ARE YOU SHOPPING FOR A HOME, APARTMENT, OR CONDO TO RENT?

Every rental housing market has different traditions. In some locations, it’s typical to use a real estate agent to find a rental apartment or single family home, while in others renters usually find a place to live on their own.

Everyone can benefit from working with a real estate agent – whether you’re buying, renting or selling a home – simply because a real estate agent has market knowledge the average person lacks. A real estate agent is particularly valuable if you’re moving to an unfamiliar area and need help finding communities where you might enjoy living. In addition, those who work with real estate agents get access to rentals before the general public does because agents get knowledge about access to the properties first! The general public has to get access to rentals in secondary ways, such as ‘For Rent Signs’ and consumer portals like Zillow, Realtor.com, Hotpads, etc. Working with an agent also helps you to avoid rental scams as well!

Rental Market Conditions
How long it will take you to find a rental depends on several factors, including local market conditions, the specifics of the rental you’re looking for, and your own qualifications as a renter. In a rental housing market with plenty of available apartments and homes to rent, it could take just a few days to find a place you like; but in housing markets with a limited supply of rentals you could face competition from other prospective renters and find yourself searching for weeks for a place to live.

One way to ease the process of renting a home is to be fully prepared with the paperwork and the cash you’ll need when you find a place. Check your credit report and pay for your credit score, since a landlord will be checking it as well. (It’s best to know if you need to improve your credit or fix errors before you apply for an apartment.) Most landlords also want to verify your employment and income and will ask for references, so have that information at your fingertips.

Most rentals require a deposit along with your application. Once you’re accepted, you’ll usually need to pay a security deposit equal to one month’s rent along with your first month of rent and possibly some other fees.

The more educated you are about your local rental market, and the more prepared you are to present! yourself as a qualified tenant, the easier your search will be.

If you’re looking for a rental in the Orlando metropolitan and need help in your search, contact us today. We specialize in apartment, condominium and single family home rentals. We also have lease to own programs available!  With us, your search can be made much easier!