Seasonal rentals? (Sarasota, Fort Myers, Port Charlotte: vacation home, employment, safe neighborhood)

[jctusa]

I have been reading the various posts related to this forum as well as the Fort Myers forum and decided to seek your help. Currently I am enjoying life and seasonal work in Northern Michigan, but it is time to start thinking about the winter months.

I read all these posts that say there are plenty of rentals available at reasonable even bargain prices, but when I search out websites, the listings are for $500.00 a week or more. Are there any desireable rentals that anyone is aware of for $700.00 to $900.00 a month furnished (Fort Meyers and vacinity area, Venice Sarasota area). If I could find a service industy job (waiting) and perhaps substitute teaching to supplement my income, I would stay till April, otherwise it will be a one month visit.

I am a semi retired single male that has a dog. I know having a dog (Airedale) will present a obstacle for some, but he is a well behaved 14 year old blind and deaf old boy. Sleeping is his main pastime. My girl friend, who is a teacher in Michigan will visit during the holidays, so I need something that will pass her inspection.

Any info or contacts will be appreciated also your thoughts on securing a seasonal job that would pay the rent.

[faithfulFrank]

You can check ..VRBO® is Vacation Rentals by Owner® Vacation Homes Rentals by Owner (http://www.vrbo.com - broken link)

Please note however, that the winter months get peak rates, and are often sold out by the previous year.

Frank D.

[121804]

Originally Posted by jctusa

I have been reading the various posts related to this forum as well as the Fort Myers forum and decided to seek your help. Currently I am enjoying life and seasonal work in Northern Michigan, but it is time to start thinking about the winter months.

I read all these posts that say there are plenty of rentals available at reasonable even bargain prices, but when I search out websites, the listings are for $500.00 a week or more. Are there any desireable rentals that anyone is aware of for $700.00 to $900.00 a month furnished (Fort Meyers and vacinity area, Venice Sarasota area). If I could find a service industy job (waiting) and perhaps substitute teaching to supplement my income, I would stay till April, otherwise it will be a one month visit.

I am a semi retired single male that has a dog. I know having a dog (Airedale) will present a obstacle for some, but he is a well behaved 14 year old blind and deaf old boy. Sleeping is his main pastime. My girl friend, who is a teacher in Michigan will visit during the holidays, so I need something that will pass her inspection.

Any info or contacts will be appreciated also your thoughts on securing a seasonal job that would pay the rent.

From Nov-April, rental prices can double, especially in FM due to its very heavy concentration of snowbirders & winter tourists.

You would have absolutely no problem finding that price in FM during off season. Close to impossible on a furnished rental during season if you want to live in a safe neighborhood. You could probably find that price for a home that is barely livable. Just be leary b/c desperate times call for desperate measures & landlords have to figure out a way to pay their mortgage.

Your dog may be charged extra. Depends. Our landlord allowed cats but no dogs, fish, or birds. You could request exemption for the dog & if allowed it was an extra $250/month in rent.

FM is not doing well in terms of employment & what you are asking so are hundreds of others who live there & can't pay the rent There is competition for securing a job that would garnish tips during season & off.

You may want to look into renting in areas further north like Port Charlotte or North Port. Job situation is bleak there as well but the rentals are more affordable.

Take a look on the Lee County Education website as well as Charlotte & Collier. That will give you an idea if they are hiring for subs & the application process.

[TANaples]

Originally Posted by 121804

From Nov-April, rental prices can double, especially in FM due to its very heavy concentration of snowbirders & winter tourists.

You would have absolutely no problem finding that price in FM during off season. Close to impossible on a furnished rental during season if you want to live in a safe neighborhood. You could probably find that price for a home that is barely livable. Just be leary b/c desperate times call for desperate measures & landlords have to figure out a way to pay their mortgage.

Your dog may be charged extra. Depends. Our landlord allowed cats but no dogs, fish, or birds. You could request exemption for the dog & if allowed it was an extra $250/month in rent.

FM is not doing well in terms of employment & what you are asking so are hundreds of others who live there & can't pay the rent There is competition for securing a job that would garnish tips during season & off.

You may want to look into renting in areas further north like Port Charlotte or North Port. Job situation is bleak there as well but the rentals are more affordable.

Take a look on the Lee County Education website as well as Charlotte & Collier. That will give you an idea if they are hiring for subs & the application process.

Actually, any new hires will one be for one year only. The district was decimated by the school budget cuts this year, which left people scrambling for other positions in the school. They went totally by seniority.

The teacher I used to work with in Naples lived in Lee. She wanted to apply in Bonita where she lives, but was told there was a hiring freeze on in Lee.

Not a good time to get a position in education, or for that matter, county government either. Hiring freeze there too, except for "critical" personnel.

Next year has the potential, given that one year only policy, to be even worse than this year.

[Jerseycape]

Wonder if any Rental agents can tell me if demand form Snowbirds for 2010 is down for Ft Myers area. Many retirees depend on income derived from Stock and Bonds. We all know how the market is doing and I wonder if that has affected the rental season for next year?