Apartment search - Hill crest versus ocean beach? (San Diego, Oceanside: 2015, rentals)

[Zonie Jim]

Originally Posted by Opt_10

Thanks. I checked out university city and it's a bit expensive. So, I am left with PB. Why not hill crest?

Just being helpful, as a native of San Diego, it not Hill crest. It's Hillcrest.

[Liz_7]

Originally Posted by Opt_10

I just got a call that a studio apartment is available near ocean beach. It's 480 square feet, includes a dish washer (which is a must for me) with a rent of $1150.

I would be VERY skeptical of landlords trying to rent to people out of state. I've had a close eye on the San Diego rental market for two years. It's fiercely competitive, especially in late spring/summer. 480 square feet is pretty big for a studio in OB, and dishwashers are the exception rather than the norm in OB. $1150 seems low. It sets off alarm bells for me.

I agree with other posters suggesting you visit first and don't sign a lease sight unseen.

[JenieSD]

Originally Posted by Liz_7

especially in late spring/summer.

What would you say is the least competitive time statically speaking? After all the family related moves, so after September? Thanks.

[moved]

Originally Posted by Zonie Jim

Just being helpful, as a native of San Diego, it not Hill crest. It's Hillcrest.

This is true. There's no space in the word Hillcrest.

[theoaks]

Originally Posted by JenieSD

What would you say is the least competitive time statically speaking? After all the family related moves, so after September? Thanks.

I tried in November and December but everything for 1500 and under was junk, old, run down, no appliances, parking on the street, but keep in mind my standards are higher having addresses in Nevada and Arizona, where all appliances are provided in relatively new buildings

Good question. When is the best time?

[someguy10]

Originally Posted by theoaks

I tried in November and December but everything for 1500 and under was junk, old, run down, no appliances, parking on the street, but keep in mind my standards are higher having addresses in Nevada and Arizona, where all appliances are provided in relatively new buildings

Good question. When is the best time?

Keep in mind there will be a direct connection between supply and demand here. If most people want to move in (say) late May and June and most leases are in one-year increments, most leases will be coming open in that same time frame. So while there are probably fewer people searching in December, there are surely fewer units coming available, too.

[JenieSD]

Originally Posted by someguy10

Keep in mind there will be a direct connection between supply and demand here. If most people want to move in (say) late May and June and most leases are in one-year increments, most leases will be coming open in that same time frame. So while there are probably fewer people searching in December, there are surely fewer units coming available, too.

I agree with that statement, but wouldn't there always be broken leases, people moving non expected events, etc? Just brainstorming here

[JenieSD]

Originally Posted by theoaks

I tried in November and December but everything for 1500 and under was junk, old, run down, no appliances, parking on the street, but keep in mind my standards are higher having addresses in Nevada and Arizona, where all appliances are provided in relatively new buildings

Good question. When is the best time?

So, you didn't move? Are you trying again? December is too late for me, my goal is September to November.
There are days where I am very hopeful and others, not so much.

[Opt_10]

Originally Posted by Liz_7

I would be VERY skeptical of landlords trying to rent to people out of state. I've had a close eye on the San Diego rental market for two years. It's fiercely competitive, especially in late spring/summer. 480 square feet is pretty big for a studio in OB, and dishwashers are the exception rather than the norm in OB. $1150 seems low. It sets off alarm bells for me.

I agree with other posters suggesting you visit first and don't sign a lease sight unseen.

Probably. The web site provides some authenticity. Also, they will only accept money order for security deposit and some places ask for a non-refundable application fee. Is that typical? I thought application fee will be refunded if you changed your mind and did not sign the lease.

[Opt_10]

Originally Posted by bloom

Don't sign a lease without viewing rental in person, as very frequently not what you think and there are scams about.
If you cannot previsit prior to move, you'll just have to get temp housing and do your search at that time.
While market is tight, it is not impossible at all to do that way I suggest.
OB is a bit gritty with many young reckless criminal homeless about. PB is more party central. Hillcrest is 3 miles to beach.
Again do this in person.
Hear me now and trust me now.
Do you have job or school lined up ahead? Where coming from? Your backstory, Opt_10?

I am well of financially although I don't want to spend my hard earned money on a rent rip off.

What exactly is a scam? Some one will advertise an apartment, make you sign the lease, pay the security deposit and they don't have a legitimate apartment? Wouldn't the police arrest such scammers? I can't imagine some one preparing a fake lease. Does this really happen? That would be crazy or are people being paranoid? Is scamming just stealing your bank info? I can't put my finger on why so many posters are brining up scam issue. Is it specific to certain neighborhoods?

I for one will not give my financial and credit card info to anyone that easily. So, what's the scare really?