Three Reasons You Can’t Afford NOT to Have Renters Insurance

Think renter’s insurance is too expensive or not worthwhile? Think again! Too many renters neglect to get renters insurance because they think it’s too expensive or their stuff is not valuable enough to protect. Is this really the case?

According to a Rent.com survey several years ago, 60% of renters they interviewed did not have renters insurance. Many felt that it’s too expensive even though the average premium is under $20 a month. THat is less than what you’d spend on coffee or a night out at the movies!

Infographic: Renters' insurance, room-by-room

Here are 3 Reasons You Can’t Afford NOT to Have Renters Insurance.

#1 Your Belongings Are Worth More Than You Think

According to the USAA, new renters typically have about $20,000 worth of belongings. Look around at the possessions in your apartment: computer, bike, clothes, television, iPhone, clothes, kitchen appliances, etc. Start adding up the value of how much it would cost to replace all these items if they suddently disappeared and you will probably be surprised.

#2 Coverage doesn’t just extend to your home

Depending on your policy, renters insurance can also be extended outside of your home. If someone breaks into your car and steals your bag from inside, it is possible that your renters insurance would cover that too.

#3 It covers your neighbor’s or your roommate’s property

Most Renters insurance policies protect you from being responsible for replacing property of your roommate or neighbors in caser any damage incurred as a result of your mistake. Some policies will cover you against a lawsuit should someone hurt themselves in your apartment. This is not just limited to guests, service providers and repair individuals would be covered too in case of injury in your property.

Creative Storage Solutions for Your Apartment

Photo source Ikea

Storage space and organization will always be an issue renters face when moving into a new apartment—especially if they have roommates! With these creative solutions, you can maximize your available storage space and leave your apartment looking better for it!

Hooks offer a lot of vertical storage space

As seen above, you can make the most of your apartment’s untapped vertical space by using hooks.

Store items under your bed

Use the space under your bed to store linens, blankets, clothes, or more. With sliding compartments access is even easier.

Photo source Life Hacker

A fridge-side rolling storage pantry can offer a lot of extra space

Looking for a place to store your ever growing collection of cooking spices? A rolling storage pantry can take advantage of the untapped space between your fridge and the wall.

Get a shower caddy

Shower caddies offer a convenient storage solution for soap, shampoo, conditioners, and any other must-have items for your cleansing routine. Especially helpful if your sink/bathtub is becoming crowded with cleaning products.

Photo Source Fresh Home

Turn your headboard into a shelving system

Many people neglect the available space that can be found in a bed’s headboard and/or above the bed. A few simple shelves can open a lot of room to store items.

Over-the-door organizers are your best friend

Hanging door organizers can help you store and organize shoes, cleaning products, socks, towels, or anything else you might want to keep close together.

Photo source Pottery Barn

Use baskets

Baskets provide a stylish method to organize and group items throughout your house. A pile of CDs may not especially appealing on their own, but put them in a basket and suddenly it looks like a design choice as opposed to clutter.

A storage chest can double as a coffee table

Just because something gets a lot of use doesn’t mean it can’t also add to your storage space. A cool-looking storage chest can add a lot of style to your apartment and provide an out of sight repository for your things.

With these tips, not only will your space offer all the storage you’ll need—it’ll look amazing in the process.

Five Must-See Von Klein Properties For Summer and Fall

The 2016 – 2017  rent schedules are now available, along with existing openings!  Call our office during the hours of 9am-4pm M-F at (541) 485-7776 or click here to request more info!

Do you know where you’ll be living this summer and fall?  Now is the ideal time to start thinking about housing!

Whether you’re looking for a new place or just considering your options for the future, your first stop should be these Five Must-See Von Klein Properties:

THE ANDY

The Andy

This award-winning property has generated plenty of interest for its innovative and sustainable design. With 52,000 square-feet and 33 units designed for modern and convenient living, The Andy fosters a welcoming community for students.

Located on the corner of 18th and Patterson, this residence provides private balconies, on-site parking, a flat screen TV in every living room, internet and trash services included, and washer and dryer units!

In short, The Andy’s a college student’s best friend. Read more here.

 

THE PATTERSON

The Patterson

Just a few blocks from the University of Oregon campus you’ll find The Patterson, our seven-story residence providing close to 100 units of upscale student housing.

These one, two, and three bedroom homes include top-of-the-line security features, a rooftop community space, a weight room, large windows, granite counter tops, underground parking, and restaurants/shopping on the ground floor.

If you’re looking for a spot that’s a step above typical student housing then The Patterson is the place for you. Read more about it here.

 

PARVIN PLACE

Parvin Place

Photo Source: Arbor South

Pet owner? You’re going to want to see this place. Parvin Place attracts students and working professionals alike with its high ceilings, on-site parking, spacious closets, and other amenities. Designed by Eugene-based architectural firm Arbor South and built by Anslow & DeGeneault Signature Homes.

