Just got a job in Phoenix/ Using a realtor for relocation (Scottsdale: extended stay, real estate)

[Jaimelavie]

Hi everyone,

I just got hired by a company in downtown Phoenix. I start in about one month. We've identified an area where we'd like to live, South Scottsdale or Camelback East. I was looking at apartments, and their corresponding reviews, and they were less than stellar. I got to thinking that why don't we (my wife, infant, and myself) rent a townhome or condo. They seem like they're a much better bang for your buck, and seem more preferable overall. The thing is, I'm a bit wary, putting the down payment and first months rent from the other side of the country. I have no desire to get scammed.

Is it typical to find a realtor and have them check out my list and see the properties for me? What would the fee be typically? Just trying to get my bearings here.

Thanks!

[yukon]

You might be better off staying at an extended stay place, or a short-term rental from AirBnB or VRBO, and looking once you get to Phoenix. If you have to move stuff with you, get a storage unit for a month or two. I couldn't get anyone to return my calls so that's what I'm doing. That would also allow you to scope out the neighborhoods and get a feel for your commute before committing to a full lease.

Good thread commenting on the problem of trying to rent in advance from out of town:

Best way to locate a rental house in Mesa/Gilbert/Chandler

[MalteseJane]

I agree it would be better for you to stay in an extended stay place for a short term. You want to see the place you are renting before putting down a deposit and first month rent. You might not like what the real estate agent rents for you. I don't know what the fee for the realtor would be. Would need to ask my daughter. All I know through her is that the nice apartments or houses for rent are going fast.

[SMG]

The Realtor fee is paid by the landlord.

[Jkgourmet]

Originally Posted by SMG

The Realtor fee is paid by the landlord.

And it's not enough to entice a realtor to show rental homes, let alone scope them out for you before you arrive.

Extended stay, Airbnb, or one of you flies out for a quick house hunting trip.

PS don't pay so much attention to online reviews of apt complexes. They are usually posted by unhappy tenants. The happy ones never bother to post.

[Dewey59]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

PS don't pay so much attention to online reviews of apt complexes. They are usually posted by unhappy tenants. The happy ones never bother to post.

Right, and probably 9 times out of 10, the tenant was at fault. But in today's society, everyone else is to blame!

[Jaimelavie]

Thanks for the ideas. AirBnb isn't a bad choice, and we may have to go that route. Unfortunately, time won't permit us to fly there beforehand, though, that'd be ideal. Another thing I'm looking at is management companies that list houses. I feel there's a little more credibility, and am looking for a townhome or condo. Can anyone recommend any good management companies?

The reason I brought up the realtor idea, is that's what I did before when I moved to Miami. I used a realtor to help me find a place, sight unseen by me. It ended up working out, but that's very common practice in Miami, due to scamming being very prevalent there unfortunately. Was genuinely curious if that may work in Phoenix.