Chicago Apartment Finders - Lakeview

Place has a great business model--market a wide range of apartments in cool areas, jack up the rent a little, and keep the difference. It's free, but they will pressure you into signing something that day. Use Craigslist or call the actual management company for a building you like--they can usually cut you a deal on the first month's rent, waive the application/credit check fee, etc, more

My appointment with the chicago apartment finders was a nightmare. I made an appointment four days in advance but when I got there no one had been assigned to help me, I ended up waiting for about 25 minutes in the lobby. The receptionist was a complete airhead who had terrible communication skills, but the agent Margaret was even worse! We spent two and a half hours looking at two apartments that didn't even fit my criteria. She was unorganized and unprofessional. She was apparently having a disagreement with someone she worked with because she kept getting cell-phone calls, in which she would curse the person on the line and then leave the room. Meeting with her was a complete waste of my time, I will never even think of going back there. I ended up finding a place through the Apartment People. My experience there was a million times better and I suggest that service to anyone relocating who is not familiar with Chicago neighborhoods. Pros: nice, expensive looking office Cons: terrible customer service, agents dont actually listen to what you want more

Our landlord has our apartment listed with Chicago Apartment Finders. On Sunday afternoon, they showed up at my door with a prospective tenant. After knocking and not getting an answer (my husband and I were both sick and were sleeping), they guy opened our door, which just happened to be unlocked, and walked in. I told him we're not showing today and slammed the door in his face. I called their office and complained. The manager said he'd be "disciplined." Our landlord did not give them to key to come and go as they please, so I don't understand why the guy felt he could just try turning the doorknob and let himself in. Nice way to run a sales business...... Cons: Disrepectful agents more

I would stay away from this place. There are many other service that are much better and much more friendly. In the process of looking for an apartment, we looked at many of these services. This one was the worst. Chicago Apartment Finders did not return my calls for an appointment and then accused me of lying when we stopped in to look for an apartment. They would not accept us as a walk-in, even after their mistake. The manager who spoke to me was rude, and had no customer service skills. We ultimately rented from Apartment People because of their courteous service and knowledge. Pros: location, none Cons: Hmm.... so many. more

I came in last Saturday and was promptly attended to. My agent was friendly, upbeat, and I felt very comfortable with her from the start. I had had pretty dismal luck looking for a new apartment on my own, and I was quite relieved to be assisted by a person who was knowledgeable and interested in my satisfaction.\r \r We visited five or six potential apartments that day, and throughout the experience, my agent was easy to talk to, positive and friendly. We discussed the pros and cons of each location, and she was helpful, but not pushy, in aiding me in making a decision.\r \r I have submitted an application to the apartment I liked best. Finally, I feel like I've made real progress in my search.\r \r I will definitely be recommending Chicago Apartment Finders and my agent in the future. PROS: Free, Knowledgeable Agents, Great Service, Professional CONS: more

I just felt I was very rushed and was also pressured after seeing three places because my agent had another client he wanted to go work with again. The apartments were very creepy and felt that I was being duped (I've seen a lot of apartments in chicago after living here for several years) so just had a very bad experience. more

I went with a friend on Saturday to see what they could locate for me in my price range. Their service is free. They were very nice, and there was no waiting. When we entered, we were immediately impressed by their professionalism and friendliness. After talking with us, they offered to drive us around the city to show us the available apartments. My friend was not pleased at any of them, as she said they were either in a bad area or the apartment buildings themselves were just gross. Although I do not live in the area, I am giving this business three stars because I think maybe that was just what was available then. Maybe another day it would have been different. Good luck! more

I visited this apartment finder service to find a small studio or one bedroom priced under $800 and they showed me the biggest dumps I've ever seen, I couldn't believe this was the best available in my price range. They did drive me around to see them and my agent was nice but I felt the selection was extremely poor and since I was going to be living there that is what mattered most. I went on a saturday morning and they were ready to go as soon as I got there with no wait but the agent was a little too anxious to get me into a unit that day when I made it clear I wanted to look around more. PROS: no waiting, friendly people CONS: poor selection to choose from more

I used these guys when I first moved into the city and they are very helpful in understanding your priorities and showing you properties that meet your criteria. They are professional and trustworthy. You don't pay anything for the service; the agents make their money when they provide a qualified tenant to a landlord so it's in their best interest to make everyone happy. more