Finding a house to live in can feel like a bit of a game. It is a game that gets stressful because the game rules seem to be set by real estate agents. That doesn’t mean you can’t play the game AND have success by playing it well.
Game Rules
1. Represent yourself well. Put yourself in the real estate agents shoes. Try to imagine what they would want out of a tenant.
2. Be organised. Be prepared with identification, references and payslips.
3. If there is a house inspection, be on time. There is usually only a 15-minute viewing time once the agent has arrived.
4. Introduce yourself to the agent. This is a good time for you to make a positive impression.
5. Dress well. You don’t have to turn up in a suit or anything you wouldn’t normally wear. But the clean and tidy version of you will always impress.
6. Don’t give up. This is THE MOST IMPORTANT GAME RULE. You may not get the first house you apply for. You may not even get the 10th. But there is a good chance that you will get the 11th. If you do repeatedly get rejected, ring up the real estate agent and ask to speak to the property manager. You may have overlooked something in your application and the property manager can tell you what you need to improve on for next time.
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