Do not rent from them!! Their houses are not taken care of. We had mold, water damage, bugs, among…read moreother things. Maintenance shows up with no warning. They charged us $3000 on top of our security deposit when we moved out for damage that was caused by foundational issues with the house. Communication is bad, and they're very unprofessional. Everyone I talk to about MTR has a bad experience.

I would not recommend MTR to any college student looking to rent in Ames…read more PLEASE READ THIS: My friends and I all wanted to live in a house in college because we thought it would be fun, but we knew it wouldn't be perfect. Realistically houses need upkeep and things are more expensive (utilities, etc.). It's a cheap college house it Ames, we did not expect a palace. From the first day we received the keys to our house we've had problems. The second we walked through the door we noticed our house was NOT cleaned properly, or maybe even at all. Cabinets were yellow from no ventilation and knobs in the bathroom were covered in mold. There was dog hair everywhere, even a thick coat in the air vents, from the previous renters. We cleaned everything and they came to replace the knobs. They also forgot to mention we had to bring in our own washer and dryer. As time went on we noticed more. Our oven didn't work, our shower is ALWAYS cold, insects everywhere, one even came up out of our drain. Our bathroom ceiling gets quickly covered in mold no matter how many times I clean it. The downstairs bedroom started flooding after a big storm. Any time I've had a problem and I try to call them, NO ANSWER. EVER. I've began to text them and their responses are always less than helpful. Very sloppy management. I wish I did my research before applying with this company. Please do not sign with MTR Properties. We are so disappointed and cannot wait to be moved out.

These guys were an absolutely pleasure to work with. Their equipment is well maintained and…read morecalibration ate up very little time. I can see why they have a reputation for efficiency and accuracy. I believe that they embrace the latest technology and are not tied to the stifling conventions of survey tech as some firms remain. However my experience cannot speak directly to that fact; it is only my impression after a few days of working together.

Mark Gannon was hired to sell farm land that our family inherited. My brother swore in court that…read morehe had to help Mark Gannon sell the land because he was unable to get it sold. Two parcels were sold to family but my brother swore he had to help Gannon to even do that. We got the lowest price possible and my brother got paid to do Gannon's work and Gannon collected his fee.

From the owner: Gannon Real Estate is a member of the Central States Multiple Listing Service and you can search…read morefor Iowa land sales, farm real estate and rural property throughout Iowa and the Midwest by type of property, size, price, & location. Please contact us for complete information on any of these Iowa farm real estate properties.

I only chose to live here because it's decent apartments and affordable. The thing that bothers me…read moreis there have been thieves around the buildings taking packages. I pointed out the issue to the management and they didn't care one lady basically was talking to me like I was crazy on the phone because I asked her what she can do. They told me to make a police report which I did.... But of course nothing was done either so I'm just posting this as a warning for future tenants. Get your own cameras and put it outside your door!! And just don't trust anyone ever since I did that nothing has been stolen again but I've seen cops outside a few times so I'm probably not the only one who has reported this. Moral of the story I'm pissed they didn't do a damn thing and it took months later for them to send out an email to atleast warn everyone that there were people out stealing small packages.... the big packages weren't getting stolen but small ones. The buildings around 4112 Lincoln swing aren't locked outside and don't have any cameras that's the shitty part cause a lot of their other properties have locked buildings! Lastly, the maintenance are useless they've been saying they were gonna come in and change air filters I've even put in a maintenance request earlier in the year and they never come. I know it's gonna be a hassle getting my deposit back when I move.

I lived in an apartment owned by first property management for one year, and I was very happy with…read morethe service. The urgent repairs were always done in a timely manner, even though I was in a very cheap apartment, only $700 a month. I see that a lot of other people apparently do not believe first property management was helpful or professional, but many of these reviews are old, and every landlord has at least a fair amount of negative reviews in Ames. I'm not trying to be dismissive of other people's experiences, but my experience was not at all like the negative stories posted here. When my apartment flooded over the summer, they did not blame me because it was not my fault, and because I let them know that I would be gone during this time (it was months before I came back and found it flooded). They also agreed to pay me for the days I could not stay in my apartment because it was flooded (about two weeks), they agreed to pay me the utilities that their contractors were using (electricity for running the dehumidifiers, fans, and keeping the lights on), and they allowed me to break my lease. They did all of this in less than three weeks (which was very reasonable, given that the last adjustment I gave them for the payment was about a week two weeks into this three week process). It was expected that they would allow me to break my lease because in my lease, it stated that I could break my lease at any time my apartment was uninhabitable, but it was nice to have landlord that honored the promises that they made in the lease they gave me. Also, they were friendly, understanding, and try their best to handle a noisy neighbor and told me everything I would have to do in order to force them to either quiet down or get thrown out (this was a long process, but it would have been a lengthy, tedious experience anywhere given the laws that protect tenants). I would recommend this company to anybody looking to find a place to live in Ames.

