Coronavirus and Rentals: What’s Changed and How to Pivot

Whether you’re finding yourself near the end of a lease or simply moving to Chicago for the first time, COVID-19 likely impacted your ability to search for your next new home.

At the very peak of infection rates, fear swept across our dense city and nearly paused all showings–on both occupied and vacant units. Agents and brokers who were brave enough to show properties, imposed extra precaution–wiping down every surface, wearing masks, gloves, and even disposable shoe covers. Showing property, as we know it, changed forever.

Prior to the country-wide stay-at-home orders, a quick text message to tenants was enough notice to show a property 48 hours from receipt. One by one, however, management companies and tenants quickly started imposing rules that vastly eliminated the process. This not only created a frustrating landscape to navigate as an agent, but even more so for apartment seekers, rendering inventory close to zero.

So, what’s changed?

As of the writing of this, the City of Chicago is currently in Phase III of reopening, which does allow showings of occupied units, limited to four people on any given tour.

As for vacant units, most agents typically require a mask (or may provide one to you). In addition, the standard social distancing practices align, asking clients remain six feet apart–even though we do really want to shake your hand!

What else are we doing for you?

At The Apartment Source, we’ve taken a proactive approach, deploying our photography team across the city to also record walk through videos, and 3D virtual tours, where applicable. We’ve cataloged over 240 videos to date, available on YouTube, just search “The Apartment Source.”

What should you be doing?

It’s imperative to keep in mind that since many tenants have decided to renew their leases, inventory is tighter than ever. This past May, our office had more bidding wars than the last prior twelve months combined! Do yourself a favor and make swift decisions following your showing. Your agent can typically only guarantee availability at the time of your showing. Remember: odds are they aren’t the only agent showing the property and the very next appointment could be the one that scoops up your dream apartment.

Ready to find your next place? View all my listings in real time at: https://site.yougotlistings.com/104332

xx

Cory