Newspapers
There are a few real estate listings in the daily papers below. Newspapers are inexpensive, costing only about 5 rupees per copy. However, it is better to search for listings on real estate websites where you are bound to get more results.
- India Express: In print and online. http://www.expressclassifieds.in/
- The Economic Times: In print
Websites
There are many websites where you can search for rentals in Mumbai. Pictures can be helpful, but don’t decide either way without seeing the apartment in person first.
Real estate agents
Why should I use a real estate agent?
It is recommended to use the services of a real estate agent. They can help you locate apartments you probably would not have found on your own; they know the market in Mumbai; they can help you negotiate with the landlord for a better price; and they often help you with paperwork after you’ve chosen an apartment. Some agents will even lend you a hand with settling in, such as assistance with setting up your TV and internet connections, or selecting material for curtains. Before you get involved, speak with the agent about what kind of services you can expect.
Looking for an apartment with an agent
When you hire a real estate agent, be very clear and firm about requirements and desires for your home. If you don’t give clear instructions, you will waste a lot of time looking at apartments that are of absolute no interest to you. This can be very aggravating and time consuming, especially with the heavy traffic in Mumbai, so start off with a solid notion of what you want and don’t want in an apartment.
If possible, explain to the realtor what you are looking for instead of stating your budget right off the bat. For example, tell the realtor you’d like a new (1-4 years old) building, three bedrooms, modern design, and easy access to the airport, rather than stating your budget is 2 lakh per month. This helps you avoid a common issue with realtors showing you every single apartment they have, regardless of the real worth of the apartment, hoping you’ll settle for an apartment at an inflated price. It seems that most realtors are looking out more for the owner and themselves rather than the renter, particularly when they know a corporation is actually paying the rent.
When you go to look at apartments, your agent will offer to take you in his or her car for the viewings, or you might follow behind his car or motorbike with your car. There are usually several to be seen in one go, and most agents will give you a print out with the names and addresses of each building and an area for taking notes.
To make a bid, the agent will tell you the asking price with an estimate of how much he or she thinks it can be negotiated down. Then you name your price, and the agent will tell the landlord your offer. The agent will act as a negotiator between you and the landlord until an agreement has been reached.
Commission
Commission varies but is usually around one or two months rent or 1 or 2%. Make sure your agent’s requirements are clear and agreeable from the outset.
Real estate agents in Mumbai
The agents listed below are English-speaking, as are most Mumbai agents you will meet.
Mr. Sandeep Sadh
502 Standford Plaza, Andheri Link Road, Andheri West
http://www.realestatemumbai.com
ssadh@mumbaipropertyexchange.com
Phone: 6692 1122 or 98-20-030685
Ahuja Realty
Mr. Nirmal Ahuja
103 Sai Sangeet, 368 Linking Road, Khar West
Phone: 2649 9281 or 2649 1248
ahujarealty@yahoo.com
Pinnacle Realty
Mr. Ramprasad Padhi
http://www.expats.in
Phone: 98-201-51500 or 22-2893-3333
expats@mumbaiproperties.com
Mr Deepak Behl and Mr Kamal Behl
dbehl@bom_8.vsnl.net.in
behl.kamal@gmail.com
Phone: 98-20-049062 or 98-21-080919
