Your Queries, Our Expertise: Unlocking Answers to Your Questions
Do you require an in-person appointment?
No! We certainly don’t want to waste your time and we don’t want to waste ours either! We’ll communicate via text or jump on a quick call to dicuss your situation. Please complete your client intake form to get started and we will be in touch. Alternatively, if you would like to meet in person we can accomodate your request based on availability, just let us know what works best for your situation and personality!
When should I start apartment hunting?
Inventory changes so quickly in Austin! Whether your looking to move in a few days or would like to get a head start 45-60 days before you plan on moving – start a text, give us a call or Get Started with a client intake form so we can find an apartment that checks all your boxes.
Are your services really free?
Yes. For all professionally managed apartment rental communities! Free means free. No games, no gimmicks, no B.S. Apartment locators receive small commission directly from the market budget of the apartment community you choose. Your rent is the same whether you choose to use the apartment locating services or not.
Are there any situations where I may pay a fee?
Yes. For privately owned home rentals — including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and duplexes — a $250 Administrative Fee applies and includes up to five (5) guided in-person tours.
Private rentals work differently from traditional apartment communities. They depend on membership with Unlock MLS / Austin Board of Realtors in addition to a Supra eKey subscription allowing access to electronic lockboxes, direct communication with listing agents, appointment coordination across several parties where required, and fully guided showings in person with a licensed real estate agent who maintains access to all these systems.
The Administrative Fee supports the time, expertise, and services needed to keep your home search organized, efficient, and well managed from your first inquiry through signing your lease.
How do I get my application fee and admin covered?
From the moment you first start viewing properties, you’ll need to ensure you let the leasing agent know that you are working with an apartment locator so that we can work to negotiate on your behalf. Some client’s have benefited from our ability to discover addtional employer incentives that credit your account with app/admin fees after you are approved and moved in. Other times, we are privvy to “promotion codes” that enable you to save significantly when you apply for an apartment.
It doesn’t hurt having an advocate on your site willing to fight for additional concessions or timeline extensions to try and secure you the most favorable rental terms. We’ve had apartment community management extend deadlines and offers to provide additional time for our clients to “think it over” and decide whether they wanted to proceed with an applicaiton.
No matter what community you might be considering or need to utilize your apartment locator as a sounding board to your thought process – we’ve been there and done that. Please just remember to to also write the “agent’s name” AND “real estate agecy” in the referral section of your apartment rental application. If you are applying online, there is a section titled “How did you hear about us?” or “Referral source” there you must choose “Apartment Locator” from the drop-down menu and then input “Ross Quade – Spirit Real Estate” as an example.
What about evictions, broken leases or other challenging credit issues?
Great question! By accessing 3 databases and consistently monitoring what is available for renters that may have some blemishes on their background you may have more options that you’d think. No judgement here, just knowledge to help you find a place that meets your needs and saves you money on application and admin fees so you don’t throw money down the drain. Don’t get denied, get approved and contact us today to discover housing options that work best for you.
What about arrests, misdermeanors, felonies and bankruptcies?
We have apartment communities in our network that may work with all types of background issues. Time restrictions based on how old the offense is may apply but you should reach out to learn more about your best options.
Do you work with section 8 or smart housing?
Yes. There are plenty of communities accept section 8 and smart housing vouchers here in Austin. Please ensure to notate your housing voucher page located here.
Do you work with long term corporate housing, blanket leases and short term rentals?
Yes and no! Depending on what you’re looking for there may be an opportunity for us to work together. It’s easier to get in touch and tell me about what you’re looking for on our blanket lease/corporate please reach out. If you’re looking specifically for someone to locate short term rentals you might try going to to Airbnb or VRBO directly
Additional Questions?
If you have another question we didn’t provide an answer for here, please reach out!