Don’t Be Them. Noise Edition.

As an apartment dweller, you share at least one wall with another resident. And you probably hear your neighbor from time to time. It’s to be expected. Have you ever seen the video Everyone’s Upstairs Neighbor? Back when it was created, The Washington Post wrote:

Of course, the video is hilariously exaggerated, but it does make one wonder: “Is that how I sound to my neighbors?” Yikes.

Keeping that in mind, strive to be the neighbor you wish you would always have.  

• Offer a smile and a wave to your neighbors when you see them.
• Step outside your apartment and listen to the volume of your music, TV, gaming, etc. If you can hear it, bet your neighbors can, too. Consider using headphones after 10:00 PM and before 9:00 AM if you like to pump up the volume.
• Planning to throw a party? Let your neighbors know what to expect and for how long – and perhaps extend them an invitation to join in the fun.

These simple steps can go a long way toward shared enjoyment of life in your apartment building and apartment community.

On the other hand, what can you do if it’s your neighbors making too much noise and commotion on their side of the wall? The simplest (though not always easiest) solution is to knock on their door and ask them to keep down any noise that they can control (electronics, a barking dog, etc.). You can explain you need your sleep, that you’re working from home, etc. A heart-to-heart with your neighbor will always be better received than getting management involved. But if you are faint of heart, another option is to contact your management company and ask them to issue a general email to all residents about noise. This keeps you (or your neighbor) from being singled out, but ideally will get the message across. If that fails, you can have your management company contact your neighbor directly, without implicating you. A good set of earplugs and a white noise machine or app on your phone can also work wonders.

Be a great neighbor and get one in return. Without the bowling balls.

The post Dont Be Them. Noise Edition. appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

For years I tried to discourage my daughter from adopting a pup. She lives in New York City, and to me, NYC apartments are too small and everything there costs too much to add a dog to the mix. But there are large parks, many dog-friendly shops and restaurants, and she did need the comfort only a dog can bring. So she adopted a pup with my blessings (not that she really needed them). She found a person who was fostering a litter of what were supposed to be part-Chihuahua puppies who were all part of the Berry family – Blueberry, Cranberry, Raspberry, Strawberry, and Blackberry. Cranberry soon became her bestie and although there’s definitely no Chihuahua in him, he’s shaped up to be a perfect apartment dog.

So what makes a perfect dog for apartment living? If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, you may be wondering how a dog will fare in an apartment, and what kinds of dogs are best for apartment living. Important considerations! As an apartment dweller, your first step is to check with your property manager to make sure your lease allows dogs and to determine if there are any restrictions on size or breed. Other factors, besides size, to consider when researching apartment-friendly dogs, include the breed’s personality, activity level, grooming needs, and how much noise the pup will make. I have a friend with a Basenji that never barks. Heaven! My little dog barks when leaves fall off trees or when a doorbell rings on TV. Not an ideal candidate for an apartment.

You can search for dogs by breed on websites such as Petfinder or Adopt-A-Pet, or click here for the top 10 best pet adoption websites. To further assist you, read on to learn about the best large and small dog breeds for apartments, and how to be a good dog owner in a multi-family setting.

Great Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

According to the American Kennel Club, apartment residents have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a furry best friend. They say, “Apartment dwellers have many dog breeds to choose from when selecting a pet. The size of your living space isn't the only consideration, because many large-breed dogs have lower activity levels and are more than happy to lounge on the sofa. There are dog breeds that require high energy and plenty of space, so they may not be best suited for a smaller apartment. Some small dog breeds with high energy are satisfied with indoor playtime or a brisk walk. Just make sure to consider your neighbors when choosing a dog: You'll want a pet that doesn't bark incessantly and is polite when meeting other people, in the elevator, on the stairs or in the lobby.”

Click here for Highland Canine’s comprehensive list of the best breeds for apartments; below are a few of their top-rated.

