Here are the simple, straightforward facts about what you need to do to prepare yourself to get a rental in Northern Virginia.
So you’ve decided you’re going to rent for a while before your purchase your place in Northern Virginia. Good idea. Get to know the lay of the land. Get to know the ins and outs of where you think you want to live and then get settled. Now lets get you into a rental. It is a great idea to have a Realtor on your side when you’re looking for a rental in NoVa because the the rental market in Northern Virginia can be fierce! You can see something one minute, and then next it is “Approved” meaning, someone has put an application in and it has been accepted. If you have an experienced Realtor working for you, you have someone who can help you negotiate terms like your move in date, and sometimes, even your move in fees! Also, working with a trusted real estate professional, especially if you’re relocating to Northern Virginia will help guide you into a location that suits your needs, lifestyle and budget, not to mention you will have access to all of the properties through one person, instead of having to work with tons of different people- how convenient is that?! Raise your hand if you want a hassle free move. All hands raised here… Let’s get together your rental resume so you can be the next to be approved for a rental in Northern Virginia!
I would like for you to be as prepared as possible when you start looking for a place, so typically, when you work
with me, we will look over the regional rental application when we first meet up so that you know all of the details that go into it before we step out to look at properties. Be prepared to answer more questions about your finances, personal debts and rental history on other forms if there happens to be a separate application other than the regional application, which does sometimes happen.
Below is a detailed list of what you will need when we fill out the regional application. Like I mentioned, some rentals have their own specific application which is not the generic form; however, when we get to the point in which we’ve found a place that you truly like and want to put in an application on, you will need the following items and details with you:
- Pay stubs
- Offer letter
- Past employment details for last 3-5 years
- Current residence details with landlord information
- Car details (registration, plate detail)
- Debt details
- Asset details
- Designated contacts (emergency, etc)
- You will need to be prepared to do first and last months rent as well as deposits and fees in certified funds (cashiers checks from bank). Most landlords will not accept personal checks upon the first contact; however, some of them will, it just depends.
- I want to say that being honest is imperative. You’ll have to disclose if you’ve had a bankruptcy, as they will more than likely be running a background and credit check, so be honest and let the chips fall where they may.
If you or someone you know if looking for a rental in Northern Virginia and wants some help finding the perfect place, I’ve just given the road map, now let me guide you to your new home. Call or email today.
Then when you think you’re ready to buy… we’ll talk about those steps!
