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Old 07-25-2012, 08:06 AM
 
Location: New York
104 posts, read 185,440 times
Reputation: 66

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It seems that most of the houses for rent I see on craigslist no matter the area are scams. I email them and I get an email back stating how they live in another Country and that they are a Missionary and if I send them the money, they will send me the keys. I know these gotta be scams, no? I had this happen only one time in NY. How can I avoid these scams? Should I just go through a real estate agency?
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Old 07-25-2012, 08:19 AM
 
Location: Hazelwood, Pittsburgh, PA
16 posts, read 22,474 times
Reputation: 22
I work for an apartment rental company and we do all of our advertising on Craig's List. I would only reply to ads that have a phone number, firstly. Calling is key - do not reply to ads that don't have phone numbers posted.
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Old 07-25-2012, 08:29 AM
 
20,273 posts, read 32,434,635 times
Reputation: 2910
I agree about looking for phone numbers and calling. Fortunately these are not sophisticated scams, but you don't want to waste your time. Another tip is to look at the classifieds in the Post Gazette (and don't overlook the minimalist ads).

That said, it might not be a bad idea working through a real estate agent if you are specifically looking for whole-house rentals. In fact you can do both--ask the agent to look for you, but also look on your own.
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Old 07-25-2012, 08:43 AM
 
43,011 posts, read 106,347,686 times
Reputation: 30683
I think the best way to find a house for rent in the suburbs is to drive around looking for "for rent" signs.

Many owners don't advertise whole house rentals and instead put a sign in the yard or window.

I suspect they are aiming for local tenants with financial means. By not advertising, they avoid impoverished applicants who rely on public transportation.
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Old 07-25-2012, 08:45 AM
gg
 
Location: Pittsburgh
25,888 posts, read 25,078,364 times
Reputation: 17024
Craigs is a great place to find a rental. If you can't meet the person at the home/unit, then you hang up. Simple as that.
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Old 07-25-2012, 08:55 AM
 
Location: New York
104 posts, read 185,440 times
Reputation: 66
Thanks guys. I'm definitely going to go through a real estate agency. Do they all charge a fee?
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Old 07-25-2012, 08:56 AM
 
43,011 posts, read 106,347,686 times
Reputation: 30683
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChristinaMichele View Post
Do they all charge a fee?
No. The fees are charged to the property owner, not the renter.
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Old 07-25-2012, 09:33 AM
 
Location: Yeah
3,164 posts, read 6,574,826 times
Reputation: 908
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChristinaMichele View Post
How can I avoid these scams?
The best way is to avoid Craigs list period. I'm not being smart or snarky about it either.......I deal with customers buying merchandise off of Craigs List all day that is either lost or stolen.
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Old 07-25-2012, 09:37 AM
 
43,011 posts, read 106,347,686 times
Reputation: 30683
Quote:
Originally Posted by scottrpriester View Post
I deal with customers buying merchandise off of Craigs List all day that is either lost or stolen.
Do you own a pawn shop or something?
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Old 07-25-2012, 09:39 AM
gg
 
Location: Pittsburgh
25,888 posts, read 25,078,364 times
Reputation: 17024
Quote:
Originally Posted by scottrpriester View Post
The best way is to avoid Craigs list period. I'm not being smart or snarky about it either.......I deal with customers buying merchandise off of Craigs List all day that is either lost or stolen.
I think people are misusing Craigs. The idea of the site was to promote LOCAL transactions, therefore there wouldn't be products "lost or stolen". If you use Craigs as it was intended to be used, you won't have a problem and you certainly don't need to avoid it. It is a great website if used properly.
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