Forget real estate agents! I have lived in 8 cities in the past 8 years and I have never used a realtor. I have rented places from $80 USD a month, a room in Mexico City, to $425, a 4 bedroom, furnished house in Progreso, Yucatan. Instead of overpaying by going through a realtor, use these tips to get the best rental price for your budget.
- Do the work yourself. Realtors that speak English often specialize in high-end rentals. The more they can rent a place for, the more money they make. Also, steer clear of any rentals listed in USD. You can end up paying more as the exchange rate changes.
- Hit the ground walking. When you get to your desired city or neighborhood, take the time to walk around. Write down numbers when you see a for rent sign. You will be dealing directly with the owner in most cases and will receive a better deal.
- Speak the language, or find someone who does. If you aren’t fluent in the local language, ask a friend or hire someone to make the phone calls for you. It is not uncommon for foreigners to receive a higher rental price when the owner hears your accent. If you don’t have anyone to call for you, try downloading Whatsapp. It is an application frequently used in Mexico and abroad. Use Google translate to send a message to the owner (just make sure not to keep your profile picture blank) directly.
- Negotiate. A nice American couple who I met in Progreso lent me their very comprehensive research into rentals in the area. In most cases, they were able to negotiate better rental prices, sometimes up to 50% by offering to rent for 6 months to a year. Your best chances to negotiate will be during the low season or in a city with few expats.
- Check all of your options. If you are new to a city or unsure of making a long commitment, consider staying in an Airbnb or a posada (a hotel that rents rooms by the month). Many Airbnbs give weekly and monthly discounts so you can take as long as you need to make a decision – and won´t end up pressured into an overpriced contract. I have stayed in Airbnbs for less than $300 USD a month with all expenses paid.
- Furnished or Unfurnished? If you are planning to spend less than a year in a given area, it will probably be worth it to spend more for a furnished rental. Apartments and homes in Mexico do not come with appliances like in the United States. You will be expected to buy a refrigerator and stove, in addition to other furniture. But if you plan to be in one location for a year or more, it is usually better to rent unfurnished and buy what you need secondhand. There are a number of Facebook sales groups in any given city and homemade, local furniture is available for low prices in Mexico.
Do you have any more tips on how to find cheap rentals for expats? If so, leave a comment below.
Teacher Sara Tyler 