AUSTIN: Another DA apartment complex identified

Helping People move on to a new stage in life is

LIBERATING

I found another complex today that doesn't look at a DA (Deferred Adjudification for a felony) as a conviction.  I feel, in a word, super.  

I can help more people live where they want to and to move on with their life. The late, great, James Brown said it so well "I feeeel good"!

GENERAL INFORMATION: My New Year's Holiday Schedule

My New Year's Schedule

Thursday (New Year's Eve)

through Monday morning

Working from home and accessable via E-mail

and my Google Voice number 832-303-3002.

DALLAS: 15 More Deferred Ajudification Apartments Found Today

15 More DA or Deferred Felony Apartments 

found in the DFW Metroplex Today

The picture says it all.  I'm jumping for joy because I can place more people at some great apartments.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Merry Christmas to All

Merry Christmas

I will be working from home on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and will be taking Saturday and Sunday off.

If you are a client of mine and it can't wait, then please call my Google Voice 24x7 Message Line 832-303-3002.  Please speak slowly and let me know whether to call you or e-mail you.

Google Voice will send me a text message and an e-mail of the conversation (Cool - huh).

GENERAL INFORMATION: Give me Feedback

I love getting Feedback - especially if there is a Problem with your Apt. List

I hope that every complex I send you to is perfect, but I know that can't always be the case. Apartment complexes change. The neighborhood changes and the upkeep of the apartment is always improving or declining.

I referred a person to a nice complex and he didn't rent there because he saw a roach in the model. Not Good. I mean this is Texas and there are roaches all over and from time to time they will get in an apartment. Only a complex with a great exterminator is safe from these critters.

But the point is, my client told me the problem. I could then pass it along to the apartment manager and she could get it fixed.

Certainly if I've let you down I want a chance to fix the issue. I know the apartment want that as well.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Do you need to be in your new apartment by the Holidays?

Do you need to be in your new Apartment by the Holidays?

If so, let me hear from you. I'm working 7 days a week helping people with their apartment moves. 

You can contact me 24x7 at 832-303-3002 - it's my new Message Line. Just leave a message and I'll get right back to you.

Or send me an e-mail to AptFindFelons@gmail.com or my e-mail at The Apartment Store which is AptStore@Gmail.com.

I know the specials that can help you have a Happy Holiday in your new place.

FELONS: My criminal record - how can I see what the apartment may "pull"

There are many background services - so you can't be 

sure of the one the complex you are applying will use - 

UNLESS YOU ASK

If you suspect that the information may be wrong, I suggest you spend a few dollars and pull the report yourself.  I have had clients who have been convicted of a vehicular manslaughter and the report says "manslaughter" - quite a difference in whether the apartment will accept that crime.

The difference in a robbery and aggravated robbery is huge; many complexes won't take a applicant if they used a weapon in a crime or if violence was used in the commission of a felony.

There are several websites that offer criminal checks.  I have no personal experience with any of these but I am supplying them as a service to my clients. They charge different rates for their products.

If you have any comments, please let me know and I will publish them. 

The web sites are:

www.Favsaferent.com

www.intelius.com

www.sentrylink.com

www.axciom.com

www.Integrascan.com

www.ussearch.com

Most of the apartments in Houston seem to use FAVSAFERENT.

FELONS: Dress for Success, an example

Found this cartoon, it makes a valid point - Dress for Success

Part of the "Pick My Brain Series"

When I saw this cartoon, I was reminded of a story I heard about a Houston apartment manager who runs "a second chance" apartment complex.

She is tough and takes no B.S. from anyone.  I sent a client over but he was "housing" (or wearing his jeans low esposing his underwear) when he arrived.  The manager told him "I rent to felons but I don't rent to THUGS. Come back when you can dress right".

He did come back in Dockers and a polo shirt and she did rent to him.   But this story illustrates the point: Dress Nicely.  Don't come straight from the job site if you are in construction.  Take a shower and wear something that you would wear to see your grandmother.

After all, it is an apartment manager you are seeing.  He or she can control where you live and you only get one chance to make a first impression.

Dress like you want the place.

GENERAL INFORMATION: My credit report is WRONG and I need to lease

My Credit Report is WRONG and I need to Lease!

What Do I Do?

