There are many reasons you might want to find out who owns a property or piece of land. Suppose you’re on a walk in Nashville, TN, and you pass by a home that you instantly fall in love with and want to buy. Or maybe you’re researching an empty lot, tracking down a landlord, or looking into a potential investment. Whatever the case, finding out who owns a property is often easier than you think.

Many property records are publicly available, and with the right tools, you can uncover details in just a few steps – just make sure the website you use is legitimate. From online searches to government records and real estate experts, this guide breaks down 12 effective ways to help you find out who owns a property.

How to find out who owns a property

1. Search online
2. Ask the county tax assessor
3. Contact the county clerk
4. Search the registry of deeds
5. Visit the local library
6. Use a title company
7. Pay for an online service
8. Consult mailing list brokers
9. Talk to an agent or investor
10. Ask a lawyer
11. Chat with neighbors
12. Knock or leave a note at the door

First, find the address

Before you start searching for ownership details, you need to find the exact address of the property and/or land (aka “real property”). Here are three ways to find it:

1. Go in-person: Most homes and some properties have visible addresses. Take a walk or drive to search for the address yourself. 
2. Online map tools: Programs like Google Maps or Redfin.com make it easy to figure out a property’s address. If you know exactly where the parcel of land is, zoom in on its location and the address should pop up. The satellite view can also give you a better idea of the entire plot’s terrain and features.
3. Parcel maps: If other methods don’t work, your next step is to look at a parcel map. Parcel maps are a great way to identify properties and their boundaries. These detailed maps are often available for free through county assessors’ offices or GIS websites but vary by state and county.

If you’re searching for a specific property (not just a house), you may also need its property identification number (PIN)—also known as a parcel number—which is separate from the address. A PIN is usually located on a property’s tax bill or assessment notice, so going to your county can be a good place to start. Unfortunately, there are 3,143 counties across the 50 U.S. states, many of which use different property identifiers, so the number can be challenging to find. 

Once you have the address (and property number, if needed), you’re ready to start your ownership search.

1. Search online

The easiest way to find out who owns a property or house is to search for the address or property number online. Websites like Whitepages offer reverse searching services, and real estate platforms like Redfin have ownership information at the bottom of most listings in every city (Nashville or Chicago, for example). Keep in mind that information may be incomplete and inaccurate. 

Another option is to go to your county’s website and look for a property that way. Many counties have online portals with all of this information in one easy place. If that doesn’t work or if you’re looking for more details, it’s time to dig a little bit deeper.

2. Check the local tax assessor’s office

A majority of people who own private property must pay property tax on it (usually excluding churches, libraries, schools, and religious buildings, among others). They pay these taxes to their county, which are collected by the county treasurer (often called the collector’s office). The county assessor determines a property’s true and fair value and retains a record of them. 

So, if you’re wondering who owns that property next door, the best place to start is by going to your local tax assessor’s office. Assessors provide free, easy, and comprehensive ownership data for every registered property in their county. You’ll also get to see any special assessments associated with the property, like loans and other financial information. However, the information may be outdated depending on when it was registered. 

Check with your local government office, call their information line, go to your city hall or meeting place, or email the office if you have any questions.

Some properties aren’t listed with tax assessors for numerous reasons—perhaps it’s unregistered land, there was an administrative error, or nobody has ever paid taxes on it. If the county assessor couldn’t help, your next step is to contact the county clerk, sometimes called the register of deeds, recorder of deeds, or recorder’s office.

The county clerk often has a record of property deeds. When you find the deed, it should have the signature of the property owner, as well as the address and contact information. Depending on how long ago the deed was recorded, it may be out of date. 

Most of the time, the information is available online, but this varies by location.

4. Search a registry of deeds

Depending on your area, you may be able to ask and manually search through the local registry of deeds. This is most common in New England and isn’t available everywhere, so contact your county if you have questions. If you look through it yourself, remember that some states have separate registry districts, which adds a layer of complexity. 

5. Visit your local library

Your local public library can be a good place to research property records. Some libraries have old city directories, historical archives, maps, and other materials that list who owned or lived at certain addresses. Librarians can help you find these resources and point you to useful records or databases.

