Getting a Flat in Sydney

Right, so we probably have a flat sorted. So here's my guide to getting a flat in Sydney.

1. Figure out where, transport is difficult in Sydney, get near the trains & Buses
2. Check the Websites, Domain, myhome.com.au, rent.com.au, realestate.com.au, HomeHound & TradingPost.
3. Visit the Estate Agent personally, and ask about upcoming properties. You can get the inside info on not yet published properties.
4. Dress well, before meeting any estate or rental agent. They make alot of snap judgements, and first impressions count.
5. Don't look foreign. Sorry but it's true, I was amazed at the engrained racism of the Rental agents we dealt with. They were openly dismisive of non-white european candidates, even if the agent themselves fell into this catagory. (A self fulfilling engrained racism that I will get back to at another post.)
6. Saterday is Viewing day. Most properties are viewed in the morning on Sat & Sun, it's the time with the best lighting and least traffic/transport noise. Plan your viewing.
7. View every property possible, even if it's only to get an Idea of what properties are worth, and what the standard state of the properties is. Damp & mould are standard in the housing thrown up in sydney in the 90's. Don't be scared of by this, it's mostly cosmetic, it can be dealt with using appropriate Airing.
8. Ground floor = Easy to break into. Australian apartments get a security rating of -1 from me. The only limiting factor for a thief appears to be getting a parking space for the getaway van.
9. If you REALLY are sure about an apartmetn, then try to gently coerce rental agents to let you view apartments on your own. This uses up alot of their time, but many are willing if they expect you to take the property, it saves them organizing a public viewing.
10. Be prepared. You could be knocked back, or put on the spot. Don't make snap decisions (Thanks K!) about you accomodation, you will regret it. If you're waiting for an approval for an apartment, prepare the Deposit & Keep an eye on the upcoming properties incase it doesn't work out.
11. Presentation is No 1. If you dress well, and act professional, and have security, then the agent will put your application forward. If you turn up with bed head, trackies and a mouth full of gum, your application will land straight in the bin.

Good luck, and suggestions are welcome.