Looking into rental homes can be a bit overwhelming; here are a few things you should know before you begin your search:
Credit Score: most companies have a minimum you must meet to qualify, so it’s a good idea to know yours before you apply. There are several places to get a free copy of your credit report (Credit Karma, annualcreditreport.com, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
Know your budget and how much you qualify for: a great tool to use is the forrent.com calculator (https://www.forrent.com/calculator). This calculator helps you break down monthly costs to try and help determine the most affordable options.
Understand what is included: BEFORE applying for a property, understand what exactly is included with the rent amount. Utilities? Landscaping? Pool service? Pest Control?
Know the move in costs: A common misundersatnding when renting a home vs. an apartment is the move in costs. Typically in an apartment a security deposit is only a few hunderd dollars, where a home is typically equal to one months rent. Make sure you understand what money will be due and how soon before you commit to anything, if you're not sure, ASK.