6. Use a title company

If the county can’t help you figure out who owns a property, your next step is to go to a local title company. Title companies are experts at locating property information. They don’t typically become involved with a transaction until the property is under contract to be sold, at which point they search the property’s title and identify any issues with the current owner’s title.

If you’re willing to spend, some companies offer pre-contract searching services for a fee. Check with local title companies to see if they offer such services.

7. Pay for an online service

If you’re committed to buying an abandoned property or empty lot, paid online property search services can be a great option for finding the owner. Many property data tools can pinpoint the current owner and even provide contact details and information about the land registry, so long as you provide the address or even just the owner’s last name. You may also discover any existing liens or debts, which may help guide your next steps. 

However, online services can be expensive and are often complicated and full of jargon. If you take this route, prepare to invest a significant amount of time and money.

8. Consult mailing list brokers

Mailing list brokers are a paid online information-gathering service ideal for bulk information gathering and outreach. Mailing list brokers gather detailed property information for marketing and real estate purposes. If you’re searching for information about one or multiple properties, you can pay to have these services provide ownership and contact details. 

Keep in mind that these services can be expensive and incomplete.

9. Reach out to a real estate agent or real estate investor

Real estate agents or real estate investors may already have access to informational lists you would otherwise have to pay for. If you have a friend or family member who is a real estate agent, consider asking them for a favor. Agents can also provide advice if you’re navigating an online service.

10. Talk to a real estate attorney

If your search is complex—such as dealing with inheritance disputes, title issues, or unregistered land—a real estate attorney may have additional resources or contacts within the county to help you find the owner.

11. Chat with neighbors

Depending on how remote the property or land is, talking with neighbors can be a good way to find out who owns a property. They may know who owns the land, how to reach them, or its history and past owners. Even if they don’t have all the details, they might point you in the right direction.

12. Walk by and leave a note

When all else fails, try knocking on the door of that perfect house or leave a note if nobody is home. You may end up face-to-face with the current owner or talk to someone who knows the owner. If nobody answers, consider leaving a message with your contact information. This tactic probably won’t work if the property is abandoned or doesn’t have a structure on it.

This can be the riskiest and most direct method to find out who owns a property. However, be mindful of privacy; some property owners may be wary of unsolicited inquiries. Avoid being intrusive and always respect boundaries.

Final thoughts

It can be confusing to find out who owns a property, so let’s recap: 

• Most of the time, you can easily find the information by searching online. 
• Many governments have resources that are free and easy to use.
• If simple strategies don’t work, the next step is to contact your county clerk’s office; they often have tax, title, and deed records for as long as the house has been registered. 
• Counties can often be slow to respond to requests. If it’s taking a while, ask a brokerage, title company, or paid online service to find the information you need.

When you search for properties, always be cautious about misinformation and companies that use bad practices. Try not to be intrusive, and talk to the county if you have any questions. If you talk with neighbors or go to the property in person, remember to be kind, courteous, and understanding.

Discovering who owns a property is usually simple and has many advantages. You can guarantee that you’re talking with the legal owner of the property, and you may be able to convince them to sell even if it’s not on the market.

There’s always a lot of advice available for those thinking about moving in with their partners. But, for some reason, picking a housemate doesn’t seem to warrant the same degree of thought. 

Which is unfortunate, because living with someone you don’t get along with can have a huge impact on your life.

So, here are a few things you should do when you’re on the hunt for a housemate.

1. Look at your friendship group

The first place you should look is in your friendship group.

These are the people who you choose to spend your time with, so it’s logical that one of them could be the perfect housemate for you.

A good tip is to choose someone with whom you’ve enjoyed travelling in the past. That way, you’ll already know how grumpy your potential housemate can be in the morning before you move in with them.

Friends can often make great housemates. Picture: Getty

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 2. Or disregard your friendship group

Your friends might be amazing people, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to live together harmoniously.

You should never apologise for not wanting to live with a friend. Simply let them know that you value their friendship too much to put that kind of pressure on it.

Looking for a housemate? Find your perfect match here

3. Check out other people’s housemates

Renters tend to move around a bit, and in most social circles, there’s normally at least one person looking for a housemate.

Listen to what your friends say about their housemates. If they love coming home to their home-cooked meals and beautiful vegetable garden, store that away for future reference.

Same goes if they have an annoying dog and never pay the rent on time. The people who currently live with your potential housemates have all the information you need, so listen closely.