Let's use the example that someone has two Broken Leases on their credit - one for $1200 is INVALID and one for $236 is valid. Here's what I would advise:

1. Run your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com
2. Be sure to pick all 3 credit agencies and DISPUTE the incorrect BL on each. Print out your credit report on each one too (so you can show it to the new complex you are interested in).
3. Do not (unless you want to pay for it) pick your credit scores or ID theft protection; these are chargeable services.
4. Call the complex where you owe the $236 and make arrangements to pay them off; at this point tell them you can make 4 payments of $59. Get it in writing or you will not get any specials from any complex (and the specials should be worth more than the $236.
5. I will call the new complex and prepare the way for you so call me when the above steps are completed.
6. Go to new complex with the credit reports and the letter to the old complex where you will be making payments. The new complex may require the old place (the one accepting the payment arrangements) to give you a letter from them on their letterhead.

Then, be sure to follow up on the disputed item and make sure it is removed. Run your credit report every year. I suggest you run your credit on your birthday so you won't forget.

DALLAS: Never read a Resident Criteria like this one

I Never Read A Resident Criteria Like This One!

It states that the following items which could cause your rental application to be rejected:

1. Low-rider pants exposing buttocks, ucovered underwear, unkempt appearance, untidy, or unclean.

2. Body modifications such as branding, scarifications, extensive piercing, skin streching, subcutaneous implantation(s) involving the head, face, neck, ears, hands, or observed on other exposed areas, excluding bona fide act of organized religious faith.

3. If you do not exercise reasonable control of your children or your children are engaged in unruly behavior on the property.

I don't know if it is wrong or right.  It is sad that you have to put these things in writing.  I understand it.  I just don't know if I like it.  

Your thoughts, please. 

HOUSTON: DA apartment offers a WHOPPER of a Special!

The old Burger King commercial used to sing 

"Have It Your Way"

now a Deferred Felony accepting apartment offers 

their own take on that with a WHOPPER of a special

Your choice, have it your way, a great special either way:

1. Pick a low cost $149 total move-in (application, admin fee, and 1st month's rent).

OR

2. Pick $100 off each month. That makes a 1 bedroom $445 or a 2 bedroom just $545.

OR

3. If you qualify for other discounts, like a Senior discount, you can pick #1 PLUS get your Sr. discount.

Whatever you pick, it is a super deal. And you get the chance to pick what's important to you - call John at the Apartment Store at 281-681-3434 or complete my FIND A TX APT form,  (be sure to put "WHOPPER" in the comments).

AUSTIN: A super D.A. Apartment in Austin

Remember, a D.A. means you were NEVER CONVICTED

And as such, there are apartments in Austin, nice apartments, that want to work with you.

For more information on Deferred Felony or Deferred Adjudication for a felony apartments, please call me at 866-285-2100 or send me a FIND ME A TX APT form from my website www.AptFindFelons.com.

FELONS: Got a call today - Lady asked me if my Website was a "JOKE"

We spent 30 years in Bad Apartments - Can You Really Find Us A Place?

YES, I CAN.

And the type and numbers of apartments I will find for you depend on three factors:

1. The Crime.  I can't help Sexual Offenders.  I can help just about every one else but understand if your crime is violent or involves a large amount of drugs, you will have fewer choices.

2. The Time.  The time SINCE THE CONVICTION DATE is the determining factor.  If it has been 10 years since conviction, you will typically have more choices than 7 years or 6 years.  But 6 and 7 years have more choices available than 4 or 5 years.  Years 0-4 are pretty lean.

3. The Money.  The third important factor is the money you have to spend.  An $750 dollar one bedroom apartment will be nicer than a $500 dollar apartment.  Every where in Texas this is true.

I don't joke about my job.  I consider it my ministry to help felons and their families.  I rejoice when my clients are accepted.  I love a happy ending.  I enjoy knowing that your surroundings are a little better and you have a nicer place to raise your family.

It may sound corny, but this feeling of victory and the satisfaction I receive from helping you is more important to me than the money. I may laugh and joke with you, but my service is as important to me as it is to you.

Call me toll-free M-S 9:00-5 at 866-285-2100 or complete this FIND A TX APT form.

HOUSTON: We have a Problem! My Criminal History is wrong on the RCR Report.

HELP - What do I do, the Houston Apartment Association RCR report is wrong...

