Can't believe I'm still looking for a rental (Arlington, Alexandria: fit in, rental homes)

[fittmom]

Hi all.

I can't believe I've been on this site since Jan and still have not found the rental I am looking for.

We are military family. Hubby is going to be stationed at Ft. Belvoir, though he is Air Force. Standard 06 BAH, so basically looking for something between $2600 and $3200.

We are a pet family with references

We were looking at Alexandria (Kingstowne) where we used to live, but the High School has changed quite a bit since we were there and it's not something we think will be a good fit.

We were looking in Lorton, but South County proved to be too "intimidating" for my rising 9th grader who has been in a small private school for the past couple of years.

NOW...we are looking in West Springfield. We are looking for a rental, with a fenced in yard, 4+ bedrooms, finished basement.

2+years lease. Move in date 1st of July. (Creeping up quickly)!

If you hear of anything or know of anything, please don't hesitate.

I didn't realize that I was getting mail on this site, so please don't be offended if I didn't write back to you. I certainly have appreciated all of your inputs!

Have a great weekend!

[Fern435]

Hi Fittmom--The West Springfield area has a few listings on MRIS or military by owner site off Carrleigh Parkway (northeast of Rolling Road and Old Keene Mill Road) that are pleasant. It is simple to get to Fort Belvoir from there, and there's also a Metro bus that runs along Old Keene Mill. Close to Whole Foods and West Springfield High School. A Fairfax County police station is just south of the high school. It is safe. Burke is another option.

If you have questions you can ask me. We rent a home in West Springfield and my husband is in the air force (at the Pentagon). I'm not a realtor.

[mlv311]

There are several military families in my moms group and they have all signed two year leases. With the exception of one, they all have big dogs so they needed a good size yard. They are renting in West Springfield (22152), Burke (22015) and some parts of Fairfax close to Burke (22032). The latter includes Kings Park West, Middleridge, Country View Estates, Fairfax Club Estates (to name a few). GL!

ETA: BTW, the secondary schools for these areas are West Springfield HS, Lake Braddock and Robinson.

[fittmom]

Thanks for all the help. We have been looking on AHRN and military by owner, but just haven't found the "one," or if we have, because we would like to see the inside, by the time we've coordinated for a trip up to DC, it's already been rented by someone from Germany who has taken it sight unseen...I wish I were that brave!

Anyhow...This is our 5th time living up in the area and I know it all will work out! If you hear of one that sounds like it will work, please let us know. Thanks again

Cynthia

[VRE332]

fittmom , dont you think you're asking for too much, considering it's only a rental? Do you really need the finished basement? Jeez

[fittmom]

VRE....Obviously you aren't a military fellow? My husband is an 06, we have 2 kids, 2 cats, a dog and a houseload of furniture that could easily fit into a 4000 - 5300 square foot home. Finished basement is so that we can "fit." MOST of the homes we've seen are a bit on the small side, so the basement is the "only" way to get it all in

Take care

[VRE332]

Originally Posted by fittmom

VRE....Obviously you aren't a military fellow? My husband is an 06, we have 2 kids, 2 cats, a dog and a houseload of furniture that could easily fit into a 4000 - 5300 square foot home. Finished basement is so that we can "fit." MOST of the homes we've seen are a bit on the small side, so the basement is the "only" way to get it all in

Take care

Sorry but I dont understand what an 06 is, is he a 2006 model? Maybe it's time to part ways with some of your stuff? There's a lot of people looking for furniture on craigslist

[car54]

Originally Posted by VRE332

Sorry but I dont understand what an 06 is, is he a 2006 model? Maybe it's time to part ways with some of your stuff? There's a lot of people looking for furniture on craigslist

hehehe@VRE


Ummmm, fittmom, there are people called REALTORS that specialize in this sort of thing. Doesn't Uncle Sam pay the freight anyway? So no need to scimp!

[Fern435]

Even the more expensive rental homes in Arlington, Vienna, or Burke do not have 4000-5300 square footage. Loudoun County has more homes that size.

There is an enormous house for rent in the 22308 zip code. ($5000/month)

When we moved here three years ago (at the peak of the housing frenzy), we had to grab a 1278 sq. ft. house sight unseen. It had a roof, a kitchen and two small bathrooms. And it accepted our two dogs. Good enough. When the lease ended, we made a move into a less expensive house that better suited our needs.

Being extra choosy is not really a luxury in this area--even when you have plenty of money to spend on a rental, there are only so many options available. The expression "something's gotta give" applies. The commute, the expense, or the size.

[toupsee]

Originally Posted by VRE332

Sorry but I dont understand what an 06 is, is he a 2006 model? Maybe it's time to part ways with some of your stuff? There's a lot of people looking for furniture on craigslist

RMFAO!