The Importance of Renters Insurance

Now that the busiest time of year at our properties is complete and residents are settling into their new homes, it’s a great time to emphasize the important of protecting your home and your belongings with renters insurance!

When living at a Roers property, you are required to have renter’s insurance. Renters insurance can help you repair or replace property after loss due to many types of damage or theft. It protects your personal belongings, valuable property, and can also provide coverage for an accident at your residence. Policies usually have very affordable annual premiums, that can also be paid monthly. Renters insurance is also important to have because your landlord may have property insurance, but that will not cover your personal belongings.

We recently visited with a local Fargo Insurance Agent, Rena Bjerke, with DJ Coulter Agency Inc, to find out more details on benefits of having renter’s insurance. Here is what she has to say:

What are the differences between having your own insurance policy or staying on your parents’?

  1. For students currently covered under their parents, in the event of a claim, it will not affect their parent’s insurance rates or claim history. It is important to verify with the insurance company that they offer the extension of personal property coverage when their child goes off to college.
  2. Students that carry their own renter’s insurance policy, will start their own “insurance credit history” with that company. Down the road when adding additional policies such as home, autos, families, toys, new business ventures… or anything that will need protection from, having that insurance policy already in place will help with rates and programs.
  3. Students that have their own policy develop their own start of independence – diving into their own relationship with the insurance world and building confidence to take charge of their own responsibilities. They can take pride knowing they have the items they have worked hard to acquire, covered in the event of a claim. This could be the new TV they just bought, the nice new couch, or the new laptop.

We spoke with Roers Property Management General Manager, Madison Maides, for her insight on the importance of renters insurance.

“Renters insurance is important as it protects residents from the cost of accidents or things they can’t control. For instance, if there is water damage from a neighboring unit and you have personal items damaged because of it, your renters’ insurance would cover the cost of your lost items. Or maybe an accident happens in your unit and you are responsible for the costs, your renters insurance would end up paying for the damage and not you.”

If you have questions regarding how much coverage is needed, you should reach out to your family’s insurance agent or start to “shop” for the best coverage and price for you. For questions or more information on renters insurance and required coverage amounts, contact our leasing team at 701-356-RENT. 

The View On University Apartments “The Court”: Do all the Things.

By: Christen Anderson 

We are getting so close to opening the building and everyone is working so hard to get it ready for our new residents. Outside you will see lots of activity to continue to go on as the northside of the development including The St Paul Newman Center Catholic Church will continue construction into 2022.  

One of our main goals with this property is to create common spaces that fit your lifestyle. We heard you loud and clear when you said fitness was one of your most desired spaces. Our fitness area will have a space for you to decompress and take time for yourself. Let me share a little more…..  

THE SPACE 

What has 6,000 tennis balls and a neon sign? That’s right, it’s The Court at The View On University. And it’s the coolest place to get your sweat on! Just look for 6,000 tennis balls and you can’t miss it. It looks like an art installation and continues to win your attention from the start of your workout to the end. You can gaze out of the large windows or watch a game on one of the three large TVs. Or opt into the new workout “mirror” to see what all the rage is all about. Not into cardio? Weights are lined up by mirrors to ensure perfect form. The fitness space with all its selections were carefully selected to ensure a great workout and, you got it, to support you living your best life. After your work out, clean up and head to the clubhouse for a visit with friends. 

The Court Summary 

  • Fitness Equipment Galore 
  • The Mirror Workout System 
  • Tv’s  
  • Natural Light Views 

We are thrilled with how the design has turned out in this space and cannot WAIT for you to see it. The Roers team is giving tours and if you want to learn more about what units are available or come on site for a tour or give us at 701-356-RENT. 

Next time we will be sharing one of our new amenity additions along the way…if you know any “gamers” out there keep watching for our next blog! 

Till Next Time,  

Christen Joy 

Follow Christen Joy for ongoing updates on this project and more – Instagram and Facebook  or online at LiveChristenJoy.com 

*Roers is still in the planning phases and some selections may change.    

The View on University Apartments Study Rooms: Define your success.

By: Christen Joy

As we get closer to the construction completion of The View on University Apartments, I am getting more pumped to move into the space and share all the beautiful common spaces the property has to offer.

