...it usually is.

I located a cute little 2 BR house for rent on Craig's list at the fabulously low price of $1000/mo INCLUDING utilities right around the block from a Carr'  Normal price would be close todouble that.s food superstore, close to a major bus route in a nice neighborhood.  Single story with no steps and a garage for my scooter.  Big yard to BBQ.

As usual the rentier wanted a $50 application fee, before I could even get inside to check out if the plumbing works and the bathroom was big enough for me to maneuver my electric wheelchair. With only $200/mo in spending money, if I have to pay an app fee for every place I want to check out, I will quickly spend down the money I have reserved for 1st mo rent, security, moving expenses and some new used furniture.

First thing besides the amazing price that makes me suspicious is rentier doesn't answer voice calls, only responds to texts.  Then in texting she says she is trying to rent it herself because she was trying to sell it but the broker was not honest.  Then she tells me there is nobody here with the keys to show it.  So wait a minute...even AFTER I pay the app fee, how do I look at it before actually signing a lease and sending her $2000?  She tells me she will try to send the keys to a friend, unless he is out of town.  At this point I am pretty sure this is a scam.

I go online to look up property information, and the owner name does not match her name.  Current assessment on the property is $1.3M !!!!  This house was built in 1954 and looks every minute of it.  You can look it up yourself on Google, 1404 Nanuka Dr, Anchorage AK 99504.

So at this point I am not even going to send the %50 app fee, because despite being just perfect for me at the right price, it's just too dicey.  How do I know she is even going to pay the gas & electric? 

I am however trying to figure out what is going on here?  Why does this old tiny 2 BR house have a $1.3M property assessment value on it?  Who is this woman trying to rent it out on the sly?  I'm guessing the property is in probate, maybe her mother died and she wants to sell but mom had debts and there are claims on the money.  Why the absurd valuation on it?  So it doesn't sell, forcing her to keep paying taxes and keep the utilities on so it is not declared abandoned and repoed by the court?

I am however losing hope on finding an apartment besides waiting for one of these big housing agencies with the long waiting lists call me up.  Getting out to go look at places is very difficult, and the application fees are a killer.  Starting Sept 1st the day after my birthday, I will try to not buy any supplementary foods or drinks, quit smoking again and cancel my Amazon Prime subscription for the duration until my name finally makes it to the top of some waiting list.

RE