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Welcome to Alexandria, Virginia, where the quality of life is high, traffic moves fast, and real estate moves faster! For those hoping to find available homes for rent, prepare for what is likely a much different market than you’re accustomed to. Renting a home in Alexandria, as well as the entire Northern Virginia region, takes some getting used to.
Renters in the area not only search online inventories on their own, but often utilize the help of a real estate agent. Usually, the agent explains the unique details of finding a home in the area, including quick timelines, local homestyles, and the extreme expenses included in the lease terms.
Working with a Real Estate Agent to Find a Rental Home in Alexandria
Mark Moz Flickr
It's very common in Alexandria to officially work with an agent who conducts a rental search on your behalf. Renters arriving from different areas of the country might find this practice odd, as most people are used to dealing with homeowners and property management companies directly to secure a rental home. While this is still an option in Alexandria, a large number of house hunters turn to the expertise an agent can offer.
An Alexandria Guide for Newcomers details the ins and outs of moving to one of the most popular Virginia cities. For someone who is moving to the Washington, D.C. metro area for the first time, there are several reasons renters find it helpful to sign with an agent who has rental home experience:
1. Alexandria and its neighbor cities encompass an enormous amount of geography which makes the home search overwhelming for newcomers working alone to narrow down the ideal location for their needs.
2. Some homeowners prefer to only work with real estate agents, and will turn away house hunters who are not represented.
3. Real estate agents work tirelessly to stay “in the know” and have insider knowledge about upcoming available rentals even before they’re publicly listed.
This relationship with an agent more times than not includes a written agreement stating the agent works for you. Their compensation varies, as it depends on what the property management company or homeowner has agreed upon, but in most cases, the renter is not on the hook to pay for their time.
Renters are advised to discuss the details of what is expected regarding exclusivity and potential payment in specific circumstances because there is variation within contracts among real estate groups and agents. Before signing, ask your agent to explain the answers to these typical questions: In order to use an agent’s help, do I HAVE to sign a contract? What if I find the house through my own search, but I have signed with an agent? Do I have to pay a fee?
Accepting Compromise When Renting a Home
Real estate agents, friends, acquaintances, and just about anyone living in Alexandria will gently advise someone moving to the city that the vast majority of renters won’t be able to check everything on their most wanted list. Typically, the most important factors for finding a rental include a manageable monthly payment, exact location (schools) and home style, and commute times.
Alexandria is a city where finding the perfect combination of all three is a challenge, but, by prioritizing these indicators, they open rental options that may not have been accessible from an initial search. After taking stock of available homes, renters frequently make adjustments that include:
- Reassessing budget constraints
- Consideration for townhouse and condo living
- Homeschooling
- Utilizing public transportation, biking, and walking
- Living further out in the city.
Availability Concerns and Renting Sight Unseen in Alexandria
Throughout the U.S., rental property inventory remains tight and higher payments reflect the shortage. Alexandria not only follows this trend, but maintains a robust rental market year after year. This competitive market produces very short turnaround times, and rental homes regularly change hands via word of mouth or with very little time publicly marketed.
The abundance of government employees coupled with the locals who are priced out of home buying equate to the real possibility of renting a home from a long distance, simply due to high demand. Although technology makes this transaction much easier than in previous years, the anxiety of signing a rental agreement with only the guidance of a real estate agent or family and friends is hard to shake if you aren’t used to this type of hurried real estate environment.
Understanding Area Security Deposits
In addition to the fast pace of rental home turnovers, newcomers are taken aback about the large amounts of money that are due at the time of signing. Not only is it normal to ask for one month’s security deposit, but most owners require first month’s rent and a pet deposit.
When signing a lease, it’s common to be responsible for well over $5,000 just to move in. Don’t forget that most utilities also require a deposit to start a new account. See Understanding Security Deposits in Different States and What Renters Should Understand about Security Deposits for more helpful details.
Rental housing is available in Alexandria, but home shoppers have to be diligent in their searches, prepare to compromise on priorities, and consider the benefits of signing with an experienced real estate agent, in some cases even before arriving the city.