Differences in doing Apartments.....

I hadn't done an apartment in awhile, but yesterday doing one made me think of the different approaches to this job that MSC's have. I wasn't asked for my I.D., email or address (only phone#). I wasn't told about the laws protecting renters, which are strict in CA, told nothing, so we go see my asked for one bedroom, and when I tell you I almost threw up, believe me. She shows me a really old tiny one bedroom with no dish washer or washer/dryer, ugly floors, etc. The price for this was $1500.00. I felt like I was in a homeless project, although the outside was beautiful, leasing office gorgeous, the outside inviting, what a shock. I tell her I don't care for it, and she then tells me they have a large 2 bedroom being remodeled , so we take a look through the window, this place has everything, at least appliances you would expect for only $1650.00...what is wrong with this picture, and I'm glad I shopped it, so the Realty Co. that owns it knows there's something fishy going on.....has this happened to anyone else? #stories please!!

Live consciously....

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When I lived in LA and before I was a shopper, one of the apartments I looked was in the early afternoon. Everyone was at home. Another place I looked at smelled of Raid bug spray, and the leasing agent had the can on the kitchen counter.

"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton

This happens quite often, and more than you would think. I've been doing shops in California and when you have difficulty reach in your target, they want you to keep trying, because there's complaints. I sometimes read the reviews on that apartment, it gives me some insight. It's good to see you change up your approach. Welcome back

Irene, it sounds like you were at a place that has recently changed owners and/or management companies. When that happens, rehabs of apartments usually start, but on a one-by-one basis, so as not to displace all the current residents. I would view the differences in the two apartments as a preview of better things to come. However, the LA should have told you that there were some re-habbed units but not any available of the 1 bedroom variety.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.

The last Apt. I did was careful to tell me about CA laws, and copied my I.D., as Agents are afraid to go into Apt. alone and want record of who there showing it to. The card showed this was owned by a Real Estate Corp.,and yes Wales ,I think they are a new owner. Not to ask for my info., seems lax at best. The place was being upgraded, but the point is to see if Agent knows and relays rule of our State. Agent definitely trying to "move" this older ugly unit......this was a target,, wonder if they'll retrain her.

Live consciously....

I do many, many apartments and just had a new experience!
I was calling the office as a part of the (recorded) call part of the shop and, when confirming the appointment, the manager asked me to bring CASH for my deposit.

I have alerted the MSC, figuring that the client should be aware of this... I've shopped quite a few apartments in this area, many of which were for this client. Cash is generally refused for payment...

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.

Interesting. I've had leasing agents suggest bringing my checkbook and various documents required to start the application process. Cash has never been on the list.

Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.

That's very much what I thought... She specifically said that they do not accept checks... It raised a red flag for me.... Especially as I know that other apartments in the same neighborhood run by the same company are waiving deposits.

Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.

I just did an apartment, the deposit was not waived. I was told on site deposit was $1,000.00, cash was not mentioned. I would pay by check if not a shopper.

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Differences in doing Apartments.....

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