What are the best ways to find houses for rent in Georgia? At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties, we provide customizable online searching tools to help you find homes for rent. Our experienced real estate agents can also assist you in finding the right rental home for you and your family. We understand that many factors go into deciding which rental home to choose. Here, we list some steps to follow for an efficient rental search and a good outcome.
Determine Your Price Range
Before you start searching for a rental home, you should determine your price range. To find your ideal price range, it can be helpful to start with the question, “What can I afford?” The answer depends on your income and other financial responsibilities.
We’ve seen several rules of thumb for finding a manageable price range. For example, you can divide your income by percentages for expenses and savings. But in our experience, everyone places different weights on the components of these calculations. Each renter has different priorities and requirements when it comes to determining their preferred price range. Regardless, it is important to take inventory of your financial resources. You also should take time to think about your priorities when it comes to your budget and the cost of a rental home.
There are other costs associated with finding and moving into a house for rent, including:
- Application fees to determine whether you qualify for a lease with the landlord
- Payment of last month’s rent to assure the landlord they will receive payment at the end of the lease or when you move away
- Security deposit and pet fees as insurance for the landlord in case of damage
- Moving costs, such as renting a vehicle, hiring movers, or buying pizza for helpers
- Utility bills, including monthly costs for heat, lights, water, and other appliances
- Furniture and other household items, depending on what you already possess
- Rental insurance to protect your belongings from theft or damage
Determine Your Preferred Locations
Once you have figured out what rent payment is appropriate for you and considered any other likely initial costs, it’s time to determine which locations you prefer. Depending on your situation, this could be a large or small area. If you are moving to a relatively small town and want to find a house for rent, you may face a choice of being in town or out of town. If you are moving to Atlanta or another larger city in Georgia, you may have specific neighborhoods in mind or want to reduce the time or distance it takes to commute to work every day.
Many BHHS Georgia Properties rental home clients want to search by school district to find the right location. Others don’t care how long it takes them to drive to work as long as they can go for a run or take their dogs to a park nearby. It’s a good idea to list your preferences, as this will help narrow your search for rental homes. If you are looking for a rental in Georgia, the experienced staff at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Property Management Division can assist you.
Find the Right Rental Home for You
When clients choose to work with our real estate agents, they can receive quality assistance in their search for a rental home, looking at each option critically. We are also familiar with reliable landlords throughout Georgia. If you discover a property while searching online, schedule a viewing with one of our agents or landlords.
When visiting a property, it can be beneficial to speak with other tenants and neighbors to get a sense of the space and community. We recommend that our clients take notes on each potential house for rent, making it easier to compare what each location offers against your overall list of preferences. Many companies also take advantage of BHHS Georgia Properties relocation services, in which our agents can help employees find appropriate rental options.
Applying for a Lease
If you have already done your homework to determine what you can afford in a rental home, there shouldn’t be any problem passing a credit check when you apply for a lease. If there are any problems with your credit record, it’s best to take care of them before engaging with a new landlord. If you are accepted as a tenant, be sure to read the lease agreement carefully. Consult legal advice if you think it is necessary. Don’t sign anything until you completely understand the terms of the rental agreement.
Let Us Help You Find a Rental Home in Georgia
Whether you are looking for a rental home, townhome, condo, multi-family unit, or luxury home, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties can help you find the right place in Georgia. For more information, find an agent today.