Does any real estate agency rent houses in the area for $1200 or less? (Baltimore: affordable apartment)

[nimo734]

I have looked at all of the rental sites and craigslist and found minimal options. I am looking for 3 a bedroom house for myself and my wife. We don't have any kids but have a dog. My new job is not paying much so I will not be able to go much higher given it might take her a while to find a job. My job will be at 1875 Connecticut Avenue Northwest half way between howard and georgetown. I would hope to commute less than an hour if possible.

[2rock]

No.

[justtitans]

That's not a realistic price range, you won't even find a 3 bedroom apartment in that price range, much less a house. And unless you live in a bad area, you probably wouldn't even get a 1 bedroom apartment for $1200 or less. Let's break this down a little. Do you really need a house or is that a want? Judging from where your job is located, it is not out of the realm for you to take the metro to work and depending on who you work for, they may cover most of those expenses which would save you money. Given your price range, I'm thinking you can probably get an apartment in Alexandria (near Huntington) or get an apartment in Greenbelt that is close to your price range. That is the best I can think of, but need more info. What is your minimum requirements (bedrooms, square footage, commuting time)

[JosephineBeth]

I'd have to echo Meatkins - I've been looking for 3 months and have never really seen a 3 bdr house for $1200 in the DC area. I have in areas of Baltimore but that's not a commute that's reasonable.

It might exist but I'd be more than suspicious of the area in DC. Maybe in some of the up and coming areas - maybe someone has more info.

I think you probably need to think about a 1 to 2 bdr apartment.

Good luck!

[dkf747]

There are income restricted apartments, however, they cost a little more than $1200. . Houses will cost more. Check this site out: Affordable Apartment Program | KETTLER - Apartments, Condos, Planned Communities, and Mixed-Use/Commercial Properties in the Greater Washington, DC-metro region (http://www.kettler.com/apartments/affordable_apartments_program/ - broken link)

[RamblingMan]

PG is more affordable than many other parts of the area, but I really don't think that you're going to find a three bedroom house with a yard in a safe area with a reasonable commute to downtown DC for $1200 a month. I understand why you need to keep your rent down until your wife finds work, though. Have you considered getting a one-bedroom apartment on a temporary basis until your wife finds a job? In the meantime, you could scope out neighborhoods and houses that would work for you on a more permanent basis. Once your wife has an income, you could find the kind of property you're looking for in PG for at a cost that is pretty reasonable for the area.

[davecj]

Unfortunately that would be a very difficult price to work with. Not impossible but very difficult. With fewer buyers, the rental market has really gotten out of hand. In most cases, the monthly cost to purchase is actually significantly lower (typically hundreds) for a comparable home as a rental.

[EdwardA]

Originally Posted by nimo734

I have looked at all of the rental sites and craigslist and found minimal options. I am looking for 3 a bedroom house for myself and my wife. We don't have any kids but have a dog. My new job is not paying much so I will not be able to go much higher given it might take her a while to find a job. My job will be at 1875 Connecticut Avenue Northwest half way between howard and georgetown. I would hope to commute less than an hour if possible.

Does it have to be a single family? A 3 Br?

Look into PG and Waldorf you could probably get a townhouse for that much. You'll see some for $1400+ but private small landlords tend to be more negotiable especially if you are perceived as a good tenent (ie steady job, good credit, no pets etc.)