5 Techniques To Find A Condo To Rent
Finding a condo in the sea of condominiums by dozens of developers is a pain. It’s the second step to moving out (after deciding that you need to do so) and is necessary to have options before one can narrow them down through other factors like safety, convenience and accessibility.
Here are several techniques you can try to find a condo to rent:
1. Check online real estate listings
There have been multiple start ups trying to address the gap of renters and owners. The most notable websites for property rental in the Philippines ares OLX, ZipMatch, Lamudi, and Hoppler. Despite us living in an age where you can find many things online, there is still merit trying other ways to find a place to rent. Many Filipino condo owners have not yet transitioned to online postings and still find renters the traditional ways.
2. Go to Trade Groups
Currently, there are many Trade groups on Facebook that are categorized by communities (universities, companies etc), location (by city, area or vicinity) or by interest groups (furniture, children, action cameras, etc). The largest group that is catering to Metro Manila real estate is the METRO MANILA REAL ESTATE CLASSIFIEDS (17k members), but you can also find rental listings in other trade groups such as Hachi’s Buy and Sell (520k members) and other local trading groups.
3. Find a broker
Brokers can help you navigate the large number of listings found online. They can help isolate specific needs of yours and will be willing to do the dirty research work in exchange for commission. It’s also their job to help negotiate payment terms and prices so you don’t have talk directly to the owner. You can search up a broker near you at the Philippine Real Estate Directory.
4. Ask co-workers who live in condos
Many people you will work with would have gone through the same struggle of having a lifestyle change, finding a place to rent when they started working or transferred jobs. You can ask office mates about where they stay, how far is their walk/commute or if they know anyone looking for new roommates. It’s always safer to live with someone you’re connected to socially because you will have ways to discreetly check their background before moving in together.
5. Walk around the perimeter of your work place
Sometimes, it pays to walk in areas near your office. If you’re willing to walk 15-20 minutes going to work each day, start walking from your office in different directions for that amount of time and taking note of the condos that you will pass. You can inquire with their front desk if their rentals are coursed directly through the owners, through brokers or through their building’s admin.
There you have it! Five different techniques on how to find a condo to rent in Manila. Do you have any more? Let me know in the comments so we can add them.