4. Be honest in your advertisement

There’s no point in advertising a room for a quiet housemate who keeps to themselves when you’d actually prefer a housemate who chats to you while you cook dinner.

If you want a fun and bubbly housemate, say so.

Be honest about what you’re looking for in a housemate.

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5. Check references

Always check a potential housemate’s references, or, if you know someone they used to live with, ask this mutual friend for some honest feedback.

6. Avoid moving in with complete strangers

You’re not always going to find the perfect housemate in your extended friendship group, but, if you have to advertise and find a random person, make sure they have references and be sure to Google them.

This is not paranoid behaviour; it’s just making sure they are who they say they are.

7. Take your time

It’s a sad fact of renting that renters are often up against the clock when finding housemates – eager to find replacements before the next round of rent is due.

But you should try your hardest to allow enough time to find a decent housemate. You don’t want to be moving in with someone just because you really don’t want to have to cover the rent solo next month.

It’s no exaggeration to say that finding the wrong housemate is worse than one or two months of limited cash flow.

8. Be on the look out for red flags

If you get a bad feeling about someone, don’t ignore it.

Thinking that we’re being a bit silly, sometimes we try to ignore our intuition. But if you get negative feelings about someone when you’ve only just met them, it’s unlikely that feeling will go away.

It’s better to trust your instincts than move in with someone you’re unsure about.

9. Have the awkward money talk

You need to know where your future housemate stands on finances.

You should be wary of anyone who is in between jobs or can’t give you a decent answer as to where their money comes from.

When the rent is due, you’ll thank yourself that you picked a housemate with a steady job, rather than an unreliable, fun-loving creative who lumps you with their share of the rent.

10. Be honest about yourself

If you’re a smoker or you play drums and have band practice in the garage five days a week, you need to make that known to your potential housemates.

There’s no point in trying to hide anything about yourself, because they’ll find out eventually, and you’ll be back to square one.

11. Take the pressure down

Don’t let anyone talk you into moving in with them. Your home should be a space where you feel safe and relaxed.

This is particularly important in share houses where you may get along well with one housemate but not another. You won’t always love everyone you live with, but you at least need to be able to tolerate them.

This article was originally published on
22 Aug 2019 at 9:00am
but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.

Both buyers and real estate investors can benefit from searching for off-market properties. These are houses that are not publicly found on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) but are owned by people who are looking to sell.

Off-market properties range from houses owned by people who are preparing to sell to active sellers who want to be discreet. Finding off-market listings isn’t easy, but you can find a variety of potential homes if you know where to look.

Here’s how to find off-market real estate deals for your next rental property, flipping opportunity, or primary residence.

1. Build a Strong Network

Your network is one of the most powerful tools for finding off-market properties. Real estate agents are constantly looking for qualified buyers but sometimes have limited marketing abilities. Some sellers aren’t comfortable opening their homes for showings while others are still in the early stages of entering the market. 

With a strong network, you can let the agents you work with know what kind of off-market properties you want. If they have pocket listings or know clients who are preparing to sell, they can reach out to you. 

Some sellers would rather skip the listing process so they don’t have to declutter, clean, stage, and market their homes. They will be appreciative that their Realtors already have potential buyers lined up before the house is officially for sale.  

A strong network is essential for real estate investors who grow their list of properties over time. However, individual buyers can also benefit from building real estate agent friends. These Realtors can alert you to potential properties in a hot market. You might be able to place a bid before other buyers even have a chance to see the property. 

2. Join Real Estate Investment Groups and Clubs

Look up local real estate clubs and investment groups in your area. You can also explore professional associations that have monthly meetings, mixers, and lunches. Joining these groups will help you build your network while also growing your real-estate know-how. Test out different groups and see which ones make you feel comfortable while helping you build valuable connections. 

Networking with investors along with Realtors makes sense because these people aren’t necessarily your competitors. An investor might learn about a property but decide that it isn’t a good fit for them – either because of the price, location, or style. If they know that you are looking to buy, they might reach out with the opportunity to look at the off-market property. 

In the future, you might be the connection who can pay the referral forward. You could come across an off-market property that is a good fit for an investor who referred one to you before. 

Real estate is all about who you know. Make sure your network is diverse and filled with agents, investors, builders, and contractors. and other professionals within the industry. You never know when one of these connections will pay off.

