is a must for pet owners. Designated areas for pet waste disposal around the apartment grounds are convenient. They help on-the-go pet owners who want to quickly and safely dispose of their furry family member’s waste.

But it would help if you also considered how the apartment maintains these areas. Poor maintenance can turn these from a convenience into an eye and nose sore. Pay close attention to the pet waste disposal sites during your apartment tour.

Fenced-In Yards

Having a fenced-in yard is a vital pet amenity for pet owners. Whether your pet wears a leash or not (the pet policy will outline leash requirements), fences help keep them safe.

Even the best-trained dogs run toward the right distraction, putting themselves in harm’s way. Fences provide extra peace of mind each time you open your front door.

Pet Friendly Apartment in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Finding a pet friendly apartment in Fort Wayne, Indiana, can be challenging. But, with proper amenities, you can provide your furbaby with unbeatable comfort and convenience.

If you’re looking for a pet friendly apartment in Fort Wayne, check out Willow Creek Crossing Apartments. We offer various pet amenities that make life easier for pet owners and their furry family members. Contact us today to schedule a tour.

Considering getting a roommate? Deciding on whether to live alone or to share an apartment is a big decision to make. There are some pros and cons to both living alone and sharing space. The most important part is to understand the pros of each one and determine what’s the right fit for you.

Living Alone

Have you been leaning more towards living alone? Living alone is a wonderful choice for several reasons! Here are some benefits you can expect when you choose to rent an apartment by yourself.

Full Privacy

Living by yourself means full privacy. You can do just about anything in your home without the worry of anyone seeing you or judging you. Want to walk around in your underwear? Go for it! It’s your home.

This also means privacy for phone calls, when you have guests over, and more.

Peace and Quiet

Not having to share your space with anyone else means optimal peace and quiet. You won’t have to worry about someone keeping you up at night with their guests, phone calls, or television. If you want to work from home, read a book, or simply enjoy the sound of the birds chirping in the morning, then you can do so without distractions.

Your Rules

Your apartment means your rules. You decide on how to decorate, where everything goes, what food’s in the refrigerator, what temperature to keep the thermostat on, and more. Although some of these rules might seem minor, they can cause great conflict if two people can’t agree on them.

Living alone means absolutely no compromises.

Living With Roommates

Living with roommates has its advantages as well, however. This might be a better choice for those who want to benefit from the factors listed below.

Split Rent

Splitting an apartment with a roommate also means splitting the rent. This means an easier budget and cheaper living costs for you. Having a two-person income can be truly beneficial, especially when the both of you can decide on how to split everything down the middle!

Safety in Numbers

For some who may feel uncomfortable living alone, living with a roommate might help ease those fears or concerns. There’s safety in numbers and if a situation were to occur where someone’s in trouble, then the other person is there to help.

Constant Companionship

When you live alone, you may feel lonely at times. Living with a roommate allows you constant companionship. You always have someone there to talk to or simply sit beside you even if it’s in absolute silence.

Which is Right for You?

Is living alone or with a roommate the right option for you? There are several pros to each that should be considered before making a final decision.

Once you decide on your living situation, be sure to check out one to three-bedroom apartments or townhomes at Willow Creek Crossing Apartments! Then, fill out your application to get started today. We look forward to you calling Willow Creek Crossing your home.

Did you know that more than 54% of people have said that they are unorganized and the amount of clutter in their homes makes them feel overwhelmed? If you’re looking for ways to improve your apartment organization, all you need is some tips that make storing your items easier.

There are hacks you can use from the bathroom to the main living room to clear the clutter quicker and ease your mind in the process. Read on now and achieve the clean apartment you’ve been looking forward to.

1. Buy a Bed With Storage

When we get into the hustle and bustle of everyday life, one of the places that quickly becomes cluttered is our bedrooms. But, one way to remedy this situation is to buy a bed with extra storage space.

There are several beds you can buy that come with built-in shelving containers that are housed under the bed. Most of the time, these containers come in threes and are either placed on both sides of the bed or at the foot of the bed.

By getting a bed that offers extra storage, you can free up room in your closet for other items you want to store in your bedroom.

2. Use Hanging Baskets

This hack can be used in any room of your place when you’re looking for different ways of organizing an apartment. Hanging baskets or any form of a hook will not only make the most of your space, but it will free up cabinet or closet space for you to place other items.

