Whether you are looking for a home to rent or a tenant to fill your investment property, our board certified Realtors® handle your rental needs every step of the way.
We will sit down with you and find out what exactly your needs and wants are (price/size/locations/pets/etc) and search all current active listings on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service®).
We have access to the all the current active listed properties 95% of what’s currently on the market negotiations, applications, and find the right home for renters. We are a FREE service for renters!!
When should I begin my search for a rental??
4-5 weeks prior to your move in date is when it all begins. Come see us so we can show you everything that is currently on the market. If you start searching sooner, anything you look at will likely be gone by the time you want to move.
Once inventory hits the market the best deals disappear immediately so be prepared.
Timeline/Checklist~
4~5 weeks from moving day-
Give written notice to your current landlord. Not all leases are drawn up with a 30 day notice to vacate so make sure you check your current lease to review all terms.
Reserve your moving truck. The majority of people move either on the 1st or the 15th of the month. Moving trucks get reserved quickly and there is nothing worse than scrambling at the last minute.
Consider using a moving company. Make sure you verify they are licensed and insured. Also ask them about all “fees” including what they charge for materials and if they have a “transit” fee or a “fuel surcharge” fee.
3 ~ 4 weeks from moving day-
Decision time…what stays and what goes. Moving time is the best way to get rid of the items you have not used in the past couple of years. Let’s be honest if you haven’t used it in two years odds are pretty good that it is time to let it go. Evaluate what you have in the discard pile and get a game plan as to what you want to do with it. Garage sales, donations, Craigslist and E-Bay are popular means to lighten the load.
Think ahead about any purchases. This can range from large deliveries that you are only going to have move again yourself to food you may plan to freeze. Now is also the time to start emptying your freezer so start defrosting the steaks.
Start collecting boxes. Some people go to their local grocery store but it is usually the big box stores that are hidden gold in the hunt for boxes. Best advice: Write your name, phone number and the message, “Please save me empty boxes” on a piece of paper. Approach the Customer Service counter (at a not too busy time) and ask them when they process their truck. Tell them you are moving and as you hand them the paper tell them you would be appreciative if they can save you some boxes. Usually they will accommodate.
Are there other little feet to consider?? Let’s not forget that moving is difficult enough on the grown-ups but if there are children or pets involved their world is changing too. Do not lose sight of their needs either. Talk to them about the move and see if they have any fears or hesitations. School records and medical documents are important to have forwarded to the new appropriate places.
Inventory all your medical necessities. Make a list of all the current medical professionals that you are currently seeing. Include their addresses and phone numbers too. You will need this information to have your medical records transferred to your new health care providers. Don’t forget a list of you prescriptions either.
1 ~ 2 weeks from moving day-
Plan out your utilities. Call all utilities that you are responsible for and set dates for transfer, new service or disconnect. If you have to return cable boxes do not forget the cord and the remote.
Find out who your friends are. It’s time to call in some favors and firmly ask your friends, family, co-workers for whatever help you need. Make sure you get a serious commitment from them and send them a friendly reminder the week before then another reminder the day before with an accurate time that everyone is gathering.
Change of address. Notify the United States Postal Service and fill out the proper forms. It usually takes the USPS about a week to catch up from A to B so keep that in mind if you are expecting anything of priority delivered to you during moving week.
Get ahead of the move. Pack what you can early on. It will only be a matter of time before the boxes start taking over so stay organized and don’t let them win. Pack non-essential items first and create a storage area to get them out of the way. LABEL EVERYTHING!! You will thank us later on that one. Keep essentials close by and personal records/documents even closer.
Reserve unloading areas/elevators. There are some buildings, areas, associatons, etc that require you to reserve an area or an elevator for move in day. Make sure your truck has somewhere to park and that you can get your belongings into your new home.
Schedule accordingly. The day before your move you should be off work if you can. If you have packers come to start boxing your belongings it will most likely be the day before. They will need supervision and someone around to answer questions. Try and coordinate a sitter for the children and pets on moving day. There will be a lot going on that day so those close friends that have the bad back and can’t physically help move can play babysitter that day.
