How to Rent In the Bay Area.

One of the most common requests I get as a Bay Area realtor is help with finding rentals. The rental market is tight now, with prices high and competition steep.

There used to be a much bigger demand for realtors or property managers to help with finding rentals. Now, with Craigslist and other websites, it's more of a do-it-yourself endeavour and a realtor can't always help you as much as you might expect. Most rentals end up on Craigslist, and only some rentals end up on the MLS (multiple listing service), a database only available to brokers and realtors.

Times have changed... When I tried to rent a place in San Francisco in the late 90's, this was during the previous bubble and the rental market was crazy, I was up against applicants who had made VHS interview tapes of themselves to present to the landlords. 

A realtor can be of help to renters, however, especially if you are out of town. Your realtor can tell you about the neighborhoods, schools and commuting. And even more valuable, realtors have access to their own network who will often let their co-workers know of an off market rental, or a rental that is about to come on the market. Being ahead of the game is a plus in this market.  In addition, your realtor can ask her network for rental leads on your behalf.

Viewing places and gaining access to them with a realtor is also a benefit. You don't have to coordinate with the landlord or deal with general open houses for rentals.

Just as during buying or selling, your realtor can be your advocate and help you navigate your way through the competitive rental market.  Your realtor will also help you with the application process and makes sure you have everything ready ahead of time, to help you stand out.

Things You Will Need to Apply for Rentals:

• Print out your credit history, using one of many free services such as CreditKarma.com. Be ready to explain any blemishes on your report.
• Have your list of references ready.  
• Write a good cover letter.  Sell yourself. Mention your rental history, your family, your work or income source.

Be patient. Just as with buying a home, chances are you'll will lose out on a few before you get the rental you want.