How REALTORs® can help you find your perfect rental home fast

Finding your next rental property can be challenging, especially if you live in a market with low availability. Researching options can be time-consuming and slow, which is why many people turn to REALTORs® for help. Can REALTORs® help find rentals? They have the skills and expertise to find your next home fast.

It’s also important to understand the distinction between a REALTOR® and a real estate agent. Both can help you find a rental, but they have differences in their access to resources, which could make a difference in your rental search.

What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®?

Understanding what distinguishes a real estate agent from a REALTOR® ensures you’re more informed about which best suits your needs.

Real estate agents

A real estate agent does much more than just send you relevant listings and show apartments. They have many responsibilities that make rental transactions streamlined and easy:

• Required education: Real estate agents must pass a state-specific exam after 100+ hours of approved real estate coursework. Once they earn their license, they need to take additional classes to renew it every few years.
• Fiduciary responsibility: Real estate agents have a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interests of their clients. This includes disclosing all relevant information about a property and being completely transparent throughout the leasing process.
• Real estate market trends expertise: Real estate agents watch market trends and neighborhood dynamics to guide you toward properties that align with your preferences and budget. Given their familiarity with market trends, real estate agents can also negotiate favorable lease terms and navigate any challenges that may arise during the rental process.
• Understanding relevant laws and regulations: Agents prioritize staying updated on local and federal laws to provide accurate information for renters regarding their rights. This knowledge allows agents to support you through the leasing process, ensuring compliance with fair housing laws, lease agreements, and other legal requirements.
• Marketing properties: As part of their responsibilities, agents promote rental properties by creating compelling property listings with detailed descriptions, high-quality photos, and virtual tours to showcase the features of the rental. In addition to building their own personal brand, marketing properties enable them to grow their clientele.
• Scheduling showings: Real estate agents coordinate with property owners or landlords and prospective tenants for showings to accommodate all parties.
• Negotiating contracts: Real estate agents handle contract negotiations involving everything from assisting in drafting lease agreements, negotiating terms, and addressing any concerns or conditions related to the rental property.
• Building and maintaining a client base: Agents continuously seek and build new client relationships to power their business. They engage in networking events, marketing their successes, and prioritizing client satisfaction.

REALTOR®

While real estate agents and REALTORs® share many of the same responsibilities listed above, REALTORs® bring additional resources to the table that real estate agents can’t access, including:

• National Association of REALTORs® (NAR) membership: NAR is one of the largest trade associations, providing resources, education, and support services for real estate agents and brokers. Those who become members pledge to uphold NAR's Code of Ethics, which often exceeds those required by law. When you work with a REALTOR®, they’re committed to a higher standard of professional conduct and responsibilities.
• Trademarked title: You may have noticed that the term REALTOR® always has the capital R or is in all caps. Only NAR members who adhere to its Code of Ethics and meet certain criteria can use the term "REALTOR®" to describe themselves. Capitalization helps distinguish them from other real estate professionals who have no affiliation with the association. To earn the “REALTOR®” title, members need to:
  • Participate in local and national real estate associations, events, and activities
  • Have no record of pending bankruptcy
  • Be clear of any official sanctions for unprofessional conduct
  • Pay a membership fee
• Access to exclusive resources: As NAR members, REALTORs® have access to information such as market data, educational programs, and industry insights that non-member agents may not have at their disposal. With these resources, REALTORs® will help you find a rental by understanding market dynamics, property values, and relevant regulatory updates.

Why work with a REALTOR® for your rental search

Using a REALTOR® to help find a rental connects you with someone ready to assist in your search. A REALTOR® has the knowledge, credentials, and time to find listings that match your needs. The time savings alone make this a smart decision, but there are many other benefits.

There are many advantages to REALTORs® helping find rentals, including:

• Accessing a larger selection of properties
• Offering insights on different neighborhoods
• Helping you understand the criteria for renting and tenant screening that occurs with the application
• Negotiating a better monthly rate or favorable lease terms
• Explaining a lease’s legal language and requirements

Special circumstances also warrant working with a REALTOR® to find rentals. Competitive markets make them an invaluable resource when inventory is low. If you have unique needs in a property, such as accessibility features, they can find properties that fit these. Also, if you’re relocating to a new city, REALTORs® can give you an overview of neighborhoods and the amenities they have nearby.

Steps to find the right REALTOR® for rentals

Will a REALTOR® help you find a rental? Yes, they have the qualifications, but not all REALTORs® have specialized knowledge in rentals. Take these steps to find the best fit.

