What does "agent interest" mean?

Question

I'm looking at apartment rentals in a newspaper classifieds section, and a lot of the listings say "agent interest."
For example:
TRACY DR. — Completely remodeled, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, $550, gas and water paid. Call Karen, 309-827-2075. Agent interest.

What does "agent interest" mean?

Okay, so why would someone use an agent to list the unit? So they don't have to screen through applicants themselves?

Answer 1

In most real estate lingo, "agent interest" is a disclosure that the agent themselves have a financial interest (ownership in full or partial) of the property being advertised.

It is not an issue of great concern, other than to make you aware that the representing agent is not specifically working for an independent owner, but also has a vested interest in the property.