Sara’s First-Time Renter’s Advice
When you think about finding a rental home, do you consider working with a REALTOR®? You should. Those in the real estate industry frequently hear about properties coming up for sale and also those available as rentals. A well-connected agent forms many relationships with homeowners of all types. Some of these same people purchase second and third homes with the intention of creating rentals as an additional income. It makes sense to reach out to agents to let them know about rental availability and help spread the word when an opening happens.
Some additional bonuses to using a REALTOR® when you rent is having an experienced professional by your side to help you review your lease. Your agent will watch that your rights as a renter are protected.
If you’re new to a community, don’t hesitate to reach out and learn the details of what’s available plus figure out all a specific community has to offer to you.
Whether you’re a first-time renter or have some experience with renting, it’s good to know the facts plus collect some tips around renting.
Apartments vs. Single-Family Rentals
One question your real estate agent will ask is, “Would you prefer an apartment or a single-family rental?” If you’ve never considered the differences or benefits, let’s review what each type of home offers:
Apartment: If you’re seeking convenience, great amenities, access to on-site staff, and more security, choose an apartment. This may include living in a duplex or triplex, a condo, or any dwelling that houses more than one family unit. Most often your landlord may be a property management company and have a staff member available should you have any problems or need quick assistance. Apartments may not include parking, depending on the location. This means you may need to park in a lot that charges a monthly rental fee.
Single-Family Rentals: When you’re seeking privacy, more space, less noise, and potentially lower monthly rent, a single-family rental will meet your needs. These rentals usually have landlords. The landlord may also be the same person who handles any repairs or handyman needs related to the property. Most houses come with driveways so parking shouldn’t be an issue.
Pets and Renting
Pets are often more welcome in a single-family rental compared to an apartment where you can face restrictions on the breed of pet, size of pet, and number of pets. Apartment living takes into account many residences and the overall harmony of community living. The noise level of apartment living increases which can be a hinderance to an anxious pet or a pet missing its owner. No one enjoys a barking dog for hours on end. A single-family rental may still have restrictions and varies landlord to landlord/property to property.
Guarding Against Rental Scams
You can spot a rental scam when the property owner misrepresents themselves, the home, or the terms of the lease in an attempt to obtain money. Scammers might try advertising a home they don’t own or one that’s already been leased. Fake listings can pop up on places like Facebook or Craig’s List.
So, what should you be on the lookout for so you can spot the phony ads?
· Duplicate Ads: Keep an eye for ads that appear on a rental platform more than one and have slight changes in the wording.
· Vague or Missing Details: The scammers won’t give much information and want you to reach out to them.
· Missing Lease: The scammer won’t use a lease or if they have one, the lease is often missing vital information.
· Unverified Address: The address of the rental simply doesn’t exist in the eyes of the delivery mail systems or on Google maps.
· Unusual Payment Methods: The scammer will request rent payments in usual ways such as asking for payment via a money wire, gift cards, or to pay only in cash. Legitimate landlords won’t work this way. Also take caution if you’re asked for payment before seeing the home or signing the lease.
Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers, and citywide was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020, #3 in 2021, and #2 in 2022. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.
