Weidner strives to make each apartment community feel like home. They accommodate Odessa, TX, residents by providing a suite of amenities to meet the needs of their customers.
 

For the benefit of residents of Odessa, TX, researchers have compiled some tips and tricks to find the perfect apartment community!

Consider Location

Finding the ideal apartment in Odessa, TX, is heavily dependent on location. No one wants to travel far to run errands, find entertainment, or commute to work. Luckily, Weidner considers this when constructing or investing in each of their apartment communities. The location of Fairgreen Apartment Homes is a prime example of convenience. Fairgreen is centered in the heart of Odessa and is within walking distance from landmarks such as the Stonehenge Replica, Optimist Park, Garden Visions, and many more. Are you a night owl? Then you’ll enjoy the many bars and late-night restaurants located right beside Fairgreen. Do you travel a lot for work or pleasure? Midland Airport is just a short drive away from Fairgreen Apartments and offers flights with some of the most prestigious airlines. If you are in the market for a new home, Weidner understands location is paramount, which is why all Weidner apartment homes in Odessa, TX, are placed precisely for your convenience.     

Research Amenities

When moving into an apartment community in Odessa, TX, it is vital to research the amenities and understand the available resident perks. Meeting the needs of their residents is something that Weidner prides itself on. That is why all Weidner apartment homes feature amenities ranging from pools, coffee stations, and every community is pet-friendly. Residents should feel taken care of in their homes by having access to amenities necessary for their daily routines. There’s no shortage of amenities at Mission Green Apartment Homes, one of Weidner’s 19 communities in Odessa, TX. We encourage you to consider what amenities are important to you and use this knowledge to decide which community in Odessa, TX, will be the best fit!

Read Reviews

Online reviews are reliable testaments to the prestige of apartment communities. Overall, Weidner consistently garners glowing 5-star reviews daily. Who doesn’t feel compelled to visit a place that others have raved about? Not only that, but reviews build trust among people and provide insight into the pros and cons of a community. Acacia Park Apartment Homes in Odessa, TX, is an excellent example of the reviews that have made Weidner’s apartment communities a desirable place to live. When considering a new apartment in Odessa, TX, checking reviews is a great way to discover which apartment home will suit your needs.  

Visit a Weidner Apartment Community Today!

When you have completed your research, it’s time to schedule a tour! It’s one thing to see pictures of an apartment community, read reviews, and study the benefits of its location. However, seeing an apartment home with your own eyes is how you determine whether you’ve found your new home. However, if you can’t tour in person, Weidner’s virtual tours of their homes and amenities are great resources to ensure the community will provide everything you need.
 

So, what are you waiting for?
 

Check out Weidner’s communities in Odessa, TX, today—your new home is just one click away!

The post Odessa, TX Apartment Homes: How to Find One That Suits Your Needs appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

This is going to be such an exciting experience for you, and we hope that you love living in your new home. Whether you are moving into your first apartment by yourself or with roommates, we have some great recommendations for you. There are plenty of items that you will want to make sure are in your new apartment, some for comfort, some for safety, and some for fun!
 

Here are 5 things that you will definitely want in your new home!

Fire Extinguisher

The requirement of apartment communities to supply fire extinguishers for their residents varies from state to state. If your apartment home does not include a fire extinguisher, then you should put it at the top of your list to get one. Not only will it come in handy in the event of a fire, but you will also have the peace of mind that accompanies having a plan for such emergencies. You will want to base the number of fire extinguishers for your home based on the size of it, but definitely keep one in the kitchen!

Toolbox

Having tools handy during your move can be a lifesaver if you run into any issues with getting your furniture through doorways, notice missing screws, or if you need to measure a room before setting it up. Be sure to keep some emergency essentials in your toolkit, like extra batteries, flashlights, matches, and candles. This way you will be prepared for any power outages, and the extra batteries might save you a last-minute trip to the store when your TV remote needs new ones. You will be so grateful for your tools during the entire moving process AND after you are all settled!
 

