GENERAL INFORMATION: My New Year's Holiday Schedule

HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR HOLIDAY...

My New Year's Holiday Schedule

Thursday (New Year's Eve) thru Monday: working from home. You can reach me via e-mail or by dialing my Google Voice number:

832-303-3002

If you call during a football game, I might

answer and scream at the TV; you should know in advance that I will NOT be screaming at you.

Please do not call during the UT National Championship game. Some things are too important to miss!

GENERAL INFORMATION: Merry Christmas to All

Merry Christmas

I will be working from home on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and will be taking Saturday and Sunday off.

If you are a client of mine and it can't wait, then please call my Google Voice 24x7 Message Line 832-303-3002. Please speak slowly and let me know whether to call you or e-mail you.

Google Voice will send me a text message and an e-mail of the conversation (Cool - huh).

GENERAL INFORMATION: Feedback is Important

I love getting Feedback - especially if there is a Problem with your Apt. List

I hope that every complex I send you to is perfect, but I know that can't always be the case. Apartment complexes change. The neighborhood changes and the upkeep of the apartment is always improving or declining.

I referred a person to a nice complex and he didn't rent there because he saw a roach in the model. Not Good. I mean this is Texas and there are roaches all over and from time to time they will get in an apartment. Only a complex with a great exterminator is safe from these critters.

But the point is, my client told me the problem. I could then pass it along to the apartment manager and she could get it fixed.

Certainly if I've let you down I want a chance to fix the issue. I know the apartment want that as well.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Do you need to be in your new Apt by the Holidays?

Do you need to be in your new Apartment by the Holidays?

If so, let me hear from you. I'm working 7 days a week helping people move. You can contact me 24x7 at 832-303-3002 - it's my new Message Line. Just leave a message and I'll get right back to you.

Or send me an e-mail to 24x7aptfind@gmail.com or my e-mail at The Apartment Store which is AptStore@Gmail.com.

I know the specials that can help you have a Happy Holiday in your new place.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Starting to see NO RENT UNTIL 2010 Specials

New Year's Specials

I saw the first special yesterday of NO RENT UNTIL 2010. Wow. I'm not yet prepared for Thanksgiving much less Christmas and the apartments are starting with the 2010 move-in specials.

It shows how much some are hurting. They know that most people prefer not to move around Christmas time so they are doing everything possible to encourage you to make your decision NOW.

Call me if I can help at 832-303-3002 - that's my message line. I'll get right back to you or you can go to my web site and complete a FIND A TX APT FOR ME form.

Happy Holidays!

HOUSTON: Live above your car's Carport

Got a Car or Truck You want to keep an eye on?

I know the North Houston apartment for you. You can live above the carport that holds your car or pickup. The one bedrooms lease for $605 and the 2 bedrooms lease for $699.

View of your favorite vechicle is included.

DALLAS: Apartments near DART Stations

We can find Apartments close to DART Stations

We have the ability to find you an apartment near any of the DART stations in the DFW areas.

I can find it by distance or by zip codes.

HOUSTON: DHAP voucher on the southside of Houston

DHAP Vouchers for Southern Houston - almost worthless now

Very few places are taking DHAP vouchers anymore. And darn few on the southeastern side of Houston which was the hardest hit by Hurricane Ike.

So who is getting a voucher now, over a year from the Hurricane? People who need to move from their present apartment receive a voucher if their present apartment can't be brought up to code (or it fails the DHAP inspection). The trouble is there are few places that will continue to accept the voucher in the area of town they want to live in.

So the voucher either has to go unused or the person has to move to a different part of town - most are choosing to move.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Free CALL ME gadgets added to my site

I added this gadget to both my websites: www.24x7AptFind.com and www.AptFindFelons.com so my clients can call me easily. Just click on the gadget and input your number and press Enter. Google Voice will connect you at no charge to you.

Or just call me at 832-303-3002 and leave a message and Google Voice will send me an e-mail or text message letting me know of your call.

I'm trying to use technology to be even more responsive to my clients.

All my best,

John

GENERAL INFORMATION: Texas is DIFFERENT

Nowhere but Texas

10 things I noticed when I first came to Texas

1. Stars EVERYWHERE. Not just on the helmets of the Dallas Cowboys (who are always on TV) but on just about every Pro sports team in Texas plus buildings, billboards, etc. It might be the Lone Star State but every place you look has one or more stars.

