How does working with a real estate agent work if you are renting? (Houston: rental, credit)

[cloverleaf1234]

I have never rented a house before.

I am wondering a bit about the process, and what to expect. I contacted a real estate agent through HAR because I liked a house he had listed. That particular house didn't work out for us, but he agreed to schedule some showings during our next trip to Houston.

What documents (if any) will we need to have with us to sign a lease? How does this agent get paid? By us? By the landlords? Anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance.

[westres1]

They are paid half of the deposit by the owner. Then they have to share a portion with their broker. It is sometimes hard to get a realtor to show many properties given the fact they will make so little. As for the paperwork ,every property has different criteria, but typically proof of income and identity. They will have a standard lease agreement for you to sign. Good Luck hope you like Houston!

[City Love]

It's technically half the 1st month's rent.

You as a tenant won't pay anything, and having a willing agent should help make showings easier. It can be hard to schedule several showings with different agents. A good agent will let you know what most landlords look for to make sure you qualify. Most landlords will want to check your income, credit, and background.

[HoustonRonnie]

They can help you decipher the contract.

[cloverleaf1234]

Typically, is the listed rental price negotiable at all?

Thanks

[City Love]

Originally Posted by cloverleaf1234

Typically, is the listed rental price negotiable at all?

Thanks

If there's demand in the area, don't expect any flexibility. But if the home has been on the market for a while, then you might be able to knock off 5-10%. It's hard to give a generic answer to real estate prices.

[cloverleaf1234]

Thanks for the answer. I just didn't know if when renting, negotiating was ever done typically (thinking similar to when you buy a house). Good to know. Thanks.

[Sampaguita]

Originally Posted by cloverleaf1234

Thanks for the answer. I just didn't know if when renting, negotiating was ever done typically (thinking similar to when you buy a house). Good to know. Thanks.

We've negotiated up to $200 off the listed monthly rent.

[Wayne S Sullivan]

Working with a real estate agent is always best since it doesn't cost you anything. Depending on the area you may be able to negotiate a little $50 to $100 is fair in cypress because rent is a little more expensive. Some will not negotiate at all. A good real estate agent can help you with it all with no cost to you. Hope I helped.

[jordanaf]

Some areas are also going above the listed rent price. Depends on how desirable the property is and the neighborhood.