Apartment living might not be for everybody, but it may be a smart decision for you. In fact, renting is a surprisingly smart option for people who have never even considered it before.

In June 2004, The National Multi Housing Council published a brochure called Renting Can Be A Smart Investment. It explores several common misconceptions about homeownership in a question-and-answer format.

Here are a few guidelines that may help you decide whether to rent with us.

Lower Upfront Costs than Buying a Home
When you rent, you don't have to worry about saving for the substantial down payment, attorney's fees or heavy closing costs, as well as property and school taxes.

Lower Monthly Costs
Renting will generally cost you less per month than a mortgage payment for a similar size and quality space.

Flexibility
Renting gives you the flexibility to move if you need to. When you rent, you're not locked into a long-term financial commitment the way you can be with a house - this can be an important benefit for those in the military.

Less Financial Risk
When you rent, you don't have to worry about the value of your house or your ability to sell in a buyer's market. You can leave one rented apartment home behind and quickly find another for less than the cost of selling or leaving behind an empty house that has yet to sell.

Fewer Maintenance Expenses
Homeowners need to budget for the unexpected: the leaky roof, the broken furnace or the garage door that's stuck. Renters, on the other hand, have the convenience of knowing exactly how much their housing will cost each month.

At Eagle Ridge Village, we have a full-time property manager, a maintenance staff, and 24-hour, on-call emergency maintenance services, as well as professional plowing, snow removal, and summertime lawn care.

All the Extras Included
If you rent an apartment at Eagle Ridge Village, you'll enjoy all sorts of conveniences, including a Community Center with a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, an exercise area, volleyball and basketball courts, post office boxes, and recycling stations.