5 Tips for Renters in a Competitive Market

• Do your research! Look up school districts, view all photos, walk down with street view on google maps, do a sex offender search. Read our blog here for more tips and websites to do research. If there is a real deal breaker, know about it in advance and don't waste everyone's time. Remember, a lot of the homes on the market are occupied so an appointment has to be arranged with a property manager and a current resident! 

• Don't be so picky. I know, you want a fabulous house for as little as possible, we all do! With low availability, you can't be picky about 
  • Not all homes are brand new or just remodeled. If that's what you require, you will have a harder time finding a place and will have to act fast.
  • Sure, East Hill is a great place to live but with only 5 rentals available in the area and a median price of $1,000 per month, it's nearly impossible to find a 3 bedroom 2 bath affordable rental in the area. Downtown is similar with very few available and the majority being smaller, older homes in outlying areas of Downtown. 
  • Gulf Breeze schools are among the highest rated; that's why there's less than 20 properties for rent in the area with only four rentals in Gulf Breeze Proper and nothing available on Pensacola Beach. The average rental rate in Gulf Breeze is currently $1,700. 
  • As we approach PCS season, we see limited availability especially nearby the back gate of Naval Air Station. Expand your search area.

• Come prepared!  We see great applicants miss out on homes every day as we are getting multiple applications on the most desirable properties. Be flexible and available for open houses and showings. Be sure you have your deposit ready when you apply. 
  • Have a folder with the following documents ready for when you find the right house! 
    • Driver's license copy for all adults over 18 residing in the property
    • Pay stubs or income verification for at least one month. Have all forms of income available and documented for each adult.
    • Photos of any pets you may have
    • Previous landlord information including phone and email address. Better yet, ask your current landlord for a letter of recommendation stating your rental rate, dates of residency, and contact information.

• Be weary of scams.  Unfortunately, people like to take advantage of others when inventory is low. Never send your personal information via email or send money overseas without verifying. Craigslist scams are common and scammers are smart about their scams. They even create email addresses to mirror the actual owners name. This happens all the time so please be careful when leasing from owner, especially from out of state. 

• Consider Purchasing.  In 2011,the average rental rate was $960 per month. The average Pensacola rental is now over $120 more expensive per month representing a 13% increase in rents over the last four years. Interest rates are low. Talk to us about your options to own your own home! Unsure about whether you have the funds required to purchase? Look into first time home buyer bond and grant programs. If you want more information, contact our office or email me here.

​originally posted 03-01-2016