2. Peppers EVERYWHERE. When I came to Texas, I've lived here for 7 years now, I was amazed at the pepper aisle in the produce section. I never saw and entire aisle devoted to peppers when I lived anywhere else.

3. The shape of the state ON EVERYTHING. I'm not talking about road signs and highways, because you would expect that. I'm talking about corn chips, or nacho chips, crackers, and cheese. No where but Texas can you find cheese in the shape of the state. New York Cheddar doesn't come in the shape of NY - maybe someone in Wisconsin has formed the state into cheese. But no where else - Trust Me!

4. Pickup Truck editions. Every pickup manufacturer has a "Texas Edition" or "Lone Star Edition". Even the foreign jobs. You won't see a Florida Edition truck.

Or a Massachusetts edition - heck, nobody would buy a Massachusetts Edition truck.

5. State Flag Salutes. OK, I get choked up when I salute the American Flag and I think I was the only one at Jury Duty (yes, I go and don't try to get out of it) that didn't know the Texas salute. Trust me, Florida doesn't have a salute and I know California doesn't have one because if they did, I would have heard of a lawsuit saying their kids don't have to say it.

6. "Fixin". Everybody is always fixin to do this or that. Or fixin to go somewhere. Not fixing just FIXIN' or FIXEN for you English majors.

7. Jalapeños. I know this sounds like a re-hash of #2 but it isn't. McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's don't serve jalapeños as a side in other states. They just don't. You can't even ask for them at most US locations.

8. Gigantic State Flags. I'm use to Car dealers and Furniture Stores with big US Flags but this is the first state I've ever called home where you are just as likely to see a gigantic Texas State Flag.

9. Country Fried Steak and Tex Mex. Thank you Texas for two of the greatest food items to ever grace a table. I guess you can find these in other states but they don't hold a candle to the variety and pride that the Texas restaurant's seem to place on these two wonderful entrees.

10. Barbecue Grills in the Sporting Goods Stores. I told a fellow Texan, a native Texan I might add, that I found this to be strange. He said "well, where else do they sell grills in Florida". I told him stores like Home Depot or Lowes. He said, "You mean, they don't sell them in the sporting goods sections"?. It is so ingrained as a sport here that no one thinks it is strange.

My intent is not to say Texas are wrong. I love my new state but I did notice these wonderful differences. So let me drink a Shiner while I sit down to a meal of Country Fried Steak in my boots and come up with the top 10 things I love about Texas.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Can I break my lease since a resident was Murdered here?

Someone in the complex was MURDERED!

Can I break my lease?

This is really two questions:

1. Should you break your lease

2. Can the complex file "a broken lease" against you and collect damages

The property cannot be responsible for the safety of the residents. The city can't guarantee that and neither can the property owner or management.

That being said, if the complex hasn't repaired a broken fence or gate and you have presented them with two certified complaints to that affect, you may be able to break your lease without exposing yourself to damages (contact an attorney for this evaluation, I am not an attorney). If you feel your life is in danger, I would move EVEN IF the complex could file damages against me (but that is me); however, I would give written notice and ask for a signed copy of the receipt of that notice by the apartment management.

If you decide to break your lease, chances are the complex will want the damages. If you decide not to pay, then this decision will have a tremendous impact on your ability to rent in the future and on your credit rating.

I can help you no matter what your situation.

