By David Johnson
Apartment reviews are an interesting strategy. However one must consider the source of the reviews. In my opinion, there are basically 3 types of reviewers in the U.S.:
1. There are the ones that seem to dominate every review I've ever seen on the apartment internet sites and presumably, they are current or past apartment tenants themselves. I have what I think is a pretty good explanation why this hasn't taken off, so to speak, and why they seem to have little promotional punch totally opposite of reviews in say movies. Movie reviews are going to be subjective to the individual�s opinion as well but at least you get an educated third party critique that has their integrity to uphold.
Some tenants can be great & some unruly. There are a couple of types that need to be addressed, (I) is the tenant that is just plain rowdy, they have parties that cause disturbances, are loud and obnoxious and are only concerned about themselves. There was a certain age that all of us went through and can relate to. (II) Then there is the tenant that is never satisfied. The constant complainer, the tenant that is always calling the office. Both of these can leave nasty reviews if they don�t get their way and of course if they are reprimanded for their unruly actions. Unfortunately, on the apartment review sites, there is no real rebuttal system in place like on EBAY, where the Apartment management can comment on a complaint.
Two of the MOST IMPORTANT things you have to remember that there is always another side to the story and most people will go out of their way to complain but unfortunately will not go out of their way to praise.
2. Another type of reviewer is the media critic, and well, the apartment renting business is just not interesting enough to get positive media feedback.
3. The final and what I believe would be the most accurate source of information would be to talk with friends of who currently reside or resided at the property in the past.
Ok, so you are back to square one! - You cannot trust tenant reviews, there is no media coverage or third party critics to speak of, and you have no friends or family members who can give you a heads up.
NOT TO WORRY - There are viable solutions...
(I) approximately ten years ago, Houston apartment management companies had you sign and 6 -12 month lease and you were locked into a contract. Today, there are still contracts but many apartment complexes in Houston(and nationwide) actually offer a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. Please note that most of the properties that you find from the Apartment Owners on this site offer this (peace of mind) benefit.
(II) Sign a short term lease (usually 1-3 months) in order for you to have an earlier exit strategy if it doesn't go quite as you expected. The only problem with short term leases is that most always charge a premium for shorter terms.
Final Thoughts - You can read reviews and be misinformed, or get a referral from a friend or relative and/or focus on the management companies who offer satisfaction guarantees.
Good Luck!
Copyright protected: original article can be found at http://www.houstonapartments.com/apartment_ratings.php Houston apartments Home page located at http://www.houstonapartments.com/.
About the Author
Mr. Johnson has been in the rental and resale Real Estate Business since 1992. http://www.houstonapartments.com/ was started in 1996 and is a great source for a fast, user freindly site for houston apartment rental information with photos and multiple search capabilities.
Friday, November 28, 2008
FLORIDA REAL ESTATE
Jacksonville Real Estate, By Molley Retrev
Jacksonville Florida Real Estate For Sale became a real estate investor's dream after 1968. That year the city and county governments of Jacksonville merged.
One of the major attractions in Jacksonville is its pleasant weather all round the year. This fine climate has made Jacksonville a haven for people looking for a home in a place that would provide them a respite from the cold winter. As if this were not enough, the location of Jacksonville as an ocean and river port has provided a number of scenic attractions to the place.
At The Amelia Jacksonville residents have a scenic lake front vista laid out for them. Overlooking the lake is the Bertram Springs community. Its other attraction is its proximity to Jacksonville. The homes available have a stone accent and most of them are on the lines of ranch homes. The Briar Oaks community provides wonderful views from its home sites and other facilities.
Besides homes for good living, Jacksonville is a sports lovers' paradise. Real estate investment in this area is ideally tailored for the golfing community. Eagle Harbor for instance, has lake front home sites, with amenities for tennis, golfing, boating, shopping and is an award winning master planned communities property.
The North Hampton community, six miles east of 1-95 is a nature preserve, having a golf course view with a course designed by Arnold Palmer. Its close proximity to the beach, airport and downtown are it added attractions.
The village style Oak Leaf Plantation is a favorite with golf players, providing trails, golf courses, oak trees and ranch style accommodation.
Close to Jacksonville is the gated community of St John's Forest, an idyllic setting with the country's best public schools located here. Jacksonville real estate buyers have thus a selection for every pocket and every stage of life.
Jacksonville Florida Real Estate For Sale became a real estate investor's dream after 1968. That year the city and county governments of Jacksonville merged.
One of the major attractions in Jacksonville is its pleasant weather all round the year. This fine climate has made Jacksonville a haven for people looking for a home in a place that would provide them a respite from the cold winter. As if this were not enough, the location of Jacksonville as an ocean and river port has provided a number of scenic attractions to the place.
At The Amelia Jacksonville residents have a scenic lake front vista laid out for them. Overlooking the lake is the Bertram Springs community. Its other attraction is its proximity to Jacksonville. The homes available have a stone accent and most of them are on the lines of ranch homes. The Briar Oaks community provides wonderful views from its home sites and other facilities.
Besides homes for good living, Jacksonville is a sports lovers' paradise. Real estate investment in this area is ideally tailored for the golfing community. Eagle Harbor for instance, has lake front home sites, with amenities for tennis, golfing, boating, shopping and is an award winning master planned communities property.
The North Hampton community, six miles east of 1-95 is a nature preserve, having a golf course view with a course designed by Arnold Palmer. Its close proximity to the beach, airport and downtown are it added attractions.
The village style Oak Leaf Plantation is a favorite with golf players, providing trails, golf courses, oak trees and ranch style accommodation.
Close to Jacksonville is the gated community of St John's Forest, an idyllic setting with the country's best public schools located here. Jacksonville real estate buyers have thus a selection for every pocket and every stage of life.
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