Fort Collins Real Estate - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Residential Real Estate FAQ:
Q: What is the procedure for renting a residential property through Campus Renter Center?
A: The first step is to have you fill out a rental application. There is a $25 non-refundable application fee. Once the rental application has been processed and approved, a lease appointment is scheduled – this is the time when all renters must sit down with Campus Renter Center and go over and sign the lease. Following the lease signing, initial payment must be received. After that a move-in appointment is scheduled to walk you through the property and make sure there aren’t any problems or concerns about the property before you take possession of it. You will also be given a Campus Renter Center welcome packet.
Q: What are the costs? Do I have to pay a commission for FCRE finding me a place to live?
A: There are no costs, hidden fees, or commissions paid on residential leases through Campus Renter Center.
Q: What is a “realtor’s fee”? Does Campus Renter Center charge realtor’s fees?
A: A realtor’s fee is the amount paid to the real estate agent, which typically amounts to 3% of the sales price. The more you pay for the property, the higher the realtor’s fee is. That said, there are no realtor’s fees if you go through our service unless it is a rent-to-own or a lease option property.
Q: What is the standard length of leases for residential properties?
A: Standard leases run for a period of one year.
Q: Does Campus Renter Center offer any short-term leases?
A: Yes. If you need a short term rental, please contact us and inform us of your situation. We will do whatever we can to get you into a property.
Q: I own a rented residential property and I am looking for a property management company. Will Campus Renter Center manage my property for a fee?
A: In a word, no. We at Campus Renter Center cater to people that are looking to find and secure a good place to live. We do not manage any third party residential real estate, with very few exceptions. All of the residential properties that we manage are owned by Campus Renter Center.
Q: Which cities and areas do you cover?
A: Most of the properties that we rent are in the city of Fort Collins within one mile of campus. We also have a few properties in the Windsor and Wellington areas.
Q: What is your policy regarding security deposits?
A: One month’s rent (typically) or three if no guarantees.
Q: I’m a student at CSU and I am new to the home rental market. I have no credit score on record. Will you work with me?
A: Yes. We will do what is known as a “parent guarantee”. Essentially, this means having a parent or legal guardian co-sign for the property that you wish to rent. All applicants receiving financial support from parents and/or student loans will need a Parent Guarantor to meet our rental qualification criteria. We will do whatever we can to make sure that we get you into a good property and help you to start establishing your credit score.
Q: I am a renter and my roommate has recently left. Will you help me find another roomie?
A: Campus Renter Center will not assume responsibility for finding roommates for properties that are currently leased. However, we will do what we can to help put the word out to the community that you are looking for a roomie.
Q: I am a renter and need to find a sublease. Will you sublease my property?
A: No, but we will help. We will put the word out that you are looking for a sub leaser.
Q: What is a “lease option”?
A: A lease option is a contract which achieves two things: 1) it offers a lease on a property to a tenant for a specific monthly rent, and 2) it gives the tenant the right to buy the house at the end of the lease period for a price established in advance. Lease options are often known as rent-to-own leases. A lease option is often a good arrangement for a first-time home buyer because it lets him move into a house he may buy without having to come up with a down payment or financing at that time.
Q: I am looking for a “lease option”. Does Campus Renter Center do rent-to-own?
A: Campus Renter Center does offer lease options. Contact our office if you are interested in getting started with the lease option process.
Q: How do I view the properties that are currently available through Campus Renter Center?
A: Go to our Web site at http://www.campusrentercenter.com and start searching for your new pad. Once you find one that you are interested in, you can either give us a call or fill out an application on line. We’ll get back to you after we receive the rental application.