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Q: Better to deal with landlord directly or go through estate agents?
What do you think? I know you dont have to pay the dreaded fee if you skip the agents, but is there any benefit of going through them anyway?
Better to deal with landlord directly for sure,that's how I did it and it saved me a lot of money.But again,I am a Chinese and easy to communicate with them in Chinese.
No benefit to an agent at all, unless the agent is a friend of yours and can be trusted! While, there is a very small chance of success, the majority of the time agents are just a huge waste of time, and will overprice the rent compared to what the landlord directly would rent out for. Not to mention any advertising the agents do is false, and will mislead you every time.
If you know some Mandarin, that would be the only time I would maybe chance on having an agent, because then you can play hardball with the agent, and give them your demands, price range, and explain if he is successful in getting you what you want, you got a full wallet you'd love to lighten up with him if he does his damn job.
Check the personal ads on 58 and the other websites, make sure agents and companies is unchecked. Go to security guards of the buildings you have your eye on, and they will almost always get you in contact with a landlord or 2, since the landlord may cut them a check for helping. Have a Chinese friend you can trust, and someone who has thick skin and won't back down on demands during any contract negotiation.
Shining_brow:
While it may be true about the security guards, when I was looking around here, I was told on a few occasions there was nothing available (in a complex that might be about 20% empty!) By not listening to the guard, I got where I am now.
But, I'm pretty sure there should be a complex management area, and they may have some ideas on what's available, and may put you in touch with the owner directly (cos, there's no privacy laws in China :p)
If you are lazy or have money to burn, by all means use and agent and pay 15%-20% more than you have to. If on the other hand you have a brain between your ears, listen to Dan above who gave some great advice.
