If you’re wondering what sort of valuable information my clients access through my service that really help make great rental decisions, here’s some of the things I can let them know:

• Is it currently for sale? Nobody wants to rent a place only to have to move again at the end of their lease.

• How does the rent compare with the value of the property (rental yield) and with the median rental yield for the suburb? How does it compare with previous rents charged? In other words, might they be over-paying?

• Rental history: what did it previously rent for, how long do the tenants tend to stay? Is it vacant for long periods of time between tenants? Does the rent always need to be discounted so that they can get a tenant? Is the rent able to be increased over time, suggesting that this is a home that the landlords continue to invest in and improve on?

• How often do tenants turnover? Do they tend to only stay for short periods of time suggesting something might be very wrong with the home?

• History of renovations

• How old those online photos really are … you’ll be surprised to learn that some online ads depict images that are 12+ years old. Yes, really.

• The floor plan

• Size and aspect

• Nearby developments / DAs

How is this helpful?

• If you've ever signed your lease only to find out shortly after that the landlord is going to sell;

• If you've ever moved into this freshly-painted unit only to find after a couple of weeks your belongings are covered in mould;

• If you've ever moved in, chatted with your fellow resident tenants and found that you're paying way more rent than them;

• If you've ever moved in and shortly after, returned home one night to see that the house next door has been bulldozed and a new apartment block is to go up in its place;

• If you’ve ever arrived with your removalist and part-way moving in, discover that your fridge, washing machine or furniture won’t fit

Then this information matters to you!

Melissa Maimann is a licensed real estate agent, buyer's agent and rental search / relocation agent in Sydney. She saves tenants time and frustration by offering an affordable service that finds and secures the best rental properties quickly, easily and efficiently. If you need a Licenced Real Estate Agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.