Daily prospective renters call me to inquire about properties for rent in Miami and Miami Beach buildings. After speaking with so many prospective renters, I know that there are a lot of misconceptions out there. I decided to put together a list of the biggest misconceptions and tell you a little more about what is really going on out there.
A list of things I wish all Miami and Miami Beach prospective renters knew:
- The guy who keeps telling everyone that buildings are just sitting empty and there are tons of rentals on the market has probably never actually searched for a rental in Miami or Miami Beach with specific criteria. Yes, there are a lot of properties on the market, FOR SALE. There may be some buildings that “feel empty” but it has been my experience that this is from other issues, not from “lack of interested renters”.
- Agents say that sometimes a rental transaction process is more work than a sale. Knowing this, doesn’t it make sense to work with a pro? If you want to save time and make sure you haven’t missed anything, find a Miami or Miami Beach Realtor that you trust and work exclusively with them. It doesn’t cost you any more money and it will save you a lot of aggravation.
- What you get for your money in Miami Beach, more specifically South Beach is not the same as Brickell, Downtown or Midtown Miami. South Beach is a completely “different” market than the rest.
- I have no control over the quantity or quality of pictures that are on the listings that I send to you. I am also frustrated with my colleagues who don’t provide better pictures.
- If you are calling me to see if I can find a “desperate owner”, who will take thousands less for the monthly rent, you are calling the wrong Realtor. In fact, I have no idea why anyone would want to live in a condo where the owner is in a desperate situation? Talk about foreclosure, banks showing the property while your are living in the unit, your deposits and not to mention if you have a maintenance issue who will you call?
- Unless the owner otherwise specifies; first, last and security deposits are not negotiable.
- There are no “game or tricks” to getting a good deal. There is a database of units that have rented so far in each building. In this database there are statistics for price and how many days on the market a unit will take to rent. The owner will consult with their Realtor for these statistics and make a decision.
- Just because a unit has two bedrooms does not mean it comes with two parking spots. Same for three and four bedrooms. Most units in the city have only 1 assigned parking spot. Don’t include valet as a second spot unless it is guaranteed by the owner and management company. Valet companies change frequently and when they take over a new account, new fees may follow.
- I feel really bad for people with larger dogs. Fewer and fewer buildings are accepting larger pets for renters and it’s really a shame.
In the end, there are a lot of great properties on the market for rent in Miami and Miami Beach. Save time and work with a professional who will give you accurate and up to date information. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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