Many agents don't do rentals. I will help my clients find a rental home because it is my goal to have satisfied clients. A home is a home.
A few things to keep in mind.
1) Renting a home requires a credit check. This is no different than renting an apartment. If you have credit challenges, or if your rental payment is more than 35%-40% of your income, you may not qualify. Please know your credit situation before enlisting my services.
2) Check out on-post housing and firmly decide whether you want to live off post beforehand.
3) I will ask you to agree to work with me exclusively, in writing, as your Tenant Agent. In return, I will review the MLS for all properties that meet your criteria, show you those properties, and fully represent you in the application process and lease signing.
Renting a Home
When we find the right home for you, you will have to fill out and submit an application to the listing company. Each company charges an application fee for each adult who will be living in the property. The fee must be submitted along with each application. The max fee that can be charged in the state of Virginia is $50. Most application fees are between $35-$50. The application fee is non-refundable. You will also be asked to submit a security deposit. Usually this amounts to one months' rent, however, the max is two months. Please ask what these amounts are before you ask to see the property if these are going to be deal breakers.
Upon approval of your application, you will be asked to sign your lease and submit your first months' rent. I will review your rental contract for accuracy and ensure that you understand all of the terms set forth in your lease. I will also make sure that you have a military clause in the lease.
Pets
Many landlords simply do not accept pets. Please let me know before we start searching for a property if you have pets, including fish, as this will narrow your choices. Almost all landlords charge a non-refundable pet deposit. A pet deposit is at the discretion of the owner. Pet deposits can vary anywhere between $300-500. But I have seen instances where it was as much as $700 or more. It is just something to be aware of, and I will let you know up front what the pet deposit will be.
So, What Do I Charge?
My fee is equal to one half of one month's rent. I will also collect a $100 (non-refundable) retainer fee. The retainer fee will be credited towards my fee once you sign a lease. Any fee paid by the cooperating broker will be credited toward the amount owed also.
| In other words: |
|
| Monthly rent as per lease: |
$2000 |
| x 1/2 = my fee |
$1000 |
| -Minus retainer fee: |
($ 100) |
| Balance owed: |
$ 900 |
| Minus cooperating broker compensation (25%): |
$ 500 |
| Amount owed: |
$ 400 |
If you are interested in finding a rental property,
CLICK HERE. Contact me by
email or call 703-969-1691 to make an appointment.