#RealEstate - Greater Boston Real Estate Rental Market: Learn the Ins and Out in Advance

Welcome, Hunter I shall call you Ishmael. 

Hunting for an apartment is like hunting for a whale. I've often said to my clients---if you're here to hunt the White Whale, I won't go on that journey with you. I never have and never will. He doesn't exist to my mind. But if he does to yours, the least I can do for you, since the journey for finding him must be perilous, is teach you everything I know. Here's my guide.


The Boston Real Estate Rental Market: Learn the Ins and Out in Advance

Boston's Rental market moves lightning quick. Literally hundreds of real estate offices have thousands of agents who's sole function, day in and day out, is to move property. An apartment you view today could be rented by another party within minutes of you seeing it. Nothing to be done about it because a deal's a deal--and the first rabbit in the hole, gets the hole. All that work you did leading up to a second place finish means only you'll have more work to do---and trust me, it will be suck for you---because in my experience, which is informed by tens of thousands of observations, Nobody is delighted as much by their second choice as they are their first.

So, this writing, this article serious is my gift to you, Greater Boston. You've been so good to me over the years, here is for you now your backstage pass to Greater Boston's rental market. This article series will educate and illuminate you with a sufficient knowledge base and insight into this market we share. Upon this base you can stand well balanced and by this insight you will a vital competitive edge over your less-balanced and short-sighted competition during your housing search. In other words, this writing is an electronic emblem of my primary living function in this market---to be a 24/7 Beacon, a guide to serve and protect you as a special agent---who helps you always save time and money, and enables you to make a well-informed and highly crucial decision at this cross-roads you now stand at, but also to do it swiftly because as you may hear some of us say, Time is of the Essence. And money represents your life-force, if you think about it.

Topics Covered:

Size, Location, Price - The Three Principle Factors That Will Govern Your Apartment Search
Do it Yourself or Get a Real Estate Agent? - Where to Start Looking for Apartment
Super Agent Man or Super Waste of Your Time? - How to Tell if the RE Agent is Worth the Cost of a Phone Call
Real Estate Agent Fees Explained - An Explanation of No Fee, Half Fee and Full Fee Apartment
Looking for an Apartment With Roommates? - Get Your Ducks In a Row
Cats and Dogs and Snakes - Pet Friendly Apartment Searching
What to Do with Your Car - Off Street vs. On Street Parking in Boston
Boston Rental Market Timing - Know when to Start Looking
Preparing for an Appointment - What You Need on the Day of Showing
Upfront Costs and Lease Addenda - Make Sure Your Lease is Kosher

#RealEstate - Boston Real Estate - Upfront Costs and Lease Documents

Upfront Costs and Lease Addenda
Make Sure Your Lease is Kosher

So you've written a few major checks in the past few weeks. You have been approved for the apartment you want! Congratulations!! But you're not out of the woods yet. Yes, you have been approved. Yes, you've laid down a deposit, which now counts as your first month's rent. But you still have to sign the lease and perhaps pay more money, such as Last Month's Rent, Security Deposit and Finder's Fees.

Most leases are standard forms created by the Rental Housing Association (RHA). Typically you will see a Standard Fixed Term Lease, or a Simplified Fixed Term Lease. Sometimes you will see a Self-Extending Lease.

The difference between a Fixed Term lease and a Self-Extending lease is that a Fixed-Term lease is set to expire on a certain day if you do not respond positively to the renewal notice your landlord sends out. A Self-Extending lease is set to renew if you do not respond to your notice or otherwise inform the landlord that you intend to vacate.