That afternoon, my friend wanted to show me some neighborhoods in Town, an area I had originally written off due to the rental prices. Riding down a tree lined street, there was a sign in the window of an attractive townhouse - "For Rent" with a phone number. I jotted down the number. Probably too expensive, I thought, being in a really nice neighborhood in town. Also, it was not a renter's market these days. Unless one had $1500 a month for a studio apartment (complete with a microwave, mini fridge and Murphy bed) in one of the several fancy brand new buildings downtown, you were on the street with everyone else looking for that 'doable" place for an affordable price.
I called the number and left a message. It wasn't long before the landlord returned my call. Yes, the property was available. I was shocked at the reasonable price. Then the big question - what about dogs? Not an issue. Was it available? When was it available?"
The landlord paused. Great, I thought, this is where the bad news comes. Maybe it will not be available until the end of the summer. Did he have to evict someone first? Were there toxic fumes coming from the walls?
He continued, "The unit has had the same tenant for 4 years. This is the first time I have been able to do some updating, you know - painting, new counters and back splash. Things like that."
This was good I thought - an updated place.
He continued, "I'm afraid it will not be available until sometime in the first week in July at the earliest. We found some issues with the plaster."
This was bad. I needed to move by the first of the month at the latest. "When can you show it ?" I asked?
"Well, I have had a lot of interest in the place. I live out of town, but I will be in town this weekend (this was a Tuesday). I can show it to you then."
Once again, I was crestfallen. I wasn't the first interested, motivated, or potential tenant. This property would not be on the market long. Before I could say anything, he said, "But, just talking with you, I like you and have a good feeling about you. If you want to see it today, the key is in the mailbox. But, just remember the mess. I promise the ladders and drop clothes will be removed....."
I spoke up and interrupted him,"Trust me I understand."
"Well some people cannot see through that. They want it turn key perfect, especially the Millennials. Even when it is first shown to them. These are townhouses built in the 1940's. They don't have all 'sparkle, bells, and whistles' the newer places have."
I laughed, "Trust me, I am way past any Millennial years."
We both chuckled. Then he said, "Well, let me know what you think. And, if the contractor is in there just tell him I said it was OK for you to look through it."
I thanked him, told him I would be in touch, then we rang off.
