Chicago Signature Properties

Renter Spotlight: Williampaid “Where paying rent pays you back”

Did you know? The number one dispute amongst roommates is about collecting and paying the rent and utility bills on time! That’s why Chicago Signature Properties is a fan of WilliamPaid.com, “Where paying your rent pays you back”

What is William Paid? “It’s the quick, easy way to automatically pay your rent online, on time, with more flexibility then you’ve ever had before” It’s great for the forgetful types, or the ones who are never home! William Paid uses an automatic rent pay system that will avoid late fees and help you build credit. Use your bank account, credit card or any other combination and William Paid will do the rest! (You don’t even need your landlord).

Courtesy of WilliamPaid.com

• Automatic rent payments
• Build your credit
• Easily create a group for you and roomies to split the rent accordingly
• Flexibility- Pay your rent how you choose!
• Save time and money by avoiding late fees

Cost: $1.75 per month

Also, for $9.95 a year, sign up for the roommate agreement. Don’t get tied into ugly legal battles or unnecessary drama, be safe and sign an agreement!

For more information, visit WilliamPaid.com and don’t forget to visit their blog! They include financial, apartment, roommate tips and more.

Fun Facts by William:

“71% of tenants still handwrite a check to their landlord each month”

“The #1 dispute amongst roommates is about collecting and paying the rent and utility bills on time”

Tips to Living with a Roommate you Don’t Know

Sometimes half the battle isn’t finding your next home-sweet-home; it’s finding your next roommate! You’ve gone done your checklist of potential friend-mates and they’re all stuck in leases… so you’re off to plan b which includes the dreaded s word, stranger. Don’t worry, think positively! Follow these quick tips below to ensure a steady ride (aka smooth lease).

• Communication: The obvious, yes! But sometimes people are in such a hurry to sign their lease; they don’t do the proper screening of their potential roomie. It’s imperative that you do a pre-screening interview so you can get a sense of the person. Ask them what their hobbies are, job hours, basically interview them for a job! Try to see what things you have in common with so you can bond effectively.

• Rules and Guidelines: Setting up mutual rules and guidelines is also vital in a successful living situation! If you communicate your annoyances, fears, etc. Your future roomie will know what’s crossing the border. It may sound silly, but filling out a roommate agreement may be helpful, you can search for these easily online.

• Be nice, and have fun: If this isn’t someone you see yourself being besties with, it’s not a big deal! As long as you’re nice and friendly, you shouldn’t run into many problems. After all, you have a roomie to help take the financial load off not to join the best friend wagon. Small conversation can go a long way.

• Bills: Prior to move-in, make sure you decide on how to split bills! Let them know the ballpark amount and when they’re due. If you don’t see them often, send out a few e-mails as reminders, that’s how my roommates communicate! And we haven’t had many issues thus far.

Letting a stranger move in with you can be scary, but try and make the best out of your situation. I know a lot of personal friends who have made some of their best friends from the dreaded, s word! Stranger! Have fun and happy holidays!

When Your Roommate Loses Their Job

When the job picture gets worse in 27 states and an estimated 15 million Americans unemployed, it may not come by surprise when you find your roommate curled up on the couch with a box of Kleenex in hand. Just when you think things couldn’t get worse, they tell you they’ve lost their job. Don’t panic… It’s not the end of the world!

First thing is first! Be supportive! Be there for them, their self esteem just took a huge hit and they not only have to worry about themselves, but you too! Comfort them and reassure everything is going to be okay and everything does happen for a reason. Here are some tips as a roommate on how to deal!

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