This does happen, rarely, but it happens and can take the form of improper credit reporting, improper rental history or improper criminal history. When the report is wrong here's what I suggest as the best two alternatives:

1. Find an apartment complex that doesn't use the HAA RCR report for verification


2. Get the RCR (Rental Credit Reporting) report corrected. You really should do this anyway since you may need an apartment at a later time that uses this popular report. Here's how to fix it (this text is from the RCR report owner):


If you recently applied for housing or employment and/or would like to receive a copy of your FADVSafeRent consumer file, please visit our website at www.residentscreening.com, click on Consumer Relations and then Downloadable Forms to download a Request for Disclosure Packet. Your Disclosure request will be processed promptly as soon as we receive your written request. If you are in a hurry, you may indicate on the Disclosure Request form that you wish to choose an alternate method of receiving disclosure of your FADVSafeRent consumer file.


If you already know the contents of your FADVSafeRent consumer file and wish to dispute information which you believe to be inaccurate or incomplete, please visit our website at www.residentscreening.com, click on Consumer Relations and then click Downloadable Forms to download a Request for Reinvestigation Packet. Please be advised that a reinvestigation may take up to 30 days from the date we receive your written request. You will be notified once your reinvestigation is complete.


For more information, see the Houston Apartment Association website at www.HAAonline.org.

FELONS: Don't apply on the weekends

Don't Apply on the Weekend

Why? Because the manager isn't there.  The manager doesn't always make the decision, in some cases, your application will be sent to Corporate, but the manager has a chance

to influence your acceptance.

The manager can advise you on what materials to include (letters, references, etc.). Applying without the manager, is just increasing the odds you won't be accepted.

FELONS: Most Leasing Agents won't understand your Charge

Most Leasing Agents won't understand your Charge or Conviction

I had a situation yesterday where I was finding an apartment for someone who was convicted for Vehicular Manslaughter. He was the driver and was careless and this carelessness resulted in the accidental death of another.

It had been 14 years but this gentleman's voice still cracked when he told me of the charge. I thought that the apartments would be understanding. I was wrong. Most stuck to their "if it's a felony, we can't help him" mantra.

But one agent, whose firm, allows felons after 10 years except for Violent felonies, sex crimes, child crimes, and drug manufacturing/trafficking crimes, told me WE DON'T ALLOW VIOLENT CRIMES. When I explained that this was an accidental death, she told me "I told you, we don't accept felons that commit violent crimes".

I'm sure I could go over her head and explain the situation to the manager and get this guy in, but there was another complex he was interested in who was very welcoming. But to me, the point of this story is "Don't Expect a Leasing Agent To Understand Your Charge - or to Understand the Law".

Most, won't. That is why you need me in your corner.

To put me to work for you, you can contact me at 866-285-2100 or go to my website, AptFindFelons.com. Just select the FIND ME A TX APT option and fill out the form.

Remember, this is a FREE service and I'm a TX Real Estate Agent who specializes in finding apartments for felons and their families in the Texas metro areas of Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, and San Antonio.  

FELON: Testimonial posted today from a thankful daughter

They were tired of the Brick Wall the felony was creating for them

I received a testimonial today from a thankful daughter.  I helped her find an apartment for her mother who had a felony in her distant past.  Of course, her mom was having a problem finding an apartment:


Hey John,
My mom signed a lease yesterday, and she did put your name down.  The unit number is 250.  I want to thank you again so much for helping us.  It is truly a blessing that we were able to get her an apartment when there were so many brick walls before.  I think what you do is great and we were so lucky to find you.  I hope you are very successful in this business and God bless you!
Thank you,
E.Z.


I can help over 80% of felons find apartments or townhouses in Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston, or San Antonio.  Chances are, if your not a sex offender, I can find you a place.


Call me at 866-285-2100 or click on this link to have me FIND A TX APT.  This is a FREE service; I bill the apartments.

FELONS: Don't you wish they had a Sign?

Don't you wish they advertised that their Apartment was "Felon Friendly"...

Well, we all know why they don't.  The apartments want certain felons but not others and they don't want the "non-felons" knowing they will accept people with a background.

Let's face it, you wouldn't want your kids living next to some felons.  You wouldn't want to live next to some either.  

The apartments and their insurance companies (yes, many of the guidelines are crafted because of insurance concerns) decide who to take a risk on.  If you haven't been in trouble for 6, 7, or 10 years, then I can get you a great apartment just about anywhere in Houston, DFW, Austin or San Antonio.  

Does that mean you can live exactly where you want?  It means I can generally find you an apartment in your price range in the side of town you want to live in.  And I can tell you if there is a nicer place in a nearby area.

