Caldwell Realty and Insurance

I actually really liked the owner. I really liked the neighborhood and the properties I saw. My issue with them is the LONG process to lease a rental. First, you have to set an appointment. That wouldn’t be so bad, except that the receptionist was adamant that they didn’t have anything available until 6 days later. She got kind of snarky about it too. So, okay, I couldn’t get an appointment until 2pm till 6 days later.
I got there, and I did feel ignored. I don’t mind if people bring their pets or kid (s) to work. That’s fine, I understand, but I still was just sitting there waiting on them. Once he finally came out and showed me the places, I really, really liked one, but when I got back to the office to apply, I was told it was going to be rented by someone else. Why show it to me, then? That’s why I didn’t like that idea of waiting 6 days for an appointment.
When I was in the office, the receptionist was talking to her co-​worker and said, «Most of them don’t show for their appointment anyway.» Yeah, probably because they had to move already, and you guys were taking too long. Because on top of that, I was told the approval process can take 3 – 7 business days. That seems really strange to me. The last place I rented, I was approved in 15 minutes. I have great rental history. My credit score is almost 800. You can find out these things instantly and through a quick phone call. It’s 2016. Are they mailing requests through the post office or something? How is this model working for them? How have they stayed in business so long?
I was also told that once I did get approved, I STILL wouldn’t be able to sign a lease and get the keys for another 2 days! (The timing of this was all bad. My current apartment had already rented my place, so I had to go.) I was going to be living out of a hotel with my son and a Uhaul truck, in limbo of when I could get the keys, waiting on them. None of it made sense to me.
I have never had a problem renting a place. I met all their qualifications with excellent credit. So why should something that could take 2 – 3 days tops, for any other agency, turn into a 2 week drag with Caldwell?
In fact I had to hedge my bet and apply for another apartment. I was approved in 2 days (saw the place, applied, singed lease, paid the deposit and rent, got keys, wasn’t homeless) Boom. Done deal. It’s really not that difficult you guys.
They don’t respect other people’s time. I had a 2 pm appointment, and I was there till almost 4:30. It doesn’t make any sense. I eventually saw 3 places, applied, gave them the money order, and then was asked to wait for a few minutes by the leasing agent. She then went into a meeting. ??? I’m sitting there for 10 minutes, like … Why am I still here? I had already shown her my pay stubs and bank account info. I thought maybe (or was hoping) it was a meeting about approving me quicker. Anyway, I eventually just left and emailed her later. I had stuff to do, but there was just utter lack of awareness of my time and schedule. I wish I kept my $ 40 and didn’t apply with them.
Unless you have a whole month to move, go with somebody else.

Mebbe this place has *too* long a history in Gulfport.
I bought my home from these people nearly 20 years ago, and that experience was — though I didn’t realise it then — a good indicator that this time around I should have STAYED AWAY. But because I had a history with them (or thought I did, anyway), I overlooked the crazy and went to Caldwell first when looking for a rental property.
The office is tiny and chaotic — kids, dogs, people (staff?) coming in and out of doors — and everyone too busy (or preoccupied with admiring/​controlling said kids & dogs) to acknowledge your presence — until it comes to taking that $ 40 application fee.
No one seemed to know who was responsible for a property, or when they would be available to show it. No one seemed the least bit concerned with keeping the copy of your license — which you are required to provide in order to see a home — secure. Mine was just left out on the desk until I said something. When no one could be located to show me two possible properties, I received the ‘special privilege’ of being shown the homes by one of the firm’s owners. I don’t know why he bothered — he was clearly more interested in talking about himself and his l-​o-​n-​g history in Gulfport, his political career and his family’s history, to do much more than unlock the front door. Once in the house he had no information to offer. Seriously — he couldn’t answer the simplest questions about the property, and in one showing, never even moved off one of the lawn chairs in the backyard.
Another reviewer has already written about the credit check — my experience was much like his. When I tried to offer several months rent in advance, the other owner was arrogant and condescending — as if once I didn’t pass their credit check, I should have slunk back into obscurity. The entire experience with the firm was upsetting and depressing, and nearly convinced me I’d never find a nice rental. But I moved on to another larger (and not stuck-​in-​the-​stone-​age) company and was treated like gold from day one. Within a month of being dismissed like yesterday’s rubbish by Caldwell — and with the exact same credit — I was moved into a pristine home with an attentive property manger and a friendly and engaged property owner.

Horrible company, despite the long history in Gulfport.
DO NOT BOTHER APPLYING FOR ANY RENTAL UNLESS YOU HAVE GOOD CREDIT
My girlfriend and I both have spotty credit, but top-​of-​the-​line rental history. Never an eviction, never even a late rent payment — and stellar previous landlord recommendations.
We both paid 40 dollars EACH when we applied to rent a house through Caldwell and were told «sorry». 80 dollars? That’s groceries for a week!
If you are looking to rent in Gulfport just drive around and find the places being rented independently. We found one, and have been there 3 years now, never a late payment and are (in her words) «dream renters».
Caldwell is a soulless company that only looks at a printout and a credit score. I am now SO GLAD we found a place outside their little fiefdom.