Relocating from Ft Lauderdale to Raleigh (Durham, Chapel Hill: apartment complex, renter, countertops)

[JoeC6242]

Hi Everyone,

I've read thru all of the relocating posts, and pretty sure I'd like to live in downtown Raleigh in one of the luxury condo buildings. I'm a young professional (26yr old, male) that will be starting a social circle from zero, so being in the center of whatever action is available will be paramount! I've previously lived in S. Florida and NYC

I've been checking Craigslist and any other sites that come up on Google, but really haven't found any studio or 1bdrms for rent. The price range isn't an issue for a studio or 1bdrm, but I need to find some listings. Any tips or people that are listing their properties?

Thanks, I really appreciate the help!

[lovebrentwood]

I just found this link today. It grabs ads from CL and displays links to them on a map of the Triangle: MapsKrieg - Apartments & Housing For Rent in Raleigh/Durham, NC

Some ads are "flagged for removal." So because they are free ads, they are probably not 100 percent legit. But it's a start.

Maybe you can go to the managers of any building you want to live in and tell them you're interested...such as 401 North West St. (I think that's the address.)

[jersey86]

Realtors will many times help you find an apartment. It's free on your part, I think the apartment complex just has to pay the realtors 1month rent as a finders fee. Or you can just find a temporary room for rent to stay at, and look around at apartments in person yourself. Just an idea. Good luck, though. You should have no problem meeting new people though in this area. Ive only lived here a total of a year (this is my 3rd time back), and now being 23, never had an issue finding new friends.

[Janecj]

You might find something in the "Independent" magazine. Independent Weekly: Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill

[VickiR]

Sometimes, as the above poster stated, you can find a Realtor that will help you with a rental. And yes, the apt. folks will sometimes pay that Realtor a finder's fee of $50 or $100. However, it is usually the newer agents that have the time. Most of us that have been in business for a long time just don't have the time to help with rentals and to be perfectly honest, I really don't know the rental market that well.

My suggestion would be to look up PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES. I don't believe they charge the renter a fee, do they?

Be careful on Craigslist. NEVER send money to someone you do not know. There have been reports of people sending deposits for apts. to someone on Craigslist, only to find out it was a scam.

Vicki

[ericamcclenny]

I agree with the PP...a full time active agent won't do too much showing.

You can place a reverse post on Craigslit and explian what you're looking for. The ocndo market is slow "Inside the Beltline" right now. Some sellers may be open to renting too.

Glenwood South area or City market are good spots to look in for the nightlife, young vibe.

[miamiblue]

Check out 712 Tucker. It is a brand new luxury apartment complex in Glenwood South. I know it is not filled up yet. They seem to have some interesting loft-style studios, etc. I think this would probably be the best place for you to look.

The building was originally planned to be condos before the bust, and the developer smartly decided to change to the rental format before it was too late. So I'm sure it is better build quality than your run of the mill apartment complex. The location is great. I live a few blocks south of where this building is, and I really like the area. You can walk to everything downtown from this neighborhood.

If you absolutely must have a condo, try searching craigslist for 222 Glenwood, Palladium Plaza, Paramount, Park Devereux, RBC Plaza, The Dawson, West, Hudson. Those are all luxury buildings. There are also a few condos in the Cameron Village area that are not necessarily luxury units, but the location is good.

I know you are probably used to S. FL prices for 1br and studios, but you really don't need to pay those kinds of prices in the downtown Raleigh area unless you absolutely must have a luxury unit. There are other less expensive options with more space if you can handle formica countertops and non-stainless steel appliances.

[mtta]

In addition to CL, I would also search realtor.com (be sure to click "rent" under the search box). The Glenwood South neighborhood falls under 27603 and 27605, downtown is 27601. The 27603 covers a lot of area, but includes 222 Glenwood, 510 Glenwood, and other large new condominiums.

I agree with the others that suggest doing your own search. A realtor representing a tenant only could make $50-100 most of the time, and it's not worth the gas, time, and effort for them. Dealing directly with the listing agent or the owner is your best bet.

[JoeC6242]

Thx for all the suggestions everyone! The realtor.com site seems to be pretty helpful. From the looks I understand that apt's are a lot cheaper than in south florida. The reason I put that is b/c at this point its going to be more important to be in a centralized location to go out and socialize and pay the little bit extra. To any of the realtors on here, if I did offer an owner the option to rent it out instead of selling whats the best way to safe guard yourself? (if they are late on their mort pmt's, or in forclosure, etc)

222 GWS and 712 Tucker seem like great places. How close is 712 to where bars and any actions?

[rnc2mbfl]

Originally Posted by JoeC6242

222 GWS and 712 Tucker seem like great places. How close is 712 to where bars and any actions?

222 is actually on Glenwood Ave. 712 Tucker is one whole block west of Glenwood. Glenwood South is one the main social scene streets in Raleigh. Both locations are stumbling distance to lots of options. 712 will be quieter since it's not right on top of the railroad tracks and because fewer people are making noise outside your windows. 712 Tucker is also closer to Cameron Village for all sorts of shopping needs. I live on block North of 712 Tucker and walk to Cameron Village often.
Also, both locations have access to the free RLine downtown circulator bus. This will take you other parts of downtown when you want a change of scenery without having to walk or drive your car.