I want you and your family living in the nicest place possible.  You deserve it - after all, you've turned your life around!


To request my services, just call 866-285-2100 and ask for John, "the Felony Expert" or click on the AptFindFelons.com link and complete the FIND A TX APT form.

FELONS: How did you hear about me?

I always ask the Question "How did you hear about me"

Most people say they found me through Google, Bing, or Yahoo. But here are the other ways people have found out about Apartment Find Felons of Texas or AptFindFelons.com:

1.   Spouses or "loved ones" checking out the internet

2.   Support group members giving out my card (AA or Rehab)

3.   Parole officers

4.   Leasing agents giving out my information to someone

5.   Referral from another person with a criminal record

6.   Anger Management Class

7.   Craigslist ads

8.   Answers to questions posted on Yahoo Answers & Wiki Answers

9.   Prison Ministries

10. Word of mouth

Thank you to everyone who refers me.  It is the highest compliment you can pay someone when you send them business.

Put me to work for you or a felon you know.  Just click on this link and fill out the FIND A TX APT FOR ME form.  

You can also call me at 866-285-2100 or check out my website at www.AptFindFelons.com.

DEFERRED FELONY: More and more apartments considering DAs

More apartments considering Deferred Felonies or Deferred Adjudications

Someone asked me what the percentage is of complexes that accept ANY convicted felons. The answer is from 5 to 20% accept some type of felony and at some time frame. 

At the present time, most apartment complexes make little distinction for the D.A. for a felony (or deferred felony) because they feel this is a plea to avoid a guilty verdict.  Many complexes are beginning to take a second look at this and are beginning to see that, in fact, a DA IS NOT A CONVICTION but many times the person doesn't have the time or money to fight the charge.

So how many places am I adding to my DA database per month?  I am averaging about 10 per month in the DFW metroplex, 5 per month in greater Houston area, and 2 per month in Austin and San Antonio regions.  And I expect this trend to continue.

It doesn't mean that ALL D.A.s will be considered, if the apartment management sees you as a potential danger to their residents or property, they will still deny you.  That is why my database has the apartments that will consider each type of crime, the time they require before they will consider your issue, and other pertinent information.

To engage my FREE service, call toll-free to 866-285-2100 or complete this AptFindFelons.com form, FIND ME A TX APT.  

FELONS: How I handle Complaints

Basically, I listen - and I try to do better.

I got a complaint today from a guy who was thrilled with his apartment and had dropped me a note to tell me so.

I got so wrapped up with the daily grind that I forgot to answer his note. I was wrong - he did everything right.

Unlike most people, he sent me a note to complain.

I really appreciate people letting me know when they feel I messed up. It really is the only way you can get better.

FELONS: Deferred Adjudications are 10% of Texas "Felonies"

DAs or Deferred Felonies are now 10% of TX Felonies

Not being a lawyer, I'm never quite sure on how to address this portion of my business. It seems most apartments don't care but a few are realizing that this is a different segment of the marketplace and they can have rules accepting Deferred Felonies but not felony convictions. Since a deferred adjudication for a felony isn't technically a conviction, this can be done.

However, until the record is expunged, the felony arrest throws most apartment complexes off and they will normally reject you UNLESS I HAVE SPOKEN TO THEM. Frankly, at many complexes, I understand their Resident Rental Criteria (in regards to the criminal section) better than most leasing agents do. After all, this is my speciality.

So there are apartments in each of the TX metros that take DAs:

- As soon as possible, regardless of the charge (except for Sex crimes)

- At an accelerated time frame than a conviction

- At the same time frame as a conviction

- Will offer specials for a DA but not for convictions

- Will accept certain DA crimes but not others (like Drug distribution or Violence)

Call me at 866-285-2100 and let me help you. This is a free service. Or click on

the FIND ME A TX APT link to submit a request via e-mail.

Stop risking your application fees and deposits and let a pro go to work for you.

FELONS: The nicest Testimonal I've gotten in a long while

Testimonial I received from a lady yesterday

She has a deferred adjudication for a Felony and was having a tough time finding a place until "she put me on the job". Here is her words:

John, Thank you soooo much for your help finding an apartment. I have wasted so much money in the last few years filling out applications with so much disappointment. The complexes you found to accept me were both VERY nice and in good parts of town, and I went and was approved the same day! I also got a spectacular special from the one I am moving into, and could not be happier. I definitely could not have done this without you, You're just great! Thank you again, and I'll be sure to recommend you in the future!
S.S.

