Jandysi

Oh and don't assume that agents will call you back, be courteous or anything like that. They often speak to you in a really crap way - but then that's Australia! I find real estate agents here, very horrible. Can't wait until our lease ends and we move into our own house build.


We were shown round a property by the current tenants and the agents didn't want us to live there because the tenants showed us round. We said we wanted the property, they never called us back, and said that the viewing we had didn't count and wouldn't take our application!!!! Also, when you see a property that you are sure fits the bill, and you want to look at it - don't expect them to show you round until the open day. some might but most wont. Even if it means they might just let it sooner. We've had some where they've refused to show us before the open day, then the day before the open day, called us and said it had been let!!! huh???? how???? if you weren't showing people round?????

The higher your budget - the less hassles you will have with competition. Also if you see a property that you think is like $10-15 more than others - you may find that it is vacant for longer and they'll snap your hand off. You may pay a tiny bit more but jeez it's worth it for not having to drive round home opens that are only open for 15 mins and often at same times as other rentals you want to see.

Lenmil

It may be a good idea to take pictures of the property before you move in just to remind you (and the letting agents) of how the property looked before you moved in. Just in case of arguments later about the state of the place.
It may pay you to check into wether the house can get broadband internet as you may only be able to get dial up. And if you need it you will have to most likely have to pay for it your self. Don't forget you will have to pay a bond up front. Cash most likely. The last place i rented did not accept credit cards in any way. I paid two weeks up front every two weeks. Speaking of internet, be careful of the deals offered. Bigpond for instance is not unlimited in the download amount. They did offer a cheaper deal than others but the catch was your download limit. Go over it and they charge you for it and slow down your connection.

Paul & June

We are handing over our bond on a property this week, but have still not seen a condition report. When should this be given out? Should we hold back our bond until we go through it thoroughly?

teza

Condition report will be given to you when the keys are handed over, it will give u 7 or so days time to go through the report and see if you can find anything else wrong with the property. As said before, write down EVERYTHING you think is wrong that you don't see in the report (dirty grouting, unwashed windows, cracks on walls, chips on paint, dirty sink silicone, dirty oven, cobwebs, holes in flyscreens etc)
Enjoy your new home!

Jandysi

Keep asking and asking.

They overlooked ours, and we got it through the post afew weeks later!!! I think it states you need to send it back to them within 7 days for your additions to be valid - that's the main thing.

GLad to see you've found somewhere.

IanJakeCharlieDaddy

we had to give 6 mths up front plus bond