Young family moving to the DMV area (Arlington, Keller: apartment complexes, for rent)

[Veritas Vincit]

Originally Posted by theproman23

Hi, I've been looking in North Arlington but can't find anything that's 3 bedrooms and has at least a small yard for our dog. The yard doesn't have to be huge just enough so he can do his business.

Are you looking at SFH rentals? When I say North Arlington I really mean anything north of 50 (Arlington Blvd). 4k wont get you anything special here, but a cursory glance did show a number of hits in your price range. Didnt look too closely so cant say anything about potential dealbreakers obviously.

In terms of overall flair this area is a bit chaotic as there are numerous islands of dense development that may have a quiet suburban neighborhood just a block away. There are streets with a very genteel, leafy suburban flair even in central Arlington.

[theproman23]

So, Yes been looking at SFH as well but honestly I'd like a break from yard work and such especially the first year. May be there's rentals out there that don't require the tenant to do that on their own. We can honestly afford more than 4k but honestly given that it'll be a rental and we plan only doing it for a year we'd like to keep the cost down a bit.

[BOS2IAD]

Originally Posted by theproman23

So, Yes been looking at SFH as well but honestly I'd like a break from yard work and such especially the first year. May be there's rentals out there that don't require the tenant to do that on their own. We can honestly afford more than 4k but honestly given that it'll be a rental and we plan only doing it for a year we'd like to keep the cost down a bit.

See if you can find a rental that's in a townhouse condo community. In those communities, the maintenance fees that the owners pay include maintaining the yards.

Perhaps, to make your search easier, you could consider using a realtor. Let him/her find places that fit your criteria. Having once been landlords ourselves, we know that in VA the landlord pays the realtor's fees.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by BOS2IAD

Perhaps, to make your search easier, you could consider using a realtor. Let him/her find places that fit your criteria. Having once been landlords ourselves, we know that in VA the landlord pays the realtor's fees.

I am a LL here in Virginia, and I have never paid for a realtor engaged by the tenant.

[BOS2IAD]

Originally Posted by spencgr

I am a LL here in Virginia, and I have never paid for a realtor engaged by the tenant.

If the landlord uses a management company, then the landlord pays any realtor fees. We used a management company that advertised the rental.

So... neither of us is wrong. It depends on the individual experience.

Either way, the OP should considering using a realtor to help him find a place.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by BOS2IAD

If the landlord uses a management company, then the landlord pays any realtor fees. We used a management company that advertised the rental.

So... neither of us is wrong. It depends on the individual experience.

Either way, the OP should considering using a realtor to help him find a place.

Agree that there are different arrangements. But I didn't want the OP to think their realtor cost is definitely covered by the LL.

And, we do use a management company, and I have certainly paid for them to market the place with a rental. But I have not paid for a tenant engaged realtor, and have been asked to do so. I declined.

[theproman23]

Hmm I am getting a relocation package and there's a provision to help find a place to buy within a year but don't think they'll cover the realtor fee. Having said that I think the fee might be worth it given that we're getting anxious about picking the right area for us.

[BOS2IAD]

Originally Posted by theproman23

Hmm I am getting a relocation package and there's a provision to help find a place to buy within a year but don't think they'll cover the realtor fee. Having said that I think the fee might be worth it given that we're getting anxious about picking the right area for us.

Sounds like the best plan for you

[Hal Roach]

Originally Posted by theproman23

Thank you for these! However don't think Washington DC will be practical for us and we're looking for a 3 bedroom place. I appreciate your help though.

10-4..i should have stated that I looked in Lyon Park, Arlington, and it has really gone up. My cousin's 1925 house is 2600 sf, on a 10,000 sf lot, sold for a million and the new owner had it rented out at 3800..but it has been 6 years and that would be somewhat below market for that neighborhood, now, and that type of house is disappearing, because the lot is worth more without the house. Agreed with the recs on West Springfield.. Lots of Capitol Hill commuters and people slugging... Burke starts to stretch the commute. If you like more urban, look around Lake Barcroft...a dream commute compared to many.

[m8753]

Ballston, Arlington is a wonderful option! Great schools, albeit the high school seems to be loosing its good rating some. I know many good families who stay in apartments/condos and townhomes here in this area simply because it is safe, the schools are good, groceries, the bank, library, parks, all your errands are walking distance and lots to do! It is a competition for extracurricular activities so sign the kids up early. Ballston also has a wonderful dog park that is always crowded, and my neighbors are amazing. Very nice place for families and professionals right here in Ballston, Arlington.