ApexEstateBuilders

You’re cooking up a storm in your small Brooklyn apartment , whipping up your favorite dish—only to realize the smell of garlic, onions, and spices is still lingering hours later. Or maybe you’re in a shared rental in Chicago , and your roommate isn’t as enthusiastic about last night’s fish tacos as you were. Perhaps you’re in a townhome in San Francisco , struggling to keep strong cooking smells from taking over your space. Either way, getting rid of strong cooking smells in a small space can be tricky. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with expert-backed tips in this ApartmentGuide article. You’ll learn how to clear the air fast—from simple tricks like improving ventilation to DIY odor-neutralizing solutions. No need to mask the smell with endless candles—let’s get your place smelling fresh again. 1. Mist a dryer sheet with a little water “An easy trick is to mist a dryer sheet with a little water and wave it in front of a fan or your air vent or better yet put it in your HVAC fi...

You’re renting an apartment in Austin enjoying the warm breeze through your windows when you notice a line of ants marching in like they own the place. Whether you’re in a rental in Dallas , a townhome in Houston , or anywhere else, dealing with pests is never fun. You could call your landlord and wait for an exterminator, but maybe you’re hesitant about harsh chemicals, especially if you have pets around. Luckily, there are natural ways to send these ants packing—no toxic sprays required.  From simple tricks like drawing chalk lines to DIY deterrents and homemade all natural ant killers, this ApartmentGuide article will walk you through the best all-natural solutions from experts to get rid of ants in your apartment . 1. Mix warm water, borax, and sugar If you’re looking for an effective natural ant killer, this simple homemade solution might be just what you need. Here’s a tried-and-true mixture that attracts and eliminates ants quickly. “A natural ant killer I use is a...

Can you negotiate rent? Yes, you absolutely can—and it might be easier than you think. Whether you’re looking to rent an apartment in New York City , secure a rental home in Austin , or renew a lease in a competitive market like San Francisco, knowing how to approach your landlord with confidence could make a real difference. Negotiating rent is all about timing, preparation, and strategy. This guide breaks down exactly how to negotiate rent, step by step, with expert tips to help you secure a better deal. How to negotiate rent step-by-step Negotiating rent might seem daunting, but with the right approach and preparation, you can increase your chances of success. Following these steps can help you secure a better deal: 1. Choose the right timing The timing of your negotiation plays a critical role in its success. The best times to negotiate rent include: Before signing a lease: If you’re a prospective tenant, negotiate before committing to a new rental agreement . During l...

A triplex is a residential building that contains three separate living units under one roof, often found in apartments in New York City or rentals in Los Angeles . Each unit typically features its own private entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living space, offering the comfort of apartment living with a bit more privacy and independence. Why rent a triplex? Renting a triplex can be a smart choice for renters looking for affordable housing, flexible living arrangements, or a home-like atmosphere. Whether you’re living with loved ones, roommates , or an individual wanting extra space, a triplex provides the benefits of apartment living—like shared amenities and lower costs—while still maintaining a cozy, residential feel. Benefits of renting a triplex 1. Privacy and space Triplexes offer more privacy and space than typical apartments, making them a great alternative to high-rise living. Separate entrances: Each unit often features its own private entrance, enhancing the fee...

We surveyed almost 50 designers to learn the ins and outs of 2025 interior design trend s across the U.S. Experts weighed in on decor details from metallic finishes to colors to furniture angles to find which long-held trends are leaving and which will be taking their place this year. This dataset captures insights gathered from multiple-choice and open-ended questions, covering key design preferences and anticipated shifts in home interiors. Take a look to see what you can expect from 2025 interior design: You might be surprised at some of our experts’ answers!         Earth tones or jewel-inspired shades Of the designers we surveyed, more than half favored the earth tones over gem-inspired shades, which corresponds with the pervasive cultural need for grounding and harmony this year. More concretely, earth tones play nice with a wealth of accent colors, textures, and materials. And with Mocha Mousse leading colorways this year, earth tones have snatched at...