If you’re looking to hang things like cooking utensils or pots and pans in the kitchen, ensure you’ve selected hooks or hanging baskets that are strong enough to hold the weight of those items. Or you can choose to hang your spice rack over the stove and free up your counter space.

3. Rearrange Your Furniture

Sometimes when you put furniture in a room, the last thing you think about is how it makes the most of the space. If you’re not careful, you could make a room seem smaller than it is.

Before putting furniture into a room, think about the room’s flow. For example, if you have an open-concept living room and it’s connected to the kitchen, you want to avoid setting up your living room in a way that cuts off your living room from the kitchen.

Instead, find a way to place your furniture to add to the room’s flow. By doing this, you’re bringing balance to a room that would otherwise feel cluttered.

The way you arrange your furniture will also have to do with the apartment floor plan of your apartment.

4. Create a Filing System

Another way to organize an apartment is to clear your workspace by using a filing system. A filing system will ensure that you keep the data you need for work protected and where it can be easily found.

It also means you’re not leaving essential documents in places where it can be lost, thrown away, or have something spilled on it.

Apartment Organization: Ways to Get It Done

When it comes to apartment organization, there are several ways to do so. Consider buying hanging hooks or using a filing system to store essential workplace documents.

However you choose to go about it, the first step in organizing an apartment is to move into one. Contact Willow Creek Crossing Apartments, and let us help you find the place you’ll call home.

In the last few years, it seems like everyone has tried their hand at growing their own food. In fact, 42% of Americans have tested out their green thumbs in the last year. 

Growing your own produce is a pastime with many benefits. Not only do you get to enjoy the fruits (or vegetables) of your labor, but growing food can reduce anxiety and give you a sense of purpose. 

If you’re an apartment-dweller with a green thumb, you can still get in on the indoor gardening action. There are many vegetables you can grow right in your own space. 

This handy guide covers the seven best vegetables to grow in your apartment, no matter how small it is. 

1. Lettuce

Lettuce is a fast-growing vegetable that does well indoors. It grows fast and is hardy. 

When growing lettuce, make sure you give it plenty of sunshine. It needs at least twelve hours each day. Also, make sure your apartment isn’t too hot or too cold.

2. Tomatoes 

Tomatoes are another popular choice for apartment planter gardening. They need a bit more care than lettuce, but they can produce a bountiful crop. 

When gardening in a planter, choose a smaller variety of tomatoes. Keep this plant in the sun for at least twelve hours. 

3. Peppers 

Peppers are a great option for indoor gardening. Keep your peppers in a tall planter. Let the soil get completely dry before you water it again. 

4. Herbs

Most people are very familiar with growing herbs inside. Try planting thyme, and rosemary in containers on a windowsill. Basil, chives, and parsley can withstand less sun as long as they are watered regularly. 

5. Beans 

Beans are a great choice for apartment gardening. If you choose to grow beans inside, make sure to use an LED lamp. This will give your beans the extra light they need to thrive. 

6. Cucumbers 

You can grow cucumbers inside, you’ll just need to use large planters and a support system for the vines. Remember, because these plants are inside they won’t have insects pollinating them. Make sure that you do this yourself to get the vegetables growing. 

7. Potatoes

You can use your potato scraps to make a full potato plant! Cut off a sprouted potato eye and bury it in a large planter with at least five inches of soil on top. Keep adding soil, but in about eight weeks you’ll have your own potatoes. 

How to Garden Indoors

There are a few tips to keep in mind when you grow your vegetables in your apartment. Make sure you are using the right size container with drainage holes. 

Use high-quality soil formulated for inside growing. Once your veggies are potted, make sure they get plenty of sun. Don’t be afraid to invest in an LED light to give your plants an extra boost. 

Create a Vegetable Bounty With Indoor Gardening

Enjoying fresh-grown vegetables can be a reality when you know the ins and outs of indoor gardening. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all year round.

Are you looking for an apartment to start your garden in? If so, you’ll love the pet-friendly Willow Creek Crossing Apartments. Contact us today to set up a tour of our available apartments. 

Have you decided to make Fort Wayne, IN your new home? Well done, you’ve made an excellent choice! Fort Wayne is known for its fantastic quality of life. It also boasts great education and recreation facilities and top-notch accommodation.