Search online platforms: Real estate platforms like Realtor.com, Zillow, or Redfin can help you filter your search based on REALTORs® who work with rentals.

Get referrals: Talk with friends, family, or colleagues about REALTORs® they know and trust.

Visit or contact real estate offices: Real estate offices can offer suggestions for a REALTOR® who specializes in rentals.

Use the NAR website: Visit the official NAR website and use their "Find a REALTOR®" tool. You can specify your criteria, including a focus on rental properties.

Attend local real estate events: These in-person and digital events, seminars, or workshops allow you to meet a REALTOR® face-to-face and discuss your rental needs.

Explore social media platforms: Social media platforms, especially professional networks like LinkedIn, can help you find a REALTOR®.

Ask property managers: If you're in contact with property management companies or landlords, ask for recommendations on a REALTOR® who assists with rental transactions.

Check your local Chambers of Commerce: Your local Chamber of Commerce will have a list of accredited REALTORs®.

Look for online reviews: Read reviews and testimonials to gauge the experiences of others who worked with the REALTOR®.

Interview multiple REALTORs®: Once you have shortlisted potential agents, conduct interviews to discuss their experience with rental properties, approach to the rental search, and any specific services they offer.

Common misconceptions about using a REALTOR® to help find a rental

You may have concerns about REALTORs® helping you find rentals. Let’s clear up any misunderstandings.

REALTORs® only work on home purchases

REALTORs® are in the business of real estate, which includes buying, selling, and renting. Many people think REALTORs® aren’t part of rental transactions, but they play a critical role in helping renters and landlords, working as liaisons to speed up the process of renting.

REALTORs® don’t have access to the entire rental portfolio of a market

REALTORs® have broad access to all rental property listings due to their NAR affiliation. Additionally, REALTORs® will help you find rentals because of their large network of landlords and property managers. They may even have exclusive rights to units. Their expertise and connections give you an advantage.

REALTORs® charge huge fees for rental searches

A REALTOR® or a real estate agent can charge for services. The amount depends on location, legal regulations, and if they work on rental commission. In some cases, the landlord pays a REALTOR® to help them find tenants. If you hire the agent, you may be responsible for this, or the fee could be split between you and the landlord.

These fees can equal one month’s rent or a percentage of the annual rent. While interviewing prospective rental REALTORs®, ask about fees. While you can negotiate the commission fee, it’s helpful to research the average commission rates in your area for context.

REALTORs® are only necessary in competitive markets

If you’re in an area with high rental demand but low supply, a REALTOR® can navigate these challenges swiftly. However, their knowledge is helpful no matter the market conditions. They have insights into neighborhoods that others don’t. Plus, they guide you through the rental application process and the subsequent background checks.

How to maximize your experience working with a REALTOR®

Since time is of the essence in finding a new rental home fast, you’ll want to leverage a REALTOR’s® abilities and skills. Once you choose a REALTOR®, you can do things to maximize the experience.

• Advise of your budget for the property.
• Define all criteria for the property, including location, type, space needed, amenities, and more.
• Have the REALTOR® explain the process of getting approved and how long it will take so you can plan accordingly.
• Discuss any concessions you’re willing to make in a tight market.
• Disclose any concerns about rental or criminal history that could cause a landlord to reject your application.
• Set expectations about communication and scheduling from the start.

How to decide if you should work with a REALTOR® to help find a rental

If you’re on the fence working with a REALTOR® or looking on your own, here are a few questions to ask yourself.

Do I have time to conduct a thorough search?

Consider your schedule and whether you have the time to search for rentals independently. A REALTOR® can streamline the process if you aren’t prepared to commit hours to the search.

How familiar am I with the local rental market?

If you're not familiar with the local rental market, a REALTOR’s® expertise can be invaluable in providing insights into neighborhoods, prices, and available properties.

Can I negotiate lease agreements?

Negotiating terms with landlords or property managers can be challenging. If you're uncomfortable or experienced in negotiation, a REALTOR® can handle this aspect for you.

Am I willing to pay REALTOR® fees?

Consider your budget and whether you can afford any potential fees associated with working with a REALTOR®.

Do I want access to exclusive listings?

Some REALTORs® have access to exclusive listings. If you want access to a broader range of options, it’s worth working with a REALTOR®.

Take the next step with RentSpree

REALTORs® can help you find rentals. They offer expertise, support, and insight. Working with one takes the burden off your plate to find your next home quickly.

Once you've found your next home, it's time to get your application in order. If you're ready to apply to the home of your dreams, consider using RentSpree and our easy online rental application to get started. Apply now.

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