6 Reasons Hiring a Brooklyn Real Estate Agent Benefits Renters
The Brooklyn rental market is as competitive as they come, and finding a home can be challenging, stressful and time consuming. When you do find one you like, you may feel pressured to act fast knowing there’s someone else eyeing the same opportunity.
Our Park Slope-based agents have spent decades helping Brooklyn clients and now we’re here to share six reasons why having a rental real estate broker in your corner to guide you and answer your questions will benefit you.
1. Align Expectations
A Brooklyn rental agent will find out exactly what you’re looking for in a home, where you’d like to live and what your budget and time frame are. Since agents are familiar with rental prices, types of homes available and intricacies of all the local neighborhoods, they’ll be able to guide you towards a successful plan of action.
2. Help Finding Listings
Real estate agents have access to a wide plethora of Brooklyn rental listings. They also know a lot of other local agents and may be privy to listings before they hit the market via word of mouth or broker previews. Once you tell them what you’re looking for, they’ll do some searching—and ask around—then identify properties that are a good match for you. They’ll be able to tell you what’s priced well and what isn’t, what the best or worst features are about a property and how to secure it.
3. Recommend Alternatives
If only a limited number of available rental properties show up within your search parameters, a savvy Brooklyn rental agent can suggest alternatives such as similar neighborhoods within your price range, amenity-rich buildings that offer an alternative to in-home amenities, or perhaps homes near a park versus homes with dedicated outdoor space.
4. Scheduling Appointments & Help with Showings
Scheduling appointments can be a headache, especially if a landlord needs to cancel or reschedule. When you hire a rental agent, they’ll do the scheduling for you and accompany you to showings to guide and answer any questions you might have.
5. Assistance with Preparing Your Application
Do you already know what you need for your Brooklyn rental application, and do you have it all prepared in case you find a home to rent today? Do you know why someone would need a guarantor? Or what a guarantor is? Do you know the difference between a co-op, condo and cond-op? A real estate agent will ensure you’re fully prepared and that you have your photo ID, employment verification letter, pay stubs, tax return, bank statements, landlord reference letter and all other materials ready to go. And once you apply, they’ll advise you on credit check fees, deposits and all other post-application processes.
6. Negotiating and Signing a Lease
When possible, a Brooklyn real estate agent will negotiate rental terms on your behalf, such as price, deposit, start date and lease length. Your real estate agent will walk you through the lease-signing process so you know exactly what you need—such as a certified check for the first month’s rent, a security deposit and all other move-in fees. They’ll help you understand the standard riders and disclosures that accompany NYC leases. And a good agent will also provide you with a moving checklist to help you stay organized during this stressful time.
Check out our handy guide pages for more information on how you can benefit from hiring a rental real estate broker when renting. Thinking about buying instead? See how our team of Park Slope-based real estate agents can benefit Brooklyn homebuyers.
Before you begin your Brooklyn home search, learn about our talented team. And if you have any questions, would like to discuss your options or if you’re ready to make your move, do contact us today.
