Why is finding a nice rental house such a nightmare? (Sandy Springs: real estate market, apartments)

[yr1986]

We are doing a corporate relo from Cincinnati and have decided to rent, until we learn our way around and get more info as to how long the relo will be. Our price range is $3500-$4200 and we are willing to sign a 2 yr lease. We have decided on Johns Creek/Alpharetta/Roswell area. However, we are having a horrible time finding a nice house!! We have been outbid on 2 properties and the others are snatched up before they are even listed. Any suggestions??

[alco89]

Ugh, tell us about it! That's just what the market is like right now, especially in those highly sought-after areas.

[evannole]

Well, at that price point, your options are going to be pretty limited, I would think. We are probably talking about $600k houses, and most of those are probably going to be owner occupied. I don't think this is the kind of market where people hold on to those kinds of properties as investments. Additionally, in the areas you're considering, properties of that value are likely to be in a neighborhood under the auspices of an HOA, with the usual accompanying caps or outright prohibitions on rentals.

Keep looking and hopefully you will find something that works. Depending on where your jobs are, you might try looking further south in areas like Sandy Springs and Buckhead. There are more older neighborhoods in those areas and they are less likely to have HOAs with rental restrictions.

Good luck!

[Tarzanman]

HOA rental restrictions are the real problem in terms of you finding a rental. It doesn't help that the real estate market here is fairly active which is making it more attractive for owners to sell rather than rent.

Long story short, demand is higher than it has been the past couple of years due to employment improving, but supply is constrained in the more family friendly residential areas.

As evannole pointed out, not a lot of people put up their 4 bedroom houses for rent because there aren't a lot of renters with that kind of income that do not opt to buy instead.

I don't have any real suggestions.

[PeteATL41]

There are 10 listing in MLS in those areas between $3500 - $4500...are you working with a realtor who knows the area? My wife is a realtor (and originally from Cincinnati) she maybe able to help you. PM me if you would like her info.

[ElleKaye]

Originally Posted by yr1986

We are doing a corporate relo from Cincinnati and have decided to rent, until we learn our way around and get more info as to how long the relo will be. Our price range is $3500-$4200 and we are willing to sign a 2 yr lease. We have decided on Johns Creek/Alpharetta/Roswell area. However, we are having a horrible time finding a nice house!! We have been outbid on 2 properties and the others are snatched up before they are even listed. Any suggestions??

It just isn't a renter's market in this area right now. I would not say go so far as to say buy first; I would actually say do not do this. I made that mistake and squeaked by selling the house at a good profit right before the crash.

Call a real estate company like Harry Norman or Coldwell Banker to find a home to rent. If you were looking for an apartment, I'd say say give Promove a try. I totally get everything about what you're saying even getting something that is valid if only to save yourself hassle during the relocation.

[Alicia64]

Are you looking at Craig's List. There are several houses in your range:
atlanta apartments / housing rentals "alpharetta" - craigslist

Zillow:
Rental Listings in Alpharetta GA - 4 Rentals | Zillow

The apartments at Avalon are supposed to be WOW. Staying there would give you time to look around and get your bearings. You'd have a pool and a lot of luxury amenities including being uber close to the Avalon mall with Whole Foods, a huge movie theater, ice rink in the winter etc. etc.

Good luck!

Alley

[ATLTJL]

I'd look for the largest volume realtor in that area. Doesn't have to be the best, just the largest volume who knows the area extremely well (anyone know who that is?)

You may be able to find a situation where a family is being forced to relocate for a finite period of time, but intends to move back. Most HOAs will allow a rental exception for a situation like this. Say a doctor or something is doing a fellowship overseas or in another state for just 12 months, or something like that. You might even negotiate a deal like you pay less than market rent in exchange for making their lives easier by cutting the grass and arranging your own fixes for anything that breaks in the house up to a certain price point. The highest volume realtors are most likely to know of anyone in this situation. Just a thought.

[waronxmas]

You'll probably have better luck finding a house to rent in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, or Sandy Springs. North Fulton has only really been heavily populated for about the last 20 years, so most houses there are going to be owner occupied. The other areas I mentioned above are much older, but not lacking in quality in the least.

[yr1986]

Thank you, Alley!! I have looked at everything BUT Craigslist and you are right! There are some great listings on there Thanks!

Originally Posted by Alicia64

Are you looking at Craig's List. There are several houses in your range:
atlanta apartments / housing rentals "alpharetta" - craigslist

Zillow:
Rental Listings in Alpharetta GA - 4 Rentals | Zillow

The apartments at Avalon are supposed to be WOW. Staying there would give you time to look around and get your bearings. You'd have a pool and a lot of luxury amenities including being uber close to the Avalon mall with Whole Foods, a huge movie theater, ice rink in the winter etc. etc.

Good luck!

Alley