Are you looking for a place to rent? Relax, I can help! Look below for my answers to the most frequently asked questions that I receive from renters. Q) How far ahead of time should I start my home search for a rental? My Answer: 6 weeks ahead of your preferred move-in date. Most homes you see advertised looking for tenants, are available for an immediate move-in. Owners do not like to consider rental applications that are asking to move in more than 4 weeks ahead of time. Why? That is rent that the owner must cover. So, they want someone in there ASAP. Q) How much are application fees and what is that money really used for? My Answer: Application fees range from $35 to $50 and sometimes that is per person and sometimes that is per couple. The application fees are used for different things such as pulling your credit score, checking for a history of foreclosures and evictions, and running a criminal background check. These reports cost actual money to acquire, the rest of the application fee is used for the time it takes for the owner or owner's property management firm to call your referrals, verify your rental history, and check your current work status. Q) What will I need to give the landlord with my application? My Answer: Usually you will need to give your most current pay stub. You and everyone that rents with you over the age of 18 most prove you make more than 3 times the monthly rent. You will also be asked for the contact information of the most recent properties you have rented from in the past 2 years, and of course, will need to submit proof of ID. Every landlord will require something a bit different. Q) How can you help me find a place to rent? My Answer: I have access to ALL the homes that are currently listed on Austin's one and only multiple listing service used by Realtors and Apartment Locators in Austin and surrounding areas (Round Rock, Pflugerville, Buda, Kyle, etc). I can not only send you a list of all the homes that are available, but with property details (square footage, year built, amenities, etc) but with pictures and detailed directions as well. In addition to that, is the convenience factor. You do not have to call each yard sign you see, then wait for a call back from the current tenants to their agent so you know when a good time to see the property is, I do all that! I have a key that opens every home that is on market; it's an electronic Realtor's key. So, you want to see 3 different homes this weekend out of the 10 I emailed you, I will then call all the owners, all tenants, set us up back to back appointments, and will have keys to all of them. It's quite nice! Q) How much are your services? My Answer: FREE! Q) No really....how much are your services? Nothing is really free! My Answer: My services are really free....to YOU anyway! My locating fee (which generally ranges from $150-$300 depending on how expensive the property rents for) is paid for by the home owner. Every month a home owner, or investor, does not have a tenant, that is money out of their pocket. So, they list their home in the multiple listing service with a set fee, and whoever can bring that property a tenant, is paid that fee by the landlord on behalf of the home owner. (Any rentals that I lease with a monthly rent of $1,500/month or more, I give a special leasing gift to! Not renting over $1,500/month but want a goodie? I also gift anyone who refers their friend/co-worker/sister to me and they end up buying/selling/or signing a lease. So if you know someone that needs my services, let me know! )
OK, are you ready to start the search for your next home to lease? Email TaylorShults@gmail.com, call (512)667-4738, or simply fill out the form in the "Contact Me" page of this website. Be sure to include your name, contact number, and preferred email to receive the list of properties and the following: - Number of bedrooms/bathrooms you want
- Area of Austin (North, South, Central? You can be as specific (78704) or as broad (Round Rock) as you want!)
- Maximum monthly rent (you will get properties back from me up to and under this number)
- Special amenities you would like (fenced backyard, pool, washer/dryer in the unit, near a bus route, etc)
- Be sure to let me know if you have pets
You will receive an email from me within 24 hours with a link that will take you to a private view with your name on it and a list of properties, along with pictures, details, and directions. Feel free to email back the addresses of any of the homes you like, and when a good time to view them is, and I will set the appointment up for us. Looking forward to hearing from you! --
Taylor Shults, REALTOR®
One City Properties
Cell 512.667.4738
Fax 512.394.5398 |