First-time renting could be hard pero workable naman kaya don't be discouraged. I booked 3-4 viewings on the same day, viewing lasted only for 5mins at tatambay lang ako sa city just to wait for the other viewings kaya sobrang pagod tlaga. Kaya i have given up my city dreams and sa suburb nlag tumira. haha
Renting via FB Group - I tried this one and kamuntik na kong ma scam. We had exchanged personal details and when I asked for a viewing they refused for a seem to be a valid reason and say deposit my payment in her lawyer's account. Thinking it is Australia and not prone to manloloko I almost gave in. But when I told my sister about it she says NO you have to deposit your bond on RTBA (Residential Tenancies Bond Authority). There are a lot of legit rentals on Facebook groups but don't lower your guard. Transact wisely.
Prices (Just my observation/experience March 2022) - Higher rental prices, smaller areas and sobrang competitive ng rentals sa city. Viewing palang madami na kacompetensya usually around 5-10 people per viewing. If you are okay living in small areas I would say the price is reasonable because looking at the transpo pricey din talaga like full day is $9.2, for a week is $48 considering you will travel daily, I think magkakaroon ka ng around $100 sa budget na pwedeng mapunta sa rental when you choose to live in city than suburb.
Basically ito yung naobserve kong prices 1BR (city) = 2BR(near train) = 3BR(10-15mins drive from the train). Note 10-15mins is not walkable unlike in the Philippines.
Additionally, mas lesser ang kacompetensya/higher chance of approval sa outer suburb than as city.
For the viewing - realestate.com.au is a good site. pero kung gusto mo tlagang mauna. pumunta ka mismo sa agent's website like raywhite, obrien, barry plant and etc. May mga exclusive preview sila na sa members lang muna available before nila ipost sa public like realestateau and domain. Libre naman mag sign up ma floflood ka lang ng emails. haha.
Mauuna vs moving with family - It really depends on your preferences. But to put it logically, if you have 6months worth of living expenses to spend ($15,000-20,000), then you have the luxury of bringing your family with you. If not, don't be scared, ask for help, you'll be surprised there are a lot of kababayans willing to help you. It's hard to be alone but it is harder to see your whole family under stress and pressure.
Sa tingin ko factors that affect the rentals are.
Rental history
Pets
Kids
Subleasing
What we did? bid $10 higher than the published rate.
Requirements na hinigi samin
Bank Statement
Employment contract since wala pa kaming payslip
IDs, Visa grant
Reference
Payment - 1month + bond(equivalent to 1 mo rental)
about you
Hope this helps.