I've been in contact with them for a rental, and they're very clear that it's not a priority for them. I understand they need to make money, but part of me feels that if they don't want to do rentals, maybe they should do only sales.

Or maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised when I actually come into town and see some places. Who knows?

i have no experience with urban and bye as a renter. i dealt with them as a buyer. they were helpful and committed. seems to me that they have as much integrity as any real estate agent i've used. they've been in the neighborhood forever and know every house in the area inside and out.

Get a buyer's agent.

good advice!

thanks

I'm an agent with Plumer and I've worked with buyers in West Philly. (I live out here) Melani Lamond has been extremely professional to work with. I can say that it's hard for me to imagine having a bad experience listing a place with her.
I've never worked with Urban and Bye's rental department, so I won't speak to that.
And buyers should generally use a buyer's agent if they plan to look at a number of properties. I work primarily as a buyer's agent.

My partner and I had Melani as a buyer's agent and found her very helpful and professional, and this was after trying out a few different agents. She's very invested in the neighbourhood (which puts her at odds with some over issues like the business district, etc.), and Urban & Bye is, in my opinion, the most knowledgeable agency in the area, up there with O'Donnell. Liz Campion also knows the area intimately, although she's the only person we'd recommend at Prudential Fox Roach. Regardless of which agent you choose, make sure you check listings yourself and the BRT for an idea of pricing.

Just wait to buy until www.redfin.com starts serving the Philly area.

How will they make things better??

My husband and I had a bad experience with M. Lamond as well. When we were house hunting 8 years ago we were snubbed by her as well because of our lower price range. We went with O'Donnell, who is fantastic.

Melani Lamond was the selling agent on my house when I bought it in 1998 and the selling agent again when I sold it in 2005.

Between those times she was always around the UC area, where she lives and was always a great resource for info. I think she's good at what she does as well.

At the closing when I sold in 2005, I told the new buyers that Melani was the Queen of University City and that they should ask her anything abou the area they needed to know. From my understanding, they are still friends with her too.