Strange & Associates

For individuals and businesses in Wilmette, Illinois, and the surrounding communities seeking local legal services, the "Nearby Lawyers" platform serves as a primary resource for finding legal professionals. Within this category, Strange & Associates, located at 717 Ridge Rd #1A, Wilmette, IL 60091, USA, appears to offer services that extend beyond traditional legal counsel, encompassing aspects of property management as well. This dual role, as evidenced by the provided customer reviews, offers a unique perspective on the firm's operations and client interactions.

The office environment at 717 Ridge Rd #1A suggests a local and potentially integrated presence within a residential or mixed-use area of Wilmette. Being on Ridge Road, a significant thoroughfare, provides accessibility. While specific details about the interior of the office are not provided, as a legal and property management entity, one would expect a professional and orderly setting. However, the nature of the reviews, particularly the second one, indicates that the firm's client interactions might sometimes occur in less formal settings, such as property showings, which can influence perceptions of professionalism. The ground-floor or easy-access unit (implied by "1A") would enhance convenience for clients or prospective tenants visiting the office.

The services offered by Strange & Associates appear to primarily revolve around two distinct, yet interconnected, areas:

• Legal Services: While not explicitly detailed in the reviews, the firm's identity as "Strange & Associates" under the "Nearby Lawyers" category strongly implies the provision of legal counsel. Given the context of the reviews, which touch upon business issues and disputes (even if in a landlord-tenant context), it is plausible that Jeffrey Strange, as a lawyer, handles aspects of real estate law, property law, or potentially general business legal matters.
• Property Management/Landlord Services: This is heavily emphasized in both reviews. Jeffrey Strange is directly referred to as a "landlord" who owns and manages rental properties. The services in this realm include:
  • Property Rentals: Showing apartments, discussing rental terms, and securing deposits.
  • Property Maintenance: Ensuring buildings are "well kept" and addressing maintenance needs "almost immediately."
  • Tenant Relations: Interacting with renters regarding lease agreements, rent increases, and general living conditions.
  This dual operational model suggests that clients might engage with the firm either for traditional legal advice or as prospective or current tenants of properties managed or owned by Jeffrey Strange. This intermingling of roles is a defining characteristic of this entity as presented in the information provided.

The features of Strange & Associates, particularly through the lens of Jeffrey Strange, are vividly painted by the contrasting customer experiences. The first review portrays Jeffrey Strange and his team (Joe) as excellent landlords, highlighting features such as:

• Fairness and Understanding: "he did not raise our rent when everyone we know had big increases" because they were "good renters" and he "knew we had some business issues." This demonstrates a flexible and compassionate approach.
• Responsive Property Maintenance: "whenever we need something he and Joe get it handled almost immediately," indicating efficiency and commitment to property upkeep.
• Positive Interpersonal Skills: "They have never been rude to us, just the opposite a great landlord," and ensuring "No slipping on the snow, etc." This points to a proactive and courteous management style.
• Feeling of Safety and Satisfaction: The reviewer expresses feeling "very satisfied and feel safe," which are critical aspects of a positive rental experience.

In stark contrast, the second review presents a highly negative experience, revealing other, less desirable features of the firm's operations:

• Misleading Pricing: "told three different prices for all three apartments shown. In conclusion none of the apartments were $825. Not even the small studio." This points to a lack of transparency and potentially deceptive sales practices.
• Unpleasant Property Conditions: The mention that the studio "reeked like smoke because the two neighbors smoke in that building" indicates potential issues with property standards or tenant screening.
• Poor Customer Service and Rudeness: The reviewer describes being "rudely spoken to" by Jeffrey, who "blamed me," "Denied the mishap," and "hung up on me." This highlights a significant lapse in professional conduct and conflict resolution.
• Lack of Accountability: Jeffrey allegedly "denied the mishap" and blamed the client, indicating a failure to take responsibility for communication or pricing errors.

From a promotional perspective, the highly positive first review acts as a strong endorsement for Strange & Associates, particularly for their property management aspect. Phrases like "The best landlord we have ever rented from" and "I highly recommend renting from them and you will be very satisfied and feel safe" are powerful testimonials that would attract prospective renters. However, the second review severely undermines any positive promotional messaging. Its detailed account of negative interactions, including misrepresentation, rudeness, and lack of accountability, acts as a significant deterrent. The sarcastic "Now thats what i call welcoming and top of the line customer service. That is exactly how to make a sale" and the final condemnation "Thank you for saving me from the mistake i was about to make by moving into this building and having to deal with a despicable human being like you" are extremely damaging and would likely discourage potential clients/tenants. The firm's phone numbers, (847) 256-7377 and +1 847-256-7377, are provided, allowing direct contact, but potential callers would likely be influenced by both extremes of feedback.

In conclusion, Strange & Associates, operating within the "Nearby Lawyers" category in Wilmette, IL, offers services that encompass both legal counsel and property management. Located at 717 Ridge Rd #1A, the firm, particularly through Jeffrey Strange, is portrayed in wildly divergent terms by its clients. While some praise him as an exceptionally fair, responsive, and understanding landlord who maintains well-kept properties, others describe experiences marked by misleading information, rude and blaming behavior, and a significant lack of professionalism in customer service. This dichotomy of experiences suggests that while the firm may excel in certain aspects of property management and tenant relations for some, it has critical shortcomings in transparency and client communication for others. For local users evaluating this firm, it is crucial to consider this full spectrum of feedback, recognizing that experiences with Strange & Associates can vary significantly depending on the nature of the engagement.