PLAN (get ready…)
GET THE MONEY READY
(Deposit and first month’s rent)
There’s no sense looking if you aren’t ready to pay up when you find it!
CHECK ON YOUR CREDIT:
Think your report may contain “NEGATIVE INFORMATION”? Run your credit report yourself to see what’s there.
PRACTICE FILLING OUT A RENTAL APPLICATION
Do this to discover where your application might be weak: monthly income, time on current job, time at current residence, credit score, etc. Better for YOU to reveal a weakness on your application rather than for a property manager to discover it during screening!
THINK (get set…)
WHY DO YOU WANT TO MOVE
This will help you fine tune what you are looking for and eliminate indecision.
WHAT DO YOU WANT
Home size, style, # bdrms, # baths, garage, yard, other amenities and needs.
WHERE DO YOU WANT IT:
Desired neighborhoods, near to schools & your work, close to freeways, views, how far to friends and family, environment & noise, etc.
DECIDE WHEN YOU WANT IT
There’s little sense looking now for a home you want in 2-3 months.
SEPARATE “JUST WANTS” FROM “MUST HAVES”
It’s unlikely you will get all that you want, so separate your needs from your wants ahead of time.
BEGIN (…go!)
SEARCH ONLINE – READ THE ADS
TELL FRIENDS WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
(they might know of something coming up)
CALL THE MANAGEMENT COMPANIES
Be sure and ask WHAT THEY HAVE “COMING SOON”. In today’s fast paced rental marketplace, many homes are found this way! If you wait for an ad to come out, the home may already be gone. Go drive by the “coming soon” rentals – if it looks like what you are seeking, ask if you can apply for it to get approved (subject to seeing it once the tenants vacate).
DRIVE AROUND
Watch for “FOR RENT” signs. check out different neighborhoods, home styles, etc.
ACT (don’t delay… make your move!)
IMMEDIATELY CALL
When you find something that might work for you, immediately call to get pre-qualified and to make an appointment to go see it.
IMMEDIATELY APPLY
If you want it, immediately apply and pay the application fee
WRITE A LETTER
Submit a SHORT PERSONAL LETTER with your application, sharing a bit about your family and why you want the home.
CALL YOUR CURRENT LANDLORD
Tell them you applied for a home and to please IMMEDIATELY RESPOND if a property manager calls for a rental reference on you.
CALL THE PROPERTY MANAGER:
- to make sure they RECEIVED YOUR APPLICATION
- ask if any more info on you… pay stubs, driver’s license copy… is needed
- tell them how much you LOVE THE RENTAL and that you have the deposit money
CALL THE PROPERTY MANAGER EVERY DAY
Until you have a response from them.
GO TO THE MANAGER’S OFFICE
If they’ve never met you, go introduce yourself.
GIVE THANKS
ACCEPTED?
Give the manager a SINCERE THANK YOU.
NOT ACCEPTED?
You can’t win every time so call the manager to thank them for giving you a chance, and remember –
ASK IF THEY HAVING ANYTHING ELSE COMING SOON.
