what do you think about using a real state agent in finding an apartment (Chicago: apartments, renter)

[drnasserj]

hello everyone,
what do you think about using a real state agent in finding an apartment ?
and how much they usually charge ?
is it a good idea !
thanks

[MyssaTx]

Why dont you just use an apartment locator

[RichMonk]

Yeah, it is my understanding that agents are interested in facilitating the buying and selling of properties. They don't own the properties so they can't rent them out.

[drnasserj]

I have a limited time .. I need to find an apartment within 5 days.
Do you know any good ones !

[cxdurden]

Chicago is not New York. You should be able to get something within that time frame just by reading Chicago Reader , craigslist.com or apartments.com

[Irishtom29]

Originally Posted by drnasserj

I have a limited time .. I need to find an apartment within 5 days.
Do you know any good ones !

There are agents who'll find you an apartment and they charge the landlord, not you. A good one will smooth the whole process out for you.

After a deal fell through for us because of an incompetent agent we got another guy who did a bang up job and had us signed up with a great apartment within three days. We told the guy what we needed and when and he put his nose to the grindstone and got to work.

Here's his name and number

Vikas Wadha 847-942-4140

[adamtrip]

Contact Homescout Realty, they were good about helping us last year. We used the one near Lincoln Park.

[lincolnparker]

Actually most agents at homescout realty are from other cities and tend to be very young, i.e, fresh out of college type. I have found them to be lack of professionalism, unresponsive, unfamiliar with different neighborhoods in chicago. I am speaking from a landlord perspective though.

Additional places to avoid:

New Heritage Realty-This agency located in logan sq mostly posts already rented units as baits to have you call them. There is only two agents in this shop, one indian guy named Naval, and one other hispanic guy. Both live in the suburbs and all they care is to get your money, whether you are a renter (deposit and credit check fee) or a landlord (commission).

The Apartment Exchange-located on Elston, this agency is the worst of the bunch. I tried to rent a property out through them last year. They collected first month rent and security, but would not forward me the first month rent until 4 weeks later when I threatened to sue. This place is a total scam.

Originally Posted by adamtrip

Contact Homescout Realty, they were good about helping us last year. We used the one near Lincoln Park.

[ajolotl]

Interesting. I was sure you would say that agents are for wusses.

Originally Posted by Irishtom29

There are agents who'll find you an apartment and they charge the landlord, not you. A good one will smooth the whole process out for you.

After a deal fell through for us because of an incompetent agent we got another guy who did a bang up job and had us signed up with a great apartment within three days. We told the guy what we needed and when and he put his nose to the grindstone and got to work.

Here's his name and number

Vikas Wadha 847-942-4140

[drnasserj]

thank you a lot
So, what are the outlines in dealing with a real state agent .
how much comission they usually take ?