In 2020 we learned that you must learn to work and play at HOME, so let’s give you a sneak peek of the study rooms that can be used in endless ways. From studying for a big test, to jumping on a Zoom call with friends across the country, we have you covered.

THE SPACE

In our building we have five study rooms that range from small to large. These spaces are designed for one person curling up with a book, hosting a group, or a Zoom call with friends to cram for an exam. They feature comfortable soft seating options or chair and table sets. You choose the space that fits you best based on your mood or the number of people you need to host. Beyond just a room with a tables and chairs, the welcoming decor will motivate and uplift your mood, bringing a smile to your face. The study rooms feature shiplap walls and wallpaper and fun irreverent artwork to make quiet time alone more comfortable, and group projects feel less like work and more like building pride in teamwork and accomplishment.

STUDY ROOMS SUMMARY:

  • Large Study Rooms located on 2nd and 3rd floors
  • Medium Study Room located on 4th floor
  • Small Study Room located on 2nd, 3rd and 4th
  • Relaxing environment
  • White boards
  • Comfy seating
  • Flexible space to do your best work.

In upcoming blogs, I will be previewing the design of our pet spa, The Bark Room. You and your pets are going to love it!

Till Next Time, 

Christen Joy

Follow Christen Joy for ongoing updates on this project and more – Instagram and Facebook  or online at LiveChristenJoy.com 

*Roers is still in the planning phases and some selections may change.

Roers Now Leasing at The View on University

Choose your view at The View on University! Roers is excited to announce leasing has begun for The View on University apartments set to open in July 2021. The complex is located at 1113 University Drive North in Fargo, ND. The property is adjacent to St. Paul’s Newman Center and faith- based housing, all of which are currently under construction.

What Comes with The View

The View on University is located near the heart of the NDSU campus, offering premier apartment living in a quiet, comfortable, neighborhood setting. This 81-unit apartment complex features a complete lifestyle with all-inclusive amenities including a pet spa, fitness center, game room, rooftop patio, clubhouse, outdoor grill, underground parking, a variety of study rooms, social events, on-site management and more. Units available for every living preference including efficiency, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom floor plans.

The construction on The View began in the winter of 2020. “This project is a combined effort between Roers divisions including development, construction and property management. Roers is able to create success from concept to completion and this project is a testimony of our company mission and shows our focus on teamwork. Once the project is completed, then our property management team will take over and provide superior service to residents. We take great pride in being able to provide a great housing opportunity for the community,” commented Jim Roers, CEO of Roers.

The Roers team is working closely with Christen Anderson of Christen Joy on the interior design for The View common spaces and units. The entire property will have a warm and inviting atmosphere for residents. The View will have a collaborative relationship with Newman Center Living which is managing the faith-based apartments. Although under separate management, common space amenities will be shared.

Leasing Begins at The View

The View on University is now accepting lease applications for the new apartment units. Hard hat on-site tours and virtual tours will be available in late January 2021. For those interested in getting in on the first choice of units available, there is an exciting incentive offer for new residents – get more details here. The leasing team is ready to visit with future residents and looking forward to help them find the perfect unit for them. Choose your view today!

For more information on The View on University, please visit theviewonuniversity.com.

Tips & Tricks for Surviving a North Dakota Winter (College Edition)

As many of you know and have experienced, winter in North Dakota can get insanely cold. If you are new to North Dakota, you are in for a special surprise… maybe even a snowy, windy, negative 50’s surprise. Below are some tips and tricks on how to stay warm and of course, survive in a North Dakota winter.

1. The Right Clothing

Winter is no joke. Make sure you have a thick coat, a pair of gloves, a hat, scarf, face mask, snow boots, and snow pants. Walking to class may get pretty brisk if you don’t have enough warm clothing. You might find yourself going skiing one weekend or maybe even building a snowman with friends.  If you do not have one of these items, head over to a store that provides winter clothing.

2. Have an Emergency Bag

Everyone should have an emergency bag in their vehicle. Some items to keep in the bag are a blanket, water, flashlight, extra hat and gloves, money, hand warmers, shovel and chocolate. We should always be prepared!

