Making your Application Stand Out

You’ve finally found your dream rental home and desperately want to make it yours. Time is ticking and you really need to move. How can you prepare your application to give it the best chance of getting across the line? Well, to answer this, we need to put ourselves in the minds of property managers and landlords to understand what they are looking for and how they think.

Here are some things a property manager looks for when assessing a tenant’s rental application:

• Identification and support for this

• A rental reference to verify things like:

  • Is any rent still owed?

  • Was there a history of late payments?

  • Did they leave any major property damage?

  • Were there any recorded issues with neighbours or police?

  • Did they get their bond back?

  • Would you rent to them again?

• Reference checks: personal, professional and rental

• Proof of employment

• Proof of income that comfortably allows the rent to be paid

• Tenancy database checks to ensure that the tenant hasn’t been black-listed

Red flags to a property manager / landlord

It’s easy to rent a home to a tenant, but ever so hard to evict a tenant once the lease has been signed. Tenancy laws are very much on the tenant’s side which is great for a tenant with a lease, but the situation makes landlords and property managers very cautious about whom they rent to. The sorts of red flags are things like:

• Tenants without references

• Tenants with unstable employment

• Tenants with a history of breaking their leases

• Tenants who have been black-listed

• Tenants who are seeking to rent a home that may seem inappropriate for their needs (eg 1 person in 5-bedroom house; 3 adults in a one-bedroom unit)

• Gaps in rental history including missing names and contact details for previous landlords

• Reluctance to provide proof of income or identification.

Melissa Maimann is a licensed real estate agent, buyer's agent and rental search / relocation agent in Sydney. She saves renters valuable time and frustration offering an affordable service that finds and secures the best rental properties quickly, easily and effortlessly. If you need a Licensed Real Estate Agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.

Renters Agents: Representing and Advocating for Tenants

A licensed real estate agent is able to represent landlords, vendors, buyers and of course tenants. It’s a little-known fact! But what exactly does a tenant’s agent do?

Renter’s Agents Represent Tenants

In my work, I predominantly find rental homes for tenants. I use my experience, knowledge and skill to locate, research, evaluate, inspect and secure homes on behalf of my clients. But there is so much more, too.

In different times, I have been called on to help my clients with many other queries. Things such as:

• Am I now paying too much rent?

• How can I negotiate the rent with my property manager / landlord?

• Should I move or stay?

• I believe my rent increase is excessive. What can I do?

• My landlord has said I can only have a rent reduction if I agree to undertake all ongoing property repairs. Is that legal?

Right up to representing my clients in their negotiations with property managers and even extending to representation at tribunal if necessary.

Renting is a daunting process. Many assume that renters don’t know their rights, don’t want to make a fuss, fear retaliatory eviction or retaliatory rent increases. Renters can fear:

• If I ask for certain repairs / maintenance to be carried out, they’ll increase my rent when I renew my lease

• If I don’t agree to this rent increase, they’ll terminate my lease, even though I’m pretty sure the rent they’re asking me to pay is too high

• Saying no to routine inspections requested with less than seven days’ notice

• Amounts taken from their bond if the home was not professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy even when pets were not kept at the property

• Making complaints for fear of their lease not being renewed

The Residential Tenancy Act fairly balances a tenant’s rights and responsibilities with a landlord’s rights and responsibilities, and the Fair Trading website clearly articulates each side’s rights and obligations. Tenants’ rights are protected by law and renters usually have nothing to fear.

Melissa Maimann is a licensed real estate agent, buyer's agent and rental search / relocation agent in Sydney. She saves renters valuable time and frustration offering an affordable service that finds and secures the best rental properties quickly, easily and effortlessly. If you need a Licensed Real Estate Agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.

A boilermaker and a renter's agent?

I heard an (old) story recently that re-emphasises the importance of experience, skill, creativity, and know-how. The intent of this story is to show that experience, skill, creativity, and know-how are more important than a title. You can have a hundred titles, but you must be able to apply what you know.

“There is an old story of a boilermaker who was hired to fix a huge steamship boiler system that was not working well. After listening to the engineer’s description of the problems and asking a few questions, he went to the boiler room. He looked at the maze of twisting pipes, listened to the thump of the boiler and the hiss of the escaping steam for a few minutes, and felt some pipes with his hands. Then he hummed softly to himself, reached into his overalls and took out a small hammer, and tapped a bright red valve one time. Immediately, the entire system began working perfectly, and the boilermaker went home.

