Lets face it moving sucks. Everything about moving sucks; packing, renting a truck, hiring movers, unpacking and the biggie finding a home. Young people generally begin independent living by means of renting an apartment or condo. Stress and anxiety levels rise at the mere idea of searching for a new apartment. Hectic work and personal schedules add to the pain of searching for an apartment. Where do you begin? Should you conduct a random Google/Craig’s List search, comb newspaper advertisements, or do you drive around in circles hoping to find a ‘For Rent’ sign? Stop. And allevate unnecessary headaches by utilizing the growing trend of rental agencies.
The services provided are similar to those of real estate agents. A key difference is that the service is free to renters. Apartment People is a leader in this industry and has been in business since 1984. They claim to serve as a model for other apartment finders. Generally speaking apartment finders operation is simple. Renters contact an apartment finder and are set up with an agent. The agent then scours their database and makes arrangements for the client to view potential units. If the renter signs a lease a commission is paid to the agent. Commission is usually one months rent and paid by the landlord.
Creating a prioritized list of needs/wants will expedite the agents search and the overall process. Budget, desired neighborhood, required amenties ie: washer/dryer, and questions about pets are examples of key information for a list.
Apartment People has been successfully finding apartments for renters for around 25 years. But they should consider reevaluating their customer service. Renters may find new stress from the companies lack of organization. Your agent is no longer present after viewing the apartment. If you decide to sign a lease, you go to Apartment Peoples office and fill out paperwork with their administrative staff.
Approval by means of both an application & credit/background check is necessary before signing a lease. Once approved you go to one of their offices and sign. The absence of the agent at a lease signing creates opportunity for confusion thus adding stress to the renter.
One component of stress for young renters is the unknown, being taken advantage of, and if an agent successfully builds a rapport sense of trust from their clients they have done a great job. Because a source of stress for young renters is being taken advantage of because of their inexperience. Therefore a noticeable cold absence is felt when the agent unexpectently is not present for the lease signing.
Worst case scenario, a renter will lose any warm fuzzy they felt and grow furry over the thought of being taken advantage of by someone they trusted.
Unfortunate as it may be the best lessons in life remain those gained from mistakes made. Young renters do not avoid this valuable service but instead do not allow yourself to forget that at the bottom line for business people remains the same to make money. Don’t expect anyone to provide information without you asking for it first.
Along with your list of unit preferences, compile a second list of questions and concerns.
Don’t be afraid to speak up. Demand that you meet your landlord prior to signing a lease. Demand that your leasing agent is present at the lease signing, if just to answer any last minute questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for another showing with another roster of units. This service is free and your agent is working for you. Demand excellence.
A lack of service is felt when you realize your agent
While they remove the stress of finding an apartment they add stress Companies like Apartment People provide service First and foremost note the service is FREE.
The number of renters is larger than owners.
The existence of real estate agents is common knowledge.