Tend to the appliances. At least two days before moving day defrost and clean the refrigerator. Keep a cooler with the essentials that you want to take with you. Those close friends that have a bad back that for some reason could not watch the kids can spend an hour or two scrubbing down the refrigerator, stove and other appliances. DON’T BE AFRAID TO DELEGATE.
Moving day-
Meet the movers. If you are using a moving company make sure all paperwork is filled out properly and that your notes match up to the drivers. If you have any concerns consider taking pictures or video of your belongings in case trouble arises after. Make sure the driver has all your phone number and has the proper address. Confirm the time that truck is due at the destination.
Final walk through of the old. Once everything (and everybody) is out of the old residence do a final inspection. Make sure you check all closets, crawlspaces, etc that you are not leaving anything behind. Unless otherwise stated in your lease you are expected to leave the property in “broom swept” condition so make sure everything is cleared out & that the property is in good condition. Small holes should be patched a everything should be clean. Not a bad idea to take pictures or video in case any claims are made against your security deposit. Florida law requires Ladlords to return the deposit within 15 days, or to send a notice of their intent to withhold the deposit within 30 days from your moving out (assuming you did not abandon the property before the end of the lease).
Initial walk though of the new. Your realtor should be with you on move in day to do a walk through of the property. This is your chance to call out any obvious issues with the home. If something does not work properly make sure it is noted. If there are cracked tiles or
certain stains make sure you have them noted as well this way you are not responsible for the items at the end of your lease. CREATE A FILE FOR YOUR NEW HOME. You might not need this information for at least the next year but when you do need it make sure you remember where it is.
At your new home, as the moving company unloads your items, check the condition of each box. As the moving company unloads your items, check the condition of each box. Make a list of any missing or damaged items on the mover’s copy of the inventory form. Since you will do most of the unpacking after the movers leave, it is a good idea to make a “subject to inspection for loss or concealed damage” note on the inventory form. By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed. Be sure to report any loss or damage to the moving company as soon as you notice it. Have a game plan for the unloading. If for whatever reason you can’t be there make sure someone else knows the plan. Where does the furniture go?? Where do the boxes go?? (SURE GLAD YOU LABELED EVERYTHING). There should be a few boxes with your necessities. These are going to be your bed sheets, toiletries, towels, clothes. Unpack these items first then your kitchen next.
1 ~ 2 weeks after moving day-
Home inspection. Check out all appliances, HVAC system, water heater, ceiling fans, etc. Keep a pad of paper to the side of the sink. If you notice something that needs attention try and get it to the owner within the first week of occupancy.
Time to unpack ALL the boxes. Make it a point to open every box. Unless it is specifically marked for storage (ie:holiday decorations) open the box and put the contents in it’s new home. You may find that you are still getting rid of items even after the move. Don’t be afraid to keep cleaning house and getting rid of clutter.
Make sure everyone that needs your new address has it. This includes the IRS, Motor Vehicles, Voter Registration, local bank, credit cards, health insurance, car insurance, etc.
Get to know your community. Go take a walk in your new neighborhood. Find all the local hot spots. Meet your neighbors, they are a great source of local knowledge and remember, not too long ago they were the new people on the block. Stop by the local chamber of commerce for further information. Some retail stores, pharmacies, grocery stores and home improvement merchants send out “Welcome to the Neighborhood” coupons.
2 ~3 weeks after moving day-
Familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Check opening and closing hours of stores and service facilities in your area. Find a couple of places you really like – a coffee shop, deli, dry cleaners, and grocery store. Make friends at places you frequent often and you will really begin to feel welcome.
Visit your new city’s tourist attractions. Learn about the historical events in your new community. Go out for a night on the town. Check out some of the nightclubs, pubs, and movie theaters. Get out of your house. Make friends with your neighbors; get involved in your new community by joining a volunteer service organization.
