Maria Gatea
Maria Gatea is a Senior Editor & Research Writer for Yardi with a background in Journalism and Communication. After covering business and finance-related topics as a freelance writer for 15 years, she is now focusing on researching and writing about the real estate industry. You may contact Maria via email.

5 Important Things to Know about Self Storage Insurance

Self storage is an affordable, user-friendly service. Whether you need a storage unit while moving or remodeling, or you decide to rent one long-term to keep some of your belongings, you’re going to want to get insurance for your stored goods.

10 Amazing Vintage Furniture Stores in Charlotte to Help You Upgrade Your Interior

Interior design is constantly changing – one day granite countertops are all the rage, and the next granite is out and quartz is in.  But one trend that never seems to go out of style is vintage. Luckily for Charlotte residents, the Queen City has plenty of vintage furniture and decoration stores that can satisfy anyone’s desire for unique and timeless pieces of décor.

5 of the Best Self Storage Facilities in Memphis, Tennessee

The gorgeous natural setting of Memphis, Tennessee, on a bluff overseeing the Mississippi River, provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. That’s definitely a perk for its more than 650,000 residents, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic made traveling difficult this summer.

New Construction Booming in NYC: 20 Self Storage Properties to Be Delivered This Year

The self storage industry has remained relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic, because it addresses an urgent need of consumers — from families who suddenly needed more space in their homes, to businesses that have had to re-organize and put equipment in storage.

Top 10 Cheapest US Metros for Self Storage

Amidst the coronavirus crisis, the self storage industry has proven once again its importance to customers. College students relied on self storage when they had to leave campuses on short notice. Families that have bunkered at home during the lockdown are using it to store stuff and create more space for working, exercising or entertaining themselves.

What to Look For in a San Francisco Storage Unit When You Want to Expand Your Space at Home

It’s no secret that San Francisco is an expensive place to live – the average rent for an apartment in the metro area now hovers around $3,000 per month, according to Yardi Matrix. And obviously, the bigger the apartment, the pricier it gets. So how can you maximize space in a San Francisco home when square footage comes at a premium? A solution that will allow you to still love your place and the location, without too much financial pressure, is to rent a smaller apartment and keep some of your stuff in self storage.

Top 10 Best Outdoor Attractions in Granbury, Texas – and Where to Store Your Sports and Camping Gear

Granbury, the county seat of Hood County, Texas, is a cozy little town of about 10,000 residents. Located only 60 miles from Dallas and 30 miles south of Fort Worth, the town combines the advantages of a relaxed lifestyle and a tight knit community with the convenience of easy access to big cities.

10 Factors to Consider When Deciding Where to Live

Choosing a new place to live is an important decision that will have a huge impact on your life. Whether you’re a recent college graduate planning for the future, a digital nomad in search of the next best destination, or you’re simply ready to start a new chapter of life, it’s important to research your destination options. From affordability and the job market, to taxes, climate, and the size of your new city, here are the most important things to consider and research before deciding where to live next:

Durham College Life: Here’s How to Keep your Dorm Room Neat and Organized in the Aftermath of COVID-19

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, college students included. This spring, due to the COVID-19 crisis, virtually all college students had to pack up their stuff and leave campuses at a moment’s notice — a logistic nightmare for most.

Top 15 Most Common City Names in the US

Have you ever tried to plan a weekend trip to Franklin, or Madison, and were baffled by how many different towns and cities with the same moniker popped up in your browser? Or maybe you’re in the process of relocating and you realized, a bit late, that the amazing, affordable apartment you found is not in the same Salem you’re interested in.

Mountain towns

Top 10 Mountain Towns in America That Are Perfect for a Summer Getaway – or Relocating to For Good

This summer, probably more than ever, we all dream about a peaceful vacation, away from crowded beaches, museums, city centers and other tourist hotspots that see thousands upon thousands of people each day. And what better places to enjoy fresh air, outdoor adventures and unspoiled nature than America’s charming, peaceful mountain towns?

flower pots on a balcony

Top 10 Best Plants to Grow on Your Balcony

A balcony garden comes with a whole set of perks: you create your own little nature corner that you can enjoy anytime, and you get to add delicious ingredients you grew yourself to your culinary dishes. More than that, you’re doing a favor to the environment, as bees and other pollinators that have a hard time surviving in cities will find a little bit of respite in your balcony garden.