Willow Creek Crossing Apartments is the perfect example of the very best of Fort Wayne apartments. It combines beautiful homes with awesome amenities.

Let us show you 5 reasons why you’ll love living at Willow Creek Crossing Apartments.

1. Affordable Apartments for All Families

Whether you’re a one-person household or a family with kids, we’ve got the right home for you.

We have three styles of one-bedroom apartments, starting from $600 per month. Two-bedroom apartments start from $670 per month. The three styles available range from 1 to 1.5 bath homes.

Our three-bedroom, two-bath Skywatch apartments feature an open-plan living/dining space. These spacious homes are perfect for families, all for an affordable rent of $850 per month!

All of our homes feature a balcony or patio space to allow you to enjoy the glorious Fort Wayne weather in the warmer months.

A special feature of Willow Creek Crossing Apartments is our range of townhome apartments.

One-bedroom townhomes include a den and have 1.5 baths. Two-bed, three-bed, and four-bed townhomes feature a large basement and from 1.5 to 2.5 baths.

These stylish and comfortable townhomes truly are some of the best apartments in Fort Wayne. Ranging from $795 for a one-bed up to $1165 for a four-bed, they’re exceptional value too.

2. Awesome Amenities

With two swimming pools, a fitness center, and a clubhouse, Willow Creek Crossing feels more like a resort than an apartment complex. Oh, and did we mention tennis and free golf?

Even if sports are not your speed, there are beautiful grounds to walk around. Young ones will be kept busy in the playground. Why not grab a coffee and get to know your neighbors in our friendly clubhouse?

3. Prime Location

Our Southwest Fort Wayne location is perfect for commuters, families, and retirees alike.

It puts you within easy commuting distance of downtown. It’s also just a few minutes away from major Fort Wayne employers, including General Motors. There are lots of schools, shops, medical centers, and restaurants in the local area.

4. Pet-Friendly Community

At Willow Creek Crossing Apartments, pets are welcome. Talk to our team about your pets and any requirements before you move in.

5. On-site Management Team

When you rent an apartment, one of the major bonuses is having someone else maintain it for you.

Our on-site team is available Monday to Saturday to handle routine maintenance requests and any other questions you may have. There is an out-of-hours hotline for any maintenance emergencies that arise.

The grounds are beautifully maintained by our grounds crew. All you need to do is relax and enjoy them!

Find Your New Apartment at Willow Creek Crossing!

There’s no need to keep Googling ‘apartments near me’. With a wide range of apartment styles, there’s a home for every family at Willow Creek Crossing Apartments.

Whether you enjoy nothing more than a dip and a set of tennis, or love to mingle in the clubhouse, we’ve got what you’re looking for.

Call us at (260) 747-7000 or fill out our contact form to find out more!

Keeping track of monthly expenses is the key to achieving your financial goals.

There’s a select group of people in our society that doesn’t really have to think about money. For most others, however, it’s the prevailing issue that commands a lot of attention. Living paycheck to paycheck can take a toll on you, but not if you know how to budget.

In this post, we’re going to tell you the 4 most common monthly expenses that you need to budget for throughout the year. If you can maintain and stick to your budget, then you can gradually conquer the money problem.

1. Mortgage/Rent

Keeping a roof over your head is one of the biggest reasons we all have to work. If you’re not budgeting for your monthly rent or mortgage payments, then you’re going to be in trouble fast.

Depending on where you live and what you live in, this could take up more or less of your budget. For instance, if you own a house, your mortgage, property tax, and housing maintenance are going to take up a good chunk of your monthly funds. Renting in Fort Wayne allows you to allocate a larger portion of your funds to other areas.

2. Phone/Internet

Our phone bills are getting more and more expensive since we spend most of the day using them now. On the other hand, no one has a landline anymore, so there’s only one phone bill to worry about. A typical phone plan might be in the $50-80 range per month.

Similarly, your internet bill has increased over the year because we rely more heavily on streaming and things that use more bandwidth. The flip side, again, is that more people are cord-cutting and moving to streaming services, so a big cable bill isn’t a massive expense anymore.