3. Direct Outreach Strategies

In a hot market, investors often turn to direct outreach strategies to find off-market properties before they are published on the Multiple Listing Service. There are several ways to contact sellers, either by yourself or with the help of a marketing agency. Here are a few options to consider. 

• Launch a direct mail marketing campaign: send letters or postcards to homeowners in your target area inviting them to contact you if they are ready to sell. 
• Work with text message marketers to develop an outreach strategy: learn the rules for sending promotional text messages so you can contact potential sellers in your area. 
• Advertise in neighborhood newsletters: you can support local journalism and neighborhood causes by promoting your business through these channels.

The investment you put into direct outreach will depend on your goals and your budget. Investors who are constantly looking to buy homes might set aside a monthly budget for direct mail marketing and promotional activities. However, the average buyer who is trying to find off-market listings in a competitive market might not be as willing to spend money. 

The goal of these outreach strategies is to encourage sellers to approach you with their off-market deals. All it takes is a few people to respond to your direct mailers to make the cost and effort of sending them worth it.

The modern real estate community is just as active digitally as in person. This is great news for people who don’t have much time during the week to attend networking events and other real estate group activities. 

Update your online presence to reflect your goals as an investor or buyer of off-market deals. Choose a professional profile picture and update your information to reflect your goals. Once you have a strong web presence, look for local groups, forums, and websites for local investors.

Different communities will have active real estate groups in various places around the web. Some regions might have strong Facebook groups you can join, while others might be more active on LinkedIn or Discord. 

Get to know these groups before you become an active participant. Learn the types of content people post and the rules around online discussions. This will allow you to follow good web etiquette once you jump in.  

You can also use online tools to try and find property owners. You can set aside a budget for social or search Ads to reach people who are potentially interested in selling. This is another way to bring leads to your investing business without having to search for off-market homes.

5. Attend Auctions and Estate Sales

One of the biggest indicators that an off-market property is about to be sold is an estate sale.

When a relative dies, their beneficiaries will claim the mementos that mean the most to them and then will sell their other belongings in an estate sale. These relatives also might have an auction to sell the items as well. Once the belongings of the deceased have been distributed or sold, the relatives sell the house. 

Start attending estate sales and auctions to view these off-market listings and talk to the people who host them. Most people usually hire third-party companies to handle the estate sales or auctions so the owners likely won’t be present.

Talking to the people running these sales can help you get an idea of what the relatives plan to do with the property once isn’t emptied. You can pass on your business card and let them know that you might be interested in purchasing the home.  

Keep in mind that other real estate professionals might also attend these events. Be polite to everyone involved – especially if you encounter the grieving family. You won’t win any off-market properties by being rude or trying to force people to work with you.

6. Work With Real Estate Wholesalers

One way to find off-market properties is to work with wholesale investors. These people actively seek out off-market deals and then search for buyers for those listings. When a seller works with a wholesale investor, they sign a contract that gives the wholesaler the right to market the home.

When the wholesaler finds an appropriate buyer, they receive a fee for the work. In this way, a wholesale real estate investor is similar to a middle-man or matchmaker between potential buyers and sellers. 

Real estate wholesalers do the work of finding off-market properties so you don’t have to. However, before you contact one of these professionals, make sure you are ready to pay their fee.

Most wholesalers charge between $5,000 and $10,000 for each contract and it’s not uncommon for the buyer to agree to pay the fee. This is because wholesalers often work with the owners of distressed homes who don’t have enough money to stay in the property.

There are times when the seller would pay the wholesaler fee as if they were paying a commission to a real estate agent. Make sure you read any agreement you sign with a wholesale investor so you don’t end up with surprise costs you weren’t expecting. 

7. Look for For Sale by Owner Properties

Not every seller wants to work with a real estate agent, so they list their property as For Sale By Owner (FSBO). Not all FSBO listings are off-market properties. Some homeowners work with flat-fee agents to post their homes on the MLS while others want to handle the marketing themselves.

People are drawn to FSBO because they don’t want to pay costly Realtor commissions. They know they can save at least three percent in commissions by listing their homes on their own. 