Parvin Place is ideally situated close to a main bus route, the University of Oregon campus, and extensive dining and shopping options.

For more information on Parvin Place head over here.

 

KOKANEE PLACE

Kokanee Place

Kokanee Place was designed with the student in mind to create a living space that is secure, sustainable, inspiring, and at an affordable price. This space is comprised of three-story townhouses, each including four large bedrooms, a spacious living room, a balcony, and high-vaulted ceilings.

A short walk to campus, stylishly-designed common areas, and stunning rooftop views of the city have quickly made Kokanee Place one of Eugene’s most sought-after residences.

Discover more about Kokanee Place here.

 

THE PREFONTAINE

The Prefontaine

The Prefontaine is the newest addition to Von Klein Rental’s available properties. With options for single, three and four bedrooms this unit is the ideal spot for anyone looking for large bedroom space in a great location.

For a limited time, The Prefontaine is offering a single room with a signing bonus of $300 off first months, as well as free internet, free parking, and all utilities paid! This is a deal you won’t want to pass up.

Roommate Etiquette 101

Roommates

Whether it’s a friend or a stranger having a roommate can be an amazing shared experience… but not one that comes without a little work. By simply taking a few steps you can ensure you and your roommate will always remain simpatico and get the most out of your living arrangement.

Step #1 Establish Guidelines From The Start

Avoid unnecessary arguments by establishing clear guidelines early on. Agreeing on schedules and day-to-day rules helps avoid misunderstandings and annoyed housemates.

Some suggested topics to cover include:

  • Bill paying procedures
  • Cleaning Schedule
  • Dirty dishes policy
  • Significant others coming over
  • Sleeping habits
  • Noise levels
  • Drinking habits
  • Pet policy
  • Allergies and general health requirements

Step #2 Respect Each Other’s Personal Space

It’s always a good idea to not enter your roommate’s space without their permission. Think about it, would you want someone entering your room when you’re not there?

Step #3 Respect Each Other’s Belongings

Unless you have an agreed upon rule for sharing food try to be mindful of your roommate’s food. There’s nothing worse than coming home after a long day dreaming of your left-over pizza only to find it eaten by someone else.

This rule also extends to personal belongings. Nothing stirs up bad feelings quite like the notion of someone rifling through your private stuff.

See this? Don't do this.

Step #4 Clean Up After Yourself

Even if a cleaning schedule is agreed on you should always be mindful to pick up after yourself. Certainly don’t leave trash or opened food lying around or an angry roommate will be the least of your troubles.

Step #5 Address Concerns

Bottling up feelings of annoyance will lead to an eventual explosive argument. Speak your mind as problems emerge and work together to find solutions. Whether the problems are big or small you will always be better of for addressing them openly.

Step #6 Don’t Expect To Be Best Friends

Though it’s certainly possible you may end up being best friends with your roommate, the expectation it will happen can often create an uncomfortable dynamic for a roommate. Be friendly but also be aware that their interests, schedules, and friends may not align with yours.

Step #7 Be Open To Change

Living with a stranger (or even a friend) will inevitably bring about new experiences and customs. You should always try to keep an open mind to these differences and change and go with the flow.

Step #8 Remember It’s A Shared Space

What’s most important to remember is that the home you occupy is a shared one. If you’re bringing people over, give your roommate some warning. Before blasting your rock music at 3AM, remember your roommate is one wall over and probably asleep. If you are leaving trash out, don’t forget someone else could be coming home to it.

If you stick to these rules you should be well on your way to having a comfortable shared space. Best of luck!

Why You Definitely Need Renters Insurance

Tornado
(That can’t be good…)

 

No matter how prepared you are, life comes with unexpected risks. Be it by theft or a flood or a malfunctioning clothes dryer, in a moment you could face the loss of your personal belongings or your home. Can you afford to bet against these risks by not having renters insurance?

Too many people decide against renters insurance because they simply think their stuff is just not valuable enough to protect. Is this really the case?

Your stuff is worth more than you think

Look around at the possessions in your home: computer, bike, clothes, television, iPhone, that strange Angolan scarf your mom gave you. Start adding up the value of how much it would cost to replace all these items. It’s pretty high, right?

According to the USAA, new renters typically have about $20,000 worth of belongs. Not only is that a ton of money but it’s the last thing you’d want to worry about in a time of crisis.

That’s where renter’s insurance comes in.

Replacement Cost Coverage

The ideal policy is one that has replacement cost coverage over cash value.

A replacement cost coverage policy would pay out the cost of buying a new item to replace the ones you lost. A cash value policy would instead pay the cash value of the item lost at the time of its loss.

These policies mean the difference between a payment for a brand new computer and a payment based on the current cash value of your five year old computer.

