A smart client moving to the South Bay from out of state asked me today why she should use a Realtor and concentrate on MLS-listed property leases instead of just using Westside Rentals (which I frequently recommend) or Craigslist. Great question! Here's the answer:
You're definitely going to find many more properties listed privately on sites like Westside Rentals than through the multiple listing service. The differences are that multiple listing service properties are actually available, you will be represented by my brokerage, your lease will be negotiated by Realtors, and the lease agreement will be documented on the California Association of Realtors lease rental contract.
Of course many of the non-multiple-listing service properties are available too, but there's little enforcement that listings are removed once a property has been leased. That can be a nuisance but I wouldn't discourage you from checking those sources. To me, the bigger factors are representation and documentation, but many landlords prefer to save real estate commissions by finding tenants directly or through property managers.So I would say it boils down to a) bigger selection vs. b) convenience, representation, and documentation.