When the steamship owner received a bill for one thousand dollars, he became outraged and complained that the boilermaker had only been in the engine room for fifteen minutes and requested an itemized bill. So the boilermaker sent him a bill that reads as follows:

For tapping the valve: $50
For knowing where to tap: $999.50
TOTAL: $1,000.00”

At the end of the day, education will most likely help you to find-a-job, while education combined with experience and skill will enable you to define your future.

Point-to-remember: many renters can and do “tap the valve”, but only a skilled and experienced renter’s agent knows precisely where to tap and why.

If your rental search needs a skilled agent to help you find your ideal home quickly and effortlessly, Find My Rental Property is here to help you.

Melissa Maimann is a licensed real estate agent, buyer's agent and rental search / relocation agent in Sydney. She saves renters valuable time and frustration offering an affordable service that finds and secures the best rental properties quickly, easily and effortlessly. If you need a Licensed Real Estate Agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.

How to get your Bond Back

Tenants in NSW generally pay the equivalent of four weeks of rent as a bond on their rental home. The bond is returned to the tenant in full at the end of the lease …. but only if a few key things happen.

The key thing is that the home needs to be left in the same condition that it was in when you moved in, fair wear and tear excepted.

Fair Wear and Tear

When you live in a home for many years, over time there is wear and tear: the carpets may become worn, the paint may need touching-up, cupboard door hinges may become loose and so on. These sorts of things are expected and anticipated over time. However, this is different to things such as burn marks or stains on the carpet, dents in the walls and damaged light fittings.

Cleaning Cleaning: how to clean your rental home and get your bond back

It’s important to thoroughly clean the home before you return the keys. Some tenants choose professional cleaners for this, but you can also choose to clean the home yourself. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathroom. The gardens need to be neat as well, the carpet vacuumed and the windows cleaned inside.

Removing your Items

Also important is removing your items and belongings. Check cupboards, draws, the shed, storage under the stairs / in the attic etc and remove everything that is yours.

Your condition report is key

At the start of a tenancy, the owner / property manager and tenant complete a condition report. This important document records the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy, and it is this document that the property manager / owner will refer to when they consider the condition of the property at the end of the lease. It is important to ensure as far as possible that the condition you are leaving the property in matches the condition that the home was in at the start of the lease. In NSW, the law states that a rental property should be returned “reasonably clean”.

What about pets?

If you had pets residing in your home, the property manager / landlord can ask for additional cleaning to be done before you vacate such as having the carpet professionally cleaned.

Why didn’t I get my bond back?

There are some common reasons for property managers retaining part or all of the bond. These include:

• The tenant owes rent

• The tenant has not removed their items and so bond is being taken to pay for their removal

• The garden has been left in an overgrown state and so bond money is being taken to pay for a gardener

• The property was not left clean and so the bond is being used to cover the cost of professional cleaners

• There were repairs needed that are not considered fair wear and tear

• The property has been damaged and it is not considered fair wear and tear

• Unpaid utility bills such as water, if the tenant was required to pay for water

• The tenant is breaking the lease

• The tenant hasn’t handed back all copies of the keys that were provided

It’s always advisable to do all that you can and need to do to get your full bond back. Claims against your bond must be disclosed in future rental applications, so a claim against your bond may impact your ability to secure a rental home in the future.

Melissa Maimann is a licensed real estate agent, buyer's agent and rental search / relocation agent in Sydney. She saves tenants time and frustration offering an affordable service that finds and secures the best rental properties quickly, easily and efficiently. If you need a Licensed Real Estate Agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.

Moving to Save on Rent?

The Sydney rental market in Sydney has come down considerably in some areas

The Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore and Inner West have fallen between 5% and 15% over the last year. For example, there is this two-bedroom unit in Bellevue Hill that is on the market for $545pw. It is currently reduced to $400pw for the first eight weeks. This home previously rented for $650pw and has now been on the market for two months.

The fall in rents across Sydney’s most desirable areas has created enormous opportunity for people to relocate to secure a better home, move to a more desirable area for the first time, move out of home, move in with friends, or pursue cheaper rent.

Melissa Maimann is a licensed real estate agent, buyer's agent and rental search / relocation agent in Sydney. She saves tenants time and frustration offering an affordable service that finds and secures the best rental properties quickly, easily and efficiently. If you need a Licensed Real Estate Agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.

Sydney Rents have Come Down

Sydney rents have come down over the COVID-19 period. For many renters, this is excellent news as it offers opportunities to negotiate a rent reduction, or else to move to a more affordable home or a home that offers better value for working from home conditions.

However, moving can be costly, and so before planning a move, it’s wise to be sure that the rents have actually come down in the area you’re planning to move to.

