How do I find an apartment in Austin that's good? (apartment complex, lease)

[curiousaboutaustin]

My boyfriend and I are moving to Austin from the Northeast in several weeks. We've been scouring Craig's List for simple, cheap one bedroom apartments or possibly a small house or part of a house to rent. Nothing fancy. The problem is that everything that comes up on Craig's List in our budget (max $750-$800) are these obnoxious-looking condos with pools. Craig's List has always been my go-to for finding an apartment, but it seems like maybe that's not the case in Austin? Am I missing something? Do Austin-ites use some other resource to find normal, non-luxury condo apartments or houses to rent? We're in our 30's but not ready to buy a house or anything. Any advice?

[nickasarbata]

Hmm, so you're saying that you don't like the "luxury condo apartments with pools" that are in your price range? Can I ask why not?! If you want something more basic than that, I'd lower your price range search criteria. When I was apartment hunting in Austin, almost all the complexes I looked at had a pool (which I definitely plan on enjoying when I move!), even the cheaper ones. And I saw several places fitting into your price range.

I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for if you are finding nice apartments in your price range. As far as houses or shared houses, I can't help. Hopefully somebody else can.

[eichlerfan]

A pool comes in pretty handy here because of the heat. You might want to rethink that idea since summer is LONG here.

[centralaustinite]

I'm guessing that you are used to old-style, large brick, early 20th century apartment buildings that are so common in the NE and big mid-western cities, so our newer complexes seem "tacky" or over-done to you.

get over it. Austin does not have that kind of old housing stock, not even 200,000 people lived here in 1910! Instead, learn to enjoy the pool, the central AC, the nicer kitchens with microwaves, fancy countertops, etc.

Use an apartment locator, they are free to you and they know their stuff.

[austinkmomma]

I think you should use an apartment locator too, since they are free, and the good ones know their stuff pretty well. I used one, and I can find out his contact info for you, if you need one, but you should be able to find a good apt locator easily.

Also, check out apartmentratings.com once you select the apartments...sometimes it helps to read the reviews. We lived in Austin for a couple of years, and lived in the Great Hills area...really loved that area. They have tons of apts there too, and access to a bus, if you need it. Shopping is right there, too, so it's convenient.

[curiousaboutaustin]

Thank you so much, austinkmomma! And thank you for being so nice, too! So, is an apartment locator the same thing as a broker? We live in New York City, and there are tons of brokers who will find you an apartment for a hefty fee. I'm not sure if an apartment locator is the same thing, though it doesn't sound like it. How do they work exactly? I am fairly ignorant of the housing market outside of NYC.

Thanks again!

[cmaxmor]

Originally Posted by curiousaboutaustin

Thank you so much, austinkmomma! And thank you for being so nice, too! So, is an apartment locator the same thing as a broker? We live in New York City, and there are tons of brokers who will find you an apartment for a hefty fee. I'm not sure if an apartment locator is the same thing, though it doesn't sound like it. How do they work exactly? I am fairly ignorant of the housing market outside of NYC.

Thanks again!

It is basically the same thing. Here, though, the apartment complex pays the locator a fee for finding them a tenant. You don't get charged.

[SacalaitWhisperer]

How do I find an apartment in Austin that's good?

0.o

Get off the internet and go look at them.

[TheKatintheHat]

I've live in Austin and Boston.

Unlike the Northeast, locators/brokers down here do NOT charge the renter!!! It's awesome!!! (They charge the complex instead). As a result, only complexes that can afford to pay the locators are going to be shown to you if you use one.

For the sort of cozy, small, "older" (as in not built in 2001) place you're looking for, honestly the best thing you can do is just drive around. A few owners/management companies are savvy enough to use Craigslist, but the vast majority just slap up a sign and kick their feet up. Housing is in such demand here that there's really little need to advertise (unless you're charging exorbitant prices).

My best advice is to rent something that looks decent for a short term lease (maybe 1 month, maybe 6) to give you time to drive around and check out some other places more your taste. And notice how I say "drive"... make sure you have a car once you're here!!! Austin is NOT a walkable/pubtransportation city!!!

[atxcio]

Also the overall compensation for apartment locators in Austin is much lower. They are paid by the complex/landlord something in the range of 80% of one month's rent. So that's 80% of 1/12 of a 1 year lease, or about 6.7%.

In NYC, last time I checked apartment brokers were charging 20% of a 1 year lease!