Case Study: Helping Two Italian Students Find Their First Home in Chicago
When two students from Italy reached out about finding a rental in Chicago, they were both excited and overwhelmed. They had just been accepted to UIC and were preparing to move to the U.S. for the very first time. With no credit history, no U.S. income, and not a big budget, their apartment search came with significant challenges—especially in a competitive rental market where furnished units are rare, and some landlords expect longer-term leases or bidding wars.
As their agent, I knew this would require strategy, persistence, and trust-building on both sides.
The Challenges
- No U.S. credit history or income
- Limited budget
- Needed a fully furnished apartment
- Could only commit to a 1-year lease
- Unfamiliar with the U.S. rental process
- Dependent on landlord-paid broker compensation
They had documents from their university, valid visas, and bank statements from Italy, but none of the traditional U.S.-based qualifications. We toured a few listings that met their needs and applied for two, but both were unsuccessful: one landlord was hesitant due to a lack of credit or a co-signer, and another chose a tenant willing to sign a two-year lease.
A New Listing — and a Turning Point
We came across a new furnished listing advertised on Zillow by the owner, and it seemed perfect, but the landlord wasn’t offering to pay a broker fee. Because of the clients’ relocation expenses, they couldn’t cover it either. They decided to skip the listing, knowing they needed my guidance to navigate the process and view places that included agent compensation.
I reached out to the landlord anyway, explained the situation, and respectfully left the conversation open for further discussion.
A few days later, she contacted me, curious to hear more about the clients and open to reconsidering payment of the compensation, even though they had initially declined. We had several in-depth conversations before even scheduling a tour. I answered her questions honestly and thoroughly, describing who my clients were, their goals, and how we screen and prepare tenants before representing them.
A Cultural Connection
When we finally did a video tour of the apartment, something unexpected happened: the landlord and her husband shared that they are Italian too, and coincidentally, they are preparing to leave for a vacation in Italy. They saw and chatted briefly with my clients during the tour.
As expected, the clients loved the unit. It felt like home, furnished in a way that reminded them of Italy, in a neighborhood that met their needs.
Making It Happen
Even then, it wasn’t immediate. Over the next few days, I continued facilitating the process—answering follow-up questions, supplying references, and reinforcing my clients’ reliability and character. As an experienced agent, I understand how to present a client’s story in a way that’s honest but reassuring, especially when there’s no standard credit or income proof.
Eventually, the landlord agreed and approved their application.
Results
- The lease was signed for one year
- Fully furnished apartment secured
- No broker fee paid by the tenants
- The landlord felt fully informed and comfortable
- Clients felt supported and confident through every step
Reflection
This case is a great example of how real estate is about more than just paperwork—it’s about people. Building trust, navigating cultural and logistical gaps, and advocating for good tenants who don’t check the typical boxes takes time and care. Just because some people may not look as good on paper, it does not mean that they don’t qualify and are not responsible and a great fit. I’m proud to have helped these two clients start their new chapter in the U.S. with a place that feels like home.
