People always pass up those signs or banners they see around the Austin area that say “Free Austin Apartment Locators”, or “Free Apartment Finders”, not knowing that these companies are really specialized real estate agents that only work in the confines of the Austin Apts rental industry. They do not charge you as the client one thin dime as their salaries are paid by the complex owners where you ultimately sign a new lease. Their job is to help link you and the proper complex together by finding out what your needs, and wishes are for your next rental unit.
Many or most times the agent will have more information about Austin apartments than you can retrieve from those free apartment search engines online. The reason for this is that they work closely with the more reputable communities in the city, and have created business partnerships with many to help them both succeed. So in essence, it is more like having a having a friend in the business you when you secure the locator’s services. They want to get you as close as possible to your wish list, with good pricing, and have it backed up by an exceptional management staff to keep you happy, and retain you as a client in the future.
This sometimes is also backed up with a bonus or reward system, that the real estate agent offers to get your business. It varies among each agency, and legitimate offers are always spelled out in writing, so there will not be any confusion in the end. On occasion these offers are combined with other discounts offered by the Austin apartment complexes themselves, and will help you obtain even more savings. These enticements usually require a lease that will be more long term than say three months, and more like twelve or eighteen months.
Many agents live in the very same complexes that they are referring clients to so they will have all the extra information on certain properties that may afford you some extra luxuries from recently renovated units that tout upgraded counters, and appliances in the kitchens, or jetted garden tubs in the master bath suite. The renters in Austin have long held a higher standard for apartment living, and the floor plans, and materials used in many properties rival that of customized homes that are being built in Texas today. Be prepared to spend more monthly for such luxuries, but it will still cost less than ownership of a single family home.