Finding a real estate agent for a short-term rental, big house (Austin: leasing, credit)

[TheoBald]

Anybody know the best way to find a reliable, energetic real estate agent to rent out (furnished) a big house in Steiner ($700K type, brand new, big yard, 5 bedrooms) for a period from Jan-July? Somebody who would vet potential tenants to ensure they don't trash the place and pay the rent? Thanks!

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by TheoBald

Anybody know the best way to find a reliable, energetic real estate agent to rent out (furnished) a big house in Steiner ($700K type, brand new, big yard, 5 bedrooms) for a period from Jan-July? Somebody who would vet potential tenants to ensure they don't trash the place and pay the rent? Thanks!

Any Realtor or property manager who is experienced in leasing can lease the home for you. You'd find them by searching or asking around, just like you would otherwise for any Realtor.

But furnished homes are not in demand, and most regular renters want a longer lease. Your pool of candidate renters will therefore be very small. You might get lucky on the shorter term, but the furniture complicates things. Not saying it can't happen, but it's a long shot.

Once you factor in the hassle, commission costs and associated risks, it might be easier to just hire a company that manages vacant homes and leave it vacant. There are managers who do that for owners who are away for extended periods but don't want renters in the home.

Good luck,

Steve

[TheoBald]

Thanks Steve - it isn't for me, it's for a friend who lives far from Austin. I'll let her know.

[karrots]

Originally Posted by TheoBald

Anybody know the best way to find a reliable, energetic real estate agent to rent out (furnished) a big house in Steiner ($700K type, brand new, big yard, 5 bedrooms) for a period from Jan-July? Somebody who would vet potential tenants to ensure they don't trash the place and pay the rent? Thanks!

This doesn't answer your question exactly, but my family (married, responsible, great credit, 4 kids, no smoking or pets) is looking for a short term rental for a good price in the Four Points area starting in January. We are looking to buy a home and don't want to sign the year lease most nice rentals require. We would just store our furniture if the rental price was good enough. Your friend probably already found a solution for her problem, but if not I would be interested in talking to her. I can be contacted directly at karrots@hotmail.com, and I'll give her my direct contact info from there.

As far as the energetic and reliable realtors go . . . I have had a really good experience with Lou Cartwright in that area. He's on top of stuff and does what he says he will . . . kind of a rare realtor actually.

[TexasHorseLady]

My experience has been that there are a LOT of people out there looking for short term rentals, people who are relocating to the area and plan to purchase but want to rent for six months or so before doing so because they want to get a feel for the area and where exactly they might want to land first. Having it furnished does present a bit of a problem, but you might want to look around for a real estate company who does a lot of relocation business AND has a property management section.