The Sydney areas where rents have fallen the most are:

• Eastern Suburbs

• Sydney CBD

• Canterbury / Bankstown

• Inner West

• Lower North Shore

• North West

• Upper North Shore

However, the rents have possibly not fallen by the levels that some renters think they have fallen. In some areas, rents have only come down by 2% or 3%. In other areas, they have fallen by as much as 10%. Putting numbers to this, it means that if a home previously rented for $800 per week, depending on the area, it may now be listed for $720 - $785. That is still a great opportunity, however if the reduction is closer to 2% or 3%, the cost of packing and moving needs to be weighed against the low saving in rent. It might be better to negotiate a rent reduction with your landlord than to move.

Melissa Maimann  is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Buyer's Agent and Rental Search / Relocation Agent in Sydney. Melissa saves tenants time and frustration by finding and securing the best properties quickly, easily and efficiently.  If you’re aghast at the thought of finding a rental home and need a skilled agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.

Sydney Rents are Coming Down ... or are they?

Opportunities to find cheaper homes to rent in Sydney

We’re hearing a lot of talk about rents coming down in Sydney, and this is prompting people to either seek rent reductions from their landlords, or else move:

• To a more expensive area that may now be affordable

• To a larger home for the same rent

• Out of home for the first time

• In with friends for the first time

• To live alone for the first time

and so on.

But is it true?

Yes, rents are coming down in some parts of Sydney

Sydney is really made up of many different markets. It is not one market. So we can’t really generalise and say that rents are coming down in all of Sydney - because they aren’t. Some areas have fallen a lot, whereas other areas have only fallen a little.

Vacancy rates have increased in areas that used to have:

• Backpackers

• AirBNB / short-term let homes

• University students (particularly overseas students)

• People from industries that have been most impacted by COVID: hospitality, arts etc

• High-end properties that are no longer affordable

• CBD locations where people may fly in and fly out for work

In areas that are least affected by the above factors, rental vacancy rates are actually fairly stable - they have risen slightly, but not by the 15%+ that we are seeing in other parts of Sydney

In many parts of Sydney, rents have come down by measures of between 5% and 15%. Other areas have not seen a change at all.

Is it a good time to move and take advantage of lower rents?

Possibly, yes.

Things to factor in:

• The cost of moving

• The cost of breaking your lease, if applicable

For many people, it’s a great time to move to a completely different area, perhaps:

• Closer to the city / beaches

• Further out in a larger home

• Closer to work

• Further from work (if you’re WFM) where you can enjoy a better standard / quality of housing

I have noticed a dramatic increase in enquiries from people who would like to move, but are unsure where in Sydney to move to that will give a better quality of life for the same or cheaper rent. If you’re thinking through options, get in touch and I’d love to help you.

The COVID Sydney Rental Market - What's Really Happening

Renting in Sydney during COVID-19

It’s been almost three months since the start of our COVID-19 restrictions. What’s been happening within the Sydney rental market? It’s been a busy time for some, a quiet time for others, a confusing time for most, a tenant’s market (yay! Finally), a landlord’s nightmare, a trying time for property managers and all-in-all, a very different and changed landscape within which to rent and be a tenant, and to own and be a landlord.

Sydney Rental vacancy rates

In many areas of Sydney, rental vacancy rates are at an all-time high. Areas such as Sydney City (postcode 2000), parts of the Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, Lower North Shore and Inner West. But, not all areas are seeing high vacancy rates. So what is accounting for the differences?

A major factor is that COVID-19 restrictions have meant that AirBNB cannot continue at the moment. While for years, we have seen a removal of long-term rentals from the market in favour of short-term AirBNB, we’re now seeing a sudden influx of AirBNB properties back in the long-term rental market. It’s easier than ever to get a furnished home and a short-lease of 3-6 months, whereas previously it was difficult to get furnished homes and a 12-month lease was standard. The withdrawal of AirBNB properties has had a significant impact on the number of homes on the long-term rental property market. But only in areas that had a lot of AirBNB properties.

Tenants are Moving - But Where To?

There is a considerable amount of movement with tenants. Lots of things are going on in this space:

1. Younger people, perhaps casually employed for < 1 year may have lost their jobs. They’re moving back in with parents.

2. Families are learning that they can rent a bigger or better home for the rent that they’re currently paying - so they’re upgrading for the same rent.

