Rental Property Viewing Checklist

You know where you want to live and you’ve found a few properties worthy of an inspection, but now what do you look for? It can be daunting to take the first step in finding a rental property. The key is to be organised. After all, this could be your home for quite some time.

While you know the look and feel of a home that you’re after, there are also some key points to note that will ensure those practical aspects don’t get overlooked in the rush of an open home.

Choosing the right home for you can be very personal and take a lot longer than you think. We’ve compiled a list of items to think about when you inspect your next property.

Lists

Lists keep everyone organised, right? We suggest creating two different lists when it comes to finding the right home for you. A list of “must-haves” and a list of “like-to-haves”. Providing you can tick off everything on your “must-have” list, then anything else on the other list is a bonus!

Security

You should check there is the appropriate amount of security for your needs. Are there deadlocks and window locks? Is there secure car parking? If it’s in a complex, is the building secure with resident-only access?

Storage

This may not be a deal-breaker for some. But for others, it might be. Is there enough internal and external storage space? Is there a lock-up garage or shed? Are there built in robes or extra linen cupboards? 

Amenities

Whether you end up renting at one of Rent Central’s complexes around Brisbane or a free standing house, you want to know what amenities are available to you. Does it have a pool? Does the complex have a gym?

Measure up

The fridge! Does the fridge fit? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve moved into a new home only to realise the fridge doesn’t fit there, ah! Not only the fridge, but does the bed fit giving you enough space for the bedside tables etc? Be sure to take a measuring tape with you to your next inspection.

Other factors

There are also some other factors to keep in mind. Do you need a pet friendly home? If you’re looking at an apartment, what’s the water and electricity billing situation? Is your potential new home in close proximity to the things you need like work, schools, shops etc?

If in doubt about anything, ask the property manager. Avoid making assumptions which may lead to you not being completely satisfied with your decision.

So, what are you waiting for…. Start searching your next dream home right here…. rentcentralbrisbane.com.au 

Top 4 tips for making home hunting easier

Most of us have been there. Whether it’s home hunting to buy, rent or invest. We’ve looked through the local rags, searched online, or window shopped the agent down the street to find just what we’re looking for.

But, in a society where no one has time to even catch up in person (Hello Facebook), who’s got time to do all of that! Let us make it easier for you.

1. Write a list of “must haves” and stick to it.
These are the things you must have when looking for your next home. It could be things like: large outdoor entertaining area, 3 bedrooms, large kitchen, air conditioning, secure building etc. This will help cut out the unnecessary listings very quickly when searching online.

2. Subscribe to alerts
Rather than always going to look, let them come to you! rentcentralbrisbane.com.au now allows users to sign up to receive targeted email property alerts. Many other real estate sites like realestate.com.au and domain.com.au also provide this service. 

3. Use your contacts
Let your contacts know you are looking for a home (back to Facebook...) – they may know of something similar to what you’re after. Talk to your colleagues at work also. You’ll be amazed at who knows who and what may be up for grabs. Your boss’ sister’s best friend’s gardener may be your new landlord! You just never know.

4. Call local agents
Get ahead of the game and call your local agents – or the agents in the area you are looking. They can keep you in mind for future properties, or better still they may know of something coming online shortly. If it fits the bill, book an inspection right away.  

Now, all of a sudden, you have your online network of friends, and your local agent looking for properties that suit your needs. 

By now you should be four steps closer to finding the perfect home!

Moving out for the first time

So you start university in a few months. But mum and dad’s house is a 6 hour drive to uni. Now what? There’s only one realistic choice here... and that’s to move closer to school!

First things first – Can you afford to move out? 
The Government’s Money Smart website is a good starting point to work out whether or not you can afford to move out; if not, what your options are. 

Once you’ve worked out your budget, then you need to explore where to live and its proximity to school. Currently, Rent Central has three properties that are within walking distance to some form of higher education institute. Rent Central Waters Edge and Rent Central Canvas are based within a few kilometres to the South Bank Tafe. Rent Central Urban Edge is within a stone’s throw to Queensland University of Technology at Kelvin Grove. For other helpful tips on home hunting, check out our other blog here.

Now it’s time to move out... have you got a checklist? 

If not, then one of Rent Central’s preferred partners, Direct Connect, can help. View their moving out checklist here. Or better still, they offer a free, no-obligation service offering a range of options to help you move homes. After all, you have study and socialisation to focus on – not your electricity provider, or your contents insurance.  

The Money Smart website recommends these tips on how to move out.

• Try to save 10% of your pay for emergencies like not being able to work for a week, unexpected bills or extra travel costs. You never know when you the extra 10% of cash you stash may come in handy! 
• Before moving out, put aside some cash to buy groceries and stock up your food.
• In shared households, try not to have your name on all the bills. If the bill is addressed only to you, even if you are sharing the costs, you are legally responsible.

Visit www.rentcentralbrisbane.com.au to start searching.