Moving to Syracuse -- Need help (Manlius, Cazenovia: real estate, rentals, mortgage)

[jayfromMI]

I appreciate the help I've received on this board before, so I am back for more :-)

What is the best way to find a house for rent in either Manlius or Cazenovia (or nearby there)?

I have tried contacting real estate agents, but they are slow to respond (probably because I'm not *buying* a home, which is there business), but I thought it was worth a try. I've tried several realty websites that do list rentals (cnyrealtor; hunt; cbprime), but they seem to ALL list the same small handful of houses. I'm also watching craigslist and syracuse.com, but there are very few houses for rent listed on syracuse.com (does the print paper have more classifieds than online?)

What is the best way to find a place in these areas? Just drive around and look for 'for rent' signs? Or are there other options, sources, etc. I haven't considered?

I am moving to the area from Michigan at the beginning of August (current lease is up at the end of July and my SO starts his new job in the area mid-August). When would be a good time to come to the area to find a house to rent? I was thinking the last week of June, or is that too early to snag an August rental?

Thanks

[ckhthankgod]

Does it have to be in Cazenovia or Manlius? Here's what I could find: http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1229753499.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1229338234.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1229270268.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1227708800.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1226860531.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1225867925.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1224238595.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1229082858.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1216656062.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1214386160.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1199341989.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1201899811.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1207885370.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1211555889.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1202884547.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1191100529.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1201473712.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1223921174.html

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/apa/1197989951.html

[jayfromMI]

Thanks for the links! I have been checking craigslist, but I suppose I am kind of picky. I'm looking for at least 3BR/2BA and would really like a two-car garage in a full house (nothing shared or attached), but I also would like to pay $1500 or less. I know, I'm a tough customer.

The reason I chose Cazenovia and Manlius is because they are both really nice areas that are within commuting distance from Morrisville (where my SO's new job will be), but also with close access to Syracuse. DeWiit seems a bit too far, although Fayetteville may be doable, just not preferred.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by jayfromMI

Thanks for the links! I have been checking craigslist, but I suppose I am kind of picky. I'm looking for at least 3BR/2BA and would really like a two-car garage in a full house (nothing shared or attached), but I also would like to pay $1500 or less. I know, I'm a tough customer.

The reason I chose Cazenovia and Manlius is because they are both really nice areas that are within commuting distance from Morrisville (where my SO's new job will be), but also with close access to Syracuse. DeWiit seems a bit too far, although Fayetteville may be doable, just not preferred.

You might be better off getting a house. Seriously, the mortgage payment would probably be less than $1500. This would be a good website to look at for that: #1 Syracuse Real Estate Website | CNYREALTOR.COM

[jayfromMI]

I would love to get a house, but sadly, we don't have anything for a down payment. In our ten years together, one or both of us have been in school and have a fair amount of school loan debt and no savings. And we've been renting the entire time. Last I heard, zero-down home loans were no longer in vogue