Love and rentals

Why looking for love and looking for a rental are more similar than you might think … plus six helpful tips from One Agency Surf Coast’s Property Management team.

1. Show you’re keen
If you see a property you like online, apply even before you’ve viewed it. If you get accepted and don’t like the property when you see it in person, simply withdraw your application. Like in love, it’s better to express your interest and be in with a chance than to play it cool and miss the opportunity.

2. Keep your options open
It’s smart not to put all your eggs in one basket when dating. Similarly, when hunting for a rental it’s OK to apply for multiple properties at the same time. If you get accepted for two, or three (lucky you!) take your pick then politely decline your least favourite offer.

3. Money can’t buy happiness
Just as money doesn’t equate to happiness in love, offering more money on a rental isn’t going to guarantee success. It’s entirely up to you if you’d like to offer more rent than the asking price or rent in advance. In some instances, this may move you to the front of the queue. Just know that not all landlords can be bought. Many will choose their tenants based on their secure income and savings, their flawless rental history, or a rave reference.

4. Sell yourself!
On your first date with your dream partner, you only have ONE chance to make a first impression – so sell yourself. The same rules apply when applying for your dream rental home. Use the cover letter as an opportunity for the agent/landlord to get to know you better … include a photo, share your hobbies, your pets, why you’d make a great tenant and why their property is “the one”.

HOT TIP: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through, you want to stand out from the competition after all!

5. Compromise is key
There’s no such thing as a perfect partner – or a perfect rental. You can’t have it all. Sometimes you’ll need to comprise on the things on your “wish list”. For example, snoring. Not ideal but not a deal-breaker. Similarly, you might be looking for a rental with a dishwasher (you’re only human!) but if one comes along without one but is only a two-minute walk to the beach and ticks all your other boxes, then it’s worth a shot.

6. Don’t take rejection personally
It’s tough out there. We get it. But don’t let rejection get you down. You just haven’t met your match yet, but you will. Sometimes you and the landlord are looking for different things, you’re just not compatible, simple as that. You could talk to a friendly agent about how you might improve for next time. Most importantly, don’t get disheartened.

Keep at it and your ideal rental/partner will come along in no time!