AUSTIN: Top 10 Submarkets in Austin

Top 10 Sub-Markets in the greater Austin area

1 Downtown/ UT/ Riverside Dr

2 Pflugerville/ Round Rock/ Geor

3 San Marcos

4 Cedar Park/ Leander/ Jollyvill

5 North

6 South/ Hwy 71/ I-35

7 West/ Sunset Valley/ Barton Sq

8 Southeast/ Riverside Dr

9 Northwest/ Arboretum

10 Far Southeast

SAN ANTONIO: Top Submarkets in the San Antonio area

Top 10 Sub-markets in San Antonio

1 UTSA/ La Cantera/ Bandera Rd

2 Alamo Heights/ The Quarry

3 Kelly AFB/ I-35S

4 Medical Center/ USAA/ Leon Val

5 Downtown/ Trinity University

6 Nacogdoches Rd/ Perrin Beitel

7 Castle Hills/San Pedro/ Jackso

8 New Braunfels/ Seguin

9 Blanco Rd/ West Ave

10 Boerne/ Kerrville

DFW: Top Submarkets in the Dallas-Ft Worth Metroplex

The Current Top 10 Sub-Markets in the DFW Metroplex

1 Western Hills/ Ridgmar/ Ridgle

2 East Central Dallas/ Lower Greenville

3 South Ft Worth

4 Grapevine/ Roanoke/ Keller

5 Haltom City/ Richland Hills/

6 Far South Dallas/ Waxahachie

7 Allen/ McKinney

8 Far Southwest Ft Worth

9 North Dallas/ Addison

10 East Plano/ Richardson

HOUSTON: Current Top 10 Submarket Areas

Top 10 Sub-markets in Houston

Can you name the top hot rental spots in Houston? Here they are:

1 Heights

2 Galleria

3 Tomball/Far Northwest

4 Montrose/Museum District

5 Inner Loop West/Greenway Plaza

6 Medical Center/Bellaire

7 Woodlands/Far North

8 Katy/Far West

9 Alief

10 Far East

HOUSTON: $150 and you can get past a Broken Lease in FM1960

$150 dollars gets you past 1 Broken Lease

and only $300 gets you past 2 Broken Leases

If you have a good reason, like a job loss or illness or family emergency that required you to break your prior lease, I know a complex that is offering this Broken Lease program.

They recognize that "life happens" and that especially in this economy a broken lease will happen.

For more information, call me at 281-681-3434 or complete this form and indicate BROKEN LEASE $150 OFFER in the comments.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The broken lease on my credit report is incorrect

The Broken Lease on my Credit Report is Wrong

I never even lived there!

Now that you have run your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com and disputed the item. It is time to contact the property that is reporting that you have a broken lease.

You may have to visit the property, with a picture ID, and prove to them that the broken lease isn't yours. Make them write you a letter, on their letterhead and deliver the letter to your proposed new complex.

It is a hassle but it can save your credit and save you BIG at the new complex. Chances are you wouldn't have gotten a special with the broken lease on your credit report.

GENERAL INFORMATION: I was Rejected but the Eviction doesn't show on my credit report

But the Eviction doesn't show on my credit report

The dirty little secret is apartments mark your record with the EVICTION stamp long before your case goes to court. If your city has an apartment association, many apartments will indicate your Eviction as soon as the NOTICE TO VACATE is placed on your door.

This insures that you will have difficulty in renting a place and will be more likely to pay the funds that they are owed. This can happen long before your credit report reflects any judgement.

You are probably asking yourself "Is this legal". That I don't know, I'm not a lawyer. But I can tell you, it is effective. And can make future renting a real hassle unless you either pay off the eviction or have an apartment locator who is GOOD - REALLY GOOD.

To enlist my services, whether for an eviction, a criminal record, or just because you want a top-notch locator, just call me at 866-285-2100 or click on this link to go to my web site's FIND A TX APT form.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The Apt Manager said I can break my lease without Penalty

The Apartment Manager said I can break my lease without penalty

Part of the "Pick My Brain Series"

A client told me today that her apartment manager said she could break her lease without penalty because the apartment hot water heater is not working and the apartment complex has been having security issues.

I suggested she have the apartment manager "put it in writing" or, at the very least, sign a letter to that effect.

A funny thing happened when my client suggested that - the manager said "I can't put that in writing, my management would kill me". All of a sudden, it became clear, the apartment manager couldn't really promise that the complex wouldn't take action against my client.

When someone promises something - always get it in writing ESPECIALLY IF IT CONCERNS MONEY.

GENERAL INFORMATION: When the complex find out you lied on your Application

If you lied - You Lose!

The complex is well within their rights to keep not only your application, but falsifying your application gives them the right to keep the administration fee and all deposit monies.

And 99.9% of the time, they will. This is a clear warning - don't lie on your application.

It could cost you and cost you BIG.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Evictions - the kiss of death

What is worse than an Eviction?

2 Evictions.

I had a lady ask me today if she should lease AGAIN without her husband's name on the lease because he had a Felony. Last time she did this, she was Evicted when the complex found out.

And now, she is considering doing it again. She can be placed with one Eviction even though her husband is a felon. With two evictions, forget it.

I don't know anywhere that would take her. Don't rent foolishly! I can place people with felonies. In fact, my website www.AptFindFelons.com is dedicated to that.