An Air Freshener With Your Favorite Scent

While this is not essential for your safety or convenience, it is essential for your comfort. By making your favorite aroma the signature scent of your new apartment, you will feel at home faster. If you don’t have a favorite fragrance, try simmering a pot of water with a spoonful of vanilla extract, some lemon slices, and fresh herbs like rosemary or lavender. This is a great recipe to create a pleasant, cozy environment. Not to mention, your home is going to smell great!
 

Photos of Your Friends and Loved Ones

Whether or not you have roommates in your new apartment, it is still encouraging to be surrounded by the smiling faces of those who love you. It’s always nice to have such meaningful photos framed, but, if you attach them to a bulletin board or strand of lights, you can swap them out for new ones at a later date. Pro-tip: unpack these items first, so your loved ones support you through the entire unpacking process!
 

Something Fun!

You should celebrate this next phase of your life by getting something fun for your new apartment. It does not have to be expensive or impractical if you are on a budget. If you love coffee, you could get a milk frother to make your favorite drink at home (and save money in the long run). You could also get a fun ice mold, an awesome poster or painting to hang, or some really cute throw pillows!

Still looking for the perfect home for you in Oklahoma City, OK?
 

We have just the apartment for you at Brookwood Village Apartment Homes!
 

Our team of leasing professionals can show you around our beautiful property and luxurious community amenities. With studio, one, two, and three bedroom floor plans to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect home for your lifestyle. Schedule a tour today to find your new home!
 

The post 5 Important Things To Bring To Your New Apartment appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

If you’re looking at apartments, don't rule out options with one more bedroom than you actually need. There are many creative ways to use that spare bedroom to significantly improve the way you use your space.
 

Consider upgrading to a slightly larger apartment and using the spare bedroom for the following options.  

1. Home Office

With the recent surge of remote work, a home office is becoming a must for many professionals. Instead of propping your laptop up on the dining room table, convert the extra bedroom into an office. Furnish it with a desk, comfortable chair, and storage options to create a space that you want to work in. Be intentional about the light fixtures you use to limit the glare on your computer screen, and decorate in a way that will help you focus while fostering creativity and productivity. 

2. Home Gym

While many apartments have shared fitness centers, sometimes you just want to work out in your own space. If you’re an avid exerciser, having easy access to your weights and workout equipment can make doing what you love even more convenient. If you’re starting a workout routine, having easy access to your home gym will limit excuses and help keep you on track. Although your downstairs neighbor may not appreciate a full gym above them, you can find several quiet and low-impact exercises to stay fit without leaving your apartment or causing disruption. 

3. Guest Room

When hosting guests, it’s nice to have a comfortable and dedicated place for them to stay that’s not your couch. A guest room can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like, as long as it has a comfortable bed and a place for guests to put their things. If you have frequent visitors, a guest room can be the perfect option for that spare bedroom.

4. Hobby Room

If you’ve picked up a new hobby over the last year or two, you may be looking for a space to store your things and work on your craft. Maybe you started painting or drawing, perhaps you’ve finally created that YouTube channel or you’ve gotten into video games, sewing, yoga, or you want a sunny place to put all of the plants you’ve managed to keep alive. Whatever your new hobby or interest is, the spare bedroom can be a place to express yourself and keep it all organized so it's not spilling out into the rest of the apartment. 

5. Dressing Room/Extra Closet Space

Even in the most spacious and modern apartments, the bathroom is usually the smallest room in the house. If you need a little more room to get ready in the mornings, consider using the spare bedroom as an extension of your closet. Use the space to set up a vanity or put in an extra dresser, so there’s more room for your wardrobe. Hang mirrors, install decorative lights, and use creative storage hacks to give yourself more room to get ready in the mornings. Apartments like Prairie Pines at The Ridge in Williston, ND, have bedrooms with large closets, but having an extra room could change the way you organize your clothes and prepare for the day. 

6. Second Living Room

The living room is the heart of the home and where most of the “living” is done, hence the name. But sometimes, the main living room can’t accommodate everyone’s needs, and this is when a second living space comes in handy. Convert the spare bedroom into a place where you go to watch sports, decked out in memorabilia from your favorite teams. Or, turn it into the ultimate movie room where you can store your expansive DVD collection and fill the space with comfortable seats. Or, don’t install a TV at all and use this secondary living room as a place to write, journal, read, or play games. 

