Finding a Home

I teamed up with Jennifer Fox of Fox Property Management this month in Louisville, CO, to co-write this blog. See more about Jen here. 

Finding and choosing a rental property can be an overwhelming and emotional process for anyone; when you add in that you may have sensitivities or memory issues, it can become another thing. You are choosing a place that you can call and make into a home.

Here is a process to follow for success:  

• Search online for rental properties
  • Zillow is the best place to search. It allows you to identify specific locations and property specifications so your search can be more directed.
  • Think about the community you want to live in.
    • Do you need to be close to work? Close to a school? Near other family members?
    • Do you need a quiet neighborhood without the sounds of traffic, or do you prefer an urban environment? 
  • Read the description well; it will tell you some information about the location.  
• Request a Showing
  • You can enter your name, number, and email, requesting a showing.
  • It is recommended you call the number as well. Sometimes online requests do not get through to the landlord.
• Follow up by phone if you haven’t heard back within 24 hours.
  • Put a reminder in place, so you don’t forget to do this. I (Sheila) suggest making an appointment with yourself on your calendar. 
  • Life happens to everyone, even property management companies, and individual property owners who may have missed your request or are delayed returning calls and inquiries.
  • Be sure you are in the right frame of mind to make this call. Maybe jot down some notes or an outline before picking up the phone. It’s important to remember that this is a professional process and it’s the beginning of what you want to be a positive relationship for yourself and the landlord. 
• Schedule a Showing
  • Be as flexible as you can and see the property as quickly as possible if you are interested. Often, landlords will give preference to those who see the property.
  • Bring another set of eyes and ears with you to the showing. 
  • It is crucial that you evaluate the property and whether it works for you.
    • Think about any sensitivities you have. 
      • If lighting bothers you, are adequate plugs for lamps. 
      • Is there enough task lighting? 
      • If noises bother you, is the house insulated enough from traffic noise? 
      • Is the HVAC system loud? 
      • Where are the washer and dryer? Doing laundry is a big ask for all of my clients. 
      • If the temperature is an issue for you, do any rooms seem too hot or cold? 
• Prepare to Apply
  • Most applications are online. Collect the following information so that you are prepared to fill out the application.  
    • Identification
    • Past Landlord information/addresses
    • Pay Stubs or Income verification
    • Expect to pay $50+ for an application fee.
  • If this sounds like the type of task; you usually want to avoid, invite a friend for coffee to use them as a body double to get it done, especially if you have more than one application to fill out.  
• Follow up on your application.
  • Expect 24-72 hours for your application to be received, vetted, and approved.
  • Check-in to confirm your application was received.
    • Put a reminder to place so that you don’t forget to do this. 
•  Review the Lease
  • Take the time to read the lease.
    • Have a trusted resource (a friend or family member) review the lease with you before you sign.
  • Highlight sections you don’t understand and ask questions.
  • Sign quickly to secure the property. Again, I (Sheila) suggest that you make this a calendar appointment. 
•  Perform a thorough Walk-through of the property at move-in.
  • Bring a friend or family member. 
  • Take pictures and note every issue with the property. It’s essential to document any damage at the beginning of your lease so that you’re not responsible for it at the end of your lease.
  • Some items will be repaired; some don’t require repair but need to be noted for future reference.
• Report maintenance issues when they happen throughout your lease term.
  • You must take care of the property and notify the landlord or property management company if there is an issue.
  • You are the steward of the property, and reporting maintenance concerns is critical to taking care of the property. Make it easy for yourself by putting the phone number to contact in your phone right away so you don’t need to go looking for it. See if there is an option to text. 
• Get to know your neighbors.
  • Good neighborhood relationships help you resolve issues and allow you to ask for help or favors when needed.
  • Being social with those in my community had many mental health benefits. 
  • Introduce yourself or just taking the time to say “hi” when you see other neighbors out can make a big difference in your living experience in your new home.
• Talk to your property management company about a lease renewal at least 75 days before your lease-end.
  • Put a reminder in place for 85 days in advance so that it is on your radar. Make a calendar appointment to renew the lease at 8o days when you sign the lease. If you do not want to stay at 85 days, you can delete that appointment. 
  • If you love where you live, ask early about renewing for another lease term. If the landlord cannot renew the lease, asking will give you plenty of time to find your next home.

Enjoy your new home!