Tag: apartment in north austin

Renter-Friendly Tech For Your RPM Living Luxury Apartment

Are you looking for some renter-friendly smart home technology recommendations to make your life a little easier? Many often mistake that living in an apartment means limiting your smart-home technology. That isn’t true, and we’ve put together a list of smart-home technology recommendations that you can easily implement in your RPM Living luxury apartment today.

Robot Vacuum

Whether you’re a little messy or even if you’re a neat freak, robot vacuums are a lifesaver for day-to-day life, especially in apartments. Our open-concept layouts make it easier to get your apartment in tip top shape without you having to lift a finger. What else could you ask for? Bonus: this one even has a mop feature for all your hard floors.

Bluetooth Speaker

If you’re cleaning, working, or anywhere in between, a wireless speaker is a great way to set your mood - no matter what mood it is. This bluetooth speaker from Ikea may look and sound like it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg, but really, it’s only $79.99.

Smart Plugs

Feeling like your energy bill is a little higher than it should be? Invest in a smart plug! These little gadgets will allow you to check via WiFi just how much energy any of your appliances or other electronic devices are pulling, and they can be remotely turned off and on. That’s right - you can turn your coffee pot on without even getting out of bed in the morning. Sounds too good to be true? Wait until you see how affordable it is.

Indoor Smart Camera

Hoping to keep an eye on your pets, plants, or belongings when you’re away from your apartment, without installing an expensive home security system? If so, an indoor smart camera should definitely be on your list. Easily connect to your smartphone, and check out what’s going on in your apartment when you’re out of town, visiting with friends, or simply out for an errand.

Digital Assistant

This may seem too easy, but we mean it when we say that EVERYONE at our RPM Living luxury apartments should have one of these. Whether you need an answer to a question, set a timer or reminder, or even control your smart plugs, an Amazon Echo or a Google Home is a great way to make apartment life more efficient without breaking the bank or taking up space.

With so much helpful tech available in today’s world, we can’t wait to hear what your favorite tools are for your home, too! Let us know in the comments or on our social media.

Don’t forget, if you want to shop our RPM Living communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Tips On Saving Money While Renting

Choosing to rent is a big decision that many are faced with, and we’re thrilled you chose an RPM Living apartment community! Now that you’ve decided to rent your home, even if only temporarily, it’s a good idea to look ahead and start thinking about how to save money while you’re in a rental. Here are some of our tips!

Pay rent with a cash-back credit card

You’ve probably heard people say that credit cards are “scary” and you should avoid using them unless absolutely necessary, but this isn’t true for those who know how to use them responsibly. By paying your rent with a credit card that offers cash back on all purchases, you can truly make some of your money back on your rent payments each month, all while spending the same amount of money you’d be spending anyways.

Find a roommate

This one may seem a little on the nose, but there’s a reason why many renters choose to go in 50/50 with roommates! You’ll still be able to live in a space you love in a perfect location for your lifestyle, but at only a fraction of the cost. However, it’s important to choose your roommates wisely. Just because someone is your friend - or even family - doesn’t mean they’ll be a good fit to live with. There’s no point in choosing a roommate to split costs with if they aren’t going to stick around long enough to really make a difference.

Know how much space you need

It can seem tempting to choose an apartment that comes with extra space for storage, living, entertaining, etc., but if you’re keen on saving your money, choose a space that adequately suits your needs. In order to get more, you oftentimes have to pay more, so why pay for more than you really need? Trust us, you’re going to thank yourself in the long run.

Eliminate your debt

From credit card debt to student loans, it’s no secret that getting out of debt is one of the most common challenges that people are facing these days, especially with rising costs of living. Getting out of that hole is a great way to start seeing your savings grow each month, rather than sit in the same place month in and month out. Consider working with a free financial advisor to create a plan, both short and long term, to get your debt into a good place - or eliminated altogether.

Watch your utilities

It’s easy to get caught up in cranking your heat in the winter and your A/C in the summer, but how much extra are your utilities really costing you each month? While we would never suggest a tactic that would cause you to be uncomfortable in your own time, keeping an eye on your energy, water, heating and cooling usage each month could be what helps add some extra funds into your savings.

