Moving to area on tight budget

[Jennifer76]

Originally Posted by Cardiff by the Sea

We showed this unit to about 8 people. They told us what they are seeing as rents for comparble units (2 bedroom 800 square feet) is $850-875. [b]These potential tenants were out there looking and that is what they are see this past week, then I think there is something out there for you. .

Please tell me where I can find two bedrooms for those rates in Sarasota (or even in the $950-$1000 range). I am apparently searching the wrong sites. Because I keep seeing two bedroom condos for $1100+. Were those in Bradenton?
Thanks,
Jennifer

[Cardiff by the Sea]

Originally Posted by Jennifer76

Please tell me where I can find two bedrooms for those rates in Sarasota (or even in the $950-$1000 range). I am apparently searching the wrong sites. Because I keep seeing two bedroom condos for $1100+. Were those in Bradenton?
Thanks,
Jennifer

There were 3 or 4 listings on Craigslist 2 weeks ago. But you are right. Now there is nothing. I don't know where our potential tenants were looking. I was reporting the feedback they were giving us.

Are you looking remotely? I have seen vacancy signs on some larger complexes over the summer. Your best bet is to drive around.

Wow things turned quickly. It may have to do with it being so early in the month. A lot of vacancies are for the first which is a long time away.

Good luck in your search.

[Ladywithafan]

You might look into studios but you need to move FAST ~ like everyone's said, rentals are tight to non existent.

[Jennifer76]

Originally Posted by Cardiff by the Sea

There were 3 or 4 listings on Craigslist 2 weeks ago. But you are right. Now there is nothing. I don't know where our potential tenants were looking. I was reporting the feedback they were giving us.

Are you looking remotely? I have seen vacancy signs on some larger complexes over the summer. Your best bet is to drive around.

Wow things turned quickly. It may have to do with it being so early in the month. A lot of vacancies are for the first which is a long time away.

Good luck in your search.

Yes, I am checking remotely...CL, Zillow , Trulia, realtor.com and hotpads. We came down in June and looked at a couple of places. We may come down next week as well. I keep checking for options closer to within our price range and then we make a trip to look at the property. My dh works from home and we are on a month to month rental currently. Our property mgr. knows we are looking to move and he said to just give him a 30 day notice. We have been here for almost 3 years, pay rent on time, take good care of our rental, so he has been fine with that. We prefer a condo rental over an apartment complex. From our experience, when there are people that own homes in their community there is more care taken of the community. The hoa at least attempts to solve some of the community issues (dog poop not being picked up., speeding cars). The apartment management just never seemed to care at all. They didn't live there, they checked in from like 9 to 5p and checked out. The renters were basically ignored. Maybe I just lived in some poorly managed apartment communities. But the past 5 years renting from a condo and townhomes community has just been a better fit for our family. If anyone knows of other rental sites that I should be checking...please post them.
Thanks,
Jennifer

[Cardiff by the Sea]

Keep in mind that a lot of condos are second homes for people and are used as vacation rentals. There may not be as much of the owner control factor that you are used to. Sarasota is a different world.

[Cardiff by the Sea]

Originally Posted by Jennifer76

I keep checking for options closer to within our price range and then we make a trip to look at the property.

Anyplace that is decent and affordable will have 8-12 people look at it in the first two days and at the end of the second day, the landlord will pick one. To get a place, you almost have to call on it within the first 4-6 hours and see it the same day. We have usually picked our tenant the first day but keep showing it another day just in case the first choice's background check comes up bad or the people flake.

The good news is that maybe 3 of the 8-12 competitors will look desirable to the landlord. If you are financially stable, don't have pets or a criminal record, you will have a real leg up. If you bring proof of funds, proof of employment, and a credit report, you will be ahead of the game.

You don't say where you are currently, but I don't think finding a place in a remote search will work unless you can get here to see it and win the landlords heart within 8 hours. Also you will more than likely have to rent it immediately and then give your landlord notice so you should be prepared to pay rent on 2 places for the transition month.

[Jennifer76]

Cardiff,
Thank you for your advice. We are financially stable and do not have criminal records or pets. I will be sure to print out our proof of funds, employment and credit report for the next time we come down. I could also probably ask our property manager if he will write a letter of referral for us as well.
Thanks Again,
Jennifer