Apartment hunting can be vicious
September 27th, 2007 RachelIt’s nice to shop around a town you like when it’s not for you but it’s not for…naught.
Being the local “expert” (I use that term very, very loosely), I get to tag along, offer input, opinions and color commentary which hopefully fleshes out the expectedly skewed perspective of the commission hungry leasing agent holding the pile o’ keys.
While I was mostly able to skulk around with my camera, doing some keen photojournaling without having to actually interact much with the slime leasing agent, my favorite moment was at one such large Pasadena complex where first our dear salesrentalwoman (who we’ll call Mischa) attempted to get support from me in convincing the possible tenant that the four blocks to Old Town were unbearable, unwalkable, and unlivable.
“Now let me ask you this…”
No lady, please. Don’t ask me. I’m not going to support you in what you say. The best you can hope for is a lukewarm nod and a stiff smile. I’m not your wing[wo]man.
“You have to ask yourself - is your comfort worth the extra $190 per month…”
Yeah - $190 on top of the already stretched budget, that’s not taking into account what happens in 12 months where your “TWO MONTHS FREEEEEEEE” special is gone and $190 more turns into $600 more per month. G-R-O-S-S. Do you like ruining people’s credit/homes/lives?
“Now, because you’ve been so helpful - if he ends up renting this apartment, you‘ll recieve a $500 referral fee.”
Oh. My. God. You just tried to buy my vote. Without hesitating for one second. WOW. I’m going to do that smiley/noddy thing again and make my eyes get all big while oooooh’ing and aaaaaaaah’ing at your snakiness generosity. In two seconds I’ll be out the door, on the sidewalk, busting a gut at your greasy used car salesman tactics…in five minutes we’ll be in the apartment down the street that does win the tenant, does have the same/better amenities, and does cost $450 less per month than you’re unit.
That burns…doesn’t it?
