Re: [Fwd: Calling tips from eHousing]

[http://dummy.us.eu.org/robert (robert)]

 > From: noelle <http://dummy.us.eu.org/noelle>
 > Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2003 8:52:36 -0700
 >
 > see--they say be upfront about the cat and offer a pet deposit.how am I 
 > supposed to do that if they say no pets???

On the other hand, most of the info on the eHousing.com web site is dated
from 1999 when things were very different.

If the ad says "no pets", that means no pets.  But, if it doesn't, there's
a possibility of negotiation.  Don't tell them unless asked or it's on the
rental application or after you've actually been offered the place.  This
is not deceptive.

And, as I said above, most of the stuff on the eHousing web site is dated.
According to homefind.com,  is a renter's market, not a landlord's
market.  Ultimately, it's what you believe and experience, I guess.

Also, did you find out about the http://www.eHousing.com credit report
deal?  Will landlords accept copies without question?

 > Unlike most places in the country, the San Francisco Bay 
 > area is a landlord's market.  Vacancy rates are low, and 
 > tenants should expect competition for more desirable rentals.
 > At eHousing, we talk with landlords everyday.  Through 
 > our conversations with them we have a few suggestions 
 > that we would like to pass onto our members to give you 
 > the advantage.
 > 1. Speak slowly and clearly when leaving messages.
 > Answering machines are not perfect.  This is a competitive
 > market, and landlords will not return calls they cannot
 > understand.  You want your message to be clear and easily
 > copied onto paper.
 > 2. Leave a local or 800/888 number.
 > Especially if you are interested in a room in a place, 
 > or if a rental is very desirable, be aware that many 
 > landlords will prefer to call a free number rather 
 > than a toll number if all other aspects are equal.  If 
 > you are moving in from another area of the country, 
 > contact your long-distance phone company to obtain a 
 > personal toll-free number.  You will be charged for 
 > landlords' calls to you, but those few cents may make 
 > the difference.
 > 3. Be there to receive the landlords' calls.
 > Most people do not like leaving messages.  Instead, leave a 
 > number where you can be reached, or if you are on the go, 
 > obtain a cellular phone with the 510 area code.
 > You can rent a digital cellular phone at the eHousing offices.
 > Rates are 50 cents per minute, long distance to anywhere in 
 > the USA at no extra charge.
 > 4. Let them know why their property is of interest to you.   
 > 5. If you have pets, be upfront and offer a pet deposit.  
 > Large dogs require a higher deposit than small cats.  
 > Also write a tenancy history sheet for your pet, and try 
 > to provide a written letter from your previous landlord 
 > regarding your pet's good behavior. 
 > eHousing
 > 2161 Shattuck Ave. Suite 317
 > 
 > (510) 549-2000
 > (510) 549-2044 fax
 > http://www.ehousing.com