3. Have Sand or Cat Litter in Your Vehicle

Wait? Cat Litter? Yes, you will need it. It can be used to help prevent your vehicle from sliding around on the ice (students with cars, we know exactly what could happen with icy roads). Putting even weight in the front and back of your vehicle will help with the traction. Both sand and cat litter can also be handy. All you must do is put either sand or litter in front or behind your tires and this will hopefully help you get unstuck.

4. Allow Extra Driving Time

We all know that saying we will be able to make it in 10 minutes does not really happen. When it comes to winter, we need to be more cautious with driving. Sometimes it can be so windy that snow blows over the roads causing ice to be covered. We need to drive slowly and be aware. When you are coming to stop, there is no need to slam on the breaks. Simply, press your foot slowly down on the breaks. If you are in 4-wheel drive, slamming your foot down on the breaks can actually harm your tires and the breaks itself.  Try to allow extra time to get to class though!

5. Extra Socks

Wear two pairs of socks instead of one. Sometimes winter boots just do not do the trick. You will be surprised at how warm your feet are when you get back from walking all around campus.

6. Full Tank Always

Winter can be the season where we are constantly filling our gas tank. The reason for this is because we tend to keep our vehicle running longer to keep the heat going throughout the vehicle. Some vehicles also have the option to pre-start with our keys from a dorm room or apartment.  If your gas mileage says you have 20 miles until empty, don’t wait until the next day to fill it up, do it at that moment. Try not to go below a quarter of a tank.

7. Keep Charged Up

Whenever you plan on traveling anywhere make sure your phone battery is charged up. In the unfortunate event where you may run out of gas, your car battery dies or get in a fender bender, you will need to have your phone to be able to communicate with people about what is going on or call for emergency personnel.

8. Communicate Your Travel Plans

College students, this is very important! Whenever you plan on heading home on the weekend do not forget to let your family know when you are leaving and whenever you make a stop at a gas station, check-in with them. You should also let your roommate(s) know so they are aware of what is going on and so they can also keep track of you. Be sure to stay up-to-date on the weather and road conditions by having apps on your cell phone such as weather.com or or the ND DOT site.

9. Ice on Windshield? We Can Fix That Instantly!

Sometimes we run a little behind when heading to class so we will go ahead and scrape a little spot on our windshield for us to see through while driving and call it good. We should know this is not safe but we are trying to save time! Here is a quick trick to help clear your windshield instantly. Go to your local store, grab a spray bottle and fill it with three parts vinegar (or rubbing alcohol) and one part water. This will clear it up within 20 seconds. Its a fast and inexpensive trick!

10. Jumper Cables

Don’t forget to have jumper cables in your car! Sometimes it gets too cold outside to the point where our cars do not even start. Make sure to have a friend handy, you just might need to have them help you.

Now that winter is here, be safe and enjoy the North Dakota winter!

Another helpful tip – Roers Property Management has apartments and townhomes close to campus. If you don’t want to have to deal with road conditions in the winter, contact us to find out more about living close to NDSU.

10 Tips to Help Stay Healthy This Winter

10 ways to prevent getting sick this winter

Roers has a Wellness Committee which has come up with a top 10 list of simple yet effective ways to help employees stay healthy this winter during cold and flu season. We wanted to share this list as temperatures drop and cold and flu season approaches, to help minimize symptoms with everyone in the community.