3. Kids who currently live at home are taking advantage of lower rents and are moving out of home for the first time, perhaps renting a home with friends

4. People who lived further out of the city are seeing rents come down closer to the city (remember, these used to be AirBNB areas and are now flooded with ex-AirBNB properties; vacancies are high; rents have come down) - so those people are seeing an opportunity to finally live closer to the city in an affordable home

5. Tenants are seeing rents come down, approaching their agents / landlords for a rent reduction to bring the rent back in line with the market - and if their requests are declined, they’re voting with their feet, sometimes moving very close by, and saving lots of rent

6. People who chose to live closer to the city to minimise their commute time are now working from home for the foreseeable future - those people are moving further out where they can get better value for their money, or even save money

7. Tenants who lived in share housing are now able to afford to live alone as rents have come down

How is all of this Impacting Sydney Rental Stock Levels?

I have seen a tremendous increase in Sydney rental stock. In other words, there is so much more on the market now, than what was previously on the market. It makes sense as the rental vacancy rate is high, but it is also a factor of the significant movement of tenants that has been brought on by COVID-19: each time a tenant moves, a vacancy is created and / or a home is leased.

Getting a Great Rental Home in COVID

It’s still the case that the great homes are leasing quickly - often within 1-3 days of coming on the market. Not-so-great homes are still lingering, and homes that are priced too high are also lingering. In general, I am finding that the advertised rents have come down enormously. What was previously $750 per week is now advertised at $650 per week; what was previously $950 per week is now advertised at $800 per week. The reduction has often already been factored into the asking rent, so there may not be the opportunity to negotiate rent quite so much on those sorts of homes. However, it’s always worth asking the question for the home that you love.

Melissa Maimann is a licensed real estate agent, buyer's agent and rental search / relocation agent in Sydney. She saves tenants time and frustration offering an affordable service that finds and secures the best rental properties quickly, easily and efficiently. If you need a Licenced Real Estate Agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.

Renting during separation and divorce

Simon found himself in a most difficult stage of his life, going through a separation. He had lived with his wife in their owner-occupied home for 10 years. This would be his first time renting in a very long time. Simon had two pre-school aged children and an eight-year-old daughter. He had a demanding full-time job which often required him to work over-time and on-call. Finding the time to make it to inspections and be aware of what was on the market was proving difficult for him, and he found that homes often leased at the first open home. He engaged Find My Rental Property to find his home.

Here is what Simon needed in his home:

• Home to be located within the school catchment for his children

• Modern / renovated home

• Built-ins to all bedrooms

• Home to have a bath - preferable separate from the shower

• Off-street parking for one car, preferably with internal access and storage in the garage

• A garden at least 30sqm in size

• An open-plan living area

• A dishwasher

• Walking distance to shops

• Not on a main road

• With air conditioning

• Preferable a North aspect

• Pet-friendly for the cat

Following a week of intense property research, I was able to locate three homes that met Simon’s requirements.

Super happy and excited, the lease start date was negotiated to work in with when Simon needed to be out of his current home, and his children were delighted to find that they had school friends in the same street. The current owners had a pet cat and had already installed a cat door, as if this home was made for Simon and his children.

Melissa Maimann  is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Buyer's Agent and Rental Search / Relocation Agent in Sydney. Melissa saves tenants time and frustration through an affordable service that finds and secures the best properties quickly, easily and efficiently.  If you’re aghast at the thought of finding a rental home and need a skilled agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.

Believing what you see

Online rental property ads. We all think (hope??) the home will be as it appears online. But all is usually not what it seems. Take this home below. The images look quite nice:

However, my research was able to reveal that these images were actually taken in 2008. Yes, 2008. They are 12 years old. What you are seeing is actually how the property looked 12 years ago. In that time, there have been no renovations, it has had 9 lots of tenants and has even sold! The rent has not increased since 2012, indicating a home that has not been improved or perhaps even maintained in that time.

Another example: this home looks nice, or so we think:

What’s missing? There is no image of the bathroom. Oh, and you might also like to know that those images from the online ad are from 2009 … meaning that is what it looked like … back then, before it had 3 lots of tenants in and out. What is the bathroom like? Unlike the kitchen and living room that look lovely, the bathroom looks mouldy, is dark and doesn’t present quite as well:

Given that my clients were seeking a new, clean and bright bathroom, I was able to safely rule this home out - a home that otherwise would have been inspected. My clients were saved an unnecessary trip out to see a property only to be disappointed, and we were able to focus our time on finding the right home.

If you’d like to “cut to the chase” and inspect qualified homes - ones that actually meet your needs, Find My Rental Property is here to help. Melissa Maimann  is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Buyer's Agent and Rental Search / Relocation Agent in Sydney. Melissa saves tenants time and frustration through an affordable service that finds and secures the best properties quickly, easily and efficiently.  If you’re aghast at the thought of finding a rental home and need a skilled agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.