Renters Insurance Computer
So, about the replacement cost coverage…

Protection against severe natural events

Did you know that the United States has more tornados than anywhere else in the world?  Ensure that your policy not only covers you for fire but also covers you in case of flooding, earthquakes, tornados, and any other nature disaster.

Coverage doesn’t just extend to your home

Renters insurance can also be extended outside of your home. If someone breaks into your car and steals your bag from inside, your renters insurance would cover that too.

It covers your neighbor’s property

Renters Insurance
Oh great, the dishwasher in 3B is acting up again.

(What would happen if your washing machine goes haywire floods into your neighbor’s apartment? Renters insurance would include a liability to cover you in these instances for any damage incurred.

Liability Insurance

This policy should also cover you against a lawsuit should someone hurt themselves in your apartment. This is not just limited to guests, service providers and repair individuals would be covered too in case of injury in your property.

Landlord insurance is not enough

Your landlord’s insurance may cover damage to the carpet or to the walls but it will not cover your personal belongings.

It’s Affordable

Renters Insurance can start as low as $12 to $15 dollars a month. A small price to pay when you consider the coverage it affords.

 

Five Tips to Get Through Finals Week

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It’s hard to believe, but finals week is here! Final exams can be a stressful time for students, especially if you are juggling a job, an apartment and multiple activities. We wish all of our tenants good luck on finals or any exam you may be taking right now. Here are some tips to help you do your best!

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1) Optimize and organize your study space

A well organized study room is very essential during this time. Make sure that you have enough space to organize your textbooks & notes, your chair & study table are comfortable and that the lighting in the room is good. be sure to remove any potential distractions like your phone, tablets (unless it’s needed to study), game systems, TV and anything else that would cause you to lose focus. If music is a distraction, replace it with white noise to minimize interruptions to your study time.

2) Eat right and exercise

It is CRITICAL to take care of your body during exam time, yet so many students neglect their health during this time. Stick to the basics: a balanced diet that includes vegetables & fruits, avoid sugar and go for healthy snacks (e.g. yoghurt, almonds, fruits) to keep your blood sugar stable. If you are going to study for a long time, eat some protein. On the day of the exams, do not forget to eat breakfast! Research has shown that high-carb, high-fiber, slow-digesting foods such as oatmeal are the best for exam day. Also, remember to drink plenty of water (at least 8 glasses a day) to keep your body hydrated. Exercise is also essential during this time as it helps you refresh your mind.

3) Manage your time wisely

It’s very common for students to wait until the last minute to “cram”, but according to experts, this is not advisable. Write down a list all the exams that you are preparing for, and then set a study timetable. Note that, there are some subjects that may require more study time than others however, you should never neglect any of them. Smart time management will also help you avoid cramming which lowers your ability to retain information.

4) Take regular breaks

Research shown that regular breaks are very essential for long term retention of knowledge. Not all the people are the same and therefore make sure that you develop a study routine that works for you. When you feel tired, take a short break to stretch and at least have your mind rest for a while before resuming your studies.

5) Look at the past exams

If possible, reviewing old exams will help you understand the format of the questions and train your brain to perform better on exam day. You can also time yourself to ensure that you spend the right amount of time on each section.

We hope these tips help you get through finals week successfully! On the day of the exam, make sure that you have everything that you will need ready (e.g. writing materials etc). Also get the directions of the room/place where the exam is going to take place and do not forget to look at the rules and regulations. Good luck!

photo credit: CollegeDegrees360 via photopin cc

photo credit: JuditK via photopin cc

Von Klein Property Management to Begin Leasing for 2014-2015 School Year in February!

The Prefontaine – 1801 University St.  Photo @ Peter Drustard
The Prefontaine – 1801 University St. Photo @ Peter Dustrud

Are you a student looking for a new home (or simply want to keep the one that you currently have)? Beginning February 5, 2014 Von Klein Property Management will begin leasing for 2014-2015 school year! We have an abundance of properties suited to a range of styles and budget. These rental units go fast, so act quickly! To schedule an appointment for any of our properties, contact us at (541) 485-7776 Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can also email us at vkpm@vonkleinrentals.com. For all other inquiries, please use our contact form by clicking here.

On February 5, 2014 we will accept applications and make viewing appointments for the following buildings.

The Commons

1875 Alder Street, Eugene, Oregon
This complex features huge 4 and 5 bedroom units with high end amenities right next to campus!!! Click here to learn more about this building’s features.

Commons on Alder – 1875 Alder St.
Commons on Alder – 1875 Alder St.
Commons on Alder – 1875 Alder St.
Commons on Alder – 1875 Alder St.

Steelhead Townhouses

540 East 14th Ave, Eugene, Oregon
These sophisticated townhouses were designed with energy efficiency and comfort in mind. Each unit boasts four spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms and plenty of space and amenities. Click here to learn more about this popular complex.

