I am moving soon to a new state. I have been trying to find housing there (someplace just to rent). I have already made two trips out there and come up with some decent leads.
This week, though, I found a great listing on Craig's List. It would be more bang for our buck than what we had found on our last trip out there. It is bigger, but it is in the neighborhood that we wanted. And, the pictures make it look nicer than some of the other places we had leads on.
But, going out there again would involve a 27-hour car ride and/or 300-500 dollars worth of expenses (even if we flew). Because I met this landlord on Crait's list, I am a bit nervous just handing him $1000 (for rent and a security deposit). Even though he had ample pictures, I know it potentially could be a scam.
What can I do to make sure it is for real without going out there again? Any ideas?
2006-06-25 16:00:29 · 7 answers · asked by paike 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
- Check his credit
- Offer to give him a deposit to hold the place (pay by check, get a receipt for maximum proof), pay him the rest after you have the keys and signed lease in your hands
- Have an attorney look at the lease before you sign it
- Don't give him any money until you have a lease in your hand signed by him and you, the keys in your pocket, and have checked the place out
- Make sure the terms of the lease, month to month, yearly, etc. are spelled out
- Make sure you now if you are supposed to give written notice if you're leaving
- Save every scrap of paper on the transactions
Also, do you like him? Always make an effort to rent from people who you can be friendly with, and pursue a friendship with the guy during the whole lease. Why? This can save your asss in more ways than I can list here! A friend can find ways to help you, an enemy can always find ways to screw you!
2006-06-25 16:15:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pull title for the property to see who owns it and then get a picture ID from this guy. If he is renting a piece of property that is not his, he will need a license. Check with the department of real estate to see if he is licensed.
You could also ask him to prove to you that he owns the place and/or is in the position to rent it out to you. But you're right, I wouldn't trust anyone on the internet with cash without checking them out first. That includes a loser on Yahoo Answers who claims to be a licensed California real estate broker. ;)
Good Luck
Regards
2006-06-25 16:34:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hire a real estate agent to represent you. You will not be charged anything. The landlord pays any commission. Let the agent check it out.
2006-06-25 16:07:41 · answer #3 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest calling a real estate agent in the area and ask them what they would charge you for sending an agent to the location and assess it for you.
2006-06-25 16:07:17 · answer #4 · answered by Lil D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the local Chambers of commerce for the city you are thinking of moving too.
Tell them your story,they should go check it out and get back with you.
2006-06-25 16:06:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
give him the money and tell him that if all isn't what he showed you will be moving out and will expect full reimbursement and that you will turn him in for false advertisement
2006-06-25 16:05:51 · answer #6 · answered by ja man 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask him for references, and check them out.
2006-06-25 16:03:42 · answer #7 · answered by You'll Never Outfox the Fox 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