For those concerned about not finding a rental

[Bell30656]

In my area, Georgia, I see more places "For Rent" but I also hear that landlords are becoming more picky about who they let in. Too many people have started utilizing the system to the fullest when it comes to evading rent.

The owner of this park has even started doing credit and reference checks (on non-owned trailers). He's had several people in recent months that have paid first months rent, moved in and that is the last money he sees from them. After he gets tired of the excuses and finally starts eviction they have managed to get about six months from him rent free. Then of course, they move out and take the stove, refrigerator and ceiling lights with them.

He had one that worked the court system including a couple of bankruptcy filings that stayed for over a YEAR rent free!!! Of course, these type move into the nicer double-wides and seem so upstanding when they move in.

[ryan]

Part of this whole 'Renting a Place' thing is Mindset...if you approach this sort of hat in hand, landlords and rental agents can sense it.

Its important to present yourself as someone who has recently gotten their financial house in order. Someone who is easily able to make the monthly rent payment and has addlt cash resources, if necessary.

Your posture should be one of expectation. You EXPECT to rent a place and have already seen a few that seem good but you're looking for the 'right' house/apt.

Remember: People smell fear.

[jtallerie]

Ryan, thanks for your advice. You are right! I am fearful! I would be willing to caugh up some additional deposit money.

I am a little worried about renting from a landlord that could be in forclosure! Times are tough in Florida.

[ssmdem]

Ryan, thanks for your advice. You are right! I am fearful! I would be willing to caugh up some additional deposit money.

I am a little worried about renting from a landlord that could be in forclosure! Times are tough in Florida.

That worries me too - go through all this and then ending up in yet another home being foreclosed on.

[StartingOver08]

There are plenty of rentals available here in SE Fl with reasonable private landlords looking for a tenant that will pay. There are some landlords that are not receptive to a tenant that has filed BK, but most will work with you. Usually the only landlords that are the exception are the professional apt complex type rentals.

[jtallerie]

Startingovero8, thanks for your encouragement, I would need to rent a house or a town house. I need 3 BR & a garage, I am self employed and I need to do some receiving of merchandise. I am also terrified of bugs, or mice it's a phobia. A complex or anything multi dwelling will not work for me. I have too many phobias.

My biggest concern is that if I have to rent, how would I know if my new landlord is in Forclosure. I don't want to have to move again for a while. If I have to lay out 3 mo. rent for my poor credit, I don't want some landlord to take my money and run!

[StartingOver08]

If you work with an agent, we look up the property public records (most of us anyway) to see if a lis pendens (LP) is filed. We would not know the status if the LP has not been filed yet. Here the landlord has to sign an addendum that they are current with their mortgage pmts and HOA/Condo fees at the time of lease signing. Most of us check the mortgage amount, date incurred etc. We know if the house is upside down or not. The higher the LTV on the house, the greater the risk the LL will default. Get with a good agent to find the property you seek.

[jtallerie]

Ssmdem, it is very scary. How do you know if your potential landlord is in forclosure? I know that you can look up the property online & the landlords name. I think that if someone has a lein on the property that could be forclosed, you can find out from the comptrollers office on line.I think that it might be public record. I have to protect my family.

[jtallerie]

Startingover08, what is LTV. You have to excuse me I am new to all this.

[jtallerie]

Startingover08, how much do I have to pay the agent? I am new at this. In NY it was always 1 month rent. Florida is not the same? How much is the current rate to pay the agent?

[justbroke]

Startingover08, what is LTV. You have to excuse me I am new to all this.

LTV is loan to value. So if the loan is $120K and the value is $100K, the LTV is 120%.

[jtallerie]

Justbroke, thanks for the info. Where I live it seems like most people that have bought their homes within the last five years are upsidedown. I bought my house September 2006 for 325,000. I put 65,000 down to purchase. The loan was for 260,000. I owe 252,000 now. Zillow says my house is worth 208,000. The yearly tax assesment says the value is 188,000.

I always thought that real estate was like money in the bank. I wish I could just sell the house for what I paid (that won't happen any time soon). I learned my lesson.I wonder if things will ever get better here in Florida.

[justbroke]

I wonder if things will ever get better here in Florida.

I don't know. I did well with a sale in 2005 and I too thought the market was good. However, I did read the Orlando market correctly; in 2005, I thought it was was overpriced!

We live, we learn.

[Bell30656]

In each state the law is different. In Georgia, foreclosures have to be advertised in the county legal organ for four weeks prior to the courthouse steps auction. A great reason to subscribe to the local paper and actually read it.

Besides you can go to the local courthouse and actually ask that question. Larger counties have computers where you can punch in the address small counties like mine we just ask Brenda at the clerk's office. This information is public domain and they have to tell you.

[StartingOver08]

Startingover08, how much do I have to pay the agent? I am new at this. In NY it was always 1 month rent. Florida is not the same? How much is the current rate to pay the agent?

Here in Fl it is customary for the Landlord to pay the agency commission. The Tenant doesn't pay the commission. The Tenant only pays his normal deposits: First month, Last month and security deposit. Pet deposit if applicable. Many, many Landlords negotiate to just First and Security deposit.