Making appointments to see rental properties can be very frustrating. Here are some tips to get through the process.
- Redial, redial, redial: You must be persistent. If there is a property you love, you can’t give up easily. Don’t be afraid to be aggressive and borderline annoying. The redial button should become your best friend. Sometimes email is your only option, but I always think getting someone on the phone is a better route. If you need to call every hour on the hour, do it. You are likely not the only one trying to rent this place.
- Make time: It can be very difficult to make time to see an apartment. If you have the money to rent in DC, you likely have a demanding job. Many leasing agents work 9 to 5, making apartment sometime impossible to see. Sometimes special appointments can be made, if not your lunch hour will be your best bet. Open houses are also tricky. If your favorite place is having an open house during happy hour with friends, ditch your friends. It sounds harsh but the people who show up at open houses are serious. Be the first one there and ready to fill out paper work then and there.
- Follow up: Everyone appreciates a thank you. Regardless of how the appointment went it is always a good idea to thank someone for their time. It could put you in the front running. If you do lose out, it could get your name on the top of the list the next time an apartment opens up.
Here are two places where I have made the call. Still waiting…
One Bedroom in Cleveland Park: $1350
Studio in Dupont: $1339