Remember, the apartments look at Evictions as the WORSE thing because it affects them financially. One complex told me they spend an average of $5,000 to evict someone in time, lost rent, and legal expenses.

GENERAL INFORMATION: My credit report is WRONG and I need to lease

My Credit Report is WRONG and I need to Lease.

What do I do?

Let's use the example that someone has two Broken Leases on their credit - one for $1200 is INVALID and one for $236 is valid. Here's what I would advise:

1. Run your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com
2. Be sure to pick all 3 credit agencies and DISPUTE the incorrect BL on each. Print out your credit report on each one too (so you can show it to the new complex you are interested in).
3. Do not (unless you want to pay for it) pick your credit scores or ID theft protection; these are chargeable services.
4. Call the complex where you owe the $236 and make arrangements to pay them off; at this point tell them you can make 4 payments of $59. Get it in writing or you will not get any specials from any complex (and the specials should be worth more than the $236.
5. I will call the new complex and prepare the way for you so call me when the above steps are completed.
6. Go to new complex with the credit reports and the letter to the old complex where you will be making payments. The new complex may require the old place (the one accepting the payment arrangements) to give you a letter from them on their letterhead.

Then, be sure to follow up on the disputed item and make sure it is removed. Run your credit report every year. I suggest you run your credit on your birthday so you won't forget.

HOUSTON: Move in to this complex and pay $1 for October

Keep the Change. The Dollar is the rent for October

My clients love free rent and low rent. This place has a move in special that states:

Move In by October 10th and $1 pays your October rent.

That's it. So simple. Very powerful special. Call me at 281-681-3434 or send me a FIND ME A TX APT form.

HOUSTON: A Special that lets you HAVE IT YOUR WAY

The old Burger King commercial used to sing

"Have It Your Way"

now an apartment offers their own take on that in a great special

Your choice, have it your way, a great special either way:

1. Pick a low cost $149 total move-in (application, admin fee, and 1st month's rent).

OR

2. Pick $100 off each month. That makes a 1 bedroom $445 or a 2 bedroom just $545.

OR

3. If you qualify for other discounts, like a Senior discount, you can pick #1 PLUS get your Sr. discount.

Whatever you pick, it is a super deal. And you get the chance to pick what's important to you!

GENERAL INFORMATION: Specials, Specials, Specials!

Watch out for certain Specials

I'm always a bit suspect when I see specials of $100 off each month. You need to find out if the special is only for a limited time or the term of your lease. If the special is for a limited time, do the math - only then can you decide if the special is worth it rather than taking a lump sum off (if that is offerred).

Another thing to consider - will you be moving when your lease is up? If not, the price per month will probably go up to the "unspecial" price of X + that $100 that you saved. Just consider the special and its impact when it runs out, that way you can rent wisely.

AUSTIN: Super D.A. apartment complex in Austin

Remember, a D.A. means you were NEVER CONVICTED

And as such, there are apartments in Austin, nice apartments, that want to work with you.

For more information on Deferred Felony or Deferred Adjudication for a felony apartments, please call me at 866-285-2100 or send me a FIND ME A TX APT form from my website www.AptFindFelons.com.

HOUSTON: A $1.99 First Month Special

$1.99 First Month Rent - Can't even buy Peanut Butter for that!

I have a special for $1.99 for a first month's rent. This apartment is in the Westheimer area and can't be beat for the money. You can call me from 10-6 at 281-681-3434 or complete this FIND ME A TX APT form.

This complex has some rental criteria so you may not qualify.

HOUSTON: My RCR report is WRONG and it got me REJECTED

HELP - What do I do, the Houston Apartment Association RCR report is wrong...

This does happen, rarely, but it happens and can take the form of improper credit reporting, improper rental history or improper criminal history. When the report is wrong here's what I suggest as the best two alternatives:

1. Find an apartment complex that doesn't use the HAA RCR report for verification

2. Get the RCR (Rental Credit Reporting) report corrected. You really should do this anyway since you may need an apartment at a later time that uses this popular report. Here's how to fix it (this text is from the RCR report owner):

If you recently applied for housing or employment and/or would like to receive a copy of your FADVSafeRent consumer file, please visit our website at www.residentscreening.com, click on Consumer Relations and then Downloadable Forms to download a Request for Disclosure Packet. Your Disclosure request will be processed promptly as soon as we receive your written request. If you are in a hurry, you may indicate on the Disclosure Request form that you wish to choose an alternate method of receiving disclosure of your FADVSafeRent consumer file.