Renting ... when all is not what it seems

We’ve all done it. Turned up to an inspection that looked “ok” or even “great”, only to find it it had major issues.

Here is one such rental home in Sydney. This is the living room per the online image:

This is what my inspection revealed in the corner near the curtains:

Here is the kitchen:

But a closer look at the walls reveals lots of water stains:

The main bedroom:

Let’s take a look inside those built-ins …

We’re probably reluctant to place our clothes in there!

A few other pics ….

All is really not what is seems in online images that would-be renters rely on. Through my service, my clients save valuable time. My clients did not need to travel 30 mins each way to inspect this home, only to find that it was in this state. Instead, they could review my report from the comfort of their home and conclude that it is not for them.

Melissa Maimann  is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Buyer's Agent and Rental Search / Relocation Agent in Sydney. Melissa saves tenants time and frustration through an affordable service that finds and secures the best properties quickly, easily and efficiently.  If you’re aghast at the thought of finding a rental home and need a skilled agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.

Suburbs we Love: Crows Nest

there’s lots to love about crows nest!

Nestled in the Lower North Shore is a fantastic suburb called Crows Nest. Its residents are mainly single, professionally-employed and families. It has a great selection of restaurants and cafes, nice tree-lined streets to walk through and is close to the City.

The homes in Crows Nest are predominantly apartment blocks with some older houses. Housing styles range from Art Deco to 1960s and through to new developments. You’re sure to find what you’re after!

Less than 10km from the city, it offers good public transport options, is close to schools, parks and hospitals. It’s not too far from the Northern Beaches and Eastern Suburbs where we have some great beaches and walks, universities and the airport. A very central location, affordable and all up, a great place to live!

Melissa Maimann  is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Buyer's Agent and Rental Search / Relocation Agent in Sydney. Melissa saves tenants time and frustration through an affordable service that finds and secures the best properties quickly, easily and efficiently.  If you’re aghast at the thought of finding a rental home and need a skilled agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.

The Bad Rental History Check

What makes a Strong Rental Application?

Here are some of the things that will help to move your application to the top of a property manager’s list:

All required documents are provided - they are legible, current and consistent

Referees are available to be contacted for references - and they’re located in Australia

You have provided at least two forms of proof of income

You have provided at least 100 points of identification

You can demonstrate some stability - in work or in your living situation

You can demonstrate an ability to pay the rent - now and in the future - and look after the home

Conversely, there’s a few “red flags” that may cause concern for a property manager:

Less than a year in your current job, or being on probation

New business

Pets without a reference

A poor rental reference for the renter

Income / bank statements that do not support the rent sought to be paid

Previous damage to a property

Amounts deducted from a previous bond, say to cover unpaid rent or damage to the property

Being black-listed in the past

We can help you rent a home

At Find My Rental property, w understand that nobody is perfect and we help all renters, whatever their circumstances. We ask that you be honest and up-front with us, and we’ll do our very best to present your application in the most favourable light. There is no situation we have not encountered, and we’ll always know the best possible way forward in whatever situation you face.

Melissa Maimann  is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Buyer's Agent and Rental Search / Relocation Agent in Sydney. Melissa saves tenants time and frustration through an affordable service that finds and secures the best properties quickly, easily and efficiently.  If you’re aghast at the thought of finding a rental home and need a skilled agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.

Gems of Information my Clients can Discover about their Next Rental Home

If you’re wondering what sort of valuable information my clients access through my service that really help make great rental decisions, here’s some of the things I can let them know:

• Is it currently for sale? Nobody wants to rent a place only to have to move again at the end of their lease.

• How does the rent compare with the value of the property (rental yield) and with the median rental yield for the suburb? How does it compare with previous rents charged? In other words, might they be over-paying?

• Rental history: what did it previously rent for, how long do the tenants tend to stay? Is it vacant for long periods of time between tenants? Does the rent always need to be discounted so that they can get a tenant? Is the rent able to be increased over time, suggesting that this is a home that the landlords continue to invest in and improve on?

• How often do tenants turnover? Do they tend to only stay for short periods of time suggesting something might be very wrong with the home?

• History of renovations

• How old those online photos really are … you’ll be surprised to learn that some online ads depict images that are 12+ years old. Yes, really.

• The floor plan

• Size and aspect

• Nearby developments / DAs

How is this helpful?

• If you've ever signed your lease only to find out shortly after that the landlord is going to sell;

• If you've ever moved into this freshly-painted unit only to find after a couple of weeks your belongings are covered in mould;

• If you've ever moved in, chatted with your fellow resident tenants and found that you're paying way more rent than them;

• If you've ever moved in and shortly after, returned home one night to see that the house next door has been bulldozed and a new apartment block is to go up in its place;

• If you’ve ever arrived with your removalist and part-way moving in, discover that your fridge, washing machine or furniture won’t fit

Then this information matters to you!

