DALLAS: What's worse - a Felony or an Eviction

Both mean NO DON'T BOTHER US to about 90% of Apartment Complexes

It's like asking you - which is worse, a broken leg or a broken arm -- both hurt. Both will hurt your chances of renting in the future. I really think less places will accept you with an unpaid off Eviction than with a felony. If you pay off the Eviction and you have a good story (like a roommate skipped out on you or it was caused by medical problems) then many apartment complexes will work with you.

But if you owe an apartment complex money, then you really only have the 3rd tier of properties that will accept you UNLESS YOU HAVE SIGNIFICANT GOOD RENTAL HISTORY AFTER THE EVICTION AND A GOOD STORY TO TELL.

At least that's the story in the DFW Metroplex. If you do have an Eviction or a Felony (deferred adjudication or conviction) then you do you the help of a trained apartment locator, like myself. I offer this service Free to my clients, the apartment complexes pay for my services.

You can contact me at my e-mail or at 866-285-2100.

HOUSTON: Are you really sure you want a cheap apartment

It doesn't matter where my apartment is -- as long as it is CHEAP

I hear this all the time and it drives me crazy because if I find a cheap apartment it is often NASTY. The person will either take it then break the lease after a month or two or refuse to take it.

I remember a lady that insisted that she wanted an apartment for under $500 a month until she saw one or two in that price range. She happily moved into an apartment for $570 a month that was brand new and beautiful.

Or the person who feels it is OK to drive 20 miles further to save $3 to $4 dollars a day on a apartment -- while they burn $5 to $6 dollars a day in extra fuel and waste two hours a day of their time.

Money is one thing but if you can't sleep at night because you are worried about break-ins or worried your car is being vandalized - do you really have a good deal? I don't think you do.

An apartment can be CHEAP and an apartment can be INEXPENSIVE. My experience has taught me that a CHEAP, nasty, apartment is never a bargain. While an inexpensive apartment, that may cost a few dollars more than the CHEAP place is often a great value and a great deal.

© Copyright 2009. 24x7AptFind.com and AptFindFelons.com. All Rights Reserved.

*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/

FELONS: Numbers that point out how tough it is to find an apartment

WHAT IS THIS - 223 TOTAL WHAT?

These are the total number of apartments, up until 10 years from your Felony Conviction that will accept you in the 5 biggest metro areas of Texas. Only 39 apartment complexes in Houston want your business. In the metroplex of Dallas - Ft. Worth, 136 complexes will accept you. Austin has 20. San Antonio has 28.

If you, a family member, or a friend has a Felony conviction, they need professional help to assist them in locating an apartment. I would like to be your "go to guy" but there are other apartment locators who will help.

Make sure they want to help and have the apartments profiled by "the crime and the time". The "crime" being the type of felonies each apartment complex will accept and the "time" being the length of time that must pass before they will accept the client.

Let me know if I can help. I only ask two things: be completely honest with me and you must commit to helping me earn my commission by writing my name down at the complexes and reporting back to me once you lease.

FELONS: Will the apartment complex accept me?

To be Accepted - we all want that.

And, I'm never sure until they accept you that it is going to work out. I can understand their policies but in some cases, the management and regional management must make a call on whether they feel that you pose any risk to their multi-million dollar investment - their complex.

I've had some clients who are themselves surprised with things that pop up - like broken leases that appear on their credit report when they don't know of them ahead of time (that's why I suggest that everyone runs their own credit report).

I do everything I can do to make sure the complex will accept you, including calling the manager of the complex before you apply. That is why I encourage you to call me first.

I too have a vested interest in the apartment accepting you -- that is the only way I'm paid a commission.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Income Qualification for your next apartment

This X, to your Apartment Locator, is very important.

To us, it means the income qualification for an apartment. You must have more income to qualify for a 3x apartment than a 2x apartment.

For example, if the Rent is $600 a month on a 1 Bedroom apartment and the apartment is a 3x apartment - it means you need to earn 3 times the rent or $1800 to qualify for the apartment. The $1800 is gross, or pre-tax earnings.

Most apartments are 2.5x or 3x and some are even 3.5 or 4x. As the X goes up, it is harder to qualify for the apartment - a 4x apartment would require that you make double the earnings of a 2x apartment.

That explains why the rent could be the same at two different complexes, but you might not qualify for one but not the other - simply because they have two different income qualification guidelines.

HOUSTON: Is The Woodlands worth Hundreds of Dollars per Month?

Rents in The Woodlands are approx. two hundred a month more than Conroe or Harris County

Are the apartments worth the difference? I can't answer that. Except to say thousands of people feel that they are.

Conroe has many nice apartments and so does the area on Spring Cypress and FM 1960 for far less. It depends on your needs and your wants...

