5 hot tips for renting with pets

1.    Have a pet reference

If you have a good relationship with your neighbor and they love your pet, ask them to provide a reference vouching for your pet’s behavior. Having this reference is always a good start, especially if you live in a unit block.

2.    Create a personal pet profile

If you can provide a reference that has important details in your application, you’ll be ahead of the game. The reference can include:

•         Your pet’s name
•         A photo
•         Their age
•         If your pet is micro-chipped
•         Whether your pet is desexed
•         What training school your pet attended – if applicable

3.    Rental History

Obtaining a reference from your previous landlord or real estate agent is a great advantage. If your previous landlord or real estate agent can say your pet was a good tenant and didn’t damage the property, you’ll have a better chance of getting the property you’re applying for.

4.    The right space

When looking at properties, it’s best to think “is this the right space for me and my pet?”

Being in a new environment can sometimes be difficult for pets to adjust to, but having a space that doesn’t fit both you and your pet can make the adjustment period that much harder. 

Make sure when looking at properties the space is the appropriate size for your pet – having a Great Dane in a one-bedroom apartment may not be the most comfortable experience!

5.    Security is key

Having a lost pet is never a fun situation. It’s important to ensure the property is always secure when moving in with a pet. 

Should I put off buying a home during this period?

No. If it’s the right time for you there’s no reason why you shouldn’t buy a property now. If you wait for better market conditions you may end up waiting for years. However, it never hurts to be cautious when making such a big decision, particularly when you’re buying in an uncertain market.

To minimise risks associated with buying property:

• Buy well within your limits and keep money aside for unexpected costs.
• Speak to a mortgage broker to make sure your home loan is structured well.
• Buy with the help of a real estate agent who knows the local area well.
• Do your own research, and find an area that’s likely to grow in future.

If you’re careful and get all the expert help you need, you should have no reason to worry about the market. Instead of delaying and watching prices go up and down, get the ball rolling on your property aspirations and get in touch with a local real estate agent you can trust.

NSW Customer Choice Award 2017

At the highly competitive Ray White NSW annual awards, Ray White Kiama were thrilled to be presented with 5 awards. It is with our sincere thanks to our clients that Ray White Kiama was the recipient of the Customer Choice award, recognised for excellence in customer service across NSW.  Ray White Kiama's ranking sits at a positive 91, the highest score in the Ray White group.

Brighten up your rental property

You'd like to brighten up that drab house or apartment that you are renting, but don't want to loose your bond? Check out this website buzzfeed  for some great ways to fix up and brighten your rental property.