Thinking about Renting an Apartment, Condo or House?

Rental Searching?

Florida Property Homes is a full-service brokerage. We can help you find a rental property using our techniques and services. However, have you considered the benefits of home ownership?

Of course, if you aren't interested in converting from renter to homeowner, FPH will always be available to assist you in finding or guiding you in the right direction. Our desire is that when you feel ready to make the change, we would be the ones you'll come to.

Use the SEE PROPERTIES button on the Home page and on the top row that has Residential click on the down arrow and select Rental Lease to find a rental meeting your criteria.

Are You Still Going To Rent Instead of Buying Now?

Leasing vs. Purchasing

Which would give you the most benefits?

You might think that buying is not possible right for you, or it's too expensive, or you think you can't qualify for a mortgage because you have bad credit. Perhaps it's not the right time, it's too much trouble to deal with, it's too much of a responsibility or you might be avoiding it for now.

The reasons can be endless, but NOW is the perfect time, and this is why: To rent a place, you often need a security deposit, first month and last month rent as well, the leasing agent will request a background check, employment verification, proof of income, references, etc... much like a lender will do, so considering all those factors, you are already half way through the initial mortgage qualifying process. Why not go a little further?

Consider what buying will do to you:

Have you considered that renting might not be your best choice? Don't you think you deserve to know if buying is a better alternative? And what exactly is required?

You could be closer to homeownership than you realize. The first step is to simply consult with us, so we can assess your goals, qualification and roadway to ownership. We can help you see what can be accomplish in no time. We may have the answersyou need to get started. Call Us

This is what we can do for you:

Florida Property Homes can help make your transition go smoothly and with confidence. We will assess your situation and show you the options available at the present and in the future.

Florida Property Homes is not just another real estate broker selling houses. We like to help people in all real estate areas. Call us at 407-935-0068 or use the Contact Us on the bottom of this page to share your thoughts.

More on the benefits of buying

Renting vs. Buying

When you rent, there will be a rental agreement with many restrictions, such as what you're allowed or prohibited to do in the dwelling. As a homeowner, you can personalize the home because it is yours. You have the ability to renovate, have your own pool, entertain in your back yard, or grow a garden.

Often lease payments can be more expensive than a well structured home mortgage payment. Your rent payment goes into the pocket of the landlord as profit. You are paying their mortgage and helping them reach their financial dreams. Your own mortgage payment is like a savings account that you are paying yourself over the term of the loan. It is your investment that builds wealth.

When renting, your residency is temporary. The landlord can ask you to leave and your security deposit might be forfieted. When buying you can stay in the residency for a lifetime and give the property to loved ones as an inhertance. Whenever you decide to relocate or upgrade, you can sell the home or rent it as an investment for profit building. The renter pays your mortgage.

When renting, lease payments can continue to increase, while a fixed mortgage stays the same. That means after a few years your mortgage payment will be less than the rent payments.

There is no tax benefit for renting. Whereas, homeowners can claim tax deductions, which is significant for building wealth.

If you can pay rent, you can pay a mortgage. It all depends on your personal plans and goals.

Florida Property Homes is your first stop for information and advice. Ask us about pre-qualifying and other programs available for renters that want to become homeowners. Call us at 407-935-0068 to speak with a professional real estate agent or make an appointment below.

Things Renters Should Know

Finding a place to rent can be frustrating

In the past couple of years, Florida has had an influx of people moving here and causing a rental shortage. The waiting list for apartments gets longer each day. So, if you are thinking about going on your own, plan ahead and be patient. For those who are relocating to the area, best to seek help through a real estate firm.

The Screening Process

Once you find a rental and have looked at it, you will be asked to fill out an application and pay an application fee and credit check. Some landlords ask for references. If approved, you will be asked to pay first month rent, a security deposit and possibly a last month rent. If you have pets, a pet deposit and fee is often required.

Pets

Some landlords have restrictions on the type and size pet they will allow. These restrictions will be in the lease agreement. A pet deposit is collected in advanced for damages and soil your pet causes to the property. Some places require an additional rental fee.

Deposits

The deposits are collected by the landlord, leasing agent or property manager as collateral to prevent a tenant from leaving before the lease ends and to cover damages and/or cleaning costs in advance. If you keep the rental in good order, your deposit should be refunded, after you move out and the landlord completes their final inspection.

Roommates

Sharing rent payments with another person requires trust and communication. It is a financial risk. Keep in mind, most lease agreements specify who may live in the rental property. Making your own agreements to pay the rent with others is called subleasing and often should be approved by the landlord.

Landlords and Property Managers

A landlord can also be the owner of the rental property, whereas the property manager is a hired contractor that looks after the rental property on the owners' behalf. They collect rent, maintain upkeep of the property and ensure terms of the lease are followed, along with compliance with city/state ordinances.

REFERRAL:

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FAQ

What is a Condo?

A condominium offer similar amenities as homeownership, except that they are managed by an association much like a co-op's board of directors.

The occupant owns only the interior unit of a building and can renovate it, rent it or sell it.

They share common areas with other occupants, like hallways, pool and recreational facilities.

What is a Co-op?

The co-operatives are similar to the condos, but operate under a different ownership system. The occupants are shareholders, not owners, they pay on a loan much like a mortgage.

The occupants cannot make any changes within the unit. They are only entitled to live there and contribute to the buildings maintenance.

What is a timeshare?

This is a unit (apartment) that is shared by many for usually a week out of the year, and works much like booking a hotel room anywhere. You own only the time period of the property per purchase contract.

The main benefit is that if you take a vacation to different places each year, you have a place to stay guaranteed when you make reservations early. Otherwise, buying a vacation home might be better.

What is a HOA?

A homeowner's association is a group of residents in a community in place to maintain and enhance the value of the properties within its boundaries. They enforce the bylaws.

They often govern common areas like parks, landscaping, noise, street lighting, fences, pets, home-based businesses, exterior paint colors, sheds, etc.

What are covenants?

These are the rules that regulate the use of real estate property, also known as the bylaws.

When people buy or rent a house in a community, they agree to obey and follow the rules to maintain a high standard for home value.

Often, the neighborhoods that obeys the covenants are more suitable places to live, retain house value and a better quality of life.

What is an eviction?

This is a court order for the physical removal of the tenant and their personal belongings with the assistance of law enforcement officers.

To be evicted from a rental property the tenant is given a notice of termination, much like a warning. The tenant can simply move out or stay.

If they choose to stay, they need to respond to the notice before they receive an unlawful detainer suit. Eventually, the landlord wins.