Checking out apartments (Chicago, Lincoln: real estate, rental, condo)

[mrtzhenrriquez]

Hey guys, Please excuse me if I am not very discriptive, Im just not very good at these things. I am going to Chicago during the month of August to look at apartments and I really do not know where to begin. I do not have any experience in searching for an apartment as I have always lived in a private house. Looking to move from NY sometime in October; however, would like to check out the neighborhoods now and possibly put down a deposit if I find an apartment I really like.

Should I set up appt's before I go?? Should I go with a Real Estate Co.? Do the Real Estate Co.'s charge a fee if you decide to take an apartment that they showed you? I know that here in NY they do and I really want to try to stay away from paying more than I have to.

Any Advice??? Thanks for your help in advance!

[JerichoHW]

I would call the apartment manager, ahead of time and set up an apointment.

[jessiegirl_98]

Check out the first thread in this forum for advice, but no, you should not be charged anything and you don't use realtors here, in general. You can make appointments with individual landlords (off of craiglists, the chicagoreader.com), and/or make appointments with free search services. These are listed on the first thread, as well as reviews.

[mrtzhenrriquez]

Thanks, I just feel a little helpless. I keep searching for apartments through craigslist and the local newspapers in the areas that I am interested in, for example,Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Buckstown, etc.; however, I do not find anything that I would be remotely interested in. The rent is either too high or the apartment looks run down. I am not looking to spend more than $1300 for a 2 br and I keep reading that I can find it, but Im not finding anything.

I am beginning to feel discouraged!

Thanks for your help anyway!

[aragx6]

Guess it depends what "run down" means. Most apartments in a good 'hood at that price will be "vintage" - by that I mean rental quality, not gut rehabbed condo quality with stainless appliances and what not.

[JerichoHW]

Try this link:
Metroplex, Inc. | The Property Management Professionals

[mrtzhenrriquez]

I live in a "Vintage" apartment myself as the house that I live in is well over 100 years old; however, the structures are great and makes the apartment look amazing. Maybe Im just expecting too much!

I guess there is nothing like going to the apartments yourself as sometimes picture do not do justice.

I appreciate the link and all of your responses!

[aragx6]

Also, it's good to note, that most places won't know their vacancy until 6 weeks or so before. If you go any sooner, you'll probably just be looking at neighborhoods and have to come back again to actually find a place and sign a lease.

[mrtzhenrriquez]

Good to know!! I do not want to waste my time or money!!!

[jessiegirl_98]

6-8 weeks is standard. BTW, you need to branch out in that price range in those neighborhoods. That is probably your problem. 2 bed, decent in LP for $1300!!?!?!?!?!