Tips for Finding Rental Property
The National Capitol Area is one of the tightest rental markets in the country. Still, despite what you may have heard, it is possible to find a place which meets your needs and your budget.
Employ a rental agent
A rental agent costs you nothing and can provide you much. Few newcomers understand the distinctions between places like Ballston, Pimmit Hills, Rosslyn, Groveton, Springfield, Lyon Park, Del Ray and Belle View. If you've spent the last two years here, but your world has been limited to places two blocks from a Metro stop, it's likely that you are missing out on much that the area has to offer. This doesn't mean you need a car. This means you need to consult a professional.
Keep an open mind
The best deals in real estate are usually found where others aren't looking. So, if "everyone" says to move a certain neighborhood, you're probably too late. Your best friend is a real estate professional and suggests that you to a particular neighborhood then take note. Otherwise, take friendly advice with a grain of salt. If you're not a long term resident and/or a real estate professional, then you probably don't really know all the choices that are out there.
Traffic
Traffic in Northern Virginia is terrible ... in some places. The secret is that some neighborhoods are well-planned and traffic-free. Newcomers often only learn about these neighborhoods after they've signed their lease. It's nearly impossible for someone who is outside of the area to know the traffic patterns and what area's to avoid. The closest property by miles is not necessarily the closest property in time-travelled.
Be patient and flexible
Some of the best places to live are found in little neighborhoods or in condominium communities. In the hidden neighborhoods, sometimes the property you want isn't available today, but it is available in two weeks. Sometimes the property you want is available now, but you wanted to move next month. Things are constantly changing, but it will all work out. Afterall, you only need one residence.
Cats & Dogs
Only 40% of the apartments in Maryland, Virginia and DC accept cats and only 10% accept dogs. If you don't already have a pet, you won't want to limit your search to only places that will accept a dog. If you do require an apartment which accepts pets, be ready to offer an additional deposit to cover any damage the pet might cause. Many communities have weight limits on pets.
Parking
A place for your car can be as hard to find as a place for your cat. Some area housing was built before cars even existed. Some areas were developed specifically to take advantage of the Metro, while some communities have ample parking. River Towers and Belle View are condo communities with ample parking.
Metro
Some Metro stops have no parking whatsoever. On the other hand, some Metro (like Huntington) stops have ample parking. The fees for parking vary greatly. In some areas, it's just not feasible or practical to ride the Metro (despite what you may have heard). In some areas, your destination has no parking so Metro is the only answer. Tell your rental agent about your transportation capabilities and the destination of your commute.
Landlords
Landlords get many calls, and have to write them down quickly to keep up with them. So stand out in a positive way by leaving a good message. If you're using an agent, let them know the agent's name. Landlord tend to take renters with agents a little more seriously because they know that you've already gotten a full description of their place, that you are prequalified and that you aren't wasting their time.
Applications
Have a neat application already filled out to present to your potential landlord. (Your rental agent can provide a uniform rental application that should be accepted by most landlords.) A credit report is also a big help. (Some rental agents can provide this as well.) Be on time and don't be afraid to show your most friendly and responsible side. Landlords will look at your application, but they are also looking at you.
Will Nesbitt

Will Nesbitt is a long time resident and a real estate professional. Please contact him to find your best rental now.

Belle Haven
  River Towers is surrounded by 26 acres of parkland and yet is adjacent to shopping, mass transit and many services.
 
  

 

Belle View Townhomes
  There are several clusters of townhouses in the community. They are generally well-maintained, quality construction and nicely appointed.
 
  

Belle Haven
  The area is close the Huntington Metro and well served by mass transit including the REX and Fairfax Connector.
 
  

Top Fort Hunt Places to Live
How can I find the rental that suits my specific needs?

The goal is to find the rental that suits all of your needs, most of your wants and fits your budget. What's the most effective choice to realize that goal?

  1. Do it yourself.
  2. Enlist the services of a rental agent.

If you are your own rental agent, you must rely on your own personal knowledge of the area and your own contacts to find your perfect rental. Of course, you could change your own oil, put in your own stitches and you could cut your own hair, too. The only difference is that you have pay for these services and a rental agent's services are free to the renter!

A rental agent's job is to listen to your needs and then help you identify rentals that meet your needs. rental agents typically have in depth knowledge of the community and they are often aware of market rates. It's not uncommon for a "connected" rental agent to know of rental opportunities that are quietly listed and generally unknown to the public. A rental agent's fees are paid by the landlord, so there is no expense to the renter.

If you're looking for a real estate agent who knows the neighborhoods around Alexandria and Mount Vernon, please contact Will Nesbitt.
No charge to you, but not free.

Because the landlord pays the fees, the rental agent's time is no charge to you, the renter. It really is in the renter's best interests to employ the services of a trustworthy rental agent. The problem is many rental agents really only work for one landlord and thus only support their employer's building(s). Many realtors and real estate agents won't deal with renters.

Here's why.

After all the fees are paid, a rental agent generally makes about one eighth of a single month's rent for a rental. For a typical one bedroom apartment in the DC area the rental agent is often paid a paltry $160. (No withholding and no benefits.) So it's tough to find a rental agent who cares about your needs. Additionally, many renters are oblivious to the benefits of professional assistance and don't really take best advantage of the rental agent's expertise.

When you find a quality agent who is willing to help with your search, it's a good idea to maximize your productivity before the agent loses interest in your problems. Most rental agents (like most people) are good people and they care about their client's needs. At the same time, there comes a point where the rental agent has to consider his/her own self-interests. Because the pay-off is so small for the agent, even the best rental agent loses interest very quickly if the renter has unrealistic expectations or if the renter isn't ready to make a decision.

So, it's in the renter's best interest to take advantage of the rental agent's expertise, but it makes sense to budget your time with the rental agent. For example, rather than using the rental agent's gas or time to figure out what the renter wants, a smart renter approaches the rental agent with an idea of wants and needs, and then uses the rental agent's expertise to secure the best possible residence.

Need an agent?

If you need an agent, I suggest that you avoid those agents who work for apartment complexes as they derive there income from one property. If there is a better deal or more ideal property one block away, this type of rental agent probably won't know about it.

If you can't find a rental agent who will help you, contact me. My name is Will Nesbitt, I built most of this site and you can learn more about me here.

I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. I'm licensed everywhere in Virginia and Maryland. I focus on areas near Fort Hunt Road and the 22307 zip code. If your needs are outside my area of operations or expertise, I'll gladly refer you to someone you can trust to work for you.

In the end, I hope that you respect my time as much as I respect your needs. I really do appreciate the opportunity to serve you. ~~~ Will Nesbitt
   
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