Don't Stress
After working in the Property Management field and now working hand and hand with property managers though our business TheDailyClassifieds.Com (TDC) I decided to create a tip sheet on “How to Search For Rental Properties”. If you will consider following these guidelines I know it will save you time and money while making the whole “Searching for a Rental Property” a little less stressful.
#1. Are You Really Moving?: This sounds funny but you would be amazed how many people call Property Managers and start the conversation by saying ” Well, I think I may be moving sometime this summer do you have any thing available?” Please don’t do this. People get excited when they think there is a chance they may be moving so they start calling every listing in their price range. Slow down, what you need at this point is local information and some cost of living data. Here is a good cost of living site http://www.bestplaces.net/city/.
#2. Area of Town: Know what areas really make sense for you. There are probably only a couple. Do some research through your school or potential employer. Again people will call and ask “what do you have in my price range?’ Well, it dosen’t matter if it’s in your price range if it’s located 50 miles away. It’s Price and Area. Drive the area and see how far it is from your work or school. How close is the shopping?
#3. Lease Rate: Again do your research through the cost of living site and search Rental Property websites like TDC. You have to have a pretty good idea of what comparable properties are charging. If it sounds too good there probably is a problem.
#4. Availability: All listings should tell you when the property is going to be available. If it doesn’t then shame on the property manager but it’s probably available now. If it’s available now they are going to rent it to the first qualified renter. If you are not moving for 6 months don’t waste your time calling. If you are within a true 4-6 week move date the Property Manager may consider holding the property for you with a deposit and maybe a months rent. If it’s the perfect place it’s probably worth it.
#4. Viewing Properties: Here is a big time saver. Pre-qualify the properties. Don’t call the property manager until you have driven by the property. The person answering the phone in the Property Manager’s office may have never seen the property. They will give you a brief flowery description or put you into the voice mail of the leasing agent. They’ll call you back sometime, someday maybe. If you are traveling to your new city to go house hunting remember most property management offices are closed on weekends.
Making Appointment to Tour Properties: After you have pre-qualified some properties call a day ahead of time to set appointments. Don’t set the appointment until you find out about the qualifying terms. If it’s a professional Property Management Company they don’t have a lot of flexibility and it will waste every ones time if you can’t qualify. Ask the tough questions over the phone. Income requirement- credit rating – deposits – pets etc.
Cancelling Appointments: If you can’t make it to the appointment please call the leasing agent. Being stoodup is the number one pet peeve of property managers.
Rental Agreements: Do not rent a property without a rental agreement. Enough said.
Pictures of the property: Take pictures inside and out of the property before you move in. You can’t take too many. Make sure your camera adds a date. Put them on a disc and give a copy to the leasing agent. The good companies will already have pictures. Save yours you may need them.
Terminating Your Lease Agreement: Read the fine print about “Move Out Notices”. Don’t rely on the what the leasing agent told you they may not be there when you move out. Most companies want a written notice 30 – 90 days in advance. Written!This could cost you a couple of months rent. Make sure you walk-though with the Property Manager for the final inspection. It’s hard to go back and debate the condition of the property after you have moved.
We hope this helps.
Dan Zellars
TheDailyClassifieds.Com
