I bet many people wonder if it is cheaper to go direct to the home owner instead of going through an agent when renting. Well, I used you wonder that myself when I was a newcomer to Bangkok many years ago; and that is why I decided to write this post.

Truth is, sometimes it is cheaper but 95% of the time, it is not. There are some Bangkok apartments that have different rates for agents and direct walk-in customers. Out of the hundreds of apartments we represent, I have only come across 2 such places that actually have a higher rate for agency clients, and I can tell you that these are apartments we at Bangkok Finder (and I believe many other agencies) do NOT deal with because that is simply not fair for the client. Things get out and eventually the tenant will realise that he paid a higher price than his neighbour and no agent wants that on his reputation no matter how mercenary you think we are!

In fact, most times I believe agents can get a better deal for the client if they wanted to. Put it this way, the agent usually has a very good idea how low the landlord will go. As you may already know, Thailand is all about relationships. They like you, they give it to you. Same applies for real estate. If the landlord likes you or your property agent, you have a much better chance of getting a lower price than someone with a higher budget but has an agent your landlord does not have a connection with or you didn’t leave much of an impression on the landlord.

Many times, after a viewing where the client takes the time to make conversation with the landlord and tell them a bit about themselves, the landlord will actually call me and tell me how much he/she likes my client and would lower the price to suit my client’s budget. I have also had landlords who would hold out for another tenant simply because they didn’t like the agent and along we came and deal closed! Money isn’t the most important consideration in this country. Relationship is, and that is why it is so important you read on so you know how to get the very best deal in Thailand.

After you have rented a place, it is even more important for you to establish a good relationship with your landlord because again, if she likes you she will concede to most, if not all of your reasonable demands in the future or she could make your stay living hell. So, how do you ensure that? Unless your landlord speaks absolutely no English, try dealing direct with her instead of your agent during your tenure. Majority of landlords enjoy talking to they tenants and finding out how they are doing in their new home. It makes them happy to hear from you, especially if you love their house and are enjoying every minute of your stay there. Should there be trouble, they will make sure that you are kept happy under their rented roof.

Always pay your rent on time! I cannot stress that enough because so many people choose to pay later than on time just because there is a 5 - 14 days allowance in the lease agreement. This is even more important during the initial period of your tenure. Think about it… if you are always on time with rent payment, when you are actually having problem with your finances, your landlord is more likely to be understanding about it than if she has to chase you for payment every month. Never let the landlord call you regarding payment. Always make sure you inform her beforehand should payment be late. Do that, and you will have a long pleasant stay in your new home. Pay late the first few months, and your relationship will be strained from the very beginning and you don’t want to do that here because they never forget it. Never.

I think I’ve sort of gone off tangent here haven’t I? Sorry, I just thought it was important to mention all that. Now back to the topic “Is it cheaper to rent direct?” It really depends on your agent but it should not. I can confidently say that our clients have always paid the lowest rates when I negotiate for them because that’s what I do best. Shameless, I know but it’s true. Also, when you rent through a property agent, we do everything for you. We drive you around, negotiate for you, prepare the contract for you and basically be your punching bag should things go wrong. So, from the way I see it, the client always wins when you go with a real estate agency; and a good property agent. Needless to say, Bangkok Finder is all that and more

Good luck and happy home hunting.