Rec's on nice rentals until we buy a house in Plano area - need good schools (Dallas: spring break, 2015)

[deenie1]

Hi - I've been on this board on and off for a few years as we've been looking to move out to the Dallas area. We've lost several family members over the last 5 years and now have more relatives in Plano and Frisco than we do now in NJ. We've made a couple of trips out there with the kids (boy,12/girl,11) with our most recent being last month during spring break. My husband arranged an interview, as did I, and we also met with a realtor for the afternoon. We really want to make this move happen while our daughter is going to start 6th grade and our son starts 7th. There is also a development that is going through an approval process slated to be built on the farm behind our house and we really fear depreciation. Many things are pointing to this being the right time. A 1.5-2 hour commute to NYC each way is getting old for my husband, to say the least. He's 55 and is getting tired of the NY pace.

We are planning on selling whether or not my husband gets the Dallas offer. We don't want to move to another area in NJ so I may come out with the kids to start school before my husband joins us. We figured that he'll be able to fly out biweekly. It's not ideal but the kids see him for so little during the week anyway, to be quite honest. If we have residency in the area, I think securing a job will be easier for him. I realize companies are relocating there in droves, but even recruiters have told him that it's difficult applying from out of state.

I've read on this board how everyone says to rent before buying and I really think that might be the way to go, especially if this Dallas job doesn't work out and he's commuting back to us for awhile. I don't want the maintenance of a 4 BR house without him there (he's handy, I'm not). It will also allow us to explore and really see where we might want to buy. The whole apt. thing seems foreign to me, especially with kids, but a short term lease might make sense. I'd love to be by Renner MS. Budget would be about $1800-$2000/mo. Also, we have two dogs (less than 25 lbs each). I want 3BR/2BA at a minimum with decent amenities. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd greatly appreciate it!

[CMC_TX]

Originally Posted by deenie1

Hi - I've been on this board on and off for a few years as we've been looking to move out to the Dallas area. We've lost several family members over the last 5 years and now have more relatives in Plano and Frisco than we do now in NJ. We've made a couple of trips out there with the kids (boy,12/girl,11) with our most recent being last month during spring break. My husband arranged an interview, as did I, and we also met with a realtor for the afternoon. We really want to make this move happen while our daughter is going to start 6th grade and our son starts 7th. There is also a development that is going through an approval process slated to be built on the farm behind our house and we really fear depreciation. Many things are pointing to this being the right time. A 1.5-2 hour commute to NYC each way is getting old for my husband, to say the least. He's 55 and is getting tired of the NY pace.

We are planning on selling whether or not my husband gets the Dallas offer. We don't want to move to another area in NJ so I may come out with the kids to start school before my husband joins us. We figured that he'll be able to fly out biweekly. It's not ideal but the kids see him for so little during the week anyway, to be quite honest. If we have residency in the area, I think securing a job will be easier for him. I realize companies are relocating there in droves, but even recruiters have told him that it's difficult applying from out of state.

I've read on this board how everyone says to rent before buying and I really think that might be the way to go, especially if this Dallas job doesn't work out and he's commuting back to us for awhile. I don't want the maintenance of a 4 BR house without him there (he's handy, I'm not). It will also allow us to explore and really see where we might want to buy. The whole apt. thing seems foreign to me, especially with kids, but a short term lease might make sense. I'd love to be by Renner MS. Budget would be about $1800-$2000/mo. Also, we have two dogs (less than 25 lbs each). I want 3BR/2BA at a minimum with decent amenities. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Bentley Place Apartments are within walking distance of Renner and has 3 bedroom units well within your range. That'd be the best option in terms of convenience to Renner. Maybe do a short term there while you decide where to buy?

[lifofifo]

+1 Bentley Place. It's a decent apartment complex in a great location. Be aware that 3 bed apartments are hard to come by at Bentley Place in my experience. You may have to wait for a few weeks or a few months for one to become available.

[deenie1]

Thanks for your suggestion. I did look into Bentley and that's on the list now. There is a 3BR available mid-June but we need to list our house first to really know when we'll be able to move. The reviews show some people loved the place and others had big problems with management. Since part of the reason we'd like to start in an apt, is because my husband won't be there during the week, it's important that we're in a place that's responsive to maintenance calls, etc.

Any other suggestions so we can have a back up?

[pistisan]

If you plan to purchase something in the near future, I would start looking home prices around the school, and 75093 to check if this is the place you want to be after your lease expire. As an alternative Robinson Middle School, with large park and Recreation center close by is another good choice and also a feeder school to Plano West Senior High. Any particular reason you are looking Renner exclusively?

[Buyer2015]

We are interested in 75093 and Renner Middle. My realtor sent me link for these apartments located next doors to Bentley. It looks like a very cool and new complex.

AMLI West Plano - Floor Plans - AMLI Residential

These are town homes and walking distance from Shops Of Willowbend.

http://www.townsofchapelhill.com/Apa..._info/property[id]/35507/is_short_info/1

[richard88]

Wouldn't a $1800-$2000 can get a 3Bed/2B easily single family unit rental easily in that region ?

[pistisan]

Originally Posted by Buyer2015

We are interested in 75093 and Renner Middle. My realtor sent me link for these apartments located next doors to Bentley. It looks like a very cool and new complex.

AMLI West Plano - Floor Plans - AMLI Residential

These are town homes and walking distance from Shops Of Willowbend.

Overview | Towns of Chapel Hill Apartments For Rent in Plano, TX 75093[id]/35507/is_short_info/1

I haven't seen it yet, but judging form the pictures looks nice. Have you seen it already? It is next to the highway, not sure about noise levels but definitely close to everything and easy access to Tollway.

[pistisan]

Originally Posted by richard88

Wouldn't a $1800-$2000 can get a 3Bed/2B easily single family unit rental easily in that region ?

As of now, I see only 7 homes between your range, but all East side of Preston (in 75093) only one zoned for Renner Middle School.

[Buyer2015]

Rental values are very high for homes feeding to Renner Middle School. Apartments look more affordable. It would be a miracle to find a rental home below $2500.