Jan 27 2009
The apartment mystery shop - Pt. 6
On-site visit - cont. By now you’ve met your consultant, seen - hopefully - some of the amenities, and have walked or ridden the golf cart to the vacant or model apartment. You are a prospective renter here. The consultant should point out features in each room you visit or at least have something to say about it. Open the cabinets and poke into the closets just like an actual renter would do. On occasion I even turn on the water to check the water pressure. Ask questions - if you just sigh occasionally and breeze through this is a dead tip off that you are a mystery shopper.
After you’ve seen the entire apartment the consultant should attempt to close. The attempt might be as subtle as, “What do you think?” or a straightforward, “Are you ready to fill out an application.” Pay attention to the words. If you haven’t already, make your objection now. You are always required to object to the apartment. It HAS to be something the consultant can attempt to work around like lack of closet space, or wall color. Make a mental note of how the consultant tries to overcome your objection.
To be continued…
