Hard to believe discrimination continues in this day and age, but it does. Tolerance is a much-needed value in today’s world – not just in housing, but in life. Remember the old adage, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” So don’t.
RENTON, Wash. – A Renton apartment manager, along with the apartment building’s owners and property management company, has been charged with violating the fair housing act.
This handy guide for ‘accidental’ landlords serves as a get-back-to-basics reminder for any landlord who wants to make a profit. They’re called “accidental landlords” or “reluctant landlords” — and during this housing downturn, more of them seem to pop up every day.They’re the homeowners who have tried — and failed — to sell their houses, so they’ve decided to find tenants who to move in and pay rent.
Wow, I just read an article (and posted the link on our blog) that seemed to say the exact opposite. I am, however, an optimist at heart — I’m going with this one!
NEW YORK, April 6 Reuters – U.S. apartment vacancy rates stopped rising and rents increased modestly in the first quarter, signs the market is poised to recover, according to real estate research firm Reis.
April 6 Bloomberg — U.S. apartment rents dropped in the first quarter and the vacancy rate remained at a record as unemployment near a 26-year high limited tenant demand.
If you’re a renter, you’re in good company. More than 95 million Americans rent their homes, according to the American Tenants Association. Maybe you live in a part of the country where the costs of home ownership are out of reach. Perhaps you don’t have the time or desire to tend to a home. Or maybe you’re not in a position to commit to a location for more than a few years.
Q. We moved from our rental apartment more than three months ago. Since then, our deposit has not been returned. How can we get our money back?
A. State and local rules vary, but the odds are good that your money will be returned. The first step is to see what is required in your jurisdiction. Speak with a local community housing office or legal clinic. Or, as a start, go online and search for “rental deposit rules” in your state.
2+ bedroom/2.5 bath condo in heart of DeMun area in Clayton. Open floorplan with fireplace, hardwood floors in living space and carpet in bedrooms. Office/den area off living room. Granite and stainless steel kitchen and garage parking. This one has it all! For more information on this and other listings click here
Newer construction condo in gated community. New espresso hardwood floors throughout. Kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances. Living room with gas fireplace and 50″ plasma TV with access to patio. Jacuzzi tub in master bath. One space in heated garage. For more on this and other listings click here
Hard to believe it’s been 23 years since I sat in my business partner’s basement pseudo-office and we began the daily routine of following our basic business plan to launch Apartment Search in St. Louis, MO.
It took us six months to research and lay it all out, but it was simple. Our goal was to help frustrated renters find what they were looking for as quickly and painlessly as possible, and we would only charge the properties when we delivered.
We signed up apartments and owners under a non-exclusive contract that didn’t cost them a dime unless they got a lease. We called on corporations and real estate agencies, offering free assistance with their renters.
We accompanied every prospect we saw, walked them through the process, and sent them a thank-you note so they had mail in their new mailbox. Simple. It was all based on the fact that we truly wanted to help. And it has worked. For 23 years!
So, for the last 13 years, we have celebrated in October by throwing an anniversary party. The tradition began in 1996, when it dawned on me that we had not only survived, but succeeded, for a whole 10 years! Cause for celebration.
It was a small affair, with our favorite people from the rental and relocation industries. When I saw the VP of our second-largest property management client doing a jello shot with no hands, I knew the party was a hit. We had to do it again.
Now, every year we throw a party, but for a different reason. It’s not to congratulate ourselves. We take that one evening to recognize and thank all the hardworking, caring people in this industry who help us do our job so well.
It’s a chance to remind them how we see them going above and beyond again and again to help every prospect or transferee. We see it daily, we know how much it takes, and we deeply, deeply appreciate them. It’s our one opportunity to just tell them so.
We invite the staffs of every property we represent, from the owner to the maintenance guys. We invite our corporate contacts, our relocation referrers, and our real-estate agency supporters. We invite friends, customers who have used our services, and rental prospects currently looking.
We invite everyone who understands just how difficult and demanding the apartment industry can be.
So if you’re reading this, you know. And you’re invited! It’s on October 21st at 6:00 p.m. at the Backstreet Blues Jazz Club in Westport Plaza.
Show up, say you read this blog, enjoy two free drinks (we’ve toned it down a bit from 1996), try all the catered eats, and don’t leave without having a piece of the best German Chocolate cake in the world.
Help us celebrate. Not Apartment Search’s 23 years, but our salute to the entire apartment industry throughout St. Louis. If you’ve ever rented, or tried to help a friend, or knew someone struggling to get settled in St. Louis, you will join us to give them a one-night, heartfelt round of applause.
I read today that 25 percent of Internet surfers recommend websites to their friends. If you know someone looking for an apartment or condo rental, please send them to www.apartment-search.com! All our privately owned listings are there (in great detail and with photos). Then if you have questions, a live person will (usually) answer the phone and answer your questions! What a concept!
We’re live, we’re local, we’re free, and we’ve been helping St. Louis renters find their perfect apartment since 1986. If you’re looking outside St. Louis, we belong to a national network of dedicated, independent companies who offer similar services in 22 cities around the U. S. – www.apartmentsacrossamerica.com. Why not check it out and give us a try? Doesn’t cost a dime, and you just might find that one-of-a-kind dream condo apartment rental!
