Travelling to Plano Texas from Bangalore (Mission, Allen: 2014, apartment complex, lease)

[ashokabl]

Hello All,

I would be travelling to Plano Texas on July 5th 2014 along with my family ( Wife and 3 year old kid ) . I have never been to US so you can just imagine how my situation is :-) . I would need to know following details,

1. Near by Apartments URLs - My office location is 5600 Headquarters Plano Texas 75025
2. Can i book the apartment directly from India or need to come there and book it ?
3. If i need to book the apartment from there, what are the documents required ? Is my Passport suffice ? . Can i book the apartment by cash or Card is compulsory ?
4. Need the apartments which has Indian groceries shops nearby :-)
5. Closeby areas like Frisco and Allen are also fine. I would need the apartment details so that i can enquire online and plan my visit.

Hope that i would get the reply :-)

-Ashoka

[qwerty14]

Originally Posted by ashokabl

Hello All,

I would be travelling to Plano Texas on July 5th 2014 along with my family ( Wife and 3 year old kid ) . I have never been to US so you can just imagine how my situation is :-) . I would need to know following details,

1. Near by Apartments URLs - My office location is 5600 Headquarters Plano Texas 75025
2. Can i book the apartment directly from India or need to come there and book it ?
3. If i need to book the apartment from there, what are the documents required ? Is my Passport suffice ? . Can i book the apartment by cash or Card is compulsory ?
4. Need the apartments which has Indian groceries shops nearby :-)
5. Closeby areas like Frisco and Allen are also fine. I would need the apartment details so that i can enquire online and plan my visit.

Hope that i would get the reply :-)

-Ashoka

Welcome to the US...

I suggest going to forrent.com or rent.com and search by the zipcode. I am sure there are good apartments . Or you can search in google maps.
Do your homework and make a short list of the apartments that are within your requirements and price range.
Most apartments will want a certified check or a money order to book and pay the 1st month rent.
I suggest you come to US, plan to stay in a hotel/friend's place for a week or 2 and look at the apartments and select. You should be able to get the money order in most gas stations or the post office.

Any questions feel free to PM me
-Jay

[optikal]

Welcome to the US!

Google is your friend! Look for apartments there or on rent.com. I agree with the previous poster: stay with friends/hotel for the first week or two, which should give you a chance to look at the apt before booking and moving in. So even though you can book from India, you can get a better feel once on site.
Most apartments would not take a card, and would be fine with check/cash. Plan on giving one month's rent as deposit. I have never had to give a certified check/mo for apartment.

Nearby is relative. Nothing is going to be walking distance. And if you have a car, you will have easy access to a lot of indian shopping and grocery and restaurants in Plano and nearby areas.

[the_nemi]

1. Near by Apartments URLs - My office location is 5600 Headquarters Plano Texas 75025
>>>> Few people i know stay in Tribeca Apartments, Mission Gate and The Point at Deerfield apartments and talk well about those places. These are right across the street from Preston and Headquarters.

2. Can i book the apartment directly from India or need to come there and book it ?
>>>> They will need to run a credit history for you and you will need a SSN for that, which you will be able to get when you are here. May be someone else can chime in on the details.

3. If i need to book the apartment from there, what are the documents required ? Is my Passport suffice ? . Can i book the apartment by cash or Card is compulsory ?
>>>> All apartments have a generic list of documents they need. Passport can be used as ID, you will also need proof of income so an offer letter from your company will help. Google the apartment name in the area which should take you to theirr website where you can find more details.

4. Need the apartments which has Indian groceries shops nearby :-)
>>>> Don't worry there are lot of them around, one is at walking distance from the apartments above. Swagruha Groceries is the name.

5. Closeby areas like Frisco and Allen are also fine. I would need the apartment details so that i can enquire online and plan my visit.
>>>> Apartment websites have all the plans and details you will need.

Hope this helps you start your search.

--Nemi

[Cowboys fan in Houston]

How long will you be in the United States?

[lonestar12]

I'm sure there will be tonnes of desis in your company. Best to check with them. As others have mentioned, this area has lots of apartments, with a population that won't make you feel living outside of India at many times...meant to be a positive compliment.

Considering you were able to find this forum, I'm sure you're just validating the info that your colleagues are sharing with you, so if you see apartment complex such as "Villas" you're in the right zone

When you come here, suggest staying in a hotel for 1 week at a minimum and then sign the lease. Candlewood suites, Towneplace suites are your friends - kitchen included. Get an international permit.

And don't bother booking online or by phone, suggest seeing in person and then booking, easier, trustworthy txn.

Good luck!