HUNTING DOWN A PLACE TO LIVE IN A COMPETITIVE MARKET

Remember the good ol' days in Chattanooga when finding a neat place was fairly easy? Looking for a decent affordable rental in the late 90's has become a frustrating and time-consuming affair, especially since so many landlords are rejecting people with poor credit or poor landlord references. Rental rates have been rising rapidly, and competition for rentals in the middle price range is fierce. In order to bag a good one, you must go house-hunting just like you were looking for a job!

Dress well, speak clearly, know what the landlord wants, know what you want, get your info together, and sell yourself!

Tenant Tip:
You may be competing with 12 other people for the same place, so make a good impression with the very first phone call--even if it's to a machine. Put your "positives" in the first sentence: "I've been on my job 3 years . . . I make $2500 a month. . . my children are on the honor roll . . . I will get a good reference from my landlord . . . I was at my last address 4 years . . . we do not drink or smoke" . . . whatever. Your second sentence should clearly describe what you want ". . . a 2 bedroom in the $4-500 range in the Brainerd area by July." Boom. Third sentence . . . slowly give your number and the best time to reach you. SPEAK CLEARLY IN A LIVELY WIDE-AWAKE VOICE!