[Autum1031]

As the title suggests, I'm looking to rent a 3 or 4 bedroom house in the Ridgefield or Redding area. I currently rent a house in Danbury, but I'm looking to move to one of these two areas for a better school district, and also because we find that we spend most of our time there already.

My only experience with renting a house was when we first moved out here 3 years ago, when I took a new job. My relocation package covered the cost of a realtor to help us find a house. It was really great since I knew nothing about the area, but now I feel much more comfortable!

We both have excellent credit, good jobs, and no pets. So that would be a plus for us--however I don't know how competitive it may be to try and secure a house rental in these areas.

So, the questions...

Is it necessary to have a realtor?
If it's not necessary, is there a benefit to it-- will the potential landlord be more likely to work with me?
And finally, is there a cost involved, or is it more akin to house buying, in which the landlord foots any costs?

Thanks!

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Autum1031

As the title suggests, I'm looking to rent a 3 or 4 bedroom house in the Ridgefield or Redding area. I currently rent a house in Danbury, but I'm looking to move to one of these two areas for a better school district, and also because we find that we spend most of our time there already.

My only experience with renting a house was when we first moved out here 3 years ago, when I took a new job. My relocation package covered the cost of a realtor to help us find a house. It was really great since I knew nothing about the area, but now I feel much more comfortable!

We both have excellent credit, good jobs, and no pets. So that would be a plus for us--however I don't know how competitive it may be to try and secure a house rental in these areas.

So, the questions...

Is it necessary to have a realtor?
If it's not necessary, is there a benefit to it-- will the potential landlord be more likely to work with me?
And finally, is there a cost involved, or is it more akin to house buying, in which the landlord foots any costs?

Thanks!

It is not necessary but usually the landlord pays the realtor fee so why not use one. They may have access to listings you won't see as soon online so it might be worth it. To find a good rental in those towns may be tough since they are highly desirable and there are not a lot of rentals. jdhall1 who posts here regularly knows that area and may be a good place to start. Good luck, Jay

[CT_Yank]

I think it is unnecessary. When I rented in Greenwich 6 years back, I saw a sign on front lawn and called owner. I struck a deal with her directly only to be asked if I first saw listing on MLS. I did not luckily bc realtor listing wanted $300 more per month. Check Craigslist or post flyers on town areas asking for rentals. Realtors will want a fee from you or try for more rent than owner was considering. Not good for you either way.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by CT_Yank

I think it is unnecessary. When I rented in Greenwich 6 years back, I saw a sign on front lawn and called owner. I struck a deal with her directly only to be asked if I first saw listing on MLS. I did not luckily bc realtor listing wanted $300 more per month. Check Craigslist or post flyers on town areas asking for rentals. Realtors will want a fee from you or try for more rent than owner was considering. Not good for you either way.

I don't think the renter pays a fee. At least not for the rentals I have seen in the Hartford area and in Fairfield. Not sure about Greenwich or Ridgefield and Redding. Jay

[NYCresident2014]

You get a better deal if you get one through the non-realtor channels, like craigslist or zillow (though zillow has mostly realtor listings, some are individuals). The realtor fee is effectively built into the rent.

[kidyankee764]

Hi Autumn. I'll have a home in the area that I would consider renting. Would need to know specifics (price range, dates needed). I'll send you a DM.

[jdhall1]

A lot of the properties that you see online are being marketed through their agent,which is how they get onto sites such as Trulia,Zillow and Realtor.Com. Sometimes those sites keep showing the property online as available when it might already be under deposit. I would expect less inventory in Redding to choose from rather than Ridgefield, but both markets as you are aware have premium pricing compared to Danbury. As a renter for a property that is listed on the MLS,the commission is usually paid by the landlords agents office who offers out compensation as in incentive to show & rent the home. Typically your only cost as a rental with be a credit check.

[Autum1031]

This is all very interesting, thank you. So it seems like I could contact the MLS listing agent directly, or I could go through my own realtor, but either way I wouldn't have to pay a fee - just the credit check, and of course the deposit. Sound right?

I did a quick search on Craigslist, etc. but didn't see any listings that were different from what I'm seeing on MLS sites, but I'll monitor for awhile and see if that changes.

[jdhall1]

Originally Posted by Autum1031

This is all very interesting, thank you. So it seems like I could contact the MLS listing agent directly, or I could go through my own realtor, but either way I wouldn't have to pay a fee - just the credit check, and of course the deposit. Sound right?

I did a quick search on Craigslist, etc. but didn't see any listings that were different from what I'm seeing on MLS sites, but I'll monitor for awhile and see if that changes.

You can have the agent that is working for you show you to several homes that meet your needs, which can usually be one at once and might have questions or thoughts that might have occurred for you. The other option is meeting a whole bunch of different listing agents at their conveinece for a showing.Either way, there is typically no fee other than funds for credit check and the security deposit & 1st month rent due at either lease signing or move in date.