Drive around your town and look for FSBO houses. You might be able to meet with the seller directly and tour the home. This process is one of the more tedious ways to find off-market listings. You will need to keep an eye out for FSBO signs or indicators that a property is being sold without a real estate agent.

However, it’s possible to search for these listings online as well. Look for local FSBO groups where sellers can post about their houses without entering the real estate market.  

If you are working directly with a homeowner and you are representing yourself as well, make sure you bring in a real estate attorney so an objective party can make sure the purchase is legal and ethical.

8. Track Foreclosures and Distressed Homes 

A foreclosure occurs when a bank seizes a property because the owner stops making payments on the mortgage. However, the bank doesn’t need a house, so it will try to recoup some of its lost funds by selling the property. When you attend foreclosure real estate auctions, you are purchasing off-market properties that the bank wants to get rid of. 

You can decide whether you want to attend these auctions or seek out homes that are pending foreclosure as a way to find off-market listings. Some homeowners who are facing foreclosure want to sell their houses quickly to protect their credit scores. You might be able to make an offer on a house and close quickly on the property. 

Foreclosed homes are rarely turnkey properties. Homeowners who can’t afford their mortgage payments also usually can’t afford maintenance. Some foreclosure real estate auctions demand payment immediately and won’t let investors tour or inspect the properties. 

While this could be a good method for securing off-marketing properties, you need to be ready to invest heavily in repairs and renovations before you can enjoy these homes.

9. Talk to Builders and Contractors

Some of your hottest off-market properties might come from people outside of the real estate industry. Home flippers and hobbyist renovators often get overwhelmed by their projects and seek out contractors for help. If the project is too expensive or will take too long, these property owners might be considering selling. 

Relationships with builders can also help you when they are looking to develop land for new construction. The builder might reach out if they know you are interested in growing your portfolio. You could have an off-market listing that is brand new and provides immediate income while you work on renovating and upgrading your other investments. 

Becoming an investor is all about balancing your portfolio. Most real estate investors start with one rental property and then expand into other homes in various conditions. Consider the long and short-term plans for these off-market properties so you can feel confident that your investments will pay off.

10. Public Records

If you have a specific off-market property in mind, look up who owns it through a public records search. You can learn more about the owner and whether they are likely to sell to you. Naturally, learning who owns a house is the easy part. It’s much harder to convince them to sell the property if they aren’t interested in moving.

This step is often used by buyers who have specific houses in mind, rather than real estate investors who are searching for deals on off-market properties. However, you can also use public records to look up houses that have been abandoned. You can reach out to the owner to learn about the property or see if the resident who lived there is still alive.

This option highlights the importance of keeping an eye on homes in your area. Investors and real estate agents often notice neglected homes and know that they deserve owners who will care for them.

Legal and Ethical Considerations for Off-market Property Deals

While searching for off-market properties seems like a great way to find homes without having to outbid other buyers, there are some limitations to these homes. As a buyer or investor, you need to act ethically as you meet with sellers and navigate the property transfer. You also need to keep an eye out for unethical agents and sellers who aren’t acting fairly. Here are a few things to consider. 

• Confirm that the seller is authorized to sell the property. Avoid scams like people trying to sell houses they don’t own or beneficiaries trying to sell houses that are still in probate. 
• Insist on a full real estate transaction. Just because a property is off the market doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to have it inspected and appraised. You should also go through the same purchase process with a purchase agreement and title transfer. 
• Look out for red flags and shifty behavior. An off-market deal isn’t a black-market deal. If the seller or the agent is acting suspicious or unethical, you can back away from the sale.
• Do not bully people into selling their homes. Not every off-market lead will lead to a sale. Some sellers aren’t ready to move just yet.

Some people believe pocket listings and off-market deals are unethical because they prevent buyers from competing in the open market. With an open listing, multiple buyers can bid against each other. However, it’s up to the seller to decide whether they want to put their house on the MLS. If the seller feels like they can get a fair deal off the market, they might choose this real estate option instead.

Find Off-Market Properties Through FastExpert Realtors

Investors and home buyers use various methods to find off-market properties. Some people attend estate sales and drive around looking for FSBO signs while others have an extensive network of people who know what they want.

If you are in the market for a house and are curious about off-market deals, turn to the professionals at FastExpert. We have a vast network of real estate agents that have different specialties. Some agents specifically work with investors and people who are interested in distressed homes. 

