Read these 5 tips below to make sure you pick the perfect rental for you and your family!
Do your own research on the property then pick your top 3 or 5 properties. Just because it’s a great property doesn’t mean it’s the perfect fit for you or your family. There’s more to a house than just appearances.
Find an agent - you can’t view a house if you don’t have an agent. FYI: Agents get a commission if you rent the property, so if you have an issue with them or you feel like they’re not working for you, try being more bold in asking them for what you want. If you’re technologically challenged and not exactly sure “what the internet is”, you can ask your agent to help you fill out an online application. If they’re not willing to do that for you, then maybe try looking for a different agent. Trust me, there’s tons of them out there. Any agent can show you the property regardless of what brokerage they’re from, so don’t feel like you have to put up with an agent who seems a little too pushy for you. Although your agent is working for you, always double check with the property management company for any questions regarding the state of the house or what work will be done on them, they would know best.
View the property. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but it’s no comparison seeing the view in person. Visit the neighborhood. A “great neighborhood” is subjective. What “great” means to your agent, may be different for you and your family.
Talk with the property management company before signing the lease about details that are important to you such as:
Who is the maintenance company?
How long does it typically take to get work orders done?
How’s the customer service?
Can you get a hold of someone regarding maintenance easily to speak with or are they an email type only kind of contact?
Tenant responsibilities - what are you responsible for upkeep and maintenance on the property ?
Know yourself. Are you the resourceful type and able to fix things or do you call your maintenance company for every single thing? Compare the services of the maintenance company and your needs and see if they’re compatible. Listen to the wise words of Old Shakespeare who shared: “Who buys a minute’s mirth to wail a week? Or sells eternity to get a toy?” Your rental property will be your home for awhile, so make sure you’ll be happy in it.