• Basenji: My friend’s Basenji is a delight. This low-shedding, short-haired dog breed was originally used for hunting, so they like to chase, fetch and play. Basenjis are primarily known as a “bark-less” breed, as their larynx only allows them to “yodel.” Weighing around 25 pounds, they are slightly larger than other small dog breeds for apartments on this list, but they’ll do fine in a smaller space as long as they get some daily exercise.
• Bichon Frise: My dog was supposed to be a purebred Maltese, but he’s most definitely part Bichon. While he does like to bark, we’ve been able to control his barking with training. Bichon’s are part of the poodle family – fluffy but smaller. Like Basenjis, Bichon’s don’t shed, so they’re considered hypoallergenic. They don’t bark too much, and at 11 pounds, they’re among the top small dogs that are good for apartments. Bichons are playful, so they need regular exercise and walks. They’re also highly trainable, can learn tricks, love to cuddle, and are great with children.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: These sweet-faced dogs are small (13 to 18 pounds) so they don’t require a palace. King Charles Spaniels are smart, very trainable, and friendly with humans as well as other dogs. They love to be near their owners, so while King Charles Spaniels are perfect for apartment living, they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.
• French Bulldog: Smaller than their standard Bulldog cousins, French Bulldogs are small in stature (usually around 11 to 12 inches tall) but have big, goofy personalities. They have short hair, so you won’t have to groom them much, and they rarely bark, making them ideal small dogs for apartments. A daily walk or two should suffice for exercise.
• Greyhound: These lanky dogs are much larger than the other breeds on this list (females can reach 75 pounds, while males can weigh more than 80 pounds) but they are gentle giants who love a good snuggle. Bred originally for racing, Greyhounds need regular exercise such as daily fetch sessions – but they are true couch potatoes at heart. They also don’t bark much, which will make your neighbors happy. Best of all, many organizations find homes for retired racing Greyhounds, including Greyhound Welfare.

Apartment Dog Owner Etiquette

When living in an apartment community with a dog, a little etiquette – we call it petiquette – goes a long way. While you may love and adore your fluffy companion, that doesn’t mean your neighbor will. You can encourage positive neighborly relations by following a few simple tips. Click here for our Perfect Pettiquette post.

• Always pick up after your dog. It’s easy if you have the right bags and a bag dispenser.
• Always keep your pup on a good leash, unless at a dog park.
• Be cautiously sociable and let others know if your dog doesn’t like attention.
• Make sure your dog gets plenty of outdoor exercise.
• Train your dog, especially if Fido exhibits extreme barking, separation anxiety, or aggression. You may lose your permission to have a dog if neighbors complain about excessive noise or aggressive tendencies.

Dogs Welcome Here

Getting a dog is a big step, whether it is your first dog or you’re a seasoned dog parent, and especially if you live in an apartment community. Financial and emotional responsibility are key when opening your home and heart to a pet. You also have to be willing to put in the time and effort to train your dog to live in an apartment. And know that life will be different when you have a dog waiting for you at home. There will be sacrifices to your time – like going home after work to walk Spot instead of having a beer after work with co-workers.

Almost all Fath Properties communities are pet-friendly and a few even have dog parks. Start your search here! And tell your dog we said hi.

The post Best Dogs for Apartment Living appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

10 Ways To Make Friends With Your Neighbors

You’re moving to a new place. A new home, a new town, perhaps a new job, new people.

New can be nerve-racking as most folks take comfort in the familiar. So how do you find ways to feel at home? Settle in. Settle in to your new home by unpacking and surrounding yourself with the things you love. Settle into your new neighborhood by familiarizing yourself with the area and finding new favorite shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Settle in to work by getting to the commute route, your job functions, your boss, and coworkers. Settle in by making new friends. All these steps will lessen the disorientation you’ll feel when moving into a new apartment home. In our Neighborly Neighbors post, we chatted about the whys of making friends with neighbors. Today we’ll help by sharing the hows in 10 ways to make friends with your neighbors.

If the thought of introducing yourself to strangers breaks you out in a cold sweat like it does me, rest assured are ways to ease into it without feeling super awkward. Neighbors are plentiful in an apartment community and there are many ways to connect with them. Check out these easy ways to turn saying, “Hi!” to neighbors to making friends with them.

1. Get Noticed

If your community allows it, let your neighbors know there’s a new kid on the block. Add a fun doormat, hang a wreath, place a pretty pot of flowers or a small bench by the door so they’ll notice a fresh change. Now this may sound unusual – but it’s so fun – hang cute (legible!) note on your door inviting your neighbors to knock. “Just moved in! Stop by to say hi!” Many people want to become friends with their neighbors too, so this can be the bit of encouragement they need. And most folks will want to befriend someone who obviously cares about their place.

