Here is some basic information about the rental process:
Once you decide to use our services to rent a home you will likely receive:
· A rental home search email with listings based on your preferences.
· A Tenant Agreement for your signature.
The search email will contain a link to listings based on criteria you have discussed with us. When more homes are added to the Multiple Listing Service that meet your criteria, you will again receive the same email. Simply click the link in the email to see the homes that have been added to the search. Once you decide which homes you’d like to view, it is time to go house hunting!
The Tenant Agreement, also known as the “Exclusive Right to Represent Tenant”, allows Michelle to let you into homes to view them, and to assist in the processing of your rental application. It is important to remember when reviewing this form that our services are entirely free for tenants. Landlords pay the broker’s fee. It is important to sign this agreement in a timely fashion. You will either be sent the agreement via email and DocuSign to sign it electronically, or you can come to the office to sign the paperwork.
Checking Your Credit
It is important to know your credit score in order to determine if using a Realtor is the best way to go about finding your rental home. If you do not know your credit score, we recommend www.creditkarma.com as a free way to find out. According to the Credit Karma website, checking your score through them will not adversely affect your credit. For more information about Credit Karma see https://www.creditkarma.com/about.
Please be advised knowing your credit score prior to applying for a home is no guarantee you will be accepted. Property management companies run their own more comprehensive credit check, and your Realtor has no control over the outcome of your application. Multiple applications received on the subject property is another factor that can effect the outcome. Knowing the score ahead of time will help you determine if a Realtor is the best option to help you to find your rental home, or whether working with private owners through rent-to-own websites or newspaper ads is better option for you.
The Application Process
Most application fees range from $30-$50 per adult applicant. A security deposit may also be required with the application. All funds must be certified. (Money orders or certified check.) Proof of income and photocopies of driver’s licenses or other photo IDs may be required to accompany the application. Usually we know within 3-5 days of application submission the outcome of the application. If you are accepted, you will sign a lease, the first month’s rent will likely be due and you will get the keys and take possession of the property on the lease start date.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions about this process, please contact Michelle Smith at 540-710-4205.
Oh by the way, we are never too busy for any of your referrals, so if you know anyone needing to buy, sell or list a home for rent, please have them contact us.
