Whether you have plans to move for a new job opportunity or are ready to take a leap of faith and move to a new place with your romantic partner, sometimes life circumstances can dictate how we conduct the move, especially regarding seeing and physically being in a potential apartment rental. Location, job or familial responsibilities, etc., are all things that can hinder you from touring a place of interest.
Thankfully, there is an option out there that gives you the opportunity to rent something without even going and signing documents in person. Sight unseen renting simply means getting into a place without touring it in person. These types of arrangements are suitable for those who cannot fulfill certain travel obligations.
Considering getting your newest rental sight unseen? Here are five tips to help you along the way!
Image via Pexels
1. Do Your Research: When it comes to shopping around for your newest apartment, there is no better way to judge its location, size, condition, etc. than to see it in person. In the case that you cannot physically tour the place prior to signing a lease agreement, it is of the utmost importance that you do your research beforehand. While this seems obvious, it is a necessary step to ensure you protect yourself and also know exactly the type of living situation you are getting into. As you are searching for the right rental, first look into different complexes or housing listings and explore the terms of living in those desired rentals (for example pet policy, included amenities, etc.). After, consider the location of the rentals you are looking for. You can best do this by using Google Maps to determine the type of neighborhoods, storefronts, eateries, and landmarks nearby. Taking these steps does not replace the experience of seeing everything in person, but it does give you as much knowledge as possible to make an informed decision.
2. Try Utilizing a Realtor: Sometimes personal research can only go so far. In this case, it can be both smart and savvy to utilize a realtor to help you further in finding the right sight-unseen rental. While narrowing down a good real estate agent can be overwhelming or even difficult at points, having an expert on your side can make the process of buying sight unseen a bit smoother. A realtor can talk with property managers, research the area further, and essentially ensure that you are protected as you enter into a rental agreement without being physically present. The more professional connections you have, the better.
3. Rely on Friends/Family for Help: In the scenario that you cannot afford to pay a realtor or don’t feel comfortable going through that process, try enlisting the help of friends or family as you are journeying towards your new rental. If you are out of town or away from where you are looking, but perhaps your friends or family are local, you could have them look into the area. neighborhood, and even talk to neighbors if an opportunity presents itself. By allowing your friends or family to scope out your potential rental, you can get a trusted and valuable opinion on something that could be worth considering or an absolute no-go.
4. Request a Virtual Tour: During the COVID-19 pandemic, work meetings, classes, and even family fun nights were all made virtual. The world of real estate and renting similarly followed the trend toward conducting matters virtually/online, and virtual tours became the new normal. While the pandemic has eased, virtual tours are here to stay, with many realtors and even property companies offering virtual tours of the building and units. Contact a property manager or even your realtor (if you have one) to schedule a virtual tour via Zoom, Skype, Facetime, Google Duo, etc.
5. Be Cautious of Scams: When you aren’t physically seeing a rental location, it can be difficult to gauge what is real versus what is fabricated. Anything can be stretched and manipulated online, whether it be a lease agreement, pictures, customer/tenant reviews, etc. In this regard, it is important to be cautious of scams and to thoroughly research the information about who and what you are renting from before signing paperwork and handing over any type of money. Rental scams to be aware of can include bait-and-switch scams, phantom rentals, hijacked ads, missing amenities, and already leased units. Scams are unfortunately going to exist everywhere, but it is how you approach and respond to such scams that will determine either a good or devastating outcome. Essentially, if it is too good to be true, it most likely is.
Renting sight unseen is a bit of a risk, but when you have the proper protection like friends, family, and even a real estate agent, the process can go much smoother. With the right research, elbow grease, and support system, picking the right rental sight unseen won’t be as bad after all!
Equal Housing Opportunity