There are so many benefits to renting your home, don’t sell yourself short over fear of not being able to grow your savings in the meantime. Let us know if these tips have helped you, or if you have any additional tips that have proven effective in your time as a renter!

For more recommendations on resident life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM Living communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Renter-Friendly Tech Recs For Apartment Homes

Robot Vacuum

Whether you’re a little messy, a lotta messy, or even if you’re a neat freak, robot vacuums are a lifesaver for day-to-day life, especially in apartments! Our open-concept layouts make it to get your apartment in tip top shape, without you having to lift a finger. Most of our apartment homes do not have stairs, so don’t worry about it accidentally taking a tumble. What else could you ask for? Bonus: this one even has a mop feature for all your hard floors.

Bluetooth Speaker

If you’re cleaning, working, studying, or anywhere in between, a wireless speaker is a great way to set your mood - no matter what mood it is. This bluetooth speaker from Ikea may look and sound like it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg, but really, it’s only $79.99.

Smart Plugs

Smart Lock

Kiss the keys goodbye, and say hello to your new best friend. Ever been in a hurry out the door and couldn’t remember if you locked it on your way out? No problem, because with a smart lock, you can lock or unlock your door right from your phone. The best part? It fits right onto your deadbolt, so you can easily remove it at any time, or at move-out (even though we want you to stay with us forever!).

Digital Assistant

This may seem too easy, but we mean it when we say that EVERYONE at our RPM Living apartment communities should have one of these bad boys. Whether you need an answer to a question, set a timer or reminder, or even control your smart locks or plugs (cool, right?) an Amazon Echo or a Google Home is a great way to make apartment life more efficient without breaking the bank or taking up space.

With so much helpful tech available in today’s world, we can’t wait to hear what your favorite tools are for your home, too! Let us know in the comments or on our social media.

For more recommendations on resident life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM Living communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

How To Establish Credit While Renting

It may seem impossible, but building credit while renting isn't as hard as many would think. Here are a few tips you can incorporate into your routine to see a hike in your credit score, even as a renter.

Report Your Rent Payments to Credit Bureaus

While your on-time rent payments do not impact your credit on their own, you can report your rent payments to credit bureaus to show that you are a responsible tenant who pays your bills on time. This can boost your credit score at up to 40 points! Be sure to check with your landlord or property manager to see if they are already reporting rent payments to credit bureaus.

Use Credit Cards Responsibly

Credit cards can be tempting due to the fact that you don’t necessarily have to pay that money back as soon as you spend it. However, accruing too much credit card debt can have a seriously damaging effect on your credit score, and can end up costing you hundreds, if not thousands, more in the long run.

Pay Off Debt Early, If You Can

Whether it’s a personal loan, business loan, credit card, student loan, auto loan, or anything in between - paying off your debts ahead of schedule can greatly impact your credit score, as it shows you are a responsible borrower and can in turn allow you to take our larger loans and credit limits to even further boost your credit score! Two birds, one stone.

Monitor Your Credit Reports

While not overly common, credit report errors do happen! Keeping on top of your credit reports and credit score is a great way to ensure your credit is not being negatively impacted by something out of your control. Oftentimes, your credit reports will even include tips for how to raise your score and eliminate any debt you may have.

Always Pay On Time

Although it’s easier said than done, paying off your loans, debts, and bills is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your credit score, especially as a renter. Many programs today even offer support if you request it for helping to pay your bills on time with little, if any, impact to your credit. Always look for these options before deferring a bill or payment, because oftentimes, that can become a rabbit hole that’s extremely difficult to get out of.

Building your credit, even as a renter, doesn’t have to be scary! Take advantage of these tips and continue to spend responsibly in order to see that credit score shoot up sooner than you may think.

Don’t forget, if you want to shop our luxury apartments in Austin and other RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Upcoming Spooky Activities In Austin

One of the best parts about spooky season is all of the fun local events you can enjoy with friends, family, or even solo! Here’s a few of our recommendations for upcoming spooky activities near our luxury apartments in Austin.

Happy Hour Halloweekend Pub Crawl

October 21, 1-8PM

Coyote Ugly Saloon

Looking to dress up and grab some drinks with folks who are just as spookily-inclined as you are? The Halloweekend Pub Crawl at Coyote Ugly is the place to be! Take advantage of entry into some of the best bars in Austin and exclusive drink specials just for crawlers! While costumes are not required, they are encouraged to embrace the spooky season right!

