Challenges of Finding Apartments in Marblehead, MA

Like in so many cities and towns the price of homes and apartment rentals has dramatically increased. The inventory continues to remain low. Crazy stories have flooded the market of potential buyers offering well over the asking price. With the mortgage rates being at historical lows, buyers have the luxury of borrowing at much higher levels.

With home prices so high, it prevents some buyers from even considering a home. This leaves the option of renting an apartment. The struggle is the price and availability of apartments. Everywhere you look there are major apartment complexes being built. Investors are buying up properties and tearing them down only to build a multi-story building. They often include common areas and fitness rooms. Pretty much a very “vanilla” setting.

The town of Marblehead, MA does not have any of the generic apartment complexes, but rather dozens of apartments scattered around this historical seaport community. For people looking to live in a quaint town that provides a community filled with crooked streets lined with small shops and restaurants, Marblehead is an emotionally engaging choice. Because it has such a strong appeal finding an apartment is a major challenge.

One Bedroom Apartment Available for Rent in Marblehead, MA

We recently got involved with an owner of a one-bedroom apartment, who had renters moving out after five years because of a new job on the west coast. This particular owner lives out of state. The logistics of reviewing the quality of the apartment and preparing it for a new renter presented a challenge. Because of our proximity to the apartment, we offered our services.

The first step included providing the owner with an inspection report of the overall condition. We visited the apartment and took photographs of the interior and exterior. A checklist gave the owner the conditions of the walls, trim, ceilings, floors, refrigerator, microwave, stove, washer/dryer, countertops, sinks, toilet, bathtub, lighting, windows, and screens.

Our inspection found the overall condition to be excellent. However, we did find a crack in the microwave door and the gas stove to be questionable. The walls, trim, and ceilings were in good shape with no cracks or holes. The question remained should the owner put a new coat of paint on the entire apartment to provide a fresh look?

Without hesitation, the owner decided to put a fresh coat of paint on the entire apartment, including inside all the closets. Another decision was to replace the gas stove and microwave. We put the wheels in motion of finding a painter and coordinating the quote and overseeing the work. After taking some measurements and providing a replacement for the stove and microwave, coordinated the delivery and installation. This required finding a plummer and electrician.

17 Hawkes Street, Marblehead

Along the way, we provided the owner with status reports of the progress. We realized there was a sense of urgency in order to generate a new renter. The owner could not have been more cooperative in terms of understanding the importance of re-investing into the maintenance of the property. We have discovered over the years, many owners fail to properly maintain their properties, which only result in problems down the road for them and the renters. It was absolutely refreshing to work with an owner who looked long term.

The information we provided to the owner fell right in line with the services we provide to owners who rent out their properties short term. Before including a property we would recommend to a short term renter, we do an inspection of the property. We have turned down many owners because of their inability to meet our quality standards. Potential short term renters depend on our recommendations to guide them to a property that meets or exceeds their expectations. The last thing a potential renter wants to experience is a property that has maintenance and quality issues during their vacations. If we believe the owner will not address the problem areas, we do not include the property. Nothing worse than getting a phone call from a renter complaining about the conditions of a property. The conversations generally are directed to include…”Why didn’t you protect me from choosing this property? Why am I the one to discover this properties short comings?” If this is the experience of the guests, we have failed and most likely will lose the customer in the future.

Whoever decides to rent this apartment at 17 Hawkes Street will certainly have an apartment that has been inspected and improved. Maintaining a property is an on-going challenge. This owner takes a pro-active position rather than a reactive one.

If you’re interested in viewing this apartment contact:

Chuck Carey, Sales Associate, Coldwell Banker, 2 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, MA. 01945

781.910.4840 Chuck.Carey@NEMoves.com