How The F***K Is Apartment Locating Free?
The number one thing we get asked is if our service costs anything. While human nature can make us skeptical of things that sound too good to be true, the answer is actually no! In fact, industry-wide, apartment locating services are a free expert middle-man between you and your perfect place.
The financial breakdown
According to our agents, the apartment search can take them anywhere from 4 to 10 hours per client, extending over several days, weeks, and even months. After a client leases, we also step in to help with move-in tasks like setting up utilities, renters insurance, and more. You’re probably wondering how the f*ck we can afford to do that (and stay in business) at no cost to our clients.
The (not-so-secret) secret to apartment locating is a little thing called the “Property Marketing Budget.” This is the amount of money an apartment complex has to spend on marketing, advertising, and whatever else they need to do to get leases. They have two options: 1) use that money for advertising through social media, signs, commercials, etc., or 2) they can leverage local locators by offering a commission. Many apartment complexes choose the latter option, a decision that relieves some lift from their shoulders and puts it on those of a specialized middle-man (us).
Locators essentially act as professional matchmakers, but for real estate. The locator learns their client’s circumstances and needs and helps with the nitty-gritty stuff like setting up appointments to tour, communicating questions, navigating rental jargon, and educating them on the leasing process and market.
You get an apartment, the property gets a lease, and our people get paid. We call that a win, win, win. *chefs kiss*
By working with a locator, clients are well-informed about all aspects of renting prior to entering their lease, making the transition smooth for both the client and the property. At the end of the day, properties that use their marketing budget to pay locators work smarter, not harder. And that is where we make our money.
The need for a middle man
Considering rent is probably your biggest monthly expense, getting the most bang for your buck is pretty important. You wouldn’t buy a car without guidance from a pro, why should your apartment search be any different? All renters should have a professional real estate agent represent them, especially in the current market.
- We know the average rates of neighborhoods, where to find the best specials, and when to tell you to pull a trigger on a “unicorn” deal.
- We have been to the properties and know the nitty-gritty ins and outs from firsthand experience.
- If you’re sensitive to noise levels, we know what apartments and areas of town to avoid.
- Commute via public transit? We’ll run a search based on proximity to specific bus stops.
- For those where cooking is life, we will find you all the apartments within your budget with a gas stove.
- New to the city and don’t even know where to begin? We have “born-and-raised” agents who can help you navigate your transition from a true insider’s perspective.
Concierge move-in services
Our work isn’t done once you find a place. Based on your wants and needs, our Concierge will step in to help you knock out your moving checklist. Renters insurance is a must, and we’ll make sure the best plan has you covered. Don’t feel like comparing electricity rates among providers? No worries, we do that type of stuff too. Smart City also can hook you up with discounts on services like movers, cleaners, handymen, and even furniture rentals.
We’ll follow up a few months into your lease to check in and make sure you are still satisfied because we’re not just successful when our clients lease — we’re successful when they love where they live. That’s Smart City: a one-stop-shop locating service!
Free really means free
Now that you know how locators work and how we’re able to do this for free, we’ll leave you with this: you could make your own requirements list, do the endless hours of apartment searching, call properties, schedule tours, and go through the lease process independent of a locator. Or you can let an apartment expert get to know you and take it from there — 100% free. With all the time saved, you could run a marathon, drive to the beach, go on a shopping spree, watch/read the entire Twilight Saga, write a short story, or literally anything else.
The choice is yours.