Molly is awesome. Our friends referred us to her in 2010. We listed our beloved Ames home with her,…read moreand had an accepted offer in 21 days. With an easy and successful closing, we felt happy and grateful, and were able to confidently move into the next chapter in life. When we were listing our home, (we were still pretty young), and we had done well with cleaning and staging, but I hadn't noticed the paint wear on the front stoop wrought iron handrail. Molly kindly pointed out that I might quick take care of that since it's the front entrance to our great house. Immediately, I knew she was right. But, I must have looked stupefied? I was! As silly as it sounds, I didn't know how to fix it? Molly patiently explained to me how to get it cleaned up and ready for something miraculous called Rustoleum, (now I *KNOW*). All-in-all, it took me one trip to the store and 10 minutes of work to drastically improve our entrance. And that's just ONE of many examples of her attention to detail, experience, and humble approach to helping you. Now, we're in the market to buy again, and are thrilled to have Molly by our side! As a buyer's agent, she is helping us figure out exactly what we want, and gets the tough questions answered, so that we feel confident moving forward. Thank you, Molly.

Molly has been a dream come true to me as a home owner and home seller! We bought our first house…read morein 2007 and she made the process painless and fun! She is super knowledgeable, and has so much experience. We learned a lot from her! She is high energy, light hearted, and positive and it makes a sometimes stressful situation easier! We sold our house in 2010 during the heart of the house market crashing, she sold our home in 21 days! We were so excited. She handles all the behind the scenes paper work, and makes sure you are getting the best of the best in all the deals. Now we are looking for a new home in Des Moines and she has traveled down (70mile round trip) numerous times to help us look around for a future home! She comes prepared with paper work, and get's extra info to all the questions you need answers too. We will continue to work with her and recommend her to first time or experienced home owners! Her attitude, knowledge, and experience is second to none! I'm so glad we choose to work with Molly!

After my Dad moved himself into assisted living, we kept his house for over a year, which was…read morecertainly convenient as a place to stay for me or my brother when we were in town visiting. But after awhile, it just wasn't economical for my Dad to pay utilities, upkeep, and insurance as glorified Air BnB for his adult children. With Dad's agreement, I took the lead in selling the house, while my Sister managed the large task of clearing everything out. As this wasn't the house we grew up in, there was very little emotion involved in letting it go. At the recommendation of the HOA President, I chose Patty Meese of Friedrich Iowa Realty, who my Dad already knew from previous community volunteer work. As my Dad can sometimes be a little tentative, his comfort level with Patty was a big plus. My Sister liked her too. I enjoyed working with Patty, even thought it was only in person at select times, as I live in Northern Nevada. My Sister and Dad helped pick up the slack with Patty and in the end we sold the house at over asking and relatively quickly. I thought she was very attentive and professional within the central scope of selling the house. However, I do think that a hail storm-related roof repair issue involving the HOA could have been managed better, starting with the fact that I was notified at least a full month after the fact. Once the house was listed, the next phase was when a number of chatting neighbors would invite themselves in to the Open Houses and tell any prospective buyers (who would listen) multiple versions of the "true" story. I've never been part of a sale where house showings turned into what seemed like a neighborhood scrum. That resulted in a "few" unnecessary phone calls to knock down the here say. That was on the agents to control the situation in the house at the time. The subsequent HOA feud (Dad shared his emails) regarding the issue and the often poorly executed insurance company coordination was above any agent's pay grade. However, I found that I should have been given better information all around to best advise my Father. In the end, my Dad took it in stride, even though I feel that the check he had to write post closure (and repair completion) was higher than it should have been. The icing on this cake was the HOA President agreeing with my assessment that their Board decision threw my Dad (who was HOA Treasurer for years) under the bus. Would I use Patty again? Absolutely, as she got the house sale done at better than our price. It was a unique externality that turned a part of this process pear shaped. And in hindsight, I should have been more physically present and better prepared and engaged to set (and execute) some of the parameters of the sale.

We honestly can't say enough about our realtor Ro Smith....AMAZING. She was always on top of her…read moregame, answered our questions & if she wasn't sure she found out. Her clients are always her #1 priority. We really clicked with her from the get-go. Not only did we get a great professional experience with her.but we have gained a great friend out of it. We love her and recommend her 150%. You will not be disappointed :)

I have used nearly every service Staging 2 Sell it provides and am equally impressed with all…read more The most recent was staging the home I had lived in for 36 years. It sold to a family that toured it the second day after it was listed and offered $2,500 over listing price! Prior to this, they assisted me in moving to my "forever home" this fall. They helped me decide what items I should move and suggested where to place them for maximum impact. They did some painting and made suggestions on the person that laid flooring and engaged the movers being there during the actual move instructing the movers where to place items. The move was flawless and almost painless! After that they went with us to help select several pieces of furniture and were here two months later when it was delivered. I was very impressed with them when customers approached them at the furniture store and asked them questions. Without hesitation they said what they believed. During the last five years and before these experiences, I had them for three consultations in addition to having them stage three "flippers". With the flippers, they looked at them in their original conditions and made suggestions on what to do to enhance their appearance, flow, and value. They always make economical suggestions and I firmly believe they have saved me more money than what their services have cost. They listen and encourage my input. I can not praise them adequately enough. I look forward to more experiences with them! Norma Walker

From the owner: Staging 2 Sell It is a mother-daughter operated home staging and design business assisting clients…read morewith a wide range of projects, including vacant & occupied staging, interior design services, real estate photography, and interior painting in and around Central Iowa. At Staging 2 Sell It, we believe that every project, big or small, at any stage, or in any neighborhood, deserves to be beautiful and functional.

