Worth it to use realtor to list for lease?

[Vivian K.]

Hello all,

I need some help!

I live on the west coast with a rental property in Florida. Last year, we listed and leased our property on our own but at the time we had family in town there to show the property for us with a rental open house for one weekend.

The tenant will be leaving and we are considering using a local realtor this time. But I’m having trouble swallowing the cost & pulling the trigger on it lol

The commission is a full month's rent which is 3100~3200. And if for any reason the property doesn't lease as quickly as last time, that's more PITI payment out of pocket which we have but is a good chunk of change.

If we were to list ourselves, we would probably spend about 1500 but I fully acknowledge the trade offs and opp cost of missing work, time saved dealing with inquiries and vetting, flying there, showing the property, the preoccupation and stress, and such while juggling full time job with time zone difference, etc.

Any thoughts on this? Is it true that most people with good credit and income work with realtors who would likely take them to other MLS-listed properties?