Value, like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Don't Risk Your Deposit & Application Fees

Are You Risking Your Deposit & Application Fees?

You might be if you neglect to mention something on your application. The apartment complex can legally keep your application fees and deposit if you don't list everything on your lease application.

That Broken Lease 3 years ago - it will probably come up. And that misdemeanor in college, over 9 years ago (the one you never told your Mom about) - yep, it'll show too.

The best way to prevent losing your hard earned money is to list everything. And another good way to keep your money in your pocket is to deal with a great apartment who pre-screens you for only the apartments that you will qualify for.

Of course, you have to fully inform your apartment locator, too.

To quickly and easily apply for this FREE service, simply click on this FIND ME A TX APT link.

FELONS: AptFindFelons.com now has Austin apartments profiled!

Now Hear This, Austin is now covered by AptFindFelons.com!

July 14, 2009

AptFindFelons.com, the only website we know of that is geared solely to help felons and their families find Texas apartments, is available now for residents of the Texas Capital - Austin.

This FREE apartment locating service is offered to anyone who will agree to use JOHN AT THE APARTMENT STORE as the Referral Source and agrees to notify John of any leased signed. To request this service, just click on this AptFindFelons.com link and complete a FIND A TX APT FOR ME form.

Until now it has been almost impossible for felons and their families to rent apartments in Austin quickly and easily and without risking deposits and application fees.

Austin completes the major metro areas covered by AptFindFelons.com - joining Houston, Dallas - Ft. Worth, and San Antonio as the areas covered by this service.

© Copyright 2009. 24x7AptFind.com and AptFindFelons.com. All Rights Reserved.

*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/

GENERAL INFORMATION: Why You May Not Get a Special

Everyone wants a Special - but not everyone qualifies for one.

I've had customers with Evictions or multiple broken leases tell me they want an apartment with a special - but rarely will they get one.

The apartment complexes use specials to get people they want to sign a lease. If you have a foreclosure, eviction, broken lease, poor credit or criminal conviction, you probably won't qualify for a special. They don't need to give a special to find renters like this - they truly are everywhere. Specials are given to attract the best renters.

One of the statements I've heard about Apartment Specials is "the more you need a special, the less likely you will qualify for one".

Sad but true.

FELONS: AptFindFelons.com is now available in San Antonio

FELONS: AptFindFelons.com now has the apartment information for San Antonio

July 12, 2009

AptFindFelons.com, the only website we know of that is geared solely to help felons and their families find Texas apartments, is available now for residents of the San Antonio area.

This FREE apartment locating service is offered to anyone who will agree to use JOHN AT THE APARTMENT STORE as the Referral Source and agrees to notify John of any leased signed. To request this service, just click on this link.

Until now it has been almost impossible for felons and their families to rent apartments in San Antonio quickly and easily and without putting application fees and deposits at risk.

San Antonio joins Houston and the Dallas - Ft. Worth metroplex the first three areas to be covered by this service. Austin will be ready by the end of July 2009.

(c) Copyright 2009. 24x7AptFind.com and AptFindFelons.com. All Rights Reserved.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Before You Lease CALL a Great Apartment Locator!

PICK MY BRAIN: Before You Lease Call A Great Apt Finder

Pick a locator that commits you helping you; you should commit to the locator too. A locator, or apartment finder, wants to know they will have your commitment because many people don’t remember to “put the finder’s name as the referral source”. Tell your locator you PROMISE not only to list them AND to call them back to let them know where you have leased. Since they make a commission only when they bill the complex where you leased, you will have a committed locator and get the great service you deserve.

Know where you want your apartment - have an idea of either what part of the city or how close you need the apartment to your work. Your locator should be able to find you an apartment close to your work or close to the freeways or bus lines you need. Understand what you want; nothing hinders a locator more than a client who doesn’t have a preference on location.

Know what you must have and what you can “give” on. If you are looking for an inexpensive apartment, don’t expect an amenity that normally only is found with expensive apartments. Example – don’t expect an attached garage with a $500 apartment – it just isn’t there.

What style of apartment do you want? Keep in mind that lofts are typically only found in urban areas. Some apartments like a duplex or triplex are found mostly in suburban areas. Flats or one story apartments and townhouses (normally 2 or 3 floors) can be found in both urban and suburban areas.

Have a realistic understanding of the price range in the area you want. Just because there are $399 apartments in some parts of town doesn’t mean there are apartments in this price range where you want to live. And your locator may be able to find you a “really cheap” apartment, but would you really live there…many a person has asked me for a $400 apartment but when I deliver they are horrified at the accommodations.

All Bills Paid apartments normally cost about $150 more a month than “regular” apartments where you pay the utilities. I don’t think they are worth it since most people would pay less than $150 a month for utilities. The All Bills Paid apartments normally have a more transient clients than other rentals.

