7 Steps to Rent a House

Step 1

Looking for houses, of course is the 1st step. Try and keep record of each house that you visited, what you liked, what you did not like, The asking rent, Bedrooms, Bathrooms, special features and any reference point to remember that house. It is always a good idea to have an A, B & C category for your own convenience, as you will look at more and more houses, it will all start to get a little confusing and at that point these categories will help.

Step 2

Making an offer is the second step. Once you like a house, ask your real estate agent to make a realistic offer on the property in terms of rent. Be fair with your offer and have a negotiation plan ready.

Step 3

Negotiating an offer is where it will greatly depend on the real estate agent to show his skills in order to get you a well rounded contract where all your important requirements are met. Choosing a good real estate agent is very important aspect of smooth transaction.

Step 4

Once general conditions of contract have been agreed on then Biana/ Earnest Money is given to the Landlord to hold the house so that all little details about the transaction and the contract are agreed on. Usually if there is a disagreement at this point, early in the negotiations then usually Biana/ Earnest money is refunded back to the potential tenants but this does differ case to case so be sensible with your moves. Having a good real estate agent at this point will be a great support.

Step 5

The finer details of the contract are the next step. Finalizing and agreement on all clauses and signing of contract by both parties will conclude first part of this step.

Moreover finalizing the details of any work that has been agreed to be done by the Landlord is the other important aspect of this stage.

Step 6

Closing walk through on the closing day or in some cases few days before closing day is the next step. It is wise to have ample time to check all the things thoroughly which were on the list to be fixed.

Step 7

House Keys with the procession of the house and money exchanges hands at this point. Electric and Gas meter reading is verified along with Inventory verification.

Commission for real estate agent is paid promptly at this point.