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Ultimate Guide On How To Find Rental Homes

Currently, there are about 43 million rental properties in the United States alone. Even with this number, people still have difficulty narrowing it down to the perfect one.

Author:James Pierce
Reviewer:Iram Martins
May 26, 2023118 Shares118.4K Views
Currently, there are about 43 million rental properties in the United States alone. Even with this number, people still have difficulty narrowing it down to the perfect one. The average person spends weeks trying to find the right place to rent, only to leave once their yearly contract expires.
Even if you don't want to own property right now, moving around too much is not an option. After all, you will have to move all your things and get used to the new surroundings again. It is much better to choose the perfect property from the very beginning so that you can comfortably stay there for longer.
If you don't know how to start looking, here is a guide to finding the perfect rental homes.

Check Rental Listing Websites

There are plenty of rental listing websites, such as Ofirio.com, where you can find the perfect property for your needs. All you have to do is access the search feature and add the filters that you need. You can look for anything from apartments to condos, closed or open-gated properties, and many more.
If you plan on staying for a specific time, add a lease length along with your budget. Most properties ask for a security deposit, so if you can't provide it, make sure to include that in the criteria. If you have a pet, select the "Pets Allowed" feature; not every landlord wants pets on their property.

Ask the People around You

Sometimes, the best place for you to find a good renting spot is to ask within your social circle. Perhaps someone is renting out a second property, or maybe they know someone that needs a roommate.
If you find a good deal through someone, there is a good chance you will get a "friend" discount. Even if you don't, at least you will be able to trust the property more. If someone you know can vouch for them, you will have the peace of mind that you are not entering a potential horror movie.

Drive through the Area

The next time you drive through the neighborhoods for sightseeing, keep an eye out for any "House for Rent" signs. This method is extremely useful, as you can usually see the home straight away – or at least get a good perspective of it.
These signs are particularly common in college towns or overall busy destinations. Due to the heavy pedestrian or driver flow, it's one of the fastest ways to get a house noticed. From that point, you are one doorbell or phone call away from signing a potential contract.

Go for a Real Estate Agent

When in doubt, always hire a real estate agent. They are very knowledgeable about finding the right property and have access to various databases. Most of the time, these pros are your only solution, especially when you want a property in a specific area.
Some real estate agencies even offer property management services. These companies often know when a vacancy is likely to occur and may find you a place to stay – even if it's not technically on the market yet.

Go through the Local Newspaper

We may live in a time when the Internet knows everything, but not everyone makes listings there. Sometimes, the good old-fashioned newspaper can give you the best leads. For example, let's say that someone with few Internet skills or no access might want to lease their second property. In this case, they will go for the next best thing: the newspaper. Some also have online formats, so there are options for Internet-goers as well.

Browse through Social Media

At this point, everyone has a social media account of some sort. Facebook alone has around 190 million users, only the ones in the United States. Among those members, there's bound to be someone that wants to give their home away for rent.
Try joining rental groups for your local area. Most cities will have a group, but you may also find some that cover an entire state. Plus, even if there is no one with a good rental property there, you will likely get a few recommendations.
Real estate agents frequently join these groups as well. If you don't have any agencies in your area, you will find a professional there to help you out. In normal circumstances, you need to pay for their advice – but on social media, you will likely get that advice for free.

The Bottom Line

Finding a proper rental property shouldn't be that difficult; you just need to know where to look for it. The U.S. has millions of rental properties for you to choose from of every size and type. Be patient, and the perfect temporary home will come around.
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James Pierce

James Pierce

Author
Iram Martins

Iram Martins

Reviewer
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