Online rental property ads. We all think (hope??) the home will be as it appears online. But all is usually not what it seems. Take this home below. The images look quite nice:

However, my research was able to reveal that these images were actually taken in 2008. Yes, 2008. They are 12 years old. What you are seeing is actually how the property looked 12 years ago. In that time, there have been no renovations, it has had 9 lots of tenants and has even sold! The rent has not increased since 2012, indicating a home that has not been improved or perhaps even maintained in that time.

Another example: this home looks nice, or so we think:

What’s missing? There is no image of the bathroom. Oh, and you might also like to know that those images from the online ad are from 2009 … meaning that is what it looked like … back then, before it had 3 lots of tenants in and out. What is the bathroom like? Unlike the kitchen and living room that look lovely, the bathroom looks mouldy, is dark and doesn’t present quite as well:

Given that my clients were seeking a new, clean and bright bathroom, I was able to safely rule this home out - a home that otherwise would have been inspected. My clients were saved an unnecessary trip out to see a property only to be disappointed, and we were able to focus our time on finding the right home.

If you’d like to “cut to the chase” and inspect qualified homes - ones that actually meet your needs, Find My Rental Property is here to help. Melissa Maimann  is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Buyer's Agent and Rental Search / Relocation Agent in Sydney. Melissa saves tenants time and frustration through an affordable service that finds and secures the best properties quickly, easily and efficiently.  If you’re aghast at the thought of finding a rental home and need a skilled agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.