3. Transportation

If you’ve got a car, you open up another world of monthly expenses. Between monthly car payments (if you’re leasing or paying off a car loan), insurance, plates, and gas, you’re looking at several hundred dollars per month. Depending on where you live, a vehicle might be a necessity for getting to and from work or getting groceries.

4. Utilities

Utilities such as electricity and water are two essentials whether you’re living in a house or an apartment. Some apartment communities cover one or both of these for you. Find out which utilities you are responsible for and the average cost per month and add these into your monthly budget.

Taking Control of Your Monthly Expenses

Now that you understand some of the larger expenses you need to budget for you can take control of your monthly expenses. One of the best ways to lower your monthly expenses is to rent an affordable apartment.

Renting at Willow Creek Crossing allows you to focus on saving money instead of spending it. Our apartments have amazing amenities and are located in the heart of Fort Wayne. Contact us today to apply.

Outside, inside and other. Those are the three categories of checklists when considering renting a new apartment. You need checklists when searching for an apartment that suits you. You can use those same checklists when actually viewing the apartment.

Whether you’re hoping to rent an apartment at Willow Creek Crossing, or elsewhere in Fort Wayne, Indiana, these lists will help you get started. 

So, let’s get down to the things to look for when hunting for an apartment.

Outside

• Location and daily logistics are chief among external factors when choosing a place to rent. How close are the nearest grocery stores or restaurants? What else is nearby?
• If you work away from home, what will your commute be like? Check the apartment’s proximity to schools, places of worship, the local gym, sports center, or public park.
• Assess how noisy the immediate surroundings will be. Is the apartment on a busy road or too close to train tracks? Is there a noisy construction site or a large sports stadium nearby?
• Ask about private parking for your vehicle, if you have one. Spend time on the balcony or other outdoor space attached to the apartment to figure out how noisy your neighbors are likely to be.
• Take a look at the security arrangements for the building and the community. Where are the mailboxes located? Is the property well lit?
• What community amenities such as swimming pools and fitness centers are there? Is there a fee to pay in addition to your rental?

Inside

• On your first visit to an apartment, check for any signs of old leaks and address them. Also look for damp conditions that could cause mold, which could negatively impact your health. A moldy smell in the kitchen, bathroom, or closets is a sign of danger.
• Check how much storage space you will have and find out if you will have additional secure storage space outside.
• Confirm which appliances in the apartment are included. Fridges, stoves, and dishwashers often come as standard. Some apartments may also come with clothes washers and dryers. Find out what type of HVAC system there is and what the typical heating bill will be.
• Does the building have a pet-friendly policy? If you don’t have pets but do have allergies, or are averse to barking dogs, a pet-friendly building might not be for you!

Other New Apartment Rental Tips

• Check that your lease covers everything, including the landlord’s responsibility for repairs and response times, stipulations regarding the return of your advance deposit upon termination. Check that you can indeed sign a lease for a period of one year, renewable if that is what you want.
• Check out the organization you will be renting from. Many of them have an online presence, and testimonials from existing and former residents. These things will help you to make a good decision about where you will be living for the foreseeable future.

Give Yourself Time

Using the points in this article, you will likely come up with a long list of must-haves and nice-to-haves for your new apartment rental. Take your time to make sure you get what you want within your budget.

Willow Creek Crossing Apartments understands that everyone has different needs and preferences. Give us a call or contact us to get you one step closer to finding your new apartment.

It’s time to ring the changes for 2021! With most of us spending more time in our homes because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s a great time to make some apartment resolutions to make the most of your space and get it ready for the new year.

If you’re ready to create a healthy, happy living space, read on for 5 apartment resolutions you should make this year.

1. Deep Winter Clean

It’s winter in Indiana and we normally save our sprucing up for spring, but why not tackle your cleaning now and give your entire apartment a thorough, deep clean so once winter comes you can head outdoors. You’ll also cut down on germs, bacteria, and viruses so you can stay healthy this winter. Tackle one room at a time. The smaller your apartment, the more reason to count your blessings in this regard.

Wipe and polish all surfaces, including windows, and vacuum all floors and soft furnishings, including curtains. The feel-good factor comes from choosing sweet-smelling cleaning products that give everything in the bathroom, and everywhere else, a fresh, sparkly shine.

Once everything is bright and clean, we’re betting that you can think of a couple of 5-minute cleaning resolutions you can live with all year.