DO NOT RENT FROM THEM! They will OVERCHARGE YOU AT MOVE OUT. They are forcing us to pay 300 over…read moreour deposit (500). 250 of that is for odor bombs, when the apartment was me and 2 other girls who kept it very clean. We deep cleaned before move out, and are being charged for the cleaning fee. Charging us for nails in the wall when they said we could, and are charging us basic painting that was not needed. DO NOT CLEAN BEFORE MOVE OUT THEY WILL CHARGE YOU 200 FOR IT ANYWAY. Severely disappointing to see them try and scam and overcharge college students. Will never be renting from them again.

I hope the owner Brent Haverkamp suffers because this has been the worst experience. I have never…read moredealt with such petty and selfish property managers. All their lawsuits show how badly they treat their tenants. The cheap rent is NOT worth it, id rather live in my car instead of giving them more of my money.

I released from this company for a year and a half period worst company.I have ever dealt with in…read moremy life period faucets were not working correctly.The constantly dripped period I got to the point where I replaced them myself period staff are the worst to deal with period on several occasions.We had huge arguments with things not getting fixed period I would not recommend renting anything from this rental company

A complete Fraud! Beware of this management and their apartment. I would give them a ZERO star if I…read morecould. 1. They provided us with a dirty apartment that had multiple urine stains in the toilet bowl, an ink-spotted carpet in one bedroom, a dirty oven, and a kitchen counter that was extremely stained and filthy. 2. It was a townhome, and they were renting out nearby units to anyone. The neighbor next door had drug issues. We couldn't access the basement because of a strong weed smell, and there was a persistent weed odor on the porch as well. When we reported this, they simply directed us to the police station without taking any action. Even though we had a porch, it wasn't ours -- it was used as a shortcut by random people. 3. During our stay at 414, S 4th St, our newly purchased car was vandalized. When we reported it, they took no further action. Simply did some big talk. 4. When we vacated the apartment with a toddler and a 9-year-old, we cleaned it thoroughly, almost like new, and I have photo evidence. They should have been ashamed of how far we went with the cleaning. 5. The biggest fraud came after we left. They failed to return our security deposit. When I asked about it, they kept saying the address I gave was returning their letters, even though all our bills from Ames arrived without issue. Eventually, I asked them to send it to my friend, and they finally did. 6. The real surprise came then, and their story about cats and bulls was exposed. They deducted the full $1260 from our deposit and presented fake cleaning and pest control bills (we never got any pest control during our stay). Management companies usually do monthly pest control, but not Martin Property! 7. When asked for an explanation, I received rude behavior from them. They do not even know the proper etiquette for talking to their tenants as soon as they vacate the apartments. Please be cautious with this management company and its rental properties. It's unlikely you'll get your security deposit back, as the owners and staff often behave unprofessionally and are a bunch of FRAUDS. I'm confused how they continue to operate in Ames despite receiving so many negative reviews.

When it became clear my dad had dementia and that it was significantly worse than any one person…read morehad been aware, we needed to act quickly. We found BIckford and it has been a godsend! The management and staff have all been incredibly responsive, flexible, attentive, and communicative. Dad's been there about 8 months and is thriving. They did all they could to make the transition as smooth as possible. Any time there has been a hiccup (not their fault, just me getting systems in place from several states away), we have been able to solve the problem and prevent it from happening again. So happy!

I was employed at Bickford for over 2 months, they lie to you, make promises then fail to fulfill…read more Petty criticisms about dress code and task charting, and how you answer phones and doors. Clients are not the first concern and take back seat to draconian Bickford rules for there workers to adhere to OR else! Employees are required to share a bathroom with male and female employees on a door that cannot be locked securely from within, allowing ANYONE to break in while you are using the facility's, CREEPY, and totally unacceptable under any circumstances. Kitchen is a Toxic waste land which is NEVER cleaned properly, floors are filthy and surfaces are crawling with filthy spills from decades of neglect. Clients are allowed to sit in soiled underwear for extended periods of time, until the disposable underwear disintegrate from within and bodily fluids are allowed to soak through to beds and chairs and down to the floor, disgusting. If you are considering Bickford for your loved one, STOP, don't do it, you will be doing a disservice to your loved ones, and their quality of life will suffer.