If you already know the contents of your FADVSafeRent consumer file and wish to dispute information which you believe to be inaccurate or incomplete, please visit our website at www.residentscreening.com, click on Consumer Relations and then click Downloadable Forms to download a Request for Reinvestigation Packet. Please be advised that a reinvestigation may take up to 30 days from the date we receive your written request. You will be notified once your reinvestigation is complete.

For more information, see the Houston Apartment Association website at www.HAAonline.org.

SAN ANTONIO: Cheapest rent in Texas

Cheapest Rent in Texas

San Antonio has the least expensive rent of any of the 5 largest metro areas. These areas include Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. San Antonio is the best bargin at $129.00 leass expensive than Austin for the average one bedroom apartment.

AUSTIN: The most expensive rental market in Texas

Austin is the most Expensive Rental Market in Texas

CITY....................PRICE/MONTH.........OCCUPANCY

Austin.....................$823......................88.7%

Dallas/Ft Worth........$737......................87.7%

Houston..................$719......................85.3%

San Antonio.............$694......................88.0%

DALLAS: The Cowboys and The Specials

How long will it be before some Apartment Complex offers Cowboy's Tickets as a Super Special

OK - maybe not a Cowboy game. Maybe another game. But my guess is it won't be long before some property offers tickets to the new stadium as a special. Maybe it will be in the form of a "chance to win tickets". Or tickets to a college game. But I see it coming.

After all, it would be a great offer. Who doesn't want to check out this stadium? And apartment complexes know what you want - that's their business. And with all the new complexes being built and the apartments to fill it won't take long.

Watch. My guess is before October we will see a Special involving the stadium appear.

HOUSTON: Now accepting 1 Broken Lease and giving a Flat Screen

One SW Houston Complex giving away a 32" Flat Screen PLUS one Month Free Rent

Check out this special one Southwestern Houston Complex is offering:

FREE Flat Screen TV!!! 1 broken lease ok if over 2 yrs! All floor plans available!

Plus 1 month free pro-rated on all floor plans! All with washer, dryer & microwave!

You might say that a 32" Flat Screen TV doesn't cost what it used to and you would be right. The value today is under $500 for a 32" TV but the fact that the complex is accepting one Broken Lease PLUS giving away the TV is something.

Added to that is the one month free and this is a super deal. The complex is very nice too.

I had one client sign up today. This complex will also accept first time renters, co-signers, foreclosures, bankruptcies, and some misdemeanors.

Call me today and I'll see if you can get in before football season starts! Call me at the Apartment Store today at 281-681-3434 or complete this form on my website 24x7aptfind.com.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Income Restricted Properties

Don't Panic at the Prices you see for Income Restricted Properties

Market Rates are listed for all Income Restricted properties on the system I use. My clients sometimes panic when they see these prices and don't read the Memo off to the side which explains that the rates shown are the Market Rates not the income restricted rates.

This is an example of an Income Restricted property rates:

Market Rate for a 2 Bedroom $806

Income Restricted rate #1 $666

Income Restricted rate #2 $525

The apartment complex has income guidelines to see who qualifies for rate #1 or #2. Rate #2 qualification is for people making the minimum amount and only a small number of units will qualify.

Currently, the Income Restricted Minimum and Maximums are as follows:

MINIMUM FAMILY INCOME

1 Bedroom $1,538

2 Bedroom $1,848

3 Bedroom $2,148

MAXIMUM FAMILY INCOME

1 Person $28,820

2 Person $30,600

3 Person $34,440

4 Person $38,280

5 Person $41,340

6 Person $44,400

IF THE APT IS BONDED

1 Person $34,000

2 Person $39,000

3 Person $44,000

Income Restricted properties do not allow pets or have short-term leases. All forms of income is included including overtime, child support & spousal support received, disability payments, etc.

For more information on how you could save on an Income Restricted property,

contact John at The Apartment Store at 866-285-2100 or complete the FIND A

TX APT form on my website at www.24x7AptFind.com.

You won't believe how nice many of these complexes are!

*If anyone in the household has a felony conviction, you should use this form on my

other site AptFindFelons.com.