Question 1

How much does this service cost?

Accepted Answer

Nothing. Our service is completely free to the renter. Once PGHS is successful in finding you the perfect apartment, our fee is paid by the management company or owner of the property that you move into.

Question 2

What is required of me as the renter?

Accepted Answer

Not much. The goal of PGHS is to make the process of finding your first apartment as easy as possible. After an initial conversation with one of our housing consultants we will customize your search, taking on all of the leg work and allowing you to focus on finals and enjoying your remaining college days.

Question 3

What if I don't know where I want to live?

Accepted Answer

No problem. PGHS will provide you all the information you need about Chicago's neighborhoods to find the ideal fit for you. If you want, PGHS will also take you out on scouting trips of various neighborhoods well in advance of you signing a lease.

Question 4

How early can I begin working with PGHS?

Accepted Answer

As early as you want. While most buildings will not allow you to sign a lease until 4-8 weeks from move- in, there is a lot of work that can and should be done before then. Renters new to the Chicago market should take their time to learn the different neighborhoods and the pros and cons of different property types. Other apartment search firms will not even engage with you until close to your prospective move- in date. PGHS will start months in advance, educating you on the market, scheduling and accompanying you on scouting trips, and getting your materials in order to ensure a smooth application and approval process.

Question 5

What if I don't know my budget?

Accepted Answer

PGHS will work with you to determine what you can reasonably afford and identify properties that fit all of your needs and as many of your wants as possible without stretching you beyond your means.

Question 6

What if I don't know when I want to move?

Accepted Answer

No problem. Flexibility works to your advantage. Different times of the year can offer a higher supply of inventory and lower rent prices. PGHS will work to identify the best time for you to move that will maximize your budget.

Question 7

Why are there no apartment listings on your website?

Accepted Answer

Many apartment search firms litter their websites with listings for apartments that may or may not be available when you are ready to move as the hook to get you to call them. Our Process is different. We only send you listings we have identified as meeting the needs and wants we established in our initial communications. This way, by the time you are ready to actually sign a lease, you are only seeing units we know are available to you and meet all of your criteria.

Question 8

How are you any different from all of the other apartment search firms?

Accepted Answer

In almost every way possible. Most apartment search firms treat all renters the same. PGHS understands that renters new to the Chicago market require a completely different service than those moving from one place in Chicago to another. Our process ensures you make a fully informed decision on your perfect apartment without having to deal with the aggravations of scouring Craigslist or HotPads and having 5 different rental agents showing you 5 different apartments, none of which actually fit your needs.

Frequently asked questions