Melissa Maimann is a licensed real estate agent, buyer's agent and rental search / relocation agent in Sydney. She saves tenants time and frustration by offering an affordable service that finds and secures the best rental properties quickly, easily and efficiently. If you need a Licenced Real Estate Agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.

How We Help Renters

Challenge

A busy professional, juggling the demands of parenting and full-time work, Jennifer did not have time to trawl through online listings, liaise with agents and inspect properties in a rental market where properties are leased so quickly. She sought my help to find a rental home so that she could focus on work and family. The brief was to find:

• Inner West location, somewhere quiet, close to restaurants, shops and a local pub

• 2 bedrooms + study or 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms

• Open plan

• Pet-friendly

• With parking, air conditioning, floorboards, built-ins, storage space and a garden or courtyard

• With good separation of living and sleeping spaces

Solution

Within two weeks, I located a stunning home for Jennifer and her family that ticked all the boxes.  Pet-friendly, warm and welcoming, the home has 3 bedrooms and a study, 2 1/2 bathrooms and a lovely outdoor courtyard.  It is a newly renovated townhouse with a secure lock-up garage + additional parking with internal access and and storage.  The location is perfect for Jennifer's needs.  It has lots of clever storage space within the property, an open plan kitchen, lounge and dining room and a floor plan that allows space and privacy.  All rooms have air conditioning.

Feedback

I highly recommend this service.  We were so time-poor and just couldn't fathom how to fit in all the running around associated with finding a new home.  Melissa kept things really simple.  She asked for a very detailed brief and then ran with it.  I really appreciated how she checked back in with me and I could tell we were on the same page very early in the process.  We were just stoked with the property.  There is no way we could have done the detailed walk through of the property that Melissa did in the 15 min window the agent gave us. Thank you so much!!

Melissa Maimann is a licensed real estate agent working exclusively for tenants and property buyers. She saves tenants time and frustration offering an affordable service that finds and secures the best rental properties quickly, easily and efficiently.  If you need a skilled and confident agent to find your next rental home for you, make contact today - we’re on your team.

Moving from Sydney to Sydney? Wondering how a Renter's Agent can help?

Here’s what our clients have to say:

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I was disheartened after spending a day looking at properties that did not match their realestate.com.au listings and many of my coworkers were saying how hard it was to find rental properties in Sydney, so I jumped at the idea of using a specialist agent to save a lot of angst, time and money in the long run. I loved your prompt replies to my questions, no matter how small and mundane they may have been. Your professionalism was an asset I found so helpful. Your insights and understanding of my requirements meant I inspected very few properties. I’m over the moon! It has not been nearly as painful as I expected. Thank you so much. I very much trust and appreciate your guidance.

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Melissa was amazing! She took all of the stress and worry out of finding an apartment. I have rented a few times in Sydney and each time I swore I would never move again, it is such a painful process and is set up for landlords, not tenants. This time, I was recommended to Melissa by my friend who used her service last year. I felt immediate relief that I didn't need to go through the heartache, frustration and challenge of finding my own home. I simply told Melissa what I wanted and didn't want and within a week, she had found me the most perfect home through her contacts. This was a home that wasn't advertised, so I know I couldn't have found this home on my own. Melissa was spot on in her assessment of the homes she sent through to me and I felt like I was in safe and competent hands. Melissa came highly recommended and now I also highly recommend her! Thank you, Melissa!

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The service that Melissa offers was exactly what I needed and then … she delivered! I needed a place quickly and my brief wasn’t easy. Among other things, I needed approval for a dog, without having a dog yet. It was also a stressful time and I had little to no time to look for places. The serviced lived up to everything it claimed. The hassle, headache, and emotion was taken away. Melissa was professional but relaxed, efficient but accurate (to my brief). Every home she pitched I loved and they always hit the brief. And when it came time to apply, it was done quickly - in the end I had a choice to make, which was a position I never thought I’d be in. It’s a great service delivered well, and most importantly, it made a stressful situation easy and, dare I say, enjoyable! I trusted her judgement and I wasn’t let down. I would recommend Melissa to anyone in the same situation. Thank you Melissa!

