Craigslist and finding a place convenient to Morristown (Knoxville, Kingsport: for sale, real estate)

[mattbward]

So got frustrated with the lack of houses and apartments for rent on Craiglist that were convenient to the Morristown area where I am going to be working. I decided I was going to post a message in the "Real Estate/Apartments Wanted" section.

I put a list of all the things the unit would have to have in order for me to consider it.

Title $800 Looking for House/Big Apartment Convenient to Morristown, TN (Dandrige)

1.) A House or Apartment
2.) At least 900 Square feet
3.) At least two bedrooms
4.) Central Air
5.) Ample private parking
6.) Washer Dryer Hookup
7.) Be within 30 minutes or so of Morristown
8.) 6 Month Lease terms preferred
9.) Only require first months rent and deposit (Not first AND lasts month rent THEN deposit)
10.) Move in date appx September 1st, 2009
11.) Renter bill willing to show many pictures and give address of unit
12.) Have a heating/cooling unit less then 10 years old.

I was very specific. Almost too specific, in fact I thought.

Nevertheless I get an email a day from folks that have something no where close to most of the points I addressed above.

Examples.

1.) A place in South Knoxville near Seymour that the owner INSISTS is about 30 minutes drive to Morristown.....
2.) A place in Gatlinburg where the owner insists you can get to Morristown in right at 30 minutes or so.
3.) A place in La Follette that the owner says they thought I said some other city, not Morristown.....

The best part? Not 1 of these was for rent in the price range I was looking for or even mentioned if their place came close to meeting the 12 points I asked about.

So what have I decided I am going to do? Call realtors that can't sell the houses they have for sale and offer a short term rental option to them to make SOME money while the houses sit vacant.

Moderator cut: cut/change: any other suggestions/options for Matt would be appreciate
Matt

[jabogitlu]

Unfortunately, you're sort of in the middle. Housing stock, condos and townhome rentals are booming (relatively - we're still in a recession too here in etn) in west and north Knox and in the Tri-Cities, Kingsport particularly. In between, finding something can be hit or miss, especially when you're not there to check stuff out personally. The *best* deals in this area are always found by word of mouth or by spotting a "hey, look at that sign..." sort of thing. That's how I found the house I'm moving to in a week.

And I don't think we have anyone here on CD from the Morristown/Jefferson City area to help you out by going to check on stuff. Not much help, I know, but I'm just trying to explain why things might be so difficult, even in a renter's economy.

BTW/FYI, I've never heard of a lease requiring deposit, first, *and* last month's rent. I don't think that happens much here; I've never paid a last month's rent.

[mattbward]

Thanks for the info!

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

The *best* deals in this area are always found by word of mouth or by spotting a "hey, look at that sign..." sort of thing. That's how I found the house I'm moving to in a week.

That's just it, unfortunately.

[rockenale]

Just curious... have you checked with the local newspapers. Standard Banner(Jefferson City) or the Citizen Tribune(Morristown). The both have websites, just put in the name and the city and it will come up.

[mattbward]

Yeah, just need something that has more pictures. Don't have the time to chase someone down on the phone to find out if they even have pictures or leave messages and play phone tag which is what the local paper ads usually require. My best places have been through referrals, have only found a few on craigslist and never found an apartment worth living in that advertised in the paper. Generally means like jobs that no one is interested hence their need to do more then just put up a sign in the yard.


Thanks

[Kitties of Domination]

My two cents: Bite the bullet and make a longer commute. You'll find what you need closer to Knoxville.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by mattbward

Y Generally means like jobs that no one is interested hence their need to do more then just put up a sign in the yard.

Not really. That's the way a lot of rentals are advertised and are successfully rented.

[mattbward]

Someone just needs to offer rental finder as a service, then we would be set... Some type of head hunter for rental properties.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by mattbward

Someone just needs to offer rental finder as a service, then we would be set... Some type of head hunter for rental properties.

Not much money in that. <<cough>>No one willingly moves to Morristown.<<cough, cough>>