Find Real Estate Investment Tips That Work for You

Renting a home is a big decision. It isn't one you should take lightly. There are a lot of specifics that come into play when trying to find the home of your dreams. Because of this, you want to make sure you have a thorough understanding of what to expect when renting. To help you navigate your way through the process and make sure you get the home you want, here are three questions you might want to ask a potential leasing company.

Will you have to commit to an extended term or can you do a month to month basis after your lease is up?

While you might initially sign a one-year lease, you need to know what to expect at the end of your lease. You need to know if you are able to do a month-to-month basis or if you are going to have to commit to another six months or a year. This will not only help you plan for the future, but it will give you an idea of whether the landlord is going to be flexible in their terms or if they adhere to a more rigid structure.

Do you have to purchase renter's insurance?

Renter's insurance is meant to protect your belongings in the event of a theft, fire, or other disaster. While this is often optional and up to the renter to decide if they want this coverage or not, some landlords actually require the renter to purchase it. Every landlord is different, so you will want to make sure you know if this is something you have to look into purchasing or not beforehand so you can better plan for the added expense every month.

Who is responsible for yard maintenance in a single-family home?

Ask the landlord who is going to take care of things like removing ice and snow, trimming the weeds and mowing the grass. If it is something they handle for you, make sure to ask when the company is going to come and do it so you can better plan your day. If it is something you have to take care of on your own, you might be able to get your rent reduced for taking on the added responsibility. Every landlord is different, so you want to clarify this ahead of time.

By asking the questions above of home leasing companies, you can make sure you know what to expect right from the beginning.