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I was time poor, uncertain about how the online application process worked as it had been a long time since I last needed to apply for an apartment and I needed an expert to help. I found Melissa’s site online and read the testimonials, and after a short phone call with Melisa, I was convinced that she would be able to find me a great apartment. I would use Melissa’s service again in the future and would recommend her service to other people who are looking to find a home. What I liked the most about Melissa’s service was her positivity, the depth of the reports, Melissa's responsiveness and her unflappable demeanour. The property reports and background checks Melissa undertook were invaluable to me, I was incredibly impressed.

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I was tremendously grateful for Melissa's attention to detail and the exhaustive effort which she put into the search; working until midnight some nights and backing up early the next day - she went above and beyond to supply a first rate service. You’re amazing Melissa, thank you so much! I appreciate your input more than you could know.

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I needed someone who could attend inspections on my behalf as I have a chronic medical condition which means I often have difficulty traveling distances at short notice. I had originally thought I would prefer a more flexible package that just covered the property inspections, but the level of professionalism and thorough attention to detail, along with the sense that Melissa was always there to reassure and offer advice, quickly changed my mind on that. The service offered as a complete package was really excellent. It was everything that was advertised and more. I think what I liked most was Melissa's clear passion for what she does, and her ability to provide a calming, friendly presence both online and over the phone. She was always prepared with advice and help just when it was needed. Finding a new home can be a stressful, time consuming, and difficult process. Melissa's professional, caring approach and her attention to detail, along with her patience and willingness to help out when I needed advice or encouragement were excellent. I really don't think I could have managed this process without her. Thank you so much for everything Melissa!

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Melissa’s offering was clear and priced reasonably. I loved Melissa’s in-depth work completed up front: it allowed for a very productive relationship. Everything that was promised was delivered. I was very very happy with the service. The process is thorough & it allows you to check out multiple properties without leaving the office. More importantly, my need was for a dog friendly property and that was delivered upon. I'm already time-negative so this service was made for someone like me. Now I'm moving into a great place & couldn't be happier!

Melissa Maimann is a licensed real estate agent working exclusively for tenants and property buyers. She saves tenants time and frustration offering an affordable service that finds and secures the best rental properties quickly, easily and efficiently.  If you need a skilled and confident agent to find your next rental home for you, make contact today - we’re on your team.

Renting with a Poor Rental History?

It happens sometimes.

You might need to break a lease - perhaps for a relationship breakup, you lost your job or you’ve decided on a change of scenery.

Or, your lease might have been terminated .. perhaps your property manager discovered your unapproved furred friend, you have received a notice of breach for damage to the property, or there have been complaints from neighbours.

You are not alone.

There are many laws and regulations that tenants must adhere to, they are ever-changing and sometimes seem unfair, impractical or unreasonable. Or sometimes, life happens and you just need to move.

The question is - how do you move - actually lease somewhere else - when you may be unable to obtain a good rental reference from your current property manager? It would be like trying to get a job when your current boss cannot give you a positive reference.

At Find My Rental Property, I assist clients every day with their rental needs. I have particular expertise in helping my clients look good to their prospective property managers. I help clients navigate and succeed in a rental market that favours landlords over a tenant’s need for a home. Where there is difficulty in obtaining the right documents, I am here to suggest other approaches or to assist with gathering what is needed. Property managers frequently prioritise would-be tenants who are represented by a licensed real estate agent such as Find My Rental Property - because they know that they have a qualified and well-prepared tenant in front of them. Our success rate has been 100% to date.

If you are struggling to secure a rental home, we are here to help.

Melissa Maimann is a licensed real estate agent working exclusively for tenants and property buyers. She saves tenants time and frustration offering an affordable service that finds and secures the best rental properties quickly, easily and efficiently.  If you need a skilled and confident agent to find your next rental home for you, make contact today - we’re on your team.

Using a Renter's Agent during COVID-19

Many people use a renter’s / relocation agent to relocate from interstate and overseas, but it’s a little-known fact that local people also use a renter’s / relocation agent to move …. locally. Why would you do it, and what are the benefits?

When you use a renter’s agent who is also a licensed real estate agent, you tap into their local knowledge which includes access to professional, subscription-only property databases … the type that are available to sales agents and buyer’s agents, used extensively to guide appraisals of a property’s value and also to uncover details about the property that would otherwise be unknown to a would-be renter. All of this information benefits renters in many ways.

The other benefit in using a renter’s agent who is also a buyer’s agent is that you have a skilled and confident negotiator on your side. As a licensed real estate agent, I have the same knowledge that a property manager has, but unlike a property manager, I use that knowledge to your - the renter’s - advantage.

The outcome? Renters in these “COVID times” benefit from a) renting the right place (not a dud); and b) renting it for the right rent and with the best possible terms and conditions.

