I’ve recently spoken to landlords who have either cut back on their use of the apartment rental services that we call bedbugs, eliminated them entirely, or cut the commission they’re offering to rental services.
That’s good news for renters who, whether they realize it or not, pay substantially more for their apartments due to the lack of an efficient way for landlords and tenants to find each other.
If you’re a renter and using a bedbug rental service, be aware that their commission is negotiable. Save yourself a half a month’s rent, or more, by some last-minute bargaining.
Joe,
what about eliminating aldermanic bedbugs?
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-09-10/news/ct-met-logan-square-walmart-20110910_1_retailer-neighborhood-market-store-wal-mart-stores
IrishPirate,
A truly frightening story. Anyone who thinks this city can survive while that level of thuggery prevails is delusional.
Joe, Joe,
Proco is a “hipster” aldermen. He’s not being a thug, he’s just being “ironic”.
Given the ethnic change going on in that hood he needs to wear skinny ties and continue his ironic quest to keep businesses out of “His” ward.
I just looked at this site I found at the NYTimes and I’m amazed at the change going on in that area.
http://www.urbanresearchmaps.org/comparinator/pluralitymap.htm
I thought the “hipsterization” of that ward was being exaggerated. I was wrong.
I personally like the side by side comparison.
Easier on my unironic non-hipster eyes.
The notion that anyone would be guided by hipsters in making development decisions is even more frightening.
Has anyone else found that tenants brought in from bedbug services don’t tend to stay beyond their initial lease?
Personal aside, I’ve cut ties with all of the ‘services’
small guy,
One of the reasons the tenants don’t stay is that the bedbugs aggressively solicit them to move. Here’s an example of their tactics, but they also telemarket against the interests of their landlords.
It’s a great business model – pressure tenants into places where they won’t want to stay then nick another commission when they move on. Not so good for the landlords either.
Hi Joe,
What can we do change the behavior renters? I noticed that you posted a story at the beginning of this rental season with some advice renters. What can we do you get you into the redeye and some of the other papers in 2012 at the start of the season?
IP – thanks for that GREAT map!