Okay, I have been contemplating this blog for some time now, but have tried to stay positive and optimistic about people in general. However; I do believe my career as a FREE rental locator has just come to a screeching halt as of this morning! Don't get wrong, I haven't totally lost faith in ALL people it's just a combination of people over the years that have just worn me down in this aspect of real estate. I may on occasion (and on my terms) show A rental property, may help family or friends but for the most part, at least for now; I'm hanging up my rental locator's hat.
I wanted to leave something behind as I say good-bye to those last minute appointments; the showing of several properties without the renter even being able to qualify for the house they want; the meeting someone at an empty house after dark; Appointments made late in the evening to accommodate someones work schedule while I sacrifice dinner with my family; the sitting in front of a house for 30 minutes and no one showing up; and sometimes working with people for days or weeks on end and thinking your doing a good job, not to mention a FREE good job and then with out notice, no one will answer your calls, return your call or even send a courtesy e-mail letting you know what happened...I think your getting the picture here. Those few bad apples...
My legacy and contribution to all of the agents who will continue to deal with rentals properties, is going to be "Rentals 101: What every consumer needs to know before working with a rental relocation agent."
1. Rental locator's follow the same guidelines as any apartment complex. In fact; some even use the same company to process rental applications. If you cannot get into an apartment because of your credit,criminal background, job history, etc., then chances are you will not be approved by a rental locator service or property management company.
2. If you find an agent, be aware that they are most likely spending their time with you for FREE. Leasing agents usually are of the breed of agents (people) who sincerely care about others andwant to help everyone find a home, including those who want to rent. They do try to build relationships with the people they help and hope if the relationship happens to be impressionable enough, one of those renters will call back in the future for other real estate services or give them a good referral to friends, relatives or acquaintances.
3. Rental location is A much harder and more time consuming work than the work involved in selling homes. I believe it is a common misconception that it is somehow less of a job than helping someone purchase a home, and a BIG mis-conception it is indeed. Some real estate offices offer free rental locator services as a courtesy to our valued consumers, but at times it is widely taken advantage of. The reason for this is that most homes for sale usually are made more readily available to show than a rental property. If a rental property needs to be shown they sometime require a 24 - 72 hour notice. Many parties are involved in the scheduling of appointments to show a rental property; the listing agent, the owners, the tenants, and the agent that you are working with. So you can imagine andhopefully, understand, that there are many individuals to connect with in order to schedule a showing assuming that all parties are being cooperative. So, It is never as easy as pulling up in front of a home with a "For Lease" sign and calling the number for someone to run over and show the house to you.
4. If you are re-locating from another city, it is a good idea to contact an agent that you will be working with at least 2 weeks ahead of time but no more than one month before you will need a property. This way they can understand what you need andhave time to work around any obstacles that you may have. Some of those obstacles may be that the area you need or want may not meet your price range needs. Most owners do not accept pets but sometimes they will change their mind based on the breed, size or type of pet and will require an additional deposit. Of course; that takes more time and work on your agents part. Your agent should set you up on a search and e-mail available properties to you. There may be 25 or more, but it is a good idea to make your top 10 picks and if your in town or have time when you get to town, drive by and narrow the list down to 4-6 properties you would like to see, then call your agent with your list. This eliminates driving around all day and seeing properties you would not like at all. Remember that this is generally a courtesy to you and your agent is most likely working around his/her home buyers/ sellers in order to help you findthe right property, so please take this into consideration when choosing properties to view.
5. Loyalty to your agent is GREATLY appreciated, especially with rentals! You would think that would go with out being said, but unfortunately, I believe it needs to be said and SAID LOUDLY. Buyer's and seller's agents both have signed agreements with their clients to ensure their loyalty; however, a leasing agent basically works off of a mutual trust. If you are working with an agent, they will most likely be sending you all rental properties based on your specific criteria requirements, so there is no need to drive around calling every agent in town. This would also apply to a property for sale, so it doesn't make much sense to have many people expending their time, energy, and let's not forget fuel at the cost of gas prices now. Not only is that wasting everyone's time, it isn't even economical. Plus, a real estate agent will work harder for you if they feel that your loyalty lies with them.
With all of this information, and I realize it is alot, I hope this will be a helpful and educational piece for consumers regarding rental properties and the right and wrong way to go about finding one when using a locator or real estate agent.
So please use the appropriate etiquette when you contact the agent you plan to work with.
DON'T BE THAT PERSON! :O)
Do not have your agent go through the hassle of setting an appointment and then just not show up, call, etc. Not only is it terribly rude and inconsiderate, It then just falls back into everyones lap at your agents expense and may even hinder their reputation as a real estate professional.
We all understand that things happen, so if by chance, you find a property yourself or change your mind about a scheduled appointment, give your agent a courtesy call, e-mail or something expressing your appreciation for their efforts. It shows a lot of integrity when you let them know you found a property or changed your mind. Maybe you decided to use someone else, fine; but let them know so they are not just left in the dark without any feedback for other agents or answers for homeowners.
All of this said, think back to the basic rule in kindergarten; TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WOULD WANT TO BE TREATED.
Thank you for reading.
REGARDS,
Tiffany Burke
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