BARKtacular HOWLoween Dog Fest

October 22, 8-10AM

Round Rock Dog Depot

You didn’t think we’d leave your spooky furry friends off the list, did you? Bring your (leashed) pups, friends, and family alike to the 3rd annual Barktacular Howloween Dog Fest in Round Round, Tx, just a short drive from our apartments in Austin. Your pup will get the opportunity to go trick-or-treating, enter in a costume contest, and a lookalike contest! There will be all kinds of vendors attending for you to shop, eat, and drink while your four legged friends embrace their spookiest desires. Only $5 per dog, so be sure and register ahead!

Spooky Sprint

October 22, 3-5PM

Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park

Want to get your heart rate up this spooky season? Be sure to mark your calendar for Austin’s Spooky Sprint, held at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park! Bring the whole family and receive not only the satisfaction of completing this spooky race, but also a t-shirt and custom medal! Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Be sure and sign up in advance for their in-person or virtual race options!

Spooky Silent Disco Party

October 28, 10PM-2AM

The Belmont

On the lookout for some pre-Halloween fun? Visit the Belmont on October 28 for their spooky silent disco! Enjoy hundreds of party goers costumes, the chance to dance the night away with your best buds, and drink specials all night long. With 3 different DJ channels, wireless headphones, and the chance to talk as much as you want without having to shout over loud music all while embracing the spooky season is something you won’t want to miss! Be sure and buy your tickets in advance for easy access.

Halloween Drag Bingo Brunch

October 30, 1-3PM

Fairmont Austin

Embrace the Halloween season while overlooking the Austin skyline, enjoying a specialty spooky-themed brunch menu and cocktails, and the chance to win big at bingo with your favorite Extragram drag queens. There will, of course, be a costume contest as well with the chance to win some glamorous prizes, so be sure to dress in your Halloween best!

With so much spooky fun coming up near our apartments in Austin, TX, be sure to mark your calendars to get it all in!

As always, if you’re looking to live in one of our luxury apartments, you can always shop RPM communities across the US by checking out our Communities page.

Summer Grilling Tips at Your Luxury Apartment in North Austin

Summer is finally here, which means it’s time to break out the grill (if you haven’t already). Take a look at these 5 tips for how to maximize your grilling experience this summer at your luxury apartment in North Austin, both for safety and flavor!

Always Start With a Clean Grill

Whether you clean your grill as soon as you’re done, or you clean it before starting your next meal, as long as the grill is getting cleaned, you’re good. Without cleaning the grill thoroughly between meals, leftover flavor, residue, and seasoning will be left on the grill and can tamper with your meat, veggies, or any other grilled food.

Keep a Spray Bottle Nearby

Juices, seasonings, and marinade can drip down into the fire and cause some flames to come above the grate and onto your food. While it’s not always an unsafe flame that can pop up, it can potentially char your food past the point of perfection, and into the territory of just plain burnt. Use a spray bottle of water to fight those rogue flames and keep your food from burning.

Buy a Meat Thermometer

Just like no one likes their meat to be undercooked, you don’t want to overcook it either. Getting a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your food is at its safest and tastiest this summer. Be sure to follow the guidelines for each type of meat you cook- they're all different! Be sure to wipe down and clean your meat thermometer after each use. This helps to prevent the spread of salmonella and cross contamination.

Rest the Meat

As tempting as it can be, don’t dive into your plate as soon as the food comes off the grill! Letting your meat rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking allows for everything to set and soak in. This helps to maximize the flavor of both the meat and the marinade. Additionally, it allows the meat to cool off and not overwhelm your senses. That way all that you and your guests will be focused on is the masterpiece you have created.

Keep Em Separated

Separate your meats! Both for reasons of flavor and safety, keep your different types of meat separated from each other. This includes when marinating, on the grill, and after being taken off. For safety, this ensures that there will be no cross contamination directly onto your meat. This also reduces any risk of salmonella or food poisoning. For flavor reasons, it ensures that different meats and marinades will not be mixing together. This will definitely ensure you are keeping your flavor experience at its peak.

We hope you are looking forward to a summer full of grilling at your luxury apartment in North Austin using these simple tips!

If you want to find your ideal home at one of our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.