Try FastExpert today and see if you can find a Realtor in your area who meets your needs. Get to know the different agents available and find a good fit to help you buy. Whether you are expanding your investment portfolio or trying to buy your first home, our team is here to help.

Click here to browse our Real Estate Agent Directory and contact top-rated agents in your area!

To find a real estate agent for renting, start with an online directory that lets you compare local agents who handle rental properties, then review their experience, client feedback, and knowledge of your market before reaching out. If you’re a prospective tenant or a property owner in the U.S., the right agent can make the rental process easier by helping you find listings faster, understand local pricing, and negotiate with more confidence.

Introduction to the Rental Process

This guide is designed for both prospective tenants and property owners who want to streamline the process of renting a house by finding and working with the right rental agent. Whether you’re searching for your next home or looking to lease out your property, understanding how to connect with a qualified rental agent can save you time, provide access to exclusive listings, and help you navigate the complexities of the rental market.

Navigating the rental process can feel overwhelming, whether you’re a property owner looking to lease your space or a prospective tenant searching for your next home. With so many rental listings and different neighborhoods to consider, it’s easy to get lost in the details. That’s where hiring a real estate agent or broker can make all the difference. Real estate professionals bring a wealth of knowledge about current market dynamics, helping both property owners and tenants understand the best strategies for success. By working with an experienced agent, you gain access to valuable insights about available properties, local market trends, and the steps involved in securing a rental. This guidance ensures that every stage of the rental process—from browsing listings to signing the lease—is handled efficiently and with confidence.

A rental agent is a real estate professional who specializes in helping clients find rental properties. Some agents focus exclusively on rentals, while others may focus on sales. Working with an agent who specializes in rentals often leads to better guidance and a faster leasing process.

Click here to browse our Real Estate Agent Directory and contact top-rated agents in your area!

Benefits of Hiring a Professional

Choosing to work with a professional real estate agent or broker during your rental journey comes with a host of advantages. A rental agent specializes in helping clients find rental properties, and their expertise can make a significant difference in your experience. Some agents focus on rentals, while others focus on sales, so it’s important to find one whose specialization matches your needs.

Benefits for Prospective Tenants

• Access to Exclusive Listings: Agents can open doors to rental properties that may not be available on public platforms, giving you a competitive edge in busy markets.
• Negotiation Skills: They’re skilled at negotiating favorable lease terms, ensuring you get the best deal possible while staying within your budget.
• Streamlined Search: Real estate agents match you with properties that fit your specific needs and preferences, saving you time and effort.
• Guidance Through the Process: Agents help you organize required documents, understand lease terms, and navigate the application process.

Benefits for Property Owners

• Attracting Qualified Tenants: Agents can help market your rental property effectively and attract reliable tenants.
• Optimal Rent Rates: Their expertise ensures you secure the best possible rent rates for your property.
• Efficient Communication: Agents facilitate smoother communication between landlords and tenants, reducing misunderstandings and delays.
• Faster Leasing: Specialization in rentals correlates with better guidance and a quicker leasing process.

Now that you know the benefits, let’s look at where to find a rental agent.

Where Can I Find a Real Estate Agent for Renting?

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent a home, the easiest way to find rental agents is through online real estate directories. Online real estate directories are hubs for collecting real estate agent data based on location, number of transactions, credentials, certifications, and client reviews. In many markets, it can be challenging to find agents who prioritize rentals, making these directories especially useful. They are also a convenient way to get matched with a realtor for rental units that fits your criteria.

Effective Ways to Find Reliable Rental Agents:

• Personal Referrals: Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Personal referrals can help in finding reliable real estate agents.
• Online Listings and Directories: Use reputable online platforms to browse agent profiles, check credentials, and read client reviews.
• Interview Multiple Agents: Interviewing several agents allows you to compare their rental experience, local knowledge, and approach, helping you select the best fit for your needs.

>>MORE: Finding a realtor is easy with FastExpert!

If you’re looking for a real estate agent that specializes in finding homes for rent, you don’t want to waste your time with someone trying to convince you to buy a house. In addition, if you have a property, you may want to search for an agent to rent your home.