COVID-19 has created a genuine renter’s market and there are many potential negotiation avenues to explore, ensuring that your new home is one that is as affordable and comfortable as it can possibly be for you.

Melissa Maimann is a licensed real estate agent. She saves tenants time and frustration through an affordable service that finds and secures the best rental properties quickly, easily and efficiently.  If you need a skilled agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.

Executive Rental Search for Sydney-Siders

Gavin lives in Sydney and has a demanding job. He had not rented for a while and needed assistance to locate a new home, fast. He was not available to inspect homes due to work commitments, and needed assistance to ensure his home was suitable for his needs, while being in his area of preference. His area of preference evolved somewhat as we worked together, and one area in particular became very appealing. So we waited for the perfect home to come up in his ideal area, and it did. Actually, several homes came up, including off-market homes via my contacts with property managers, but one in particular was very special. Gavin now lives there.

I took a detailed brief and then located, researched, inspected and secured a great home for Gavin. He is happily living in a gorgeous complex close to his friends; a property that has a lift, pool, gardens and level access. Gavin needed a home that had:

• Ground floor or lift access without stairs

• Almost immediate availability as he needed to return his current home to its owner, who was moving back in

• Built ins in the bedrooms

• Air conditioning

• Parking

• A storage cage

• A dishwasher

• Balcony

• Not on a main road

• Internal laundry

• A quiet, safe, green area

• Close to work
  

Despite competing applications being placed on this property, his application was approved without fuss.

Here's what he has to say about Find My Rental Property:

I needed to find a rental place fairly fast and I had certain specific requirements such as lift access, a sensible price and in the Inner-West.

Melissa organised everything for me from uploading my various documentation, inspecting places for me, writing fabulous reports and sending great photographs.

She kept in touch every day and sometimes a few times a day.

She made excellent suggestions and got me thinking out of the box at times which was fantastic.

Her client service delivery and positive attitude was perfect.

I have secured a lovely apartment of the right size, price and location in record time.

I think that this might be the best customer service I have ever had and I am no Spring chicken!!!!

The reasonable fee was totally worth it.

I would unreservedly recommend Melissa and her amazing service.

Melissa Maimann is a licensed real estate agent (renter’s agent and buyer's agent) in Sydney. She saves renters valuable time and frustration offering an affordable service that finds and secures the best rental properties quickly, easily and effortlessly. If you need a Licensed Real Estate Agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.

Pet-friendly Rentals in Sydney

Victoria wanted to move out of her current home which she shared with friends. She desperately wanted to move so that she could have her dog stay with her, and so that she could move out of the “shoe box” bedroom that she currently occupied. She was concerned that she was over-paying for rent in the current market, and sought expert assistance to secure a new home to share with a friend, understanding that it can be challenging to find a pet-friendly rental when the pet is a dog, and the rental is a unit!

At Find My Rental Property, most of my clients have pets and pets are an important part of our lives. I have 100% success in finding pet-friendly rental homes for my clients.

Victoria and I worked together on a property brief. Here’s what she needed (must-haves):

• Built-ins in the main bedroom (preferably not mirrored, and preferably in both bedrooms)

• Similar-sized rooms

• A balcony / garden

• A dishwasher

• Bench space in the kitchen

• < 15 min drive to the beach

• < 10 min drive to the shops

• Not on a main road

• An internal laundry

• Not next to a bar

• Pet-friendly for the dog

Her preferences were:

• A bath

• < 10 min walk to the beach

• Windows and storage in the bathroom

• Parking

• Intercom

• Air conditioning

• Grassy, green, leafy, quiet

• Natural light in living area

• A kitchen with two sinks, a window, gas, and no fake wood cabinets

• Bedrooms that are not against the kitchen walls

• Close to transport

• North / South aspect

• No dark entry ways

• Storage

Following a week-long search online and off-market, several suitable homes were identified, of which four were inspected. It was a hard decision, and ultimately two applications were placed. Victoria was approved for her preferred property. here’s what she has to say:

Melissa, thank you so much for your assistance. It proved to be truly invaluable and I couldn't have asked for better support during what is typically a very stressful time; especially when you're trying to find pet-friendly housing with a pretty specific budget. I'll be shouting your praises all over Sydney for years to come. MANY MANY MANY THANKS MELISSA! I am thrilled. Just thrilled. Thank you so much for all your hard work. I am dying to show Percy his new little courtyard and I'll be sure to send you pics!

Melissa Maimann is a licensed real estate agent (renter’s agent and buyer's agent) in Sydney. She saves renters valuable time and frustration offering an affordable service that finds and secures the best rental properties quickly, easily and effortlessly. If you need a Licensed Real Estate Agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.