Best apartment hunting strategy

[ponyfitness]

So I've done my research, have my area picked, have about ten possible buildings all with vacancies within a few blocks of each other. I'm looking for a standard one bedroom and know what to expect.

I'm wondering if I go to each property manager and start negotiating if they will bend on the price just to rent a unit, knowing how many there are available in the area. Right now it is definitely a renter's market and I figure I can probably get a bit of a drop in price or free parking or something like that. Any good tips? I've dealt with some real bitches in property management before.

And yes, I know I should be buying but I'm still saving for 25% down. In about a year I will be there which is why I'm renting.

 

[PICK3]

Everyone in my complex pays the same.

 

[chewyxrage]

I've never really met a rental agent who had the authority to negotiate....I guess if it's a smaller landlord that might work...

 

[jh1]

Sometimes they run specials when occupancy is low, but they don't negotiate on a one by one basis...ur wasting ur breath.

 

[bottleneckblooz]

So I've done my research, have my area picked, have about ten possible buildings all with vacancies within a few blocks of each other. I'm looking for a standard one bedroom and know what to expect.

I'm wondering if I go to each property manager and start negotiating if they will bend on the price just to rent a unit, knowing how many there are available in the area. Right now it is definitely a renter's market and I figure I can probably get a bit of a drop in price or free parking or something like that. Any good tips? I've dealt with some real bitches in property management before.

And yes, I know I should be buying but I'm still saving for 25% down. In about a year I will be there which is why I'm renting.

Try offering some "other" payment terms....

 

[ukkared]

Well I would think that it would depend on demand, but it never hurts to ask.