7. Play Space 

Sometimes, families with kids have to get creative in utilizing the space in their apartments. A spare bedroom could be transformed into a kid-friendly play area, where they keep all of their toys and books, so they’re not all over the living room. You could decorate this space with their favorite colors and themes and enjoy the luxury of closing the door to avoid the mess. The “Ridge” floor plan at Prairie Pines at The Ridge Apartment Homes works perfectly for this idea, as the open-concept floor plan has 1,291 square feet of living space with two bedrooms on one side of the home and the third near the living room. 

Start Your Apartment Search Here

Whether you’re planning a move to the quiet town of Williston, ND, or a big city like Seattle, you want to make sure your modern apartment suits your lifestyle. Don’t eliminate larger apartments with an extra bedroom from your apartment search, as there are plenty of creative and useful things you could do with the extra space. If you’re ready to start your apartment search, schedule a chat with us today! You’re one call away from finding your home sweet home at Prairie Pines at The Ridge Apartment Homes.
 

The post 7 Creative Ways To Use The Spare Bedroom In Your Apartment appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

It is easy to underestimate the amount of usable space that a patio or balcony offers because they are most typically used as seasonal spaces when the weather is nice. Now, the first thing to consider before decorating (or redecorating) your balcony is what your lease permits you to do with it. In some apartment home communities, residents are not permitted to hang signs or banners from their railing. There might also be weight restrictions when it comes to furniture, plants, or other large decor. If you find yourself uncertain as to whether something is permissible, just give your property manager a call. They are always happy to help, and will steer you in the right direction!
 

A patio or balcony is a great space to designate for specific activities, and we have a whole list of ideas for you to make the most out of your outdoor space!

Workout Spot

Your balcony can be a nice, sunny spot to get a light workout in for more months out of the year than you realize. You won’t have the space or support for heavy duty weight lifting, but your balcony can be a really fun spot to do some yoga, pilates, or other low-intensity workouts!

Meditation Area

Spread out a nice yoga mat, surround yourself with plants, and let nature provide the rest of the ambiance for a quick meditation at the end, or beginning, of your day. You could strategically plant herbs like lavender or chamomile to add relaxing aromas to your quiet time. You will love having this special place to go and relax, journal, or anything else that helps you to unwind.

Cozy Outdoor Retreat

Sometimes you just want a classic setup for a relaxing morning, afternoon, or evening on your patio. Get some comfy cushions for your patio chairs, hang some nice outdoor lights, and light a citronella candle, and you will be in store for a lovely evening listening to crickets, cicadas, and other wildlife. Or play some quiet music while you hang out with friends after a long week at work!
 

Urban Balcony Garden

Just because you don’t have a backyard, does not mean you can’t have fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs! You will want to be mindful of how much weight you are adding to your balcony, so avoid very large plants or raised garden beds. But there is plenty of fresh produce that grows well in pots and other containers, so do a little research and get ready for some delicious ingredients!

Outdoor Studio

If you have pets that are always messing with your easels, canvases, or other art supplies, try setting up your studio outside. Your paints, clay, or other mediums should stay indoors to avoid humidity and other variables that could affect their quality. Throw down some tarps or something else to protect the floor of your patio or balcony, and get ready to be inspired by the splendors of nature around your apartment community!

No matter how you decide to decorate and utilize your own patio or balcony, there are a few essentials that you will want to make sure to include. Some kind of lighting, a seat or two, a citronella candle, and a table or other surface to set down your book, coffee, phone, etc. Those basic elements will allow you to enjoy your balcony no matter how else you choose to use the space.
 

The best part about decorating your apartment home is that you can make it exactly how you have always dreamed it would be. Your taste, style, and preferences will surround you, making your apartment not just a home, but your home. 
 

Do you have other great ideas for how to decorate a patio or balcony? Share them with us in the comments, so we can be inspired too!
 

The post How to Maximize Your Patio or Balcony Space appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

While you would need a more extensive list of items to be prepared to survive in a natural disaster, our tips will get you through any thunderstorms coming your way this season!
 