When you search for a real estate agent through FastExpert, one of the most popular and trustworthy online real estate directories on the internet, you get access to the most experienced and trustworthy agents in your area. This includes agents specialized in connecting their clients with their dream rental properties. You can browse through agent profiles and see their credentials, certifications, years of experience, number of sales, and even client reviews! Be sure to read reviews from past clients to assess the agent’s credibility and suitability for your rental search.

FastExpert’s service is completely free for the client. So there’s no risk to you for connecting with a realtor for rental units through FastExpert. It’s a win-win! Market realtors often have access to exclusive rental listings and a broad network of landlords and property managers, giving you an advantage in your search.

Now that you know where to look, let’s explore what to search for when browsing for a rental agent.

What to Search for When Browsing for a Rental Agent

Rental agents specialize in helping clients find rental properties. To ensure a smooth rental process, it’s important to check for local expertise, verify credentials, and confirm that the agent is familiar with local landlord-tenant laws and typical rental processes. Verifying an agent’s credentials can prevent potential issues and ensure you’re working with a reliable professional.

Agent Services

A good rental agent offers a range of services, including:

• Marketing your property
• Conducting viewings
• Handling negotiations
• Guiding you through the leasing process
• Ensuring all legal requirements and documentation are handled correctly

Their expertise is especially valuable in competitive markets, where high demand and limited inventory make it challenging to secure the best rental opportunities.

Market Knowledge

Look for an agent with strong knowledge of current market conditions, as this helps them secure the best deals and navigate pricing and availability. A knowledgeable agent can also guide renters through the complex leasing process, ensuring all legal requirements are met and documentation is handled correctly.

• Experience with a range of property types (houses, condos, townhomes)
• Access to the multiple listing service (MLS) for up-to-date rental options
• Familiarity with local neighborhoods and average rental rates
• Ability to evaluate the right neighborhood for your needs

Client Reviews

Client reviews are incredibly helpful when narrowing down a rental agent to choose from. Take it from the people who worked with these agents directly and weigh out the good and the bad.

• Read through 2-star and 3-star reviews and compare them with the agent’s 5-star reviews for a balanced perspective.
• While a 1-star review could be very telling, these are often written from a place of frustration rather than honesty.

Key Qualifications to Look For:

• Short average listing times (indicates strong negotiation skills)
• High number of successful rental transactions
• Positive client feedback and testimonials
• Verified credentials and certifications
• Local expertise and knowledge of landlord-tenant laws

With these qualifications in mind, you’ll be better equipped to select a rental agent who can guide you through the process efficiently.

Now that you know what to look for in a rental agent, let’s discuss what to expect when working with one.

What to Expect from an Agent

When you partner with a real estate agent for your rental needs, you can expect a tailored and attentive approach from start to finish. Your agent will begin by getting to know your priorities—whether it’s your ideal location, monthly rent budget, or must-have amenities—and help the renter organize the required documents, including proof of income, during the application stage. With this information, they’ll curate a list of relevant rental listings and arrange property viewings that fit your schedule.

Throughout the rental process, your agent will act as your advocate, communicating with landlords, negotiating on your behalf, and helping you understand lease terms before you sign any contract. They’ll keep you informed at every step, so each person knows where they stand in the application process. By providing expert advice and access to up-to-date market information, your real estate agent’s job is to guide you through each step with fewer surprises and help you make confident decisions for a smooth transition into your new rental home.

With a clear understanding of what to expect, you’re ready to begin your rental property search.

Rental Property Search

The search for the right rental property is a crucial part of the rental process, and having a clear strategy can make all the difference during your broader rental search and apartment hunt. With countless listings for apartments, houses, and even commercial properties, it’s important to focus on what matters most—location, amenities, and monthly rent. Prospective tenants should consider their budget, preferred neighborhoods, and any special requirements when evaluating available properties.

A knowledgeable real estate agent can be an invaluable resource during your rental search. They’ll help you navigate rental platforms, filter through listings, and identify properties that align with your needs. Agents can also do more than point you to generic sites like Craigslist, since they can arrange showings and surface better-vetted listings. Agents often have access to high quality photos, detailed descriptions, and even exclusive listings that aren’t widely advertised. By working closely with your agent, you can streamline the search process, avoid time-consuming dead ends, and find rentals that truly fit your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment, a spacious house, or a unique commercial space, a well-planned rental property search sets the stage for a successful leasing experience while saving time.