2. Light Maintenance – the Hardest of the Apartment Resolutions

Other apartment resolutions could include unclogging your drains. Simple baking soda followed by about a cup of vinegar will do the trick. This will get rid of standing water — and any clogging due to hair — in the shower drain and kitchen sink.

Check the batteries in smoke alarms and change them, tighten loose cabinet hardware, replace burned-out light bulbs, and wipe down refrigerator coils.

3. Revamp Your Interior Decor

Have your potted plants died? Did you grow tomatoes or herbs on your patio or balcony last summer? Set aside a day or two on a weekend to get rid of any dead plants from your indoor and outdoor space and to give some TLC to the plants that are still alive. Purchase some new ones, and a few nice-looking pots for them to brighten up your space.

Look around each room of your apartment and get rid of anything that no longer sparks joy. If you haven’t used it or worn it in over 6 months, it may be time for it to go.

Add a new piece of artwork to the walls, or a new throw on your sofa. Buy or sew new cushion covers. Think of these as apartment therapy resolutions.

4. Change Your Furniture Around

A change is a great way to refresh. It also means that you can reorganize things like bookshelves, and files, and sort out all those piles of paper lurking in a drawer somewhere.

Make the space you have works for you. Which part of the apartment do you seldom use? If there is any area you neglect, think of what you could do to ensure you do utilize that space.

Now is the time to reorganize your entertainment area, workstation, or chill spot. And remember to make it Zoom-friendly this time.

5. Organize Your Finances

Open a savings account and save for a rainy day, or an emergency. Make sure your renter’s insurance is up to date. Set up automatic rent payments and other direct debits.

What’s Next?

Now that you have done all that, you’ll probably have a lot of things to dispose of or give away. The chances are that if you live in an apartment community like Willow Creek Crossing Apartments, you already have a fair idea of who might like the things you’re giving away. If no one you know wants them, take all your second-hand items to your favorite thrift shop.

Keep your 2021 apartment resolutions alive by going through your resolution checklist every three months. If one of your resolutions is to find a new apartment altogether, then please contact us at Willow Creek Crossing first!

Did you know that about 68% of American households own pets? Because more than half of American households have pets, it’s quite common for people to need to rent an apartment where they can live with their pets. 

If you’re in the process of moving with your pets and need some guidance, you came to the right place. Read on to learn this pet rent guide.

Types of Pets Allowed

If you’re going to rent an apartment and you have pets, it’s important you make sure your pet qualifies. Even if an apartment community says they’re pet friendly, you should read the fine print. Some communities have restrictions on the types of pets they allow in their apartments. 

Each apartment community is different. Due to insurance regulations, some communities may restrict certain breeds of dogs. Aside from having breed restrictions, some communities also have weight limit regulations. For example, some will not allow dogs that are over 20 lbs and may have a limit to the number of pets that you can have in your apartment as well. 

Pre-Approved Pets

If you’re determined to have your pet move into your new apartment with you, it’s important you get the approval of the leasing office. Even if they allow your breed, make sure they’re aware of your pet ahead of time. The last thing you want after moving into an apartment is to find out that there’s a problem with your pet living there. 

Keep in mind that the list of approved pets will only cover your pets. You will need special permission from the leasing manager to pet sit.

Obtain Vaccination Records, Licenses, and Identification

Before your pet moves into your new apartment, the leasing office may also want to keep a copy of your pet’s vaccination records, especially rabies. They will also want you to obtain the proper licenses according to local ordinances. 

It’s important you also get the proper identification such as a microchip or their name and address on their collar in case they get loose in the community. Having your contact information with your pet helps to ensure their safe return. 

Consider Potential Fees

One more thing you need to consider is the potential fees associated with pet rent. While some communities might ask you for a pet deposit, others will charge you monthly pet rent.

Depending on where you live, the apartment community will choose what type of pet fee you will be responsible for. Be sure to ask about pet rent and any other fees before signing a lease.

Follow This Pet Rent Guide

After reading this guide for pet rent, you will be more prepared when choosing a new home for you and your pet. If you’re planning on renting a new apartment with your dog, you should consider the pet fees, obtain the right documentation, and find out the types of pets allowed. 

Are you ready to find your new Fort Wayne apartment? Contact us today for availability.