Here are five great ways to prepare your apartment home for bad weather.
 

Put together an emergency supply kit.

Gather some flashlights, extra batteries, candles, matches, bottled water, a first-aid kit, etc. Keep this kit somewhere you can easily access even if the power has gone out. Some convenient location ideas are under the kitchen sink or in a closet near your front door. You can rest assured that during a power outage during a storm, you can quickly restore a little light to your home!
 

Consider personalizing this kit to fit your or your family’s needs, and add some comfort items like fuzzy socks, a warm blanket, a scented candle, and battery-operated fairy lights. Having something to soften the experience might help ease some of the tension of experiencing bad weather.
 

Identify the best locations in your home to wait out the storm.

The safest place in your home to wait out a storm will depend on the weather you are experiencing. However, you will eliminate additional worry by identifying where to go ahead of time. When the weather hits, you won’t have to think about where to go.
 

For weather that includes dangerously high winds, you typically want to go to a room or closet without windows. For information on how to find the best place in your home to stay safe during a storm, check out this article from Allstate!
 

Secure any balcony or patio decor.

If you have any outdoor furniture or decor, you will want to ensure it is secured or bring it inside to prevent strong winds from blowing them away or causing damage.
 

You will want to ensure that your car is not parked under a tree, but only move it if it's safe to do so!
 

Find a book or activity to occupy your mind for the duration of the storm

Don’t plan on anything that will depend on electricity just in case you lose power, but do find some books, puzzles, coloring books, and a deck of cards to keep yourself entertained. Just like including comfort items in your emergency supply kit, finding fun, distracting activities will inhibit you from sitting and worrying through the entire storm.
 

If you might have children with you, then you will definitely want to have some games or craftson hand to keep the little ones’ worries at bay. Consider building a pillow fort to play these games in to give the children the added comfort of being in a more fun setting. You could also use the storm as an opportunity to teach them about the weather, the water cycle, or other facts and knowledge that correlate to bad weather.
 

Secure your pets

Most apartment home residents do not have this issue because their pets are only outside when supervised. But if your four-legged friend has access to your balcony, ensure they are inside when you have finished securing your exterior belongings. The last thing you would want is for something to happen to your pets, so this is truly an invaluable step to preparing for bad weather. 
 

If you have a dog that struggles with rain or thunder, consider some of these tips from the American Kennel Club. Not only will providing comfort to your dog help ease their anxiety, but it will also distract you from your own qualms about the weather.
 

You are now all set to keep you, your pets, and your belongings safe during bad weather. Take these tips and modify them to best suit your needs and lifestyle, and you won’t even bat an eye when you see a storm on the radar. We hope that you feel empowered by your preparedness for future inclement weather!
 

The post Preparing Your Apartment Home for Bad Weather appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Twelve Month Lease

The twelve-month lease agreement is typically your standard option. Most residents opt for this choice simply because a year is enough time to make an apartment feel like home while still having flexibility for the future. This lease option provides peace of mind, knowing that you have secured a home for at least a year and can budget and plan accordingly. Twelve-month lease residents find comfort in knowing that they don’t have to think about boxing things up and moving for at least a year! This lease option is also great for helping your budget. When you sign your lease agreement, you agree to pay a certain amount of rent for the next year, meaning you don’t have to worry about it being raised and can plan the rest of your finances around your monthly expenses. 

Short Term Lease

A short-term lease is a great option for residents who are a little uncertain about what the next year might hold. If a year is too long of a commitment, you can typically choose a short-term lease that leaves more doors open for your future options. However, having a shorter agreement means that you will have to sign another lease agreement when the term ends. When touring our communities, be sure to ask what lease term lengths are offered and carefully consider what works best for you. However, remember that a shorter lease term often leads to a higher monthly rate. 

While apartment hunting, always keep your ideal lease term in mind and inform your leasing consultant of your preferences. Here at Weidner Apartments, we want to help you find not only the perfect apartment for your needs but also the perfect lease term. Do you have any questions about lease lengths? Feel free to ask away in the comments below.

