Here's an email that I recently received and my response. I've changed the names (for privacy's sake), but am posting for the benefit of those who might be seeking a rental agent.
Hello Will,
We
are actually interested in working with an agent, as opposed to trying
to do the leg work ourselves. My husband is currently stationed in
Okinawa, Japan. We are awaiting orders that originally had us
relocating this summer. Now it looks more like late October/November,
following the new fiscal year.
As mentioned,
we will be stateside and staying in DC on Tuesday and Wednesday, June
22/23rd and would like to commit to meeting with an agent who handles
rentals. Realizing that one may not know what units will become
available in November, it would still provide a head start in preparing
for our relocation.
We are not familiar with
the neighborhoods other than online research and bits of information
provided by friends. My husband does wish to be (at least) within
walking distance of the metro. We are interested in checking out Old
Town Alexandria and other suggested areas.
Thank you for your time.
Regards,
Sally
Dear Sally,
I'm happy to provide consultations and advice at no charge. As a rental
agent I am the most helpful to renters who know what they want but don't want to spend
time and energy chasing dead-ends or stuck in traffic. If you
know where you will be working, how many bedrooms you need, what
amenities you enjoy, my expertise allows me to very quickly identify a short list of
properties that will be of interest to you. I am constantly touring homes,
properties and neighborhoods. I know the area's traffic patterns. I know Northern Virginia.
You're probably not asking me to do this---but in case you are---I must
make clear that I am not available to spend time and resources trying to give you my expertise. It would be impossible for me to do this in a weekend anyway. Lastly, from a business standpoint, it
is not an effective use of my skills or your time to expend resources and time driving around to neighborhoods and going to condo
communities in June on the hope that you will will rent something in
November.
Again, I'm available to chat and offer free advice and provide direction if you would like to follow up with your own footwork. Thanks much for the opportunity. It is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Will Nesbitt
Condo 1 Alexandria \ Will Nesbitt Realty LLC
Alexandria VA
703 765 0300 ext. 224
703 765 7058 (fax)