More landlords signing up for Maine’s free rental listing service
AUGUSTA, ME – November 3, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Nearly 10,000 apartments, including more than 650 vacancies, are now listed at MaineHousingSearch.org., the new website that matches landlords with apartments to rent with people looking for an apartment. This new rental listing service is free for both landlords and renters.
The website was officially launched by MaineHousing and the Department of Health and Human Services at Maine’s Annual Affordable Housing Conference October 19, and includes listings from 398 landlords, said MaineHousing Director Dale McCormick.
A brief overview of the search tool was presented during a general session of the housing conference, followed by a more detailed look at the site and how it functions during one of the workshops.
“Now that it is officially launched and more people know about it, we expect that more landlords and people searching for an apartment will take advantage of what the site offers,” McCormick said. “Both market rate rentals and publicly owned or assisted apartments are included, and the site is very easy to use.”
Landlords who register to use the site may enter detailed information online at any time about their rental properties, including vacancies, any eligibility requirements, and photographs. Renters seeking an apartment can search listings by location, cost, size, proximity to work, and other factors. The site includes a link to 211 Maine for renters or landlords needing assistance.
“This is a great help for both landlords and renters,” said McCormick. “It is available online 24-7, and the site is supported by a call center that ensures listings remain current and that people without an internet connection can access the information.”
Many landlords using the site agree.
“It’s a great marketing tool,” said Terry Redlevske, manager of Chateau Cushnoc and John Marvin Tower senior housing developments in Augusta. “It gives seniors the ability to quickly find housing that fits their needs.
“Because I can put a picture in, anyone looking can see what Chateau Cushnoc or John Marvin Tower look like, and I can put in other information, such as that it is on the bus route, what units have roll-in showers, that we have elevators – all on one page.”
McCormick noted that in addition to general use, the new website is especially beneficial to service providers who are looking for supportive or assisted housing for clients, and would be very useful in locating vacant apartments in a region in the case of a natural disaster.
“The more landlords who list their apartments on the site, the more useful it will be to everyone,” she said.
Socialserve.com, a national non-profit provider of housing locator services, runs Maine’s site. Socialserve.com operates similar housing registry and locator services in 27 other states. Representatives from Socialserve.com were at the housing conference to present information about the site.
