Real Estate Solutions - Buy, Sell, Rent

Landlords- Property for Rent

Have a home and looking for a tenant?  In some sense it is similar to selling.

Market strategies can vary depending on the price point, condition and the market.  In some cases you may need to do some staging prior to marketing your rental.  A fresh coat of neutral color paint, a good cleaning, servicing mechanicals, landscaping can help attract potential renters. 

Your realtor will create a marketing plan specific to your property.  As with properties for sale, the online photographs can give tenants a first impression and it is helpful to be a positive one.  Your rental will be marketed on the local Multiple Listing Service, Zillow, Social media, Craigslist as well as many other real estate sites.  

Showings…

A showing is when a prospective tenant with their real estate agent, preview your home.  Although they may be inconvenient, it is a necessary part of getting your home rented. If you currently have a tenant in place, you might have a notation in their lease allowing you to have the house shown near the end of their lease.  It is helpful to keep the lines of communication open between you, your tenant and your Realtor.  It can be challenging, but it can be done.  We use an electronic lock box for the key to access your home.  This box can only be accessed by licensed real estate agents.  It also keeps track of who accesses it and when. We also have access to a scheduling service for showings, where you and/ or your current tenant can be sent a text, email or a phone call with a request and can reply yes or no to the time requested. Your realtor will also receive all communication from the system.  Or your realtor can call you directly to confirm showing times.  Many people find the text system convenient to them.

Rental Applications

There are many application options available to you. You might also choose to use an online resource which combines a Credit, Background, Eviction and application all in one.  Those usually require a fee for the service but can be paid by the applicant.  You will need a lease with appropriate terms and can use a basic one or have an attorney create one.  

Tenants looking for a rental

• Plan ahead. When does your current lease end?
• Often leases are for yearly terms
• Security Deposit may be required (1-2 months)
• First months rent 
• Pets might not be allowed or restricted.
  • not everyone is as responsible for their animals as you may be.
  • can cause damage and odors
  • HOA and/ or Insurance stipulations
  • Possible additional monthly rent for pets
• Credit, Background and Evictions checks may be required and fee may apply.
• The list could go on…

Many leases require a security deposit and first months rent upfront.  What ever your reason, Our team will work with you to get your homes sold and let you move on to wherever life might be taking you.

What’s the next step?

Start by figuring out your budget and how much can you spend on monthly rent? If you are new to renting, you need to account for your other expenses. Electric, heating fuel, entertainment (cable, streaming services, phone, internet), Renters insurance, auto payments, parking, Food and other basic necessities. You may also want to budget in some fun money. Be realistic about your budget before you start searching for your next home, and don’t forget that you will need to have the security deposit and first months rent when signing the lease.

Once your budget is set, time to focus on your criteria. 

• How much space do you need or want? 
• Are you looking to rent a house, condo or apartment?
• Do you have pets?
• Are you looking for amenities such as pool, tennis courts, gym, etc. 
• What is your timeline?
• How is your credit? Do you need a cosigner or guarantor?
• Parking Requirements
• Desired Locations – estimated commute?

Time to set up your search criteria and be notified when properties come active that meet your criteria.