Moving to Portland and having problems (apartment, good credit, hotel)

[insanityincredibly]

Oh boy. We're in this boat too, possibly. Tomorrow we'll fax our applications to our first apartment after talking with the manager on the phone who seemed very friendly and helpful. I guess we'll wait and see what happens with it, but we can't afford to keep paying application fees or flying up for a couple days.....now I'm scared again.

[5chevin5]

Originally Posted by insanityincredibly

Oh boy. We're in this boat too, possibly. Tomorrow we'll fax our applications to our first apartment after talking with the manager on the phone who seemed very friendly and helpful. I guess we'll wait and see what happens with it, but we can't afford to keep paying application fees or flying up for a couple days.....now I'm scared again.

I, personally, have always had reasonable luck with apartments and could get the deal done in a day or two (despite doing all I could to mangle my credit)Perhaps look for homes to rent??
Usually (not always) they are privately owned, and perhaps from someone that is really receptive to renting to someone over the phone they have a good vibe with, then follow it up with all the docs...just be honest with a landlord and they may cut you some slack since they may have done the same..and some houses may only be a few more a month.

Typically an apartment "lease specialist" works for xyz company with xyzz company rules which get reported to xyz's home office in Kickapoo, Missouri.
So even if they are nice and you are nice,their hands may be tied.

Also, consider this, alot of apartment complexes are owned by mega property management corporations. These may or may not have other properties in the city you are going to? You could(maybe) work with them since you have already had a standing business arangement, the "transfer" the information to the new state? When you get there you may have to pay all the deposits again, but at least the waiting/approval part will be in the clear.

random thougts...perhaps valid....hope they help...
5

[Brucha]

Originally Posted by insanityincredibly

Oh boy. We're in this boat too, possibly. Tomorrow we'll fax our applications to our first apartment after talking with the manager on the phone who seemed very friendly and helpful. I guess we'll wait and see what happens with it, but we can't afford to keep paying application fees or flying up for a couple days.....now I'm scared again.

I agree, although money is not an issue at this point, but the fact that we have to keep paying application fees in light of no success is like continually pouring milk down the drain....

Going to Portland beforehand is not an option right now as we are short on time. We have filled out a couple more applications and are waiting to see what happen. However, I am not holding my breath either. I think that we will have to stay in a hotel at this point after arriving in Portland, then look for housing then. I just never thought it would be SOOOOO difficult.

[Supernova7]

Originally Posted by Brucha

I agree, although money is not an issue at this point, but the fact that we have to keep paying application fees in light of no success is like continually pouring milk down the drain....

Going to Portland beforehand is not an option right now as we are short on time. We have filled out a couple more applications and are waiting to see what happen. However, I am not holding my breath either. I think that we will have to stay in a hotel at this point after arriving in Portland, then look for housing then. I just never thought it would be SOOOOO difficult.

What can I tell you, life is difficult because people are difficult and as a result every trivial matter turns in to a ball of complexity. Why don't you bypass the property management companies and all the senseless screenings, fees and red tape? Inquire in to advertisements from homeowners renting rooms. You don't have to worry about being screened out, employment history, credit, fees, etc.. Just have the money that they are asking for the room as they can care less where or how you get it.

[5chevin5]

Originally Posted by Brucha

I agree, although money is not an issue at this point, but the fact that we have to keep paying application fees in light of no success is like continually pouring milk down the drain....

Going to Portland beforehand is not an option right now as we are short on time. We have filled out a couple more applications and are waiting to see what happen. However, I am not holding my breath either. I think that we will have to stay in a hotel at this point after arriving in Portland, then look for housing then. I just never thought it would be SOOOOO difficult.

Well, if thats the way it is then thats the way it is....It could be much much worse and you would not have the resources to even do that. Here are some ideas...perhaps they may help.

Dont drive all the way into downtown, hotels have small parking lots and if you have a moving truck you will wish you didnt, plus security may make you worry....
Stay out in the burbs...maybe Tualitin or Wilsonville...yes it will take 20-minutes to get to the apartments you want to see, but at least the truck will be safer during the day.

Be patient, getting upset about things that are out of your control will just make you frustrated...I agree, what a pain in the butt...but people move all the time with a much worse situation.

Good Luck, Drive Safe, Enjoy the Adventure....and soon it will be just a story to tell over dinner....

5

[sheasway]

My husband and I are moving to Oregon in less than 2 weeks and we secured an apt months ago. My husband is being transferred so he does have a job lined up although I dont. We dont have good credit and had to pay a larger deposit (which we are used to). We originally posted a notice on cragislist but people renting houses wanted way too much money, so we went with an apt instead. I figure if we dont like it, with some time and getting used to Oregon, we will choose a better place. We found a decent size apt thats takes big dogs and its in Gresham. Now, there are some people that dont like Gresham and they will tell you so but this is just the first place we are going to live and if we dont like we can plan on moving later.

[suncat]

I think what you're running into is indicative of the Oregon attitude towards outsiders, in general. I've been here 20 years and still encounter it myself. I don't understand it.

[kelcat]

Originally Posted by suncat

I think what you're running into is indicative of the Oregon attitude towards outsiders, in general. I've been here 20 years and still encounter it myself. I don't understand it.

You know what is funny about this statement? I've applied at three or four places and all of the landlords have had California area codes for their contact number... go figure

[oldtintype]

My last landlord was from CA too!!!

[MtnSurfer]

Well,

My wife and I used to manage apartment buildings. So I speak to this issue form having experience in this area. First off there is no conspiracy against you. It is a simple business transaction - bottom line!

So if I am an apt. manager looking at your application you have this going for you:
1. Good credit
2. Good references
The negatives I see are:
1. No jobs
2. Out of state

Now my job would be to find the most stable, reliable tenant I can find. If your credit is good but you have no job then that is a business risk I must take. Even 'if' you assure me money is not an issue. C'mon, this is business, money and a stable income are 'always' an issue. That is my job, to find the best potential tenant I can for the owner of the property.

Sorry, I am not trying to be rude, really. I am just stating how things work in the property mgt. business. If I get three applications, I will pick the person with a job over someone who plans to get a job every time, all other things being equal. I would also pick someone who I have met face to face and got a good sense of professionalism from verses someone who I only had phone and email contact with, other things being equal.

So here is my recommendation:
1. It is always better to meet face to face.
2. Since you have said you can't do that because it is too late then stay in an extended stay hotel.
3. Find a job.
4. Check out neighborhoods and find out what you really do/don't like about them.
5. Then meet the landlords face to face when something looks interesting to the both of you.

I know this is far from ideal from your current perspective. But it may be the best course of action. Just because something is hard doesn't mean it is not meant to be. Sometimes it means you just have to step up your game a notch or two and get down to business.

My best advice to you would be to stay focused on your goal. There is no conspiracy plot against you! I am sure you and your fiancee are fine people, especially since you are coming from here in Colorado.;-D LOL...

My wife and are also considering a move from Colorado Springs to Portland. Moving here from California was tough. I had to fly out by myself and find a house, make an offer and sign a contract within four days. I did it, but it was not easy. And it was our first home. The first offer I made was for full listing price. But the seller turned it down for whatever reason and would not negotiate with us. I am glad now because the second offer on another home was accepted, and I actually like it better than the first.

Just keep moving toward your goals and dreams.

My 2c,

- Derek