7/20/07
Campus

Jessica Artis

Rising junior Jessica Artis has found a way to help students avoid the fall scramble to find affordable housing when on-campus housing isn't an option. Artis, a licensed realtor in connection to Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., has sought to help students find alternative housing for rent.

"Long & Foster is a full service real estate company," said finance major Artis, "so I am available to assist students, staff, and faculty with all matters concerning the rental, purchase, or selling of residential and commercial real estate in the Washington D.C. Area."

She continued, "I can assist students looking to rent a house, a condo or apartment, and even purchase property if they are interested in staying in D.C. upon graduation."

Howard students serve as Artis' primary market for rental units, however she is currently seeking to expand to American University as well as the University of Maryland College Park later on in the summer.

Many students spend the summer months trying to line up a housing unit for the school year that has near proximity to the university, affordable and in a secure location. Finding a residence to fit this criterion may become overwhelming to students with already overloaded schedules.

Artis explained that students who opt to use her assistance to find available housing are benefiting by saving "time and the headaches", that often take place when searching the Washington D.C., area for housing, at no cost to them.

She makes her money from commissions offered by the landlords of the properties she shows. That way she can help students with no upfront costs for them.

Her assistance is not limited to any specific time of the year.

"I would love to work with students looking for housing through the year-not just in the fall," she said.

Brittany Clifton, a rising junior and physician's assistance major, did not complete the Spring RSVP for housing, and therefore did not receive a housing assignment from the University.

"I've been looking throughout search engines that advertise housing, as well as trying to find information on Howard's campus," Clifton said.

She explained that the most important factors for finding a suitable residence are "location, affordability and safety."

Students like Clifton, who are still trying to find a place to stay, may find Jessica Artis' "Campus Home Guide" helpful.

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