  1. Get a flu vaccination. Check with your physician about getting a flu shot this year. The vaccination is available at doctors’ offices and pharmacies, so after getting the okay from your doctor, get the shot early in the season. Roers had a flu clinic this year in our office recently which many employees took advantage of.  Call your medical provider to get this scheduled.
  1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Every time you shake hands with someone, wash your hands afterward. Washing your hands prior to eating and touching your face is a crucial way to prevent the spread of harmful viruses and bacteria. We know that this has been the most used phrase in 2020 #washyourhands. 
  1. Avoid touching your eyes and mouth. Cold and flu germs can easily infect you through your eyes and mouth. If you must touch your face, wash your hands first. Common sense we know, but not always easy to remember, especially when we are trying to keep face coverings on most times. Have hand sanitizer at your desk, vehicle, and maybe in your pocket to always be prepared.
  1. Get adequate sleep. Sleep deprivation can compromise the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Aim for seven to nine hours each night. Put that social media down, turn off the tv, and get those Zzzz. 
  1. Work out. Not only is working out good for your cardiovascular system and weight management, staying fit boosts your immunity and helps you manage your stress levels, which is important for staying healthy in flu season. Working out doesn’t have to be going to a gym or doing hot yoga. Getting movement can be taking a loop around our office or walking your pet each morning.
  1. Keep hand sanitizer handy for those times when you don’t have access to soap and water. If you are out and about, keep a bottle of alcohol-based sanitizer in your bag or pocket to de-germ on the go. 
  1. Don’t bite your nails. Germs lurk underneath your nails and biting your nails is just another way you can become infected with the cold or flu virus. What a perfect time to break that bad habit!
  1. Avoid people who are already sick. If someone is coughing or sneezing, keep your distance. Likewise, if you are sick and contagious, take time to rest at home so you can get better and not spread germs to those you come in contact with. 
  1. Eat a healthy diet. Similar to working out, eating right can have benefits for not only your weight, but also your immune system. Get your vital daily nutrients from fruits and vegetables to keep your immunity strong. Stay away from the break room or donuts at breaks! Removing junk from your daily schedule helps keep you feeling better and you will be a leg up when we can finally go on sunny beach vacations again.
  1. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids – especially water – flushes toxins out of your system and keeps you healthy. If you do happen to get sick, staying well-hydrated is just as important for your recovery. Set yourself a goal and make sure you start early in the morning.

Turnover 2020: Covid Style

August is a busy month for Roers Property Management. It’s when our team gears up for hundreds of move-outs and move-ins… all within a few days. We call it Turnover!

Our Turnover looked and functioned a little different this year. Due to the pandemic, we had to make some tweaks and adjustments to how we usually operate.

Nonetheless, it was just as successful, just as crazy, and just as fun for our team!

2020 TURNS

During this year’s Turnover, our team did a total of 449 turns! That is a lot of moving out and moving in. Keep in mind, this is across all of our North Side Properties, including our newest addition, U32 Phase II, which opened in August of 2019. 

The RPM Team spends months planning and scheduling every move-out, maintenance visit, painter appointment, cleaning session, and move-in for every unit being turned.

We are so proud of all the hard work done during this time.

VIP CHECKOUT

This year was the first year we were able to execute our VIP Checkout Experience! Moving out is never fun, so we had the thought to alleviate the stress for our residents and take care of everything that needs to be done for a checkout through the VIP Checkout Experience.

A COVID TURNOVER

Like we mentioned, we had to make some major changes to how we’re used to doing our typical Turnover. We made sure each and every team member were wearing masks throughout the entire day, we switched to contactless move-outs and move-ins, and we became best friends with sanitizer.

We unfortunately could no longer hold an in-person orientation, which is when we show a short video going through the

residents’ lease and basically providing them all the information they need before they officially move in. However, we were able to send our Orientation Video out via email – and we even included a secret code word at the end for our residents to text to be entered to win free pizza for a year! Check out our lucky winner, Claire at SGC!

All in all, it was a great month for our team and our properties. Thank you to everyone who helped out and thank you to our awesome residents for renting with Roers!

Check out the video we put together of Turnover 2020 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKr8bhqL

Go & Explore The Western Edge

Visiting North Dakota

From nature and recreation to history and family fun, Dickinson and the surrounding areas have it covered!  

Explore Nature

If you are interested in hiking, trailing and sight seeing, the Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park are a must. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park located near Medora, ND is open year-round with campgrounds available and dining nearby. The hiking trails will take you to another world where you can expect to see wildlife and natures beautiful garden.

For a more relaxed approach, wildlife viewing is available from the comfort of your own vehicle. A wide variety of animals such as bison, mule and white-tailed deer, elk, longhorns, horses, prairie dogs, birds and snakes are exciting to see while in their natural habitat.  

Golf & More

The Heart River Golf Course located near Patterson Lake in Dickinson is a great way to get out with family or friends and enjoy the outdoors! With an 18-hole, 72 par layout and Lake Patterson as the view, you cannot go wrong! If golfing isn’t for you, you can still stop in for a delicious meal and a refreshing drink! 