The post Picking The Perfect Lease Term For You appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Did you know renters insurance is inexpensive and very easy to use? It helps you from unexpected events that may be out of your control. Certain circumstances can cause damage and loss to your personal belongings. However, most renters do not purchase renters insurance, either because they don't think it is necessary or believe nothing will happen to warrant insurance. 

Weidner Apartment Homes requires all of our residents to have renters insurance and wants to outline the benefits of the coverage and how it is in every renter's best interest to purchase an insurance plan. Please read our blog to understand how renters insurance can benefit you.

It Covers Losses 

A renter's insurance policy shields against losses to your belongings, including clothes, jewelry, luggage, computers, furniture, and electronics, making it a significant resource. Even if you think you do not own enough for renters insurance, losses or damages can easily add up to a lot more than you realize, and a lot more than you would want to spend to replace everything. 

Luckily, renters insurance guards against a surprisingly long list of items. 

Renters insurance covers additional expenses to maintain your average standard of living. Situations may happen unexpectedly, and they could affect your everyday routine for an extended period. You might need to spend days out of your apartment if unforeseen events occur. Luckily, renters insurance will pay for the further costs, including food.

Liability Is Covered

Another fantastic perk to renters insurance is liability coverage, which is also included in a standard policy. Liability covers someone if they become injured while in the home. 

Are you going on vacation? Having a policy where you are covered even when you are away will keep your mind at ease. Having renters insurance alleviates most of a renter's stresses because you are always financially protected from the things you can't plan for, like a fire, robbery, or flood.

Now that you know renters insurance offers coverage for your belongings, whether it be a car, personal items, or while you are out vacationing, what's stopping you from getting it today? Still have questions about renters insurance? Comment below, and our team would be happy to answer any questions you may have. 

The post The Importance of Renter’s Insurance appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

As we enter back-to-school season and most schools are in-person again, it's time to start our diligent research on great schools in our districts and neighborhoods. Luckily, when you live in a Weidner Apartment Home community, you don't need to choose between a great school or a fantastic home because you'll have both. 

Researching Schools

Start researching online as soon as possible. Most public schools are obligated to share their annual performance report online. Fortunately, this is also easily accessible by simply researching the school's name and adding "annual reports."

Once the choices are narrowed down to a handful of schools, start scheduling an in-person tour, and make sure to bring the family with you. By having your children tag along, they can become familiar and help you gauge which school would be the best fit for them. During these tours, everyone in the family will get a first-hand feel for the facilities, class sizes, and other vital elements that can factor in your child's learning experience. Before heading to your scheduled tour, a helpful tip is to prepare a list of questions to ask the staff and school professionals. Some fantastic questions are:

1. What does a good first day back to school look like?
2. How can we better ease the transition for our children to come back to school? 
3. Do you see a difference in your student's behavior and performance between your morning and afternoon classes? 

Ensuring a great school district also calls for research of the neighborhoods. Before making the big leap with a school district, make sure the neighborhood you choose to reside in is also up to your family's standards. Luckily, Weidner Apartment Homes has got you covered in this area. After narrowing down your school districts, head over to our website to find a list of apartment homes in your desired city. 

Districts Vs. Neighborhoods

Still can't seem to find a district in your community or vice versa? Try finding a happy medium between both school districts and neighborhoods. Love the neighborhood but don't favor the school in your area? Look into the private sector. And if that still isn't enough, try searching the reverse: school districts first, then neighborhoods second. Spending a day playing tourist in these cities and neighborhoods can also be a game-changer. 

When it comes down to just a few neighborhoods and school districts, the determining factor is where your family will be the most comfortable and happy. Children learn many of their values at home and creating a household environment that values education can help your child succeed even after school hours. 

With time and diligent research, you will easily make a conscientious decision on the perfect fit for your family. So don't choose between a great school or a fantastic home, have both!

The post Picking an Apartment Community near a Great School District appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

With the ever-changing environment over the last two years, we have gone through many adjustments. And since schools are on track to reopen this fall, families are faced with managing the new normal this back-to-school season. Here's how you can prepare your family for the new school year in your Weidner apartment.

