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How to Find a Real Estate Rental

by Heidi Carson, MS

Overview

Finding and securing a real estate rental can be a cumbersome task if you do not have a solid plan. If you are moving across country or across town, you will need to plan well in advance to help secure your real estate rental. There are many ways to help make the task of finding a real estate rental a little easier.

Step 1

When you plan your move you should be very concrete on what geographical location you want to be in. Be very specific on the exact town and do research on what type of culture you are looking for. Craigslist has listings for the entire world, so get out your pen and be prepared to look over the real estate section of Craigslist. Make sure that you call on properties that only have pictures and make sure that the landlord can provide you with details about the property. Prepare a list of amenities that you are looking for and the price that you are able to pay after your expenses. Adhere to a budget and do not get hooked by a luxury rental that you can not afford.
Step 2

Drive around the area that you want to move in. Neighborhoods vary greatly at night, so take a drive around the area at night and see if it is quite. Call a local Realtor in the area that you want to move in. Realtors have access to the Multiple Listing System (MLS) that lists rentals and homes for sale. This system is available to licensed Realtors only. A Realtor will also have connections to other Realtors who may have a client looking to rent property. Establish a working relationship with a reputable Realtor so that he can become loyal to you and your quest for a real estate rental. You will want to look in local and national newspapers for real estate rentals as well. Often, people will advertise rentals in the newspapers in hopes of getting great interest in a rental.
Step 3

Go to local restaurants and coffee houses to look at their bulletin board. Many times people will post their rental on a public bulletin board. You can look for people who are subletting their current rental. Place an ad in the local newspaper or a national real estate magazine, indicating that you are looking for a real estate rental. Be very specific in what you are looking for. You should always look for a real estate rental that has a great security system, updated kitchen, plumbing and newer windows. Network with other people. Check out local chat rooms for the area that you want move into. Put the word out that you are looking for a real estate rental. Be able to provide references and check out your new landlord with the Better Business Bureau.