Help finding rentals (Orlando, Longwood, Lake Mary: real estate, apartment, foreclosure)

[wam1974]

We will be moving to Lake Mary or surrounding areas (haven't decided where exactly). We are coming from Wisconsin and will be taking a trip down there to look for rentals. We want to rent for a few months before buying, just to make sure we choose the right area for us.
My question is: we will have a very limited amount of time to spend there looking for places. Are there realtors or other services that help people find places to rent?? I've only used realtors to buy my homes, but a friend thought they sometimes help with rental situations as well?

[boy3365]

I've been playing with the idea of buying a home, and when I search on real estate firm websites (KW, Century 21, etc.), there are rental properties listed as well.

You can also search for "orlando property management" or a variation thereof to find listings of condos and single family homes for rent.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by wam1974

We will be moving to Lake Mary or surrounding areas (haven't decided where exactly). We are coming from Wisconsin and will be taking a trip down there to look for rentals. We want to rent for a few months before buying, just to make sure we choose the right area for us.
My question is: we will have a very limited amount of time to spend there looking for places. Are there realtors or other services that help people find places to rent?? I've only used realtors to buy my homes, but a friend thought they sometimes help with rental situations as well?

As an FYI, one typically cannot rent for just a few months. Most rental communities and private landlords want a year's lease and the 6 month option has largely gone by the wayside in recent years here thanks to the depressed housing market, because many people have lost their homes here and have been forced into the rental market (Orlando leads the nation in foreclosure rate). As a result we have a tight rental market in terms of occupancy rate and disproportionately high rental rates in proportion to the average salary.

Traditional rental communities list on sites like the Apartment Guide and private landlord listings can be found on Craigslist (the rental listing section is quite popular in this area) or Trulia. Some real estate agents provide rental services but it will require some calling around beyond the few that will show up in an internet search. If I'm not mistaken, Exit Realty in Lake Mary has real estate agents who work with rental properties.

[hades02]

Craigslist/Zillow and Trulia are good resources. I have found the Real Estate agents to not be very helpful or interested
if you are only renting. The agents never pick up the phone (goes to voice mail) and don't return calls. Craigslist
will allow you to speak with the private owners in most cases. Good luck with your hunt.

[beckycat]

Craigslist is a a great source. You can also try HD Realty. Available Rentals from HD Realty | Longwood FL | HD Realty Property Management