The Apartment Search

Happy Friday everyone. Not that I can tell the days apart anymore. Five days until I sign into BUMC for treatment.

All of my Boston friends know that it has been unseasonably cool the last few days, which has forced us to go from bathing suits to spring jackets. As much as you all miss the heat, I've been very happy as the cool air has reduced the swelling in my legs and feet. I've actually been mobile for the last two days. I'm enjoying it while it lasts.

RANT: Boston rental agents. I haven't had good luck with any of them. Some of them have hung up on me, others have been very rude. I tell you it's an agent's market in the South End. Let me tell you about the experience I had with Christian from NexGen Realty. Yesterday, I called Chris about an apartment listing, and he replied that the one I wanted wasn't available, but there was another one available he wanted to show me. We agreed to meet on the corner at 3:30 that afternoon.

So, I drive into Boston from Malden at 3:30, and I call him to let him know that I have arrived and found parking. He answers and gives me a dumb laugh. "No, we're not scheduled to meet until 5:30... sorry, can you still make it?" Well, I had no choice, so I said yes. Frustrated and angry, I found a spot to park on Tremont. I knew that I would have to stay in town as I would never be able to get out and in during rush hour.

So, being a "let's make lemonade out of the lemons that life gives you" kind of person, I take the opportunity to explore the South End and check out other rental agencies in the area. I happened to come across one and actually got to look at an apartment. It was nice but had a tiny, metal spiral staircase that looked at me and said "Just try to use me while you are sick". But I digress.

Back to our friend Chris. So, after waiting two hours, I walk back to the corner where we agreed to meet. At 5:35pm, I give him a ring. Our conversation sort of went like this:

Him: I'm two minutes away... can you drive to the apartment (dumb laugh)
Me: Well, I've parked my car and put 2 hours worth of quarters in... I'd rather not move it.
Him: No problem about the quarters... I'll reimburse you.
Me: Can't we take your car to the apartment?
Him: Um, sorry, my car's in the shop, so I would be able to do that (dumb laugh)
Me: (Angry) Well how will I get there? I don't even know where it is.
Him: Wait there. I'll be in two minutes. (dumb laugh)

He hangs up. So here I am pacing the corner of Mass. Ave and Tremont Street, waiting for the guy to show up. I'm trying to act cool, although I feel like a drug dealer as I pace back and forth. About seven minutes pass, and no sign of Chris. So I did what I did what most sane people would do it this situation: give up and go home. I started to walk to my car. About one block away I get a phone call. It was Chris.

Him: Hi, it's Chris. Where are you?
Me: (looking back at the corner, not seeing anyone) I'm here... where are you?
Him: I'm back at the office.
Me: (confused) Where's your office?
Him: 1243 Commonwealth Ave.
Me: (now utterly confused) You said to meet you at the corner of Tremont Street and Mass. Ave?!?
Him: Um, sorry, don't move, I'll be there in two minutes (dumb laugh)
Me: I'll tell you what, Chris. Never mind, don't worry about it (click)

And so I walk to my car and leave. This guy attempts to call me several times. As I hit 93 and I'm finally headed home in rush-hour traffic, I get an SMS:

wicked sorry tony. All brand new unit to show u. Please call me back.

So, that was my afternoon yesterday.

I do want to say they not every rental agent has been evil. I want to give props to Rene Rodriguez of Cabot & Co. who has been very diligent and been trying to find me an apartment to meet my needs. Thank you for your effort Rene.