Renting in Prescott (Phoenix, Chino Valley, Mayer: rental, credit check, homes)

[jana256]

Hi all.
We are getting very close to a decision to move to Prescott and have a few questions.

We intend to rent and have been watching the ads in newspapers and posts on Craigslist. We notice that some realtors have unexplained "non-refundable" fees, sometimes a couple of hundred dollars, added on top of the usual fees such as applications and credit checks. What in the world is that about?

Does anyone have input on realtors? Ones to recommend? Ones to avoid? We prefer renting directly from owners, but realize that may be possible.

What are areas of town to avoid? We will likely need to be in Prescott (not CV or PV), want to rent a single family home, and need a minimum of 2 bedrooms plus office (or three bedrooms), if that makes a difference. We have pets, too (dog - not small, and cat).

We are a diverse family. Our young son is Latino. When we visited, we didn't feel any hostility, but worry because of comments we have seen on other posts in the forum.

This is a huge change for us -- we are big city folks.
Thanks for your honest input.

[lvkewlkid]

For all realtor suggestions, please DM the OP...

[DellNec]

Originally Posted by jana256

We notice that some realtors have unexplained "non-refundable" fees, sometimes a couple of hundred dollars, added on top of the usual fees such as applications and credit checks. What in the world is that about?

It's all about $$$$. They nickel and dime you.

Originally Posted by jana256

We are a diverse family. Our young son is Latino. When we visited, we didn't feel any hostility, but worry because of comments we have seen on other posts in the forum.

This is a huge change for us -- we are big city folks.
Thanks for your honest input.

If you are coming from the big city, then the change will be very dramatic. The comments you read here are very prevalent out in Prescott. They voted overwhelmingly against any and all Latino/Hispanic measures out here. Bi-lingual education has been shot down, as has many other measures which were in favor or bi-lingual education and laws which help the Hispanic community.

Prescott's Hispanic population is 8%. Compared to Phoenix, which is at 35%+. Prescott is mostly white, coming in at 90%. Not too much diversity in Prescott. The Black population is under 1% at .05%.

IMHO, you will get the redneck, get out of my country, type of vibe out here. Especially if you venture into Chino Valley.

Again, not everyone is that way, but when it's 90% white, with little to no diversity, that is what you get. When 9 out of 10 people are white, you feel a little out of place, if you are not white.

[scottdavis]

My Answers in Bold

Hi all.

We are getting very close to a decision to move to Prescott and have a few questions.

We intend to rent and have been watching the ads in newspapers and posts on Craigslist. We notice that some realtors have unexplained "non-refundable" fees, sometimes a couple of hundred dollars, added on top of the usual fees such as applications and credit checks. What in the world is that about?

I wouldnt do business this way or with anyone who does. I have 24 rental units, all full. All cheaper housing.

IMHO homes listed with agents sit because of these unfair fees in this down tight money market.

Does anyone have input on realtors? Ones to recommend? Ones to avoid? We prefer renting directly from owners, but realize that may be possible.

Rent through owners. Purchase through Realtors and sometimes FISBOS.

What are areas of town to avoid?

They are really scattered around but you should be safe in renting a home that is less than 20 years old or in one of the very few but newer subdivisions.

What is your price range?

We will likely need to be in Prescott (not CV or PV), want to rent a single family home, and need a minimum of 2 bedrooms plus office (or three bedrooms), if that makes a difference. We have pets, too (dog - not small, and cat).

The BIG dog could be a problem. Dont rule out PV. CV would be way to much culture shock given that your from the city. Have you been here in person to see the area yet?

We are a diverse family. Our young son is Latino. When we visited, we didn't feel any hostility, but worry because of comments we have seen on other posts in the forum.

Prescott is mostly all white. My kids are hispanic and its not a problem. There are almost no blacks here thought. I cant imagine you having any race problems here.

Warning! How old is your kid. The schools here are the worst. Send them to private schools. A parent group put up this site at PUSDinCRISIS.com and its pretty alarming. You can make your decision.

This is a huge change for us -- we are big city folks.

If you like small towns you will be ok. If not then your 90 minutes away from visiting Phoenix.

Prescott is VERY DIFFERENT. Not for everyone but where is???

UPSIDE: The weather is fantastic with 4 mild seasons. The setting is great in the mountains with lots to do outside.

Thanks for your honest input.

You sound like nice folks and I hope this helps. Let us know how your doing!

Scott

P.S. One last tip. Make sure you hae a job or lots of savings before you make the plunge. There are few jobs here. Real unemployment from what I see is 20%+

[smilinpretty]

Originally Posted by DellNec

It's all about $$$$. They nickel and dime you.



