Cedar Park, Round Rock &
Pflugerville Texas Apartment FAQs
Q. Is there a charge for your services?
A. No. We are an Austin apartment finder & provide a totally FREE apartment search to you, much like the service of a Realtor. The rental communities pay us out of their marketing budget. In fact, we can find the most affordable units for you because we know all the current specials and the best matches for you based on your criteria.
Q. Why do I need a locator to help me find an apartment?
A. Apartment hunting can be frustrating and time consuming. With hundreds or thousands of choices, it can be mind boggling. We have a computer database of all the communities in town (like a Realtor's MLS) that we can search by your criteria. We can streamline your search down to 2-3 hours from 2-3 days using our apartment guide.
All local locators work with the same properties, so there is no need to contact several thinking we have different databases. We suggest you pick one you feel comfortable with (hopefully us), and discuss your needs to pinpoint for you the ideal and most affordable rental.
Statistics show that we save customers an average of 18 hours of work in finding their home. After we select the properties to view, We feel sure you will feel comfortable that you know the market, and confident that one of the communities we view will be the ideal one for you.
Q. How are you different than the other online web sites?
A. Others may offer an automated do-it-yourself "searchable" database with a VERY limited number of choices. With service from HomePlace Apartment Search, you can have a full selection of apartments updated availability, specials, professional advise, and personalized service from a licensed Texas real estate agent.
Our agents know the current specials of each of the Austin TX apartment communities, their pet policies, varying qualifying criteria, amenities, move-in specials and the "ins and outs" of apartment hunting in order to find you the best apartment at the best possible price.
We can cut your Austin apartment search time from 2 or 3 days to 2 or 3 hours. National statistics show that apartment locators save the average customer approximately 18 hours of apartment hunting.
Q. How else can you help me?.
A. We can advise you on all aspects of your search, and find those "hard to find" properties that have:
- Unique Floor plans - room-mate plans,large closet space,
- ASAP move ins
- Special amenities - Gas cooking, condo specs, garages
- Unique Units or exteriors - lofts, town houses, yards, duplexes
- Short Term leases (and the ones with the smallest upcharges)
- Move-in Specials - $0 or low move-in , 1or 2 months Free
- Separate dining room
- New Luxury properties, gated, energy efficient unit
- Special issues - damaged credit, broken leases
- Big-dog pet friendly communities including breed specific policies
- Pre leases and waiting lists
- Bus lines, estimated commuting times, maps
How can I tell what's available for my time & if there's any lease specials?
That's what we are here for! We can check availability for you so you don't waste time and gas. We also ask every community if they have any lease specials and/or discounts for you. We also find out everything we can about the available units (location, floor, view, carpet color, etc.)
Most landlords in this area require 30 or 60 day notices. Often they need 5 work days ( 7 calendar days) to make ready for the next tenant and they will usually hold a vacant unit 1-4 weeks after it is ready. So, we can usually only find out what will be available from now to 30-60 days out.. We can check availability for you within that time frame but we normally can not check availability over 60 days.
As a rule, we like to check availability as close to the time you are going out looking as possible. We hate to get information on a unit that is available only to have it leased before we get there. Therefore, we like to check availability rightbefore you go out looking. If we're taking you around, we can check availability for you and get you the information before we go out.
Why are security deposits so low?
Deposits are usually $100-175 for one bedrooms, $200-350 for two bedrooms, and $250-400 for three bedrooms which is substantially lower than other markets. Why? We're not sure, but its great.
Many properties will reduce or eliminate the security deposit as a lease incentive on a "Look and Lease" special..
Houses, duplexes and other private listings usually require at least 1 month's rent as security deposit. This is NOT your last month's rent and if you leave without paying that last month, they could go to court and you could have an "eviction" on your record even after you've left
Can I get "Pre-approved" for all the properties or must I wait and put in my application?
Right now since the approval criteria varies so much and some companies use their own applications, there is not a standard one time application. Most of the properties will accept the TAA (Texas Apartment Association) application but you must still submit it to each individual property. We can also help you lease via long distance through fax, email and overnight mail.
What does it take for my application to get "approved" and how long will it take?
Apartment complexes charge $20-40/person to process an application. They don't make any money on this, it is usually forwarded to the screening company. They will verify your employment, rental history, salary, and check your credit. Most require that your monthly salary be at least 3 times the monthly rental amount.
Most applications can be processed and approved in 10-15 minutes online if you have your last few pay stubs with you. The biggest holdup can be verifying your rental history if they don't do an online credit approval. Be sure that when you apply you have all the information (phone numbers, addresses, etc) on former landlords and numbers that they can use to verify your employment and salary. Pay stubs or "Company offer letters" are good ways to speed up your application.
Most communities use a scoring system and most properties have differing degrees of strictness. Here are some basic guidelines :
If you've broken a lease, you can rule out 99% of the places. Credit is one of the least restrictive of the criteria. Basically most properties are happy with you having 50-75 percent Good credit (5 to 7 or 8 out of ten items on your credit report must be good). Bankruptcies over 2 (two) years old usually aren't a problem. Most want to see you have been on your current job for six months or more. Don't worry if you are recently hired in the same field as you were before, or ifyou are just graduated. This is not a problem as long as your school/working has been more or less continuous.
A lot of apartment communities will work with you if you have credit/employment issues with a cosigner or some extra deposit. Ask your locator which ones will work with you. You're not the only one whose been through a job loss, divorce, breakup, bad roommate situation, etc. Theyhave heard all the stories and they'll listen.
If you have any questions about acceptability guidelines for certain properties, ask your apt locator.
Cedar Park & Round Rock TX
FREE Apartment Locating
CALL: 1 - 512-258-5200
