Trying to find a rental -- it's been a nightmare (Dallas: 2010, apartments)

[Brookside]

Well, we've been searching for a place to live off and on since Labor Day. I thought 2K per month would net us something clean, safe and spacious enough while we tried to get a grasp of where we want to buy.

It's been awful. Just awful. We started out in west Plano, and I've seen places I wouldn't want to leave my dog in: dirty, moldy, smelly, ripped up carpeting, broken plumbing. We've also looked in Allen (same), east Plano, White Rock Lake and Lakewood. Either it's trashed, or it gets snapped up before we can get an application in.

Now we're looking at apartments ... and it's the same! Dirty, smelly -- oh, and these are so-called luxury apartments!!! Plus, no one seems to want to offer a six month lease -- and we've been told repeatedly that if we break our lease, our credit will be ruined. They laugh when we ask about a month-to-month lease.

Uh, so we're just supposed to time our home purchase and hope it works out?

Is it me? The environment just seems so insane here!

[TurtleCreek80]

not sure what exactly you're looking for in a rental, but there are probably a half-dozen duplexes for rent on University Blvd betwen Preston and the Tollroad in University Park.

A 3/2 or 2/2 with garage usually runs $2-3k per month. Often, the owners live in the other half, so you can be sure they are updated and very well maintained.

Don't know how they would feel about a six month lease, but the "back to school" leasing season is over, so maybe you could propose signing through May 2010, so it could go back on the market next summer?

There are also duplexes on Normandy in UP and Fairway and Westway in HP with similar rents.

[nsumner]

You need to work with a Realtor who has real time data on new listings. If you're doing it on your own, you have to wait until the MLS loads to the rest of the world, days sometimes to some sites.

New rentals come on the market daily and typically within 30 days from when they are available because that's when the tenants give notice.

It is just not cost effective for a landlord to rent a place for 6 months or on a month to month basis. Make ready and marketing costs are high. You have to pay a premium for a shorter term. So if you're looking to spend 2K a month, offer 2200 to the seller or if they're asking 1800, offer 2K.

Naima

[Rakin]

You can get some very nice apartments for $1200 - 1600 a month. The problem you will have is finding a place for 6 months. The apartment rentals I know have all gone to a 1 year minimum.

I suspect there is a large demand for rentals right now with the current situation in housing, high foreclosures and the difficulty of selling in other areas.

On a regular home, very few landlords will do less than a 12 month lease.

[loves2read]

my son was in situation where he had given notice at his apt complex and then could not really move out--so they are letting him go month-to-month with 30 day notice but he is paying for that priviledge...
frankly there are apts out there that will do what you want--you just haven't found them--why I have no clue--
but you will have to pay more for that flexibility

[MSPMom]

We rent a 3/3 brownstone in the State Thomas neighborhood in Uptown -- land of thousands of rental properties. You pay a premium to live in this area but the properties are beautifully maintained with decent finishes. The thing is, you have to move FAST. We lost out on about four units before getting ours. And someone called to rent it while I was on the phone reserving it. It was pretty unbelievable.

We also used our realtor. He sent us updated listings every day and I called and visited as soon as I found something of interest. The really big properties managed by Gables, Post, Manchester, etc are pretty flexible and will offer 6,9 and 12 month leases. You just pay more for short-term.

Send me a PM if you want more details. Good luck!

[Brookside]

We have been using a realtor, whom we thought was terrific. Gave her my criteria -- no mold, mildew, ripped up carpets or smoking or pet odors. She "previewed" properties, then proceeded to show us places that had mold, mildew, ripped up carpets and smoking and pet odors. Wasted our time completely.

The problem is - we've been trying to do this long distance - DH is traveling constantly and I'm still employed in another state (we're moving because of his job). Makes it hard to view properties.

I'm venting, of course. I haven't rented in 20 years, and it all just seems so insane and anti-consumer. Doesn't help that I really don't want to move, really don't want to leave my job, really hate the thought of being unemployed, really haven't found Dallas that attractive or worth all this upheaval.

Thanks for your replies, though. It helps!

[Brookside]

PS

MSPMom, I did PM you. We haven't considered the State Thomas neighborhood because the traffic seems a little much. But I'm open to anything -- is the neighborhood walkable? We're big walkers, have a dog, don't want to dodge cars or exhaust.

Thanks again for your replies!

[grendlldog]

Turtle Creek just south of Highland Park sounds good for you. Beautiful area, affluent people, tons of running/jogging trails and some of the nicest condos in the state. Check out 3883 down to 3225 Turtle Creek. This entire area would probably suit your needs perfectly.

[DaveG99]

The house I live in in Plano will be on the market for rent in Early December. Its nice, updated, clean, and in a good neighborhood. Send me a message if your interested. Rent is $1300 a month.