If you are coming from the big city, then the change will be very dramatic. The comments you read here are very prevalent out in Prescott. They voted overwhelmingly against any and all Latino/Hispanic measures out here. Bi-lingual education has been shot down, as has many other measures which were in favor or bi-lingual education and laws which help the Hispanic community.

Prescott's Hispanic population is 8%. Compared to Phoenix, which is at 35%+. Prescott is mostly white, coming in at 90%. Not too much diversity in Prescott. The Black population is under 1% at .05%.

IMHO, you will get the redneck, get out of my country, type of vibe out here. Especially if you venture into Chino Valley.

Again, not everyone is that way, but when it's 90% white, with little to no diversity, that is what you get. When 9 out of 10 people are white, you feel a little out of place, if you are not white.

Dell Nec, you MAKE ME LAUGH!!! Chino Valley, is a diverse group of people but to label us as Red Neck?
I will ask my neighbor, who is black, if she feels out of place. I will ask a few of the neighbors around the corner who are hispanic, if they feel out of place.

I am going to speak for everyone in Chino Valley, we welcome all people.

I love living here in Chino Valley. It is Country Living at its Best.

[DellNec]

Originally Posted by smilinpretty

Chino Valley, is a diverse group of people but to label us as Red Neck?
I will ask my neighbor, who is black, if she feels out of place. I will ask a few of the neighbors around the corner who are hispanic, if they feel out of place.

How is it "diverse" at 90% White, 8% Hispanic, .05% Black?

Asking your neighbor's would not be an accurate and scientific poll. I am simply stating the facts and the data that is scientific and accurate.

Even Scott Davis stated that, "Prescott is mostly all white. My kids are Hispanic and its not a problem. There are almost no blacks here though. I cant imagine you having any race problems here."

What I am saying is that diversity is not Prescott's strong point. It is Whiteville, USA. I have seen strong and vocal opposition to immigration and the Hispanic community. That is just my observation. I remember one instance of going into Costco and there was a black man in the store. These "cowboys" were giving him the most dirtiest looks and acted like they never seen a black person before. When the black population is .05%, maybe the latter is true, but they should not act like ingorant hicks.

But, on a side note, there is a group of Skinheads living in parts of Prescott, Chino Valley, Mayer and Dewey. They even have a web-site, which I DO NOT want to post here, but be aware, they exist. The opening line on their web-site states:

" We are a budding group of skinheads in Prescott, AZ. We believe in educating people about racism, and to teach that not all skinheads are Nazis"

Originally Posted by smilinpretty

I am going to speak for everyone in Chino Valley, we welcome all people.

I love living here in Chino Valley. It is Country Living at its Best.

You might welcome all people, but not everyone does, that is a fact. Especially in an area that has never experienced diversity. At 90% white, there is no way that the area is diverse, that is another fact.

Also, many residents have the same vibe for the area:

Originally Posted by Leana76

Personally, I don't like it here.

Jobs are very scarce here too and when you do get one, you won't get paid that good either. Just my 2 cents in...I hope to move by next year...

Too many retirees
Too many rednecks
Too many "bikers"
Too dry
The damn snow...I hate snow!!!
Not enough to do on the weekends.
And too many people with missing teeth, leather skin, and don't take showers...Yuck!!!!

Just my opinion of it...Sorry...

Originally Posted by Leana76

I'm outdoorsy too (jogging/running, hiking, walking, etc.), but what about later in the evening when it's pitch black outside. I don't think I want to...

I didn't mean to **** off anyone. It's just what I've seen here. I've lived in Phoenix for 4 years and just moved here, about 3 years ago. It's very, very different from what I'm used to being around with...Sorry...

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. You are 100% pro-Prescott/CV. I am 50% pro-Prescott. It has good points and it has bad points. You have to weight the two sides.

[scottdavis]

Dell Nec your 100% correct and ive been here 15 years...

Thanks for the reality check!

What it is, is what it is...

[spyderman]

Originally Posted by DellNec

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. You are 100% pro-Prescott/CV. I am 50% pro-Prescott. It has good points and it has bad points. You have to weight the two sides.

DellNec....did you stop the meds again??? you wrote something civilized

[DellNec]

Originally Posted by scottdavis

Dell Nec your 100% correct and ive been here 15 years...

Thanks for the reality check!

What it is, is what it is...

Thank you!

Are you planning on moving or staying in Prescott? The job situation is really bad. Since I have been here, it is the worst right now, and it doesn't look like it will get any better. It was always low pay out here, with very hard to find jobs, but it is 100x worse now.

Being that you have been there 15 years. You got there right around 1994, when it started to change rapidly. I talk to people who have been there since the 70's and 80's, they tell me on how around 5PM, the place would completely shut down. They also had "water balloon" fights in the entire city every year, everyone participated, until a "new resident" complained and they put a stop to it.