Is it too early looking for a rental? (Houston, Bellaire: real estate, apartment complexes)

[mia36]

Hi everyone,
Thanks for the advice you offered me before our trip to TX. We visited Houston last month and my husband has accepted the job at the medical center. We are thinking to move down there after this school year and we will rent first. When should I start looking for a place? We would like to stay in the West U / Bellaire area as it's close to medical center. Do you have any suggestions on good rental properties (apt. or house) suitable for families?
Are there any lease to buy property in the area? Would that suit us better?
Thank you for the help.

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Mia36,

Try Houston Real Estate - Houston Homes, Houston Home Value and Houston Relocation and search for a 'Single Family' home lease for a house. For an apartment, you might have to search early to get in at the exceptional ones, but if it is just a regular apartment, there are so many in Houston, you won't have a problem with that.

The West U. area is expensive, you might try across the freeway in the Montrose area for a home to lease, they are much more affordable and I see many in the area, and it's not too much further. Also, the Montrose/Uptown area has much more entertainment venues if you like going to clubs/restaurants/museums.

It's been over 20 years since I've lived in an apartment, so I've no real information for you. However, I do have a sister-in-law who rents properties, you can PM me if you'd like to get in touch with her.

Regards

[Poltracker]

What is your price range?

[mia36]

I don't have much idea about the rental market there. Does $2000 sound reasonable?
Thanks.

[Poltracker]

That's real reasonable. Might be too early to start but I would direct your attention to the Meyerland area (where it is zoned to Bellaire HS). Not quite as pricey as Bellaire and West U proper but very nice neighborhoods.

[HookTheBrotherUp]

I realize you are renting, but one thing you might consider are schools and how good they are. Unfortunately, Houston ISD is not the best, but there are good schools here and there, so I would suggest you put that into your equation, maybe before location. If you are going the private school route, then almost any place should do.

[modster]

To answer your original question, about 30 to 45 days before you want to move in is roughly the time frame to look. Although you may want to visit some areas before hand to get an idea of what you want & educate yourself on neighborhoods.

If you are looking at apartment complexes, just be aware they will usually only hold a specific unit 30 days tops. If you look much beforehand they can put you on a list, but they could be full on that particular floor plan, or not have the floor level you want (1st floor, top floor, whatever) when your time comes around.

privately owned places listed on HAR or craigslist, etc., often times do not like holding it even that long.

If you look months in advance in all probability anything you look at will be long gone by your move time, plus pricing and specials may be radically different by then. If the economy slides there may be options you didn't include in your initial search that suddenly become more affordable.

[mia36]

Thanks for the advice.

As for the good schools brought up by Hookthe brotherup, which elementary schools are considered good in Bellaire and West U area? I assume there is only one middle school there, Pershing.
Thanks.

[lace7725]

Meyerland has a great elem. school - kolter