Walk Through History with Dinosaurs

With triceratops skulls on display, fossils of bones and teeth, eggs and baby dinosaurs and hands-on science exhibits, Dickinson’s Badlands Dinosaur Museum is a place to explore and imagine. Exhibits offer background and research as well as the exploration process. Open year-round, Badlands Dinosaur Museum is open to seniors, adults and children. Want to take the whole family? Great news, groups of 10 or more may receive a discounted rate. 

Rest & Relaxation

Lake Sakakawea covering a wide area of north western and central North Dakota is a great day or weekend trip for fun with the whole family. With miles of shoreline there is opportunity to sun bathe, rock hunt, swim in the lake, shore fish and just explore! 

Take your boat, kayak or canoe and you’re able to explore the waves and find a fishing hole just right for you. Walleye, northern pike, catfish, bass and perch are just a few of the many fish you can expect to hook onto. At the end of the evening, pitch a tent, start a bonfire and cook up the catch of the day while you enjoy some rest and relaxation in nature.

Obviously, there are still social distancing measures which need to be practiced. Before taking off on your adventures around Dickinson, please visit the Dickinson Convention & Visitors Bureau for current travel updates. https://www.visitdickinson.com/.

Roers is proud to be a part of the Dickinson community. We have an office, construction crews, manage properties and raise families there. Dickinson and the surrounding areas are filled with sights to see, places to go and people to see – get out there and explore and enjoy all the fun family options nearby!

Its Moving Time!

Let’s face it moving is not the most fun thing to do. You never know how much stuff you really have until you have to pack it all up to bring it somewhere else. It seems your possessions multiply when you start getting ready to pack. We want to make sure you are geared up with some simple moving tips to help you.

If you are feeling slightly overwhelmed with an upcoming move, we are here to help. The Roers Property Management team are experts when it comes to helping people move in and move out. 

Here are some tips and tricks to get you on the move as stress free as possible.  

  • Boxes! You need so many boxes when you are packing up, and they’re expensive! Don’t go out and buy cardboard boxes. First try your local recycling drop off, you may find all of the moving boxes you need right there. Don’t forget to recycle them (again) when you are done. Some other great places you might find boxes would be, bookstores, liquor stores, and Craigslist, just to name a few!  
  • Heavy furniture? Moving heavy furniture is the hard work! Especially when it isn’t coming with to your new home. Instead of having to haul the heavy furniture yourself to the nearest land fill, call your local donation center. You can schedule a donation pick up with them, they will come and take all the items that you don’t want to move and bring them to donate for you. This will save you so much time and energy on your move plus you are giving back to your local community, way to go!  
  • Declutter as you pack. Packing is a great time to also throw out those odds and ends that you have kept forever but haven’t touched since you put them there. Ask yourself, do I need this in my new home? If the answer is no, don’t bring it! Only pack away what you want to bring, anything else you can donate or toss, that way you are saving time packing, hauling and unpacking!  
  • Organize your boxes! Pack your home one room at a time, this way you can unpack the easiest! Color code your boxes as you pack them, use different colored sticky notes and tape them down as you seal each box. For example, you finished packing your kitchen box, put a green sticky note on top of the box and tape it closed! That way you know green is for the kitchen! 

We are hopful these tips help you when you are busy packing and preparing for a move. We wish you all the best and for a stress-free move! A Roers Property Ambassador is available to help you with more details on additional moving tips, feel free to contact us today.

Rent With Roers

Often on our social media posts, swag items, and other fun stuff we put out into the community, you might see our slogan: “Rent with Roers”. But it’s important to know why we think you should rent with us!

