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.

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/

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/

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/