 Setting Boundaries

Although setting boundaries for the new school year may not seem important for returning students, it is pertinent to establish new routines to get back into the swing of things. After spending over a year at home, your young ones may feel nervous about transitioning to a new setting outside the house. But don’t fret! Separation anxiety amongst the younger generation is very typical and is something the family can work through together. This upcoming school year will be different from what we've grown accustomed to, but it is still important to set clear boundaries. For example, validating your child can set a positive tone for the school year. Ensure you are honest and upfront about your feelings while also setting a positive tone. Here are some things you can say:

• “Although I am going to miss you, I am very proud of you for going to school. I know you will learn so much.”
• “ What are you looking forward to when you get back into the classroom?”
• “Are you happy to see your friends and teachers again?”

Routines & Getting Organized

Create easy routines to increase efficiency. Once the entire family is set into the back-to-school routine, your family will start to act more independently, with positive reinforcement, of course! 

Ensure that you are encouraging new routines. A great method to build new habits is by giving your kids a healthy treat for every completed chore. Celery with peanut butter, chocolate-covered almonds or raisins, or one of our favorites, avocado toast, are delicious snacks. It is essential to be a positive role model during this time, so make sure you hold yourself accountable by not forgetting to treat yourself too!

Practice the new routines with your family to set a new precedence. You can start the back-to-school schedule at least a week before school starts. Start waking up early to incorporate time for all the necessities such as: making breakfast, packing lunches, carpooling, and drinking that first cup of coffee. 

Back-to-School Shopping

With school back in session, it’s time to start shopping. Stock up on every school accessory to set your kids up for success on their first day. Getting a head start on gathering all the necessary school supplies will help ease your stress for the first day back. Keep all the school supplies organized, so you can pack their backpacks quickly without missing the essentials.

We hope you and your family enjoy the normalcy of returning to in-person school. Although the transition can feel intimidating, if you follow our tips above, you'll be in the back-to-school groove in no time!

The post Prepping the Family for Back To School appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Are you getting a new puppy? Congratulations! However, before bringing your new furry family member into your apartment home, be sure to check off all of your must-do's and must-haves to create a welcoming and pet-friendly atmosphere. Keep reading to learn our tips and tricks to help train and assimilate the newcomer in your apartment. 

Amenities to Help

At Weidner Apartment Homes, our communities offer convenient and desirable amenities for our residents. But did you know we also offer pet-specific amenities for your four-legged friends? Visit your apartment's website and learn more about some potential pet amenities or pet-policy perks you may have missed. Many of our pet-friendly communities offer fresh landscapes, dog parks, pet washing/grooming stations, and so much more to make your pet-owning experience that much better.  

Be sure to take your new puppy for some training lessons outside and expose your pet to new elements. Taking your dog for a short stroll is an important part of their development. Going outside not only helps you both be more active, but it also tires them out, so they have less energy to cause havoc inside your apartment. 

What Necessities Are Needed

Be aware of your surroundings and think of this newcomer as a new child in your home. Exposed outlets, jumbled cords, or anything else that may be harmful to a child can be just as detrimental to your pet. So be sure to store your charging cords out of their reach and buy outlet covers to reduce exposure to potential perils.

A puppy crate and a puppy playpen are must-haves for any apartment dweller with a pet. Investing in a playpen ensures that your puppy is still getting all of the exercises it needs while remaining indoors. Playpens range in sizes and can fit dogs as large as a Golden Retriever and as small as a five-pound Chihuahua. A treat dispenser is also an excellent addition to any crate or playpen, especially if you are not home for hours at a time. Set the dispenser on a timer and treat your puppy to a sweet reward every hour. 

Expect Things to Go Awry

Like with any new major addition, there will be room for adjustments and improvement. Your new furry family member may not always behave perfectly, so expect things to go wrong at times. However, don't let that discourage you. Puppies are like sponges and will eventually soak up all that you teach them. If you invest five minutes a day engaging in active training sessions, you'll be surprised at how effective they can be for instilling long-lasting results. To begin your sessions, try starting with simple tricks such as sit, lie down, and stay!

If you remember to use patience, practice our tips above, and treat your pet with love and respect, your new pet-owning experience will be nothing short of tail-wags and sloppy kisses. We hope you and your furry friend love your new life together in your Weidner apartment!

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