2. Host A Meet & Greet Party

Even though you won’t (obviously) know your apartment neighbors yet, it’s quite possible that they don’t know each other either. A welcome party is a great way to not only meet them but to provide opportunities for them to connect with each other. Drop off an invitation at the door of each neighbor in your entryway, building, or on your floor. Call it a Meet & Greet. Have it for just a couple of hours and provide snacks. Ask everyone to bring their own beverages if you want to keep costs down. This is such an easy way to entertain and start down the path of making new friends!

3. Get Social (Media)

Many apartment communities will have Facebook groups for their residents or a Facebook page for the community itself. If you can’t find one, start by joining neighborhood groups. Chances are there are at least one or two of your apartment neighbors in those groups as well. Sometimes it’s easier to strike up a conversation naturally online.

4. Chit-Chat In Passing 

A bit cliché, but making small talk while you are coming and going to your door or your car can open doors to new friendships. Saying hi to neighbors is quick, easy, and gets the ball rolling. If you don’t know how to start a conversation with a stranger, try asking a question about the building and let them know you’re new. If you’d prefer a different approach, try complimenting them! Everyone responds well to a genuine compliment.  Once, when moving to a new place, a neighbor approached as I was walking to the trash corral. He said, “Hi, I’m Jesse. Welcome to the building. I live in apartment 2. You just knock on my door if you ever need a cup of sugar!” Jesse is from South Carolina, so his offer in that sweet southern accent just made my day. Even without an accent, it’s a really nice way to say hello.

5. Use The Amenities 

If your apartment community has a gym, pool, business center, walking trail, or bark park, use it! This is a great way to meet folk with whom you share a common interest and makes starting a conversation pretty darn easy. Plus you’ll quickly learn who the regulars are. Start by waving or saying hello to the people you recognize. Then, whenever the chance presents itself, strike up a conversation. If you’re not sure what to talk about, make a comment or ask a question about the amenity you’re both using.

6. Show Your Face

Attend events hosted by your apartment community. Many communities host events or mixers to help residents connect with each other. For anyone trying to figure out how to meet friends in a new city, this is a great way to meet people in similar situations or with similar interests! Keep in mind that there are probably others looking to make friends, too. If the building itself doesn’t host events, that doesn’t mean others can’t. Many communities have digital bulletin boards within their online resident portals. Don’t ignore them – check frequently to see if anything catches your eye.

7. Bring Fido

Dogs are the perfect icebreaker – almost everyone want to pet a pup, and it’s easier for most folks to say, “hi” to a dog than a person. So if you have a dog, bring him or her with you when you go out. So many places are dog friendly these days. We’ve made a note of these places in Greater Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky, Dallas, and Dayton for you. Let them get the ball rolling in making new friendships. When I moved to a new state, I was fortunate to have a dog park near my apartment. My pup loved going there with me after work and soon we knew every dog  and pet parent in the neighborhood.

8. Help

When you see new neighbors moving into your apartment community, introduce yourself and let them know that you’re there to help if anything comes up. This could be something small, like borrowing a cooking ingredient or a tool, or something bigger, like running an errand, picking up a package, or carrying in a new sofa. Even though they may not take you up on it, this gesture of goodwill can go a long way toward helping you make friends. People almost always respond positively to kindness.

9. Ask A Question

Asking someone about themselves is one of the best ways to get a conversation flowing and avoid an awkward silence. Prepare a few questions to ask when you meet your neighbors – it could be something as simple as, “How long have you lived here?”, “Do you work around here?”, What’s the best place to get breakfast nearby?”

10. Go Outside

Get outside for fresh air, hopefully some sunshine, and perhaps a bit off exercise. Just being outdoors can be one of the easiest ways to meet your neighbors. If your apartment community has a rooftop deck, a pool, Bark Park, or a playground, you’ll be sure to find some of your neighbors there. If your apartment doesn’t have these things, go for a walk around the neighborhood or hang out at the nearest public park. You could meet others from your building there.  While outside, wash your car windshield or plant a flower in the garden. Again, just being out of your apartment has the potential to expose you to many more people than if you just sit indoors and binge watch.

Welcome to your new home! Hope you’re settling in comfortably and on your way to making friends with your neighbors. If you have any great tips on making friends in an new town, share them in the comments!

The post 10 WAYS TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.