I treat all my clients like family. I champion your cause and can find about 80% of my clients housing within 2 business days. I won't kid you, this isn't easy work but I feel it is "my calling" to help.

To contact me: call 866-285-2100 and request to speak to John "the Felony expert" or complete the FIND ME A TX APT form by clicking on this link.

FELONS: Tweet Tweet, AptFindFelons is now on Twitter

AptFindFelons is now on Twitter

Another way for my clients to be able to contact me and to see when I'm finding apartments or kicking back watching college or pro football.

I wanted to thank my new friend at JOBS4FELONS.NET for her advice in setting up my Twitter account. Follow Jobs4Felons on Twitter, too!

GENERAL INFORMATION: Gift Card policy changing

My Gift Card policy is being Updated

If you moved into your apartment prior to July 20th, you will be sent a gift card when the apartment complex pays me. I will not forward a gift card until they do pay me. Some complexes are not paying locators for their services in a timely manner.

Some complexes are deceiving their residents claiming that "all your locator has to do is bill us and we will pay the bill".

What many neglect to tell you is WHEN.

• I have what I guess to be 10% of the complexes that pay at less than 30 days.
• I would say an additional 15% pay at 30 days.
• 25% pay before 60 days
• 25% pay between 60 and 90 days
• 15% pay after 90 days but do pay at some point, I don't like to recommend these apts
• 10% never pay; those we put on a special list where we don't work with them any longer

My broker has agreed, from July 20 on to send the gift to you, from The Apartment Store for a certain percentage of the commission check we receive from the complex. I am funding part of this but to me the main advantage is that you can follow up with my broker, or her administrative support, to find out if the invoice has been paid.

By the way, if someone skips within 90 days, the complex is within their rights to ask for their commission back. If we have not cut the check to you when this happens, then we won't. We must be paid in order to supply you with a portion of our commissions. It's that simple.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention that we are doubling the amount of the rebate I offerred prior to this.

FELONS: Some apartments really don't understand D.A.s

DA - it doesn't mean anything to 99% of Apartment Leasing Agents

In fact, I don't know if the words "Deferred Adjudication" means anything to most of them either. You can have a DA for a Felony or for a Misdemeanor.

I think most leasing agents are just taught "we don't take felonies". The good news is I have the leasing criteria for most apartment complexes and I know the ones that will take a deffered felony (or D.A. or Deferred Adjudication for a Felony.

And I know the ones that won't. I also know the ones with a little wiggle room. I never have the "wiggle room" conversations with anyone but the manager. And you shouldn't either.

In fact, let me locate your next apartment in Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, San Antonio or any of the nearby cities. It's a FREE service (the apartments pay me) and I specialize in helping families with a DA or Felony or Misdemeanor.

I'm JOHN at you can reach me at 866-285-2100 or at AptFindFelons@gmail.com or fill out this handy form.

FELONS: DA ads produce BIG Results

FELONS: Felon business picking up

It has been only 2 months since I expanded my business past Houston metro

I have now placed former felons in Ft. Worth, Garland, North Dallas, Eustis, San Antonio, Austin, Irving, and the surrounding areas.

Business is good and my customer's are happy. I will forever be tweaking my database to insure I have the latest policies and that my customers are thrilled with my service.

Some people are "unplaceable" due to their prior convictions, for example it is much harder to place someone who must live in a certain area if no apartments will accept that crime and timeframe in the area the client wants to reside. Some apartments will not take felony convictions but will only take deferred felonies; that is why my web form asks the questions it does.

To engage my services, just click on this FIND A TX APT FOR ME form or call me at 866-285-2100.

FELONS: Pick My Brain 4 - No Sex Crimes please

PICK MY BRAIN SERIES, NUMBER 4: NO REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS

I work tirelessly for my clients but I'm not a miracle worker. If you are a Sex Offender who has to register, I can't help you.

If I did manage to get you in an apartment, as soon as the residents knew you were there they will start to lobby the management to get you evicted. I've seen it happen.

My best advice is for you to rent from a private party, a home, a condo, or Garage apartment. You can check out your city's Realtor website (like HAR.COM in Houston) or Craigslist.org.

I can't help you.

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*Like the "Gold Guys" image. I've used this free image with the approval of the artist. To view the free images or for information on purchasing Gold Guys images see http://thegoldguys.blogspot.com/