Apartment hunting can be a daunting endeavor, especially when working a full-time job and relocating to a brand new city. You might spend countless hours scouring apartment finder sites only to find that the places you like are already taken. If you’ve experienced that frustration, or simply feel overwhelmed by the amount of time it takes to perform a search, a realtor might pose a welcome solution.
However, plugging “apartment realtors” into Google might produce more unclear results than you’d expect. Why? Because realtors, or real estate agents, traditionally help with buying and selling homes, but you need a rental expert. Licensed agents who specialize in leasing do exist and can help (for free, too!), if you know where to look. Read on to learn how realtors can help you find an apartment (hint: you might try searching for “apartment locators” instead).
A Realtor’s Role in Apartment Hunting
It may seem that buyers, not renters, have the upper hand here. They have access to realtors who are more than willing to assess their needs, budget, and desired location, then provide them with a host of potential homes, open house dates, and financing options.
Occasionally, landlords, apartment buildings, or condo associations hire realtors to fill empty slots, and they can serve as a good resource for those looking at lease-to-buy options. However, most realtors facilitate the purchasing and listing of homes, earning a commission off of those sales. They know the buy/sell market in their area really well, especially in big cities where housing markets see high demand. These realtors spend years building up their businesses and typically have plenty of clients eager to buy or sell properties. However, even if finding a home to rent is a top priority for you, it might not be high on the list for a realtor who focuses primarily on home sales.
Plus, unless contracted out by a particular landlord or building, a realtor might charge a fee for their services, and, as you’ll learn below, you can easily obtain help with your search for free.
Related: Flaws of the Rental Industry
AptAmigo’s Role in Apartment Hunting
But, renters shouldn’t count themselves out just yet. In truth, apartment hunting is a different beast entirely. The turnaround on empty units happens fast, and while paperwork is relatively minimal compared to that needed when buying a home, it is crucial to have your ducks in a row when you begin your apartment search. So, how can you begin to scour pages of apartment search sites, schedule and attend tours, and sign a lease when you’re in the middle of packing up your U-Haul and starting a new job soon? Well, my friend, that’s where we come in!
Instead of spending dozens of hours searching, let AptAmigo‘s Apartment Locators help you secure your next place. Our #1 goal is to remove all the stress associated with apartment hunting. You give us a brief rundown of what you’re looking for, and we’ll send you a list of places that fit your preferences and budget. After you approve your list of favorites, we’ll set up the tours and then accompany you, taking notes and ensuring that your needs are met. Can’t make it to the tour for any reason? No problem. Your friendly AptAmigo agent will tour in your place and send narrated videos and notes (learn all about how virtual tours work).
It really is that simple. And, the best part? Our service is completely free to you, the renter. So, contact us today, and we’ll help you get started on your next adventure.
Up Next: What to Expect on Your Apartment Tour Day
* The original version of this article was first published on April 17, 2019.
