Need a Realtor to Find a Rental in Downtown/Brickell (Miami: for sale, real estate)

[wizard78000]

Hi all,

I'm planning on relocating back to Miami soon. I've found plenty of rental listings and realtors on craigslist and MLS (seems like realtors all have access to the same listings). Can anyone recommend a good realtor that can help me get the best deal? I understand that, as a tenant, I will not have to pay any fees -- those are paid by the landlord. From what I understand, rentals in the Downtown/Brickell area are going for less than advertised, so I would need a realtor that knows the condo market in the area and who is able to negotiate effectively. Any leads would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[intelfan11315]

Just walk to the buildings and ask the people there to show you. Realtors in Florida don't want to deal with people looking for a rental, and if they do they will be working more with the seller because that's where they get their money. Brickell is simple, they want people.. go to the buildings directly and negotiate. Why is a realtor, who is paid a percentage by the landlord going to negotiate the best they can for you?

[wizard78000]

Originally Posted by burgler09

Just walk to the buildings and ask the people there to show you. Realtors in Florida don't want to deal with people looking for a rental, and if they do they will be working more with the seller because that's where they get their money. Brickell is simple, they want people.. go to the buildings directly and negotiate. Why is a realtor, who is paid a percentage by the landlord going to negotiate the best they can for you?

Thanks for your response. I completely get your point about realtors not wanting to deal with rentals, especially on the tenant side. The only thing about walking into buildings (I would think) is that some of these buildings are condos, either owned by the developer or indivual unit owners. My only concern is how to get to the MLS rentals that are owned by individual owners where the building does not have a leasing office.

[intelfan11315]

Originally Posted by wizard78000

Thanks for your response. I completely get your point about realtors not wanting to deal with rentals, especially on the tenant side. The only thing about walking into buildings (I would think) is that some of these buildings are condos, either owned by the developer or indivual unit owners. My only concern is how to get to the MLS rentals that are owned by individual owners where the building does not have a leasing office.

You can search craigslist for that. A lot of the places do offer rentals, and sometimes when you are there, there will be realtors waing to show you the place, other times you will meet with the building directly. From my experience it is hit or miss, but either way you'll most likely get to see rooms within 20 minutes of being there.

[SFLrunner]

I just moved here in May and used this site. Miami Condos for Sale | MiamiCondoLifestyle.com
They assigned me to a realtor. I would not recommend just walking into building looking for assistance. The offices can have funky hours that include 2 hour lunch breaks. Also, you won't be able to see units offered by individual owners. They generally don't want to deal with you until you are around 45 days from your move. The condos can move pretty quick down here and chances are what you are looking at 60 days out will be gone.
I'm having a blast living in Brickell.

Good luck!

[hurricaneMan1992]

I have used (twice) and recommend Renter's Paradise Realty, these guys basically do rentals all day, and I actually felt like they were a sort of "buyer's agent."

[Angel Calzadilla]

As a prospective tenant, you always need a Realtor who represent you in the rental transaction who not be the realtor listing agent that works evidently for the best interest of the landlord/owner.
Only a real estate agent that you hire for your own benefit can work for you and of course, negociate the rental price for the best of your interest.
I know very well what I am telling you about. Do not walk into the buildings to ask for rental units because the management front desk personel and security do not have anything to do with the rental units in the buildings. Most of the listings are with Real Estate brokerage firms and that's why you have to contact a realtor who work for you and do the work for you and not the landlords.
I hope it help you to understand the Real Estate business.

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