With so much free information available online, people sometimes wonder why they should hire a rental agent. After all, why can't they rent out their house through the internet or regular marketing and advertising channels? Here are 9 good reasons why hiring a rental agent is always a good idea.
1 Education and Experience
You don't need to know everything about renting and leasing real estate if you hire a real estate expert who does. And why not hire someone with more education and experience than you? We're all looking for more valuable time in our lives, and hiring professionals gives us that time.
2 Rental Agents Act as Buffers
A rental agent can help you sift through prospective tenants to find the right one when you decide to rent out your property. The rental agent knows exactly what to look for when selecting candidates.
3 Neighbourhood Knowledge
A rental agent often has detailed and extensive information about the area where you want to rent your house. They can identify comparable rental prices and present these facts to you. They can also provide additional information about the presence of schools, shops, public transportation, and demographic data.
4 Pricing Guidance
In consultation with you as the owner, a rental agent determines the price for the property. This helps their clients make the right choice. The agent will then develop a negotiation strategy based on market supply, demand, and conditions.
5 Information on Market Conditions
Real estate agents can reveal market conditions that will determine your rental price and/or rental process. Many factors influence your next steps. Data such as the average cost per square meter of comparable homes, median and average rental prices, and average days on the market will, among other criteria, greatly affect your final decision.
6 Professional Network
Real estate agents like to collaborate with other professionals. Due to legal liability, few agents recommend one person or company over another, but they do know which suppliers have a reputation for efficiency, competence, and competitive pricing. A rental agent can provide you with a list of references from professionals they have worked with, along with background information to help you make a good choice.
7 Negotiation Skills & Confidentiality
Top rental agents are skilled negotiators because they, unlike most tenants and landlords, can detach themselves from the emotional aspects of a transaction, and they are competent. This is part of their job description. Good agents are not messengers, but professionals trained to present their client in the best light and keep client information confidential.
8 Paperwork
Rental contracts and necessary documentation, inspection reports, inventory lists, and contracts for gas/water/electricity and TV/internet—all are arranged and documented. Failing to do this properly can lead to many misunderstandings later and possibly legal issues. A common mistake is using a rental contract from the internet. Unfortunately, this is a general document that leaves too much room for various discussions afterward. Leave this to the professional!
9 Answering Questions After the Agreement
(Prospective) tenants often have various (practical) questions even after the agreement is concluded. A rental agent can be of great service here as well.
Rental Advice from HouseScout
HouseScout is a reliable, knowledgeable, and experienced rental agent in the Haaglanden region that would be happy to provide you with advice. Contact us today for a free introductory meeting!