Leasing a House Help (Dallas, Irving: for sale, townhouse, employment)

[parabrand]

Hi all. Let me give you some background before I start:

My wife moved to Dallas last summer to start her residency at UTSW.
She currently lives in the south M-streets area; her lease ends 1-June.

I will be moving here in May or so (depending on my obligations elsewhere).
My place of employment will be near Univ. of Dallas.

We are starting a search for a house to lease now because of our busy schedules (and type-A personalities). It would be nice to have a lease starting 1-May or even mid-May (it would be hard to swing three rent checks if the lease started earlier!).

I've been reading posts for the past month or so in an effort to get some bearing on the neighborhoods in Dallas. Using this, we have narrowed our search area down to

South of 635
North of UTSW
East of 35E/Harry Hines
West of 75 (although we could go as far as M-streets)

(Alternatively, you can look at the outlined area in the attached picture.)

We've driven around the above area a bit and found a few homes for rent in the North Preston Hollow area (off of Marsh). The challenging part is that we found many nice properties just east of Dallas Love Field for sale and, upon looking at the area when we returned home, found that their listings indicate a leasing option, as well.

Because of this and the rather large area in which we are searching, we have decided we need the help of a professional as a personal search is not efficient. Is there a particular realty company/landlord(/anyone!) you all could recommend to us?

If it helps, our budget is $2000 (we'd prefer ~$1800 or so) and we could (and would prefer to) sign a three year lease. As for the property, we want 3BD (or 2BD+Study) and a fenced in backyard for our dog. No kids in the immediate future and hence we are not concerned about zoning for schools. If any more information would help, just let me know.

Thank-You!

JG

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by parabrand

I will be moving here in May or so (depending on my obligations elsewhere).
My place of employment will be near Univ. of Dallas.

I just want to clarify this part right now. Are you going to be in Irving at University of Dallas or in Richardson at The University of Texas at Dallas? Only because some people do get them confused.

[parabrand]

Good point. I will be near the Univ. of Dallas in Irving.

[nsumner]

Homes for rent usually come on the market about 30 days before they are available. The inventory will change since you're looking at May. However, it is a good time to see what is available in your price range in the areas you like.

Naima

[Squirl]

I think you have picked the perfect area. Look for zip code 75229 for rentals in Realtor.com there's a drop down list where you can select "rentals" under type of search.

[Squirl]

Another suggestion (which will get shot down immediately by some of the "hate everything not Dallas" crew) is zip code 75039 (Irving). That area is called La Villita and is well located for you and has beautiful new housing and great walking trails. You will find more availability in 75229 and more traditional houses. But you may get lucky and find a new townhouse with garage and yard in La Villita, too.
6915 Deseo Irving TX - Rental Home Listing - MLS #11524504 - Realtor.com®

[Lakewooder]

Does UofD still have 50 cent drink nights?

[parabrand]

Thank-you all for the great replies.

It occurred to me and my wife this morning that we should look in Irving because of its proximity to our jobs and possible lower prices. With 75039, we have a good zip to start with.

I have read many good things about an area of Irving called Las Colinas but have yet to locate it on a map. Is there a general area designated as Las Colinas?

@Lakewooder: I have no idea about the drink special!

JG

[Squirl]

Las Colinas (La Villita is part of it) has zips: 75039, 75062 (the part that is east of MacArthur) and 75038 ( Section East of Story and North of Northgate) and also a small section of zip 75063 (tho most of that zip is Valley Ranch)

[Squirl]

zip code 75220 east of Marsh is also worth exploring, I have a property on the west side of Marsh and its a very located area (just kind of sketchy west of Marsh, you want to stay east)

3715 Valley Ridge Rd Dallas TX - Home for Rent - MLS #11536723 - Realtor.com®