Length of lease term – less than 6 months usually has an “up charge” and no specials. 6 to 7 is the shortest lease I recommend. In Texas, 12 to 13 months is standard but many complexes offer 18 month leases. Some leases in college towns or areas correspond to the school term.

Your locator should be able to find you the lease you want at a great complex and if your credit is OK - he or she should be able to deliver some great specials. A great locator can save you hundreds of dollars and get you an apartment where you will be very happy - this is a FREE Service where you win big!

© Copyright 2009. 24x7AptFind.com and AptFindFelons.com. All Rights Reserved.

*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/

FELONS: AptFindFelons.com now has the DFW apartment information

FELONS: AptFindFelons.com now has the DFW apartment information

July 10, 2009

AptFindFelons.com, the only website we know of that is geared solely to help felons and their families find Texas apartments, is available now for residents of the Dallas – Ft. Worth Metroplex.

This FREE apartment locating service is offered to anyone who will agree to use JOHN AT THE APARTMENT STORE as the Referral Source and agrees to notify John of any leased signed. To request this service, just click on this link.

Until now it has been almost impossible for felons and their families to rent apartments in DFW quickly and easily.

DFW joins Houston as the first two areas to be covered by this service. San Antonio and Austin will be ready by the end of July 2009.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Before you lease - Run Your Credit Report

The second in a series called PICK MY BRAIN

Before You Lease 1 of 4 - Run your credit report

Run your Credit Report for free at www.annualcreditreport.com. The site will present six to eight questions that only you would know the answer to (example: what color was the car you purchased in 1997 or did you ever live on Bayshore Blvd.). The web-based program will then ask you which of the 3 credit bureaus you want to check – pick all three. Then the site will ask you if you want to purchase credit scores or other tools – just say NO to keep the session free.

Dispute any inaccurate information. If the report shows you have a broken lease or owe for a credit card you don’t owe – dispute this and follow the instructions on how to formally file a dispute (it usually involves writing a certified letter not just clicking on Dispute).

Doggedly pursue any disputed items; this can save you big bucks and increase the number of apartment complexes that will accept you. For example, if an apartment complex says you broke a lease, it may eliminate 8 of 10 apartment complexes from your search. Plus you are unlikely to get a special with a broken lease.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Why you should NEVER visit an Apartment Complex before you are ready to Lease!

The First of a Series of Blogs called "Pick My Brain"

PICK MY BRAIN: Never visit an apt until you are ready to Lease

The apartment's leasing agent will, 99% of the time, offer you a "Look N Lease" special that expires quickly. Sometimes the moment you set foot off the property, or in 24 hours, or by end of business today (you get the idea).

The special can be super, like a free month's rent, or a teaser - like a "free garage" but you may not be ready to "pull out your pen and sign" unless you and your locator have prepared you.

Your finances may not be in order, you may need to talk it over (especially if you don't have your spouse or loved one with you), or you may just want to mull it over. But the idea of missing that "free offer" is getting to you.

You need to be ready and your locator should have prepared you. That is what a good locator does. He or she helps you determine the 3 or 4 properties to visit then finds out the specials you may be offer red. In that way you aren't surprised.

And in the apartment hunting game as in most financial matters, truly the Best Surprise is No Surprise.

Watch for more of the Pick My Brain series on apartment hunting.

Regards,

John

At The Apartment Store

© Copyright 2009. 24x7AptFind.com.and AptFindFelons.com. All Rights Reserved.

*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/

FELONS: Having a Tough Time Finding a decent apartment?

You thought your legal problems ended at the courthouse...

You never knew that most apartment complexes wouldn't want you to live at their complex. But I can help. I know the apts and town houses that will give you the second chance you deserve.

I specialize in helping felons who have turned their life around. I am dedicated to helping you and your family find the best housing available.

I won't kid you - it's not easy. But my database of apartments is broken down by TIME and CRIME. I can help over 90% of my applicants find apartments.

But, don't bother me if you won't commit to using me as your Referral Source - it takes me over 3 times longer to place you than a client without a criminal conviction. And like anybody, if I'm going to invest hours of my time, I want to be paid.

The good news is that the apartments will pay my fee out of their marketing budget. So my service is FREE to you.

How do you start? Select this link and complete a FIND A TX APT FOR ME. I must have complete information. I am able to place Houston applicants now and I'm working on my database for DFW, Austin, and San Antonio. I expect to have my database work completed for DFW in July, San Antonio in early August, and Austin in late August.

Let's get started towards finding you and your family the decent housing you deserve.

© Copyright 2009. 24x7AptFind.com. and AptFindFelons.com. All Rights Reserved.