WeeklyBagel

Are there Rental Scams On Zillow?

Zillow is a great platform for looking for an apartment, however it is not excluded from the iron grasp of scammers. On this episode, I discussed the red flags on Zillow that should tell you when a listing is fraudulent. Apartment scams on Zillow is a real issue.

Also, I talked about how to go about renting an apartment on Zillow the smart way. I figured this is important since there are a lot of reddit trends about people getting scammed on Zillow. I do not want you to be part of the statistics.

Scammers are not entitled to our hard-earned money. We should not make it easy for them. Right?

As working class adults, it is important we always go see the apartments we want before giving out sensitive information or making a down payment. It is how you avoid rental scams as a first-time renter, or any renter for that matter.

You can read my article on this podcast- Are there rental scams on Zillow?. I went in depth, given I am better at writing than I am at speaking the English language. I know- I am still working on my podcast skills!

So, go find a quiet to listen to this episode because it will save you a lot of heart breaks. Wishing luck on your apartment hunting!

How To Spot CraigsList Rent Scams

Craigslist is a great platform for getting affordable rental properties. However, it is plagued with scammers trying to have a shot at your money. What pisses me off, is these guys are so good, you need to be good to spot Craigslist rental listings scam.

On this episode, I discuss what to look for. This is in addition to how you could avoid falling a victim. Finally, where to report scams or rental listings you suspect are fake.

You can check out the article I wrote on this topic- How To Spot CraigsList Scams Like A Professional. It is more detailed than what I talked about on the episode. If you enjoy reading, I recommend you check it out.

Now, go grab a cup of coffee and a bagel. I am about to save you from a whole lot of Craigslist rental headaches and heartaches. You are welcome!

How To Avoid Apartment Scams

Apartment rental scam is a big nuisance nowadays in the property rental industry. This is especially on websites showing apartment complexes. It is easy for scammers to get on there and set up apartment rental scams.

On this episode, I discussed how you could identify and avoid these apartment scams. This is to avoid being taken advantage of financially. Or worse, getting the apartment from hell.

You know, a bad apartment which was not what was shown on the pictures you saw on the leasing website.

Also, I shared my personal experience on narrowly escaping getting scammed with a bad apartment infested with bugs. So, this episode hits home. This is why you and I will explore ways to spot apartment scams, so we do not regret renting an apartment from shady leasing offices.

Feel free and email me on Chimezie@weeklybagel.com in case of questions. Grab a cup of tea and bagel, because I am about to lay it out for you.

 

What Credit Score Do You Need For Apartments?

In America, credit is King. Without credit score or credit history, it is hard to have access to financial services. This includes apartment services.

So, what is the average credit score for an apartment?

You need a credit score of at least 650 to be considered for an apartment. Anything less than a fair credit score ratings will make it hard. 

On this episode, I discussed about the credit score that is perfect for an apartment. I also mentioned the amount of income you need to be considered after your credit history is accessed.

Here is some articles I mentioned on this episode.

Building Credit For First-Timers

The Difference Between Credit Score and Credit History

The Average Credit Score For Young American Adults

If you have any question or anything you want to talk about, please email me at Chimezie@weeklybagel.com. Enjoy the episode!

Is It Smarter To Get Roommates Or Just Live Alone?

Is it better to get roommates or just live alone?

This is a question most young working class adults contemplate before getting their own place for the first time. This is especially, when you live in a city with high cost of living making a little above minimum wage. There are benefits to each, but making a decision on this depends on what your mental and financial needs are.

On this episode, I will be breaking it all down in WeeklyBagel style- no real, no bullshit and no shame in exploring this question. I explore how eachSo whether you are team "I want my own space" or team "Let's just split our monthly bills until we can make enough to afford our own places"- this episode is for you!

Here is the article I mentioned about on the episode: How to build an emergency fund.

Alright- that is it for today's episode.

If you are listening and you realize you are team "Live alone because I value my peace" or team "roommates until I retire", hit me up. You can tag me on thread or LinkedIn. Drop your city- I would like to see where everyone is thriving.

Catch y'all next week in two weeks where I would be getting into how to build a personal budget that does not make you want to cry.

If you have any question or anything you want me to talk about with respect to improving your life as a young working class American adult, email me at Chimezie@weeklybagel.com. Until then, keep baking that bagel!

What Kind Of Jobs You Need To Get A Place Of Your Own?

Hello, welcome to the 4th episode of the Weeklybagel podcast. On this episode, I discussed the kind of jobs out there that will pay enough to get a place of your own.

You have probably heard any job is good enough to help you make rent, but often this is not true. Some jobs will pay you barely enough to make rent and take care of yourself. To be able to sustain yourself after you have your first apartment, it is important to make enough to pay bills and take care of your needs.

Starting with a job that pays a minimum wage does not count. Yes- I SAID IT LOUD!

It is very misleading to give in to the pressure of having just about any job out there. If your goal is to save enough to move out and get a place of your own, then you need to be making at least $15 an hour. Personally, I recommend shooting for $18 an hour wage.

This is especially, when you do not have any skill or experience to offer. In this episode, I talked about how you could do it. I mentioned each industry's entry level pay and some examples of jobs in the industry to focus on.

I surely hope you will benefit from listening to this episode. I am rooting for your success. In case of questions, shoot me an email at Chimezie@weeklybagel.com. 

Thank you!

Saving To Move Out: Choosing right bank account

Hello there!

Your goal to have your own place can be disrupted, when you do not have the right bank account to help you meet your saving goal. This is especially, when you maintain an account with a bank that charges you monthly fees.

On this episode, I talked about the right kind of bank account to help you save to move out and have your own place. I have also attached a couple of articles I mentioned on this episode.

7 Best High Interest Savings Accounts To Beat Inflation

4 Major Kinds Of Bank Account In the US

2025 National Interest Rates

You can read the above articles for more information on what I barely discussed on this episode. This is especially, if you are looking for high interest savings accounts to save your money in.

In case of any question, you can email me at Chimezie@weeklybagel.com. I hope you have a great day!

Sincerely,

Chimé NU

Moving Out Of Your Parents' House

Hello there!

The best decision any working class adult can ever make is having a place of your own. This is whether you are renting or buying your living abode. It is the first step towards financial independence.

On this episode, I talked about how to go about it in a systematic way which permits long term success. By long term success here, I meant never moving back to your parents' house, if you move out.

I have attached some articles below to elaborate on some of the things I mentioned during this episode. You can read the following articles below, if you do not understand the credit concepts I talked about.

What is a good credit score for an average American?

Getting Your First Credit Card

Learning the Difference Between Credit Score and Credit History

What To Know About Building Credit For the First Time

Places that Will Show You Your Credit Score For Free

In case of questions, you can email me at Chimezie@weeklybagel.com. . I am rooting for your success. Good luck!