November 12
My Rental Agent Runs Linux
I guess I’ve gotten old so I’m moving out of this area and over to the outside edge of Cambridge. I had an appointment at Maven Realty the other day looking at some apartments, as I watched the agent bring up pictures from various listings I noticed his desktop was running Ubuntu. Later I asked him, “I saw you’re running Linux on your Desktop, what do you think of it?”. “Yeah, I guess. It runs Firefox just like at home…”, he said. Interesting research point.
With a couple of more tech savvy rental agencies I’ve been able to send them a map of places I’m interested in. I really like the My Maps part of Google Maps for this process. I created an area shade to show what regions I’m interested in moving to and sent that along with my other requirements so hopefully this will all be a little easier than it used to be.
View Larger Map or view it at my blog
If only they’d add to my map the places they want me to look at with pictures and descriptions attached!
How did you do that? That looks cool bro!
Hey Bryan,
Good luck with the move. From what I’ve seen with the “My Maps” features Google hasn’t implemented the same level of collaboration that they’ve done on the Documents side of things, i.e. if I share a map with you you won’t be able to edit it.
So a truly savvy realtor would have to duplicate your map onto one of their own and then put in the pushy pins, which isn’t that hard but more complicated then Google should make it.
j
Dude, that’s dangerously close to Arlington! Next thing you know you’re going to be getting married and having babies!
Hush Blizzard! Will not happen!
BABIES. FEAR THEM.
The sweet, alluring, tantalizing coos of Davis Square beckon you…. Bryan… Bryan…. Come live near Davis Square….
If you need help moving, let me know.
When I was looking for an apartment in this area, the best options I had were not advertised by agents, but by individuals on craigslist. There are usually fewer of those, but you should check them out!
The townhouses at 236-242 Garden St. are wonderful, though I have no idea if they’re available. Gutted in 2004, backyard w/ patio, big park across the street, off-street parking for 2 cars (4 in a pinch), and great landlords (really!). I lived there 2004-2006, I’d still be there if I hadn’t bought a house.
Rindge Ave near Alewife isn’t the best place to be, though if you survived Area 4 or the area around Prospect St you’ll be fine.
As Marina said, be sure to check out craigslist – lots of good stuff there. There are some really nice places tucked behind Porter Square.
Oh, and do whatever possible to avoid apartments owned/managed by Investments Limited. There are not words to describe the misery of renting from them. If you don’t believe me, ask http://aptratings.com.