At the Marin Rental Group (our new DBA for those following the recent name changes as we start our own Marin rental brokerage!) we love our relocation clients! I had the pleasure of working with a great couple this month who are relocating back to California from the east coast. They were torn between choosing a Kentfield rental or a Mill Valley rental property - I told them you're not really going wrong with either choice. Both Mill Valley and Kentfield offer excellent public schools. Both offer reasonable San Francisco commutes. And both towns have great local options for the kids: parks, playgroups, and recreational pools.
The deciding factor for this family came down to their long terms goals.
Ultimately, they want to buy a home in Marin after their other home sells. And they don't want to have to change the kids' schools when they do find their "forever" home. So what does that mean for their Marin rental search? They wanted to rent in the town where they were more likely to buy.
And that makes a lot of sense!
There are several pieces of advice I give our Marin relocation clients:
1) Address the budget. Even when renting, with the high price of real estate in Marin you are not likely to get as much rental home here for your budget as you might think. Consult a local rental agent early on so you have an idea of what to expect when you arrive.
2) Be realistic. You're renting. And you're doing so for a reason. Tenants tend to lease Marin rentals because they are in transition: maybe you're waiting for your old home to sell. Maybe your money is tied up in a new business venture. Maybe you're uncertain if you will like living in a certain area. The point is, you're renting and you won't be in your Marin rental home forever. So once you have your budget set, get ready to compromise. Sure, a gourmet chef's kitchen may be ideal, but what is most important? Is it the daily commute? Is it being able to walk to town? Maybe a large, level yard is ultimately going to be more important to your day-to-day happiness than having that showcase kitchen. You're not going to get everything on your wish list, so it's important to take time to think about what are really the features you can't live without.
3) Think long term. What are your ultimate goals? If you have kids, it is wise to follow in footsteps of my July relocation clients and consider your Marin rental home in the school district you plan to be in long term. Even if the Marin rental you end up in is not "perfect" - your long terms needs may need to outweigh your immediate ones.
My team and I are local rental agents and we specialize in Marin rentals! Call our Kentfield office anytime: (415) 507-9600. www.marinrentalgroup.com/ Relocation tours, consultations and customized options available. Cheers!
Comments(1)