Steelhead Townhouses – 540 East 14th Ave
Steelhead Townhouses – 540 East 14th Ave

Kokanee Place

1570 High Street, Eugene, Oregon
Each unit in Kokanee Place is comprised of a three-story townhouse, beatiful architectural styling, 20-foot high vaulted ceilings, and an undeniable”wow” factor. Offering a host of additional features, the Kokanee is just something you must see for yourself to believe. Click here to learn more about the comfortable features in this building.

Kokanee-Place-03
Kokanee Place Photo @ Peter Dustrud

 

Kokanee Place
Kokanee Place Photo @ Peter Dustrud

Indigo Place

89 East 19th Ave, Eugene, Oregon
Free Internet, Low energy bills, Washer/dryer in each unit, Oversized windows, high ceilings, remarkable views, abundant natural light….need we go on? Learn more about this architecturally stunning property near the heart of the charming South University neighborhood.

Indigo Place – 889 East 19th Ave
Indigo Place – 889 East 19th Ave Photo @ Peter Dustrud
Indigo Place Eugene
Indigo Place Photo @ Peter Dustrud

Prefontaine

This 20 unit residential living complex is located at the epicenter of the University of Oregon campus, on the corner of 18th Avenue and University Street. This property features rises five stories, providing majestic views of the beloved McArthur Court and Hayward Field. Click here to learn more about the Prefontaine’s features.

The Prefontaine – 1801 University St.  Photo @ Peter Drustard
The Prefontaine – 1801 University St. Photo @ Peter Dustrud
The Prefontaine – 1801 University St. Photo @ Peter Dustrud
The Prefontaine – 1801 University St. Photo @ Peter Dustrud

 

1856 Onyx Alley House

This charming 2 bedroom/1 bathroom house is conveniently located close the heart of the University of Oregon campus and is available in August 2014-August 2015! Click here to learn more or call (541) 485-7776 to schedule a tour.

1856 Onyx Alley House
1856 Onyx Alley House

7 Simple Storage Ideas for Your Rental Property

Photo Source: WikiMedia Commons Craig Conley

Finding new ways to make the most of your apartment storage is key to making a rental feel like home.

Unfortunately, finding ample storage can be a challenge for some tenants (depending on the amount of stuff you own). However, with a little creativity (and some inspiration from Pinterest), it is possible to implement simple storage solutions that will transform your living space.

Here are 7 storage ideas we found on Better Homes and Gardens that could help:

1. Hang a skirt around an open sink, using adhesive-backed hook-and-loop tape to hide plumbing. Hide baskets or a low shelving unit of bathroom essentials behind the skirt.

2. Place an open metal shelving unit (like what you would find in an industrial kitchen) with decorative baskets to keep kitchen staples organized.

3. Make your coffee table double as a handy storage container by using a decorative trunk with a flat surface large.

4. Create your own “entryway” by placing a large multi-functional bookcase near your apartment entry. Add hooks to hold jackets, umbrellas, book bags, etc. Decorative baskets on bottom shelves can serve as shoe containers or other out-the-door essentials like hats and sunglasses. Add a memo bar from an office supply store to the top of the bookcase as a place to organize mail and reminders.

5. Wanna fake a vintage built-in bookshelf? Flank a doorway with identical bookcases that reach almost to the ceiling and install moldings around the tops of the shelves. As a style bonus, paint the bookcase before installation, or line the backs with pretty paper.

6. Employ laundry hampers for more than just dirty clothes. Use them around your apartment for stashing umbrellas and hats, extra linens, or kids’ toys.

7. Hang a grid of favorite pictures or prints inside frames with large mats. The bigger mats will provide much-needed white space for an active display. Onlookers will be able to take in each photo, which makes for an effective display.

Article Source: www.bhg.com

New Student Housing Development Named for Track Star Steve Prefontaine

Von Klein Property Management now taking applications for The Prefontaine, a brand new complex located in the heart of the University of Oregon campus.

We announced this month The Prefontaine, the newest addition to Paradigm Properties,  is finally complete!  This brand new residential living complex has 20 units and is located in the heart of the University of Oregon campus.

Not only will residents will enjoy majestic views of McArthur Court and Hayward Field, the new development features spacious three and four bedroom units with state-of-the art appliances, spacious floor plans oversized windows, exterior decks and a rooftop terrace.

The residence is named for one of the University of Oregon’s most memorable students, Steve Prefontaine, the track star who went on to set 14 American records and earn international fame before his career was cut short in a car accident in 1975.

Individual Leases on single rooms are available on select units. Prices are $695 to $725 and include all utilities!

Applications are now being accepted and we are offering daily tours from 1 – 4 pm and by appointment. These units will go fast. to secure your place, call Von Klein Property Management at (541) 485-7776 or (541) 954-2361.

Steve Prefontaine photo credit: The Happy Rower via photopin cc