Daytona Beach Rentals - Apartment, Condo or House?
July 26, 2008
Should I Rent a Daytona Beach Apartment, Condo or House?
There are a lot of properties for rent in Daytona Beach. So, as a renter, you are in the driver’s seat. What are the advantages of living in the different types of rental properties available? First, for total transparency, I manage house and condo rental units, I do not manage apartments.
A general rule you need to work with is that for the same level of rental unit, regardless of type, the closer you get to the ocean, the higher the rent. The same 800 sq. ft. unit on the mainland will cost more on the beachside. There are exceptions, but this is the general rule.
If you dream of renting on beachside, be prepared to accept less space and possibly poorer condition than a similar unit on the mainland.
Next, how much do you value your privacy? If you value your privacy, you are probably better off renting a house, duplex, or triplex unit. Condos and apartments, by design, are filled with people who are often coming and going at all hours.
If you want amenities like pools, workout centers, and tennis, you should be looking for those things and apartments and condos are better for you.
Will you pay more for a condo or apartment?
In the Datyona Beach real estate market there are so many properties on the market, that I think at this point that you can negotiate a better rate with condos, but you’re best bet is to find something you like and then negotiate. If you can’t get to a price you’re happy with, move on to the next unit.
On Site Maintenance
By far, the on-site maintenance at a large apartment complex is the easiest to deal with and will generally give you the faster turn-around. When you rent a house or condo, you are dealing the owner or a property management firm like CenterPointe. Now, we pride ourselves on getting repair people dispatched quickly, but we can’t compete with on-site maintenance teams. Generally though, this is something that you shouldn’t need to deal with very often.
Your Decision
We discussed a few of the factors involved in choosing aparments, houses, or condos in Daytona Beach. The choice will come down to your preferences. You will also need to consider how close you are to work, shopping, schools and so on.
If you are looking for a house or condo give me a call for our current availability.
Daytona Beach Rental Homes and Condos - Need Help?
July 22, 2008
Help Available for Finding Daytona Beach Rental Homes and Condos
If you are relocating to the Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange area, and have decided to rent, and you are unfamiliar with the area, we are offering a new service for renters.
Neighborhoods
We know neighborhoods and prices and based on what you’re looking for, we will assist you in finding a rental home or condo that meets your needs. One of the worst things that can happen when you move to a new area is to select a rental property in the wrong area. Unfortunately, you don’t discover these issues until you have signed a least and are “stuck with” for a year or more. How much is it worth to you to avoid these problems.
Negotiation and Prices
We needed to rent a home for my husband in Brooklyn while he was working in New York. We had no idea about neighborhoods that would meet our requirements. We had no idea about prices. We hire a local rental agent to find a place that met our criteria. We set the price we would pay and the requirements. He did find us a nice unit where my husband stayed for over a year.
Now, we paid one month of rent for this service, but Daytona Beach ain’t Brooklyn and we will not charge those rates to assist you. Here’s what we will do to help you find the right place:
- No Fee: if you rent a unit that we manage, there is no fee. We will refund the flat fee or any portion of the flat fee that you’ve already paid.
- Flat Fee: a flat fee of $595 to help you find a unit that meets you requirements. We will take your criteria and find properties that meet your requirements. We will also show you the units and negotiate for you if you request.
- By the Hour: We can meet for an hour or talk over the phone for a flat rate of $75.00 per hour.
Make It Easy
Our goal is to provide you the easiest experience possible in finding a rental property in the Daytona Beach area. Call Lynn at 386-566-7503 to discuss these options or to customize a plan for you.
How to Rent Daytona Beach Homes and Condos
July 13, 2008
Renting a Home or Condo in Daytona Beach Should Be Easy
Renting a home or condo for either short-term or longer term should be easy, but you need to take a few steps to protect yourself. First, like the Daytona Beach real estate market, there are more rental units on the market than renters to rent them long term. Because of that, people who can’t rent long term or renting for shorter terms and for event. All this tends to push prices down.
So now is a good time to rent. You should be able to get more space and amenities for the same money, or the same amount of space for less. Moving is a hassle, but you may be able to save a lot of money. Whatever you’re paying now, you should be able to reduce that rate.
Here are some useful tips if you are looking to rent:
- Negotiate - look around and get a good sense of the market and then when you find a unit you like, negotiate the monthly rent lower.
- Do an Inventory - Make sure that if any furniture, appliances, or other items are included in an inventory that both you and the landlord sign. This prevents problems in the future and makes it easier to get you full deposit back.
- Damage or Wear - make sure that any damage or wear is documented. The best time to get things repaired or replaced before you move in. So negotiate that too.
- Credit Checks - Yes, a property manager, I will run a credit check on prospective tenants. Not everyone does. If your credit is fair or good, you are OK. If not, do what you can to improve your credit score before trying to rent.
- Understand the Contract - all tenants and landlords are subject to Florida laws. Make sure you understand the contract that you’re signing. If you don’t, find someone who can help you or have a lawyer review it.
- Lock in Rent Increases - you can include rent increase caps in the contract. Capping increases at the consumer price index or at a fixed rate like 3%. Doing this prevents big increases for the following years.
- Include an Option - include the option to extend the lease. If you have the option in the contract, you can stay. If not, the landlord can decide not to extend the lease and you will need to move.
Some contracts will include some of these items, so read the contract. The most important things when renting are to get the best possible price for the property you want. After that, protect yourself by following these guidelines.
I have short-term and long term condo and homes in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and surrounding areas available. Give me a call when you’re in the market. If you’re renting for the winter season or for events, make your reservation early. We are often sold out for these times.
New Daytona Beach Real Estate Website Launched
July 10, 2008
CenterPointe Realty Launches New Daytona Beach Real Estate Website
CenterPointe Realty has just launched a new website at www.cpdaytonabeachrealestate.com. The website will combine Daytona Beach area real estate news and information with a blog focusing on homes and condos for sale, property management and rentals.
Lynn Byrne, CenterPointe’s Broker, has been serving the area since 1997 and has sold hundreds of homes and condos in Daytona, Ormond Beach, Ponce Inlet, Port Orange, Daytona Beach Shores and Palm Coast. She offers full property seach and area information at her Daytona Beach Real Estate website at www.lynnbyrne.com.
CenterPointe also manages sales and rentals at the Vantage Pointe Condominiums on the beachside. The Vantage Pointe is a large complex with one, two and three bedroom condos. The complex is right across the road from the beach and offers beautiful tennis courts, a second floor pool, a fitness center and more. Call the office at 386-253-4600 for information on sales or rentals.
CenterPointe agents are experienced. There are no rookies learning on the job. Each is dedicated to old fashioned customer service. This is a low to no pressure company focus on customer satisfaction. We answer the phone and return calls - small things that add up to respect and dedication.
We are available to work with you to determine your needs and goals and then help you find the right property. We are happy to work with first time buyers to walk you through the process, or, with experienced buyers who demand great service. Call the office, or contact Lynn Byrne at 386-566-7503.