Help finding a Realtor! (Atlanta, Forsyth: real estate, renter, attorney)

[CarolinaGirl821]

Greetings! My family and I are relocating to the Atlanta area. We are looking for a nice, updated home in a good school district. (I know...what everyone wants! LOL) My problem is finding a realtor who would be willing to help us find a RENTAL home. I have attempted to contact a few I found on the web, but none of them are overly helpful or quite frankly even seem interested.

Anyone have any recommendations of someone they have used in the past?

Thank you!

[ATL Golfer]

They don't make a whole lot on rentals. Do all the work of selling a house, only to get paid 1/4 of the fee.

Go to local realtors website and look up rentals ...like Harry Norman, Realtors® - Harry Norman, Realtors

I believe you can filter your search by rentals, but not positive. Those on a listing service should be there (FMLS). I would guess that the majority of rentals are not on FMLS though. Check craiglists and read threads here to find out what areas you might be interested in.

[IntownHomes247]

Generally speaking, in Atlanta, agents don't work with renters. You may be able to find a few agents who will do it (particularly very new agents), but the problem with rentals is simply that there's no money in it for a very open-ended time commitment. While all commissions are negotiable, in Atlanta, people who rent their homes through the MLS generally offer a commission of 1 month rent. However, this is divided among the agent who lists the rental and the agent who brings the renter, and the proportion is often not a 50:50 split. Many agents who list rentals offer the agent who brings a renter on 10-20% of one month's rent. (The commission being so relatively small in the first place, they want to rent the property themselves so they at least get the full commission.) So, assuming a property rents for, say, $1,500 a month, the agent who works with renter is likely to only get $150 - $300 (and then this must usually be split with their brokerage). That's one thing if you've spent one afternoon helping someone, but something completely different if you've spent days (or weeks) showing someone properties all over town, negotiating a lease, etc. In this market, you literally might not even make back the money you spend on gas showing properties.

Unless you want to work out some alternative form of compensation with your agent (for instance promising them a certain minimum commission or offering to pay them on an hourly basis as a consultant), you'll have a hard time finding a good agent who's willing to work with a renter.

Of course, you can always contact the agent who has listed a rental to have her show you the property. And you can consult with a real estate attorney to help you negotiate a favorable lease.

Best of luck!

[livinginbuffalo]

Where are you looking to rent? I know of two in our school district and would be happy to look some up for you on the mls thing my realtor has given me access to.

[peachstatehomegal]

It's agents that don't want to 'deal with renters' that have put quite a few pennies in my pocket - lol...

There ARE agents out there willing to help with rentals - and not all commissions out there are that low - not that the commission should be a factor for the agent - the agent's job is to service the client and protect their interests.

Where is employment for ya'll? Does the commute matter? There's places scattered all over you might be interested in - of course some may be 1 1/2 drive from work! lol

[CarolinaGirl821]

Thank you for your feedback! I do a quite bit of research myself (like Atlanta MLS, Craigslist and eBay Classifieds). I was just hoping to find someone who would be willing to setup the showings, as the listings on the MLS don't have contact information for the agent just a name.

I appreciate the suggestion to offer an incentive. I definitely don't want to waste anyone's time.

I am focusing on Forsyth or Fulton counties but may consider Cherokee. We are visiting Atlanta this weekend to narrow down the search area.

Thank you again! I really appreciate everyone taking the time to respond.

Happy Holidays!

[LakerLuver]

I need help with the same thing!! I've called everywhere and nothing! Any help would be appreciated!

[LakerLuver]

I need help with the same thing!! I've called everywhere and nothing! Any help would be appreciated!