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Old 10-29-2016, 03:37 PM
 
5 posts, read 6,703 times
Reputation: 10

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Hey everyone,

First post, new to the forum. I'm in an interesting situation and could use some advice. Sort of a long post, apologies in advance.

I'm a grad student in upstate New York. I'm finishing my degree in December. I just received a job offer from the Tennessee Division of Forestry, and my start date is December 15.

My new job will be in Knox County, so right now I'm in the middle of looking for a place to live in that general area. So far I've checked zillow.com and realtor.com, and while there are a lot of options that I see within my price range, getting a hold of anyone has been a nightmare. Lots of unanswered e-mails and applications, etc.

The interesting part is this- I'm stuck in my current location until December 9th. My job starts December 15th. That leaves less than a week for moving down there, finding a place, moving in, getting furniture and all that. Additionally, I've got exactly zero time to travel down there for tours, so that means I'm renting sight unseen. Generally ill-advised, but in this case my priority is finding a home that will be ready for move-in when it's time for me to go. I think my chances are decent.

Any ideas where I should look (besides zillow and realtor)? Any reputable landlords/property managers I should look for, and any I should avoid? Any general advice?

Thanks.
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Old 10-29-2016, 04:10 PM
 
363 posts, read 477,506 times
Reputation: 373
Have you tried calling an agency that deals with corporate/ short term rentals? I know there are a few here at least due to the number of hospitals that probably employ traveling nurses and doctors. That would suck for you to blindly pick a place and hate it for a lease term of 6 month to a year.
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Old 10-29-2016, 04:56 PM
 
Location: Eastern Tennessee
257 posts, read 486,201 times
Reputation: 466
Can't anyone working at your new place of employment assist you in finding a place to live? We are orginally from Buffalo,and love living outside Maryville. Since we are homeowners, I can't give you advice on rentals.
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Old 10-29-2016, 04:57 PM
 
5 posts, read 6,703 times
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Kitty,

I haven't tried going through an agency at all. That isn't a bad idea. Thanks for the input.

If I'm honest, I know blind renting is a stupid idea, but it's a risk I'm willing to take. I've lived in some crummy places in my life and my standards are correspondingly low. I'm certain that whatever I end up with (unless it's a garden shed or garage or something) I'll be happy.
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Old 10-29-2016, 07:22 PM
 
5 posts, read 6,703 times
Reputation: 10
Quote:
Originally Posted by linnemj View Post
Can't anyone working at your new place of employment assist you in finding a place to live? We are orginally from Buffalo,and love living outside Maryville. Since we are homeowners, I can't give you advice on rentals.
They said I could talk to their HR department and that they might know something, but they're based out of Nashville. It's just the Tennessee Department of Ag., I don't imagine corporate housing or helping new employees find an apartment is part of their purview. It would be nice though.
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Old 10-29-2016, 11:10 PM
 
16,174 posts, read 32,335,474 times
Reputation: 20577
It isn't ideal but if I were you I would consider booking a stay at an extended stay hotel. This would give you some time to get here, get acquainted with the area, apartment search and make sure you are happy with what and where you are leasing. You can google and find available options.

I will be happy to help as I can. I am not a realtor or in a position to benefit from helping.
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Old 10-29-2016, 11:38 PM
 
Location: TN/NC
34,822 posts, read 30,876,901 times
Reputation: 47101
I'd suggest a ValuPlace or similar. Yes, it's more costly than a regular rental, but if you can do this for 2-3 weeks, that will let you check out some places. I've done this during two prior blind out of state moves. It worked as well as you could hope under the circumstances.

You don't want to move sight unseen then get involved in a horrible situation with a lease that takes a year or so to ride out.
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Old 10-30-2016, 01:53 PM
 
Location: West Knox
394 posts, read 789,406 times
Reputation: 325
I second on the extended stay hotel as a stop gap. There are options for most any budget.
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Old 10-30-2016, 08:50 PM
 
5 posts, read 6,703 times
Reputation: 10
Everyone,

Thanks for your responses,

I've been seriously considering going there and staying at a hotel or Airbnb or what have you while I get this sorted. Even my current landlord here in NY is suggesting that option. It'll be relatively expensive and inconvenient but it's better than getting stuck with a roach-infested shack or something.

I'll decide on what I want to do and report back, for closure, if for nothing else. Thanks again for all your help.
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Old 10-30-2016, 09:06 PM
 
363 posts, read 477,506 times
Reputation: 373
There is a weekly rental place on Kingston Pike near Bearden High School that is advertising $229 a week right now. Not sure what your budget is but thought i'd throw that out there.
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