Once you’ve found the right property, it’s important to understand how your agent will be compensated for their services.

How Are Real Estate Agents Paid for Rentals?

Typical Fee Structures

When buying or selling a property, the real estate agent is paid a commission, which is a percentage of the purchase price of the home. However, with a rental unit, the costs work differently, and broker’s fees can be significant in some cities. Instead, the agent’s fee for rental services is often structured as follows:

• One Month’s Rent: The agent may charge the equivalent of one month’s rent as their fee.
• Percentage of Annual Rent: Some brokers charge between 5% and 15% of the annual rent, depending on market conditions and the complexity of the services provided.

Agents should explain their fees clearly before the rental process starts.

Who Pays the Fee?

• In some cases, the landlord pays the agent’s fee, either in full or in part.
• In other cases, the tenant is responsible for paying the agent’s fee, often equivalent to the first month’s rent.
• Real estate brokers are typically involved in dividing the commission, and brokers play a key role in facilitating the transaction.
• It is important to negotiate terms, including fees and lease agreements, to ensure both parties are satisfied.
• All lease agreements must be complete and properly signed to finalize the rental process.

>>MORE: How Do Real Estate Agents Get Paid?

Regional Variations

• In New York City, broker fees can be one month of rent.
• In other markets, the structure and responsibility for payment may differ based on local customs and regulations.

Understanding how agents are paid helps you budget for your rental search and avoid surprises during the leasing process.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, if you’re planning on renting, you’re going to need a real estate agent, specifically a rental agent. And it’s easy to find a realtor in the USA via online real estate agent directories.

The best and most trustworthy online real estate agent directory today is FastExpert. FastExpert.com matches you with experienced, trustworthy agents that specialize in rental properties in your city!

It’s completely free, easy to use, and proven successful. Fill in your zip code, browse through agents in your area, and see the reviews for yourself!

Finding reliable tenants has always been a very important job for property managers. 1form makes it easier than ever for everyone involved in the application process.

Allowing renters to apply for multiple properties with just one form, the online application is the preferred system of choice for real estate agents trying to find the most suitable tenants for their properties.

REA Group Executive Manager for Rent Kul Singh says it’s difficult to overstate the importance of any feature that makes it easier for property managers and landlords to find the right tenant for their homes

“Investment properties can be one of the most expensive assets a landlord has, and finding a great tenant provides them with confidence that their asset is being looked after,” he says.

“Our survey² found that the most important factor for landlords and property managers is finding the best tenant (83%) – it’s even more important than higher rental yield and leasing out the property faster.”

Anything that makes the process of finding a quality tenant easier is widely appreciated by the rental market. Picture: Getty

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The pet section

The pet section in 1form asks tenants to supply their pet’s name, its breed and council registration number. And it also asks renters to write a bio and include a picture. As new tenancy laws are put in place across the country to make it easier to secure a rental with a pet, this comes at a key time.

Joanne Pearson from McGrath Real Estate St Kilda says she enjoys receiving applications with pet information, as transparency between the tenant and the agent is key to a healthy ongoing relationship.

“We’re a very pro-pet company, and, in the past, we’ve asked tenants to create a pet application to get them over the line. We love getting applications with beautiful pet photos and thought-out bios, so having this addition to 1form suits us,” she says.

REA data suggests its important for property managers, too, with 48% saying that they always research the breed of tenant’s pet³. By giving tenants the option of adding a complete overview of their pet, 1form’s feature has the potential to dramatically reduce the time property managers spend on research.

Profile pictures of both the potential tenants and pets help the agent connect. Picture: Tim Hunter.

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Getting to know you

1form also includes a bio and picture section for the human applicant, which makes the application more personal.

“It’s great because you get a sense of who they are with this extra information – it’s not just a form,” says Pearson. “It helps to make a connection to that person.”

Make sure when you’re searching for your next rental that you sign into your MYREA account. By having an account, you can save the rentals you want to apply for later, keep up-to-date on new rentals in the market within your preferred neighbourhoods, and contact listing agents to find out more about the property.

^{1 Adobe Omniture, Oct – Dec 2017. 2 Residential Consumer Omnibus, Sept 2017. 3 REA National Property Management survey, Mar 2018.}

This article was originally published on
7 Jan 2020 at 9:00am
but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.