Here are the top 10 reasons to Rent with Roers:

  1. Our Awesome Team – We have a team that goes above and beyond every week to make sure our residents are happy & satisfied. They work incredibly hard to make sure every list is checked and end is tied and they continue to want to learn more and more to become even better at what they do. We are so thankful for them. Roers Property Management wouldn’t be what it is today without the work they’ve done! 
  2. The Amenities – When you think of amenities, what comes to mind? In-unit laundry, fitness center, elevators, walk-in closets, personal bathroom, basketball court, pool table, swimming pool & hot tub, underground parking, free internet, garbage disposal, study rooms? That’s what we think of. That’s what our Roers properties offer our residents. It’s reason #2 to rent with Roers… because the amenities make all the difference.
  3. The Incentives – Residents have had the opportunity to receive $5,000 cash, a Roomba, a Google Home, a Bose Speaker, Airpods, prize packages, and gift cards to SCHEELS, Target, and tons more. We love getting to do this for our residents. It means a lot to us when they choose to live with us!
  4. Your Car will Thank You! – If you’re living in North Dakota, you know how cold it gets…. and you know how *not* fun it is in the morning on your way to work or school to scrape off your car or wait for it to heat up in -45 degree weather. Treat your car better than that! Each of our Roers properties offers either a heated underground parking garage or an attached garage so your car can stay nice and warm during the winter! This is a big reason to rent with Roers.
  5. Resident Events – Our team usually like to put on events for our residents every single month. We held over 300 total events for our residents in 2019! With the pandemic making it hard for us to gather and meet in person, our team has still stayed creative in ways to engage and interact with our residents. It’s one of our favorite parts of what we do.
  6. Living Close to NDSU – Because of our properties’ close proximity to NDSU and the Fargodome… many of our residents are students! It’s convenient to live somewhere that is so close to where you need to go every day. And that’s why it’s reason #6 to rent with Roers. Don’t spend that money on a parking pass when you can just walk instead!
  7. You’ll Make Friends – Sometimes our properties are like little mini communities. When we have our resident events or fun things going on in the building – you might become familiar with your fellow residents or neighbors. Many have made friends though that! 
  8. Ability to Pay Rent Online – Who even has a checkbook anymore, right? When you’re a Roers resident, you don’t really need one because we allow everything to be done online. And many of our properties are all-inclusive – which means you pay one single bill a month for everything. It’s such a nice perk!
  9. 24/7 Maintenance – Reason #9 is a huge one… our maintenance crew! We have a team of guys that are on call basically 24 hours and are there to fix just about anything. We truly couldn’t function without them! We understand things go wrong in units and we have the best team that knows what to do in a short amount of time. We love them!
  10. The Premier Service – The final reason why we think you should rent with Roers… the premier service. Roers strives to provide premier service to each and every resident. It’s part of our culture and who we are. It’s the 9 other reasons all combined. The team, the details, the above and beyond, the connection. All of it is our premier service to you.

If you would like to #rentwithroers then give us a call at 701-356-RENT and we would love to tell you more about what we do, the properties we manage, or set up a private tour! Check out all of our properties online now.

First Apartment Essentials

Moving into your first apartment is so exciting. The feeling of finally being on your own, having freedom, and truly getting to call a space yours. It’s one of the best parts about being in Property Management, because we get to watch our residents sign their lease and move in to their new home.

However, it’s important this brand new place of yours is stocked with the essentials. We have put together the ultimate first apartment checklist, so you are aware of the must-haves when it’s time to move in.

Bedroom essentials:

  • Mattress
  • Bed frame
  • Mattress protector
  • Sheets & bedding
  • Spare set of sheets
  • Pillows
  • Blanket
  • Nightstand
  • Desk lamp
  • Dresser
  • Full-length mirror
  • Door hooks
  • Under-bed organizer
  • Hangers
  • Laundry basket
  • Phone charger
  • TV

Bathroom essentials:

  • Bath towels
  • Bathmat
  • Shower organizer
  • Soap dispenser
  • Shower curtain, liner & hooks
  • Toilet plunger & brush
  • Trash can

Kitchen essentials:

  • Pots & pans
  • Chef’s knife
  • Bread knife
  • Tongs
  • Baking sheets
  • Silicone spatula
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Plates
  • Bowls
  • Utensils
  • Toaster
  • Oven mitts

Living Room essentials:

  • Couch
  • Chair
  • Coffee table
  • Coasters
  • Side table
  • TV
  • TV stand
  • Streaming device
  • Lamp/lighting
  • Blanket

Misc. essentials:

  • Ironing board
  • Iron
  • Vacuum
  • Broom & dustpan
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Rugs