Renting without intermediaries: we analyze the advantages and disadvantages

"Pay a commission to an agency? They found a fool!" - in most cases, independent searches for real estate for rent begin with such a thesis. What comes out of this? It is difficult to give an unequivocal answer, because each individual situation is unique, so we will not deny that luck turns its face on someone. However, our clients have seen its other side more than once, which is why they decided to become our clients. To risk or not to risk - that is the question. Let's find the answer together.

Realtor himself

We approve of independence, because it shows development and helps to better understand the processes in the real estate market. However, when buying, selling or renting, the desire to do everything yourself can play a bad joke on you. Let's not push and scare prematurely, it's better to start with the positive. What are the advantages of renting without an intermediary?

• Saving. It is hard to argue with this factor. When working with an agency or an individual realtor, you should consider that the rental costs will include not only the first and last month's fees, but also the commission. As a rule, its amount is about 50% of the monthly salary.
• Absence of bureaucracy. A standard lease can be sealed with a firm handshake and that's the end of the formalities.
• Possibility to negotiate. If you have good communication skills, you can persuade the tenant to live with pet or arrange more favorable conditions for yourself - agree on the provision of small appliances, such as a kettle or an iron.
• Bargaining is appropriate. Another opportunity to save if you have a well-hung tongue.

For the most part, all the advantages of renting without an intermediary are focused on improving the conditions and the material side of the issue. It is really hard to resist such a person. Therefore, before you start looking for an apartment on your own, we suggest you also look at the hidden negative.

• Waste of time. You can imagine the apartment of your dreams with the accuracy of the pattern on the wallpaper, but finding it will not be as easy as you would like. Thousands of options flash before your eyes, and each of them has its own characteristics. How to choose finalists to watch?
• Absence of bureaucracy. Do you remember this point from the positive sides? At the same time, it is a disadvantage, because without a contract you will not be able to protect yourself and defend your rights in the event of a conflict situation. The one who owns the apartment will remain the rightful one. And you will remain... homeless. The wording is somewhat exaggerated, but in essence you can really be evicted in a matter of days.
• Incomplete information. Are you sure the owner is really the owner? Documents should be carefully checked, but without experience in this matter, it is easy to confuse a fake with an original. The real owners are unlikely to be happy to meet you. If we are talking about renting an apartment with co-owners, misunderstandings may also arise in case of their disagreement.

There are more advantages, but the disadvantages are more meaningful. It's hard to decide if it's really worth it. We suggest that you also consider cooperation with the agency, so that you can finally choose your way to the dream rented apartment.

Cooperation with the agency

Expertise, professionalism, reliability and attention to detail - this standard set of advantages, with which almost all real estate agencies associate themselves, remains empty words until you really understand in practice where all these qualities are manifested. Of the obvious advantages of cooperation with a real estate agency, there are some that are visible to the naked eye:

• legal support. The expert has been checking and drafting documents for years, so wording and nuances that are incomprehensible to you are commonplace for him. Discrepancies between the text and reality are immediately apparent, so no fraudster will go unnoticed;
• market knowledge. In addition to the database, the realtor also has knowledge of the market and specific areas. If for you Stari Petrivtsi is just a funny name, for us it is a promising village in the Vyshgorod district with developed infrastructure and reasonable prices;
• saving. Not money, but time, but this is also an economy. You are unlikely to agree to look for housing for years, so this factor is perhaps the most important when it comes to renting.

Let's add to the negative, because you can't do without it anywhere:

• remember about ±50% commission?.. Any work should be rewarded, including real estate work;
• bargaining will not be appropriate, so you will have to approach your budget responsibly and outline clear boundaries.

In general, cooperation with a real estate agency guarantees responsibility and requires it from clients. Together with an expert, you should define your goals and opportunities in order to get relevant options.

Tips for independent housing searches

DIM.RIA, Olx, Flatfy - you already know all the services for independent search for real estate. We also like their convenient functionality and easy-to-use interface, which is why THE Capital actively uses these platforms for posting ads. However, we are not the only ones who do this. Many homeowners and scammers have also learned how to advertise their properties professionally. Perhaps part of the blame for this lies with us, because recently we told our audience in detail about how to properly write advertisement, to give the most complete description of your property and attract potential tenants. If desired, even a person with no experience, knowledge, and nothing to hide, and without a conscience, can sell his or someone else's apartment for the ideal option just for you. But will he really be like that?

If, despite our warnings, you have decided to search for real estate for rent without an intermediary, keep the following points in mind:

• choose reliable platforms verified by your acquaintances and a wide range of users;
• plan a budget and decide on a district to view only the options relevant to you;
• make sure that there are all the necessary amenities in and around the house - assess the technical condition of the premises, the serviceability of household appliances, transport interchanges and infrastructure;
• check it out power law on real estate to make sure that you are dealing with its owner, and not a swindler;
• pay attention to the terms of the lease;
• write down the rights and obligations of the parties in the contract to protect yourself.

Don't risk your savings and value your time. Premium real estate agency THE Capital is always ready to help you find the perfect home for you and your family.