Apartment Hunt (Boston, Quincy: real estate, apartments, rentals)

[mrmaninacan07]

Where is the best place to attempt to locate an apartment for my upcoming semester of school?

[wmassjb]

The best and most utilized source would be craigslist. You might also try backpage.com
Many people turn to rental real estate agencies but you have to be careful that they are not looking for a large finder's fee.

I myself have used and found several good places through craigslist.
If you find one and need to know more about the neighborhood, let me know.

Good luck

[ogre]

Good suggestions by Wmassjb. You might also check The Boston Phoenix: Boston Classifieds - Automotive, Employment. The page linked to has both a real estate section, which includes rentals, and a seeking roommates section.

[Highwyre237]

Also be aware, the majority of apartments listed on craigslist are from real estate agents... the only way you wpnt have a fee is if states it, or you're looking to hop into an apartment thats just looking for a roommate.

You may also want to check with your school off campus housing department. I know mine had some pretty good finds around my school.

[bostonguy1960]

Definitely Craigslist.org. You can even search by broker or owner listings. Yes, most listings seem to be from brokers, who'll charge 1/2 to a month's fee. Many listings are probably fictitious, listed at $922 one day, then $925 the next, all from one of a collection of brokers who need to post everyday, under varying descriptions. Fees CAN BE NEGOTIABLE; just ask. All they can say is "no."

Never heard of backpage, wmass. I'm curious, so I'll check it out.

The Boston Globe, Herald and Metro have few apt. listings anymore, but worth a glance.

Sometimes a broker or landlord asks for 1st, last, security AND fee! Sometimes you don't need last or security. Just ask.

And they all check credit reports, charging you the fee. One broker in Quincy told me some of his contacts could work with my poor credit, which surprised me. I guess he liked me upon meeting me, and felt confident enough to refer me to clients.