Olympia, WA and surrounding areas, Rental Companies (Seattle, Lacey: apartments, rental homes)

[SantosLHalper]

Hello! An opportunity has arisen that may bring us a bit further outside of Seattle than we had looked into, but it's not a bad thing. I wanted to get some feedback on rental property companies in the Olympia/Lacey area to ensure we don't get stuck with another bum landlord. Just looking for a company who is responsive to their tenants needs and actually fixes things when they are broken. Definitely looking to rent a single family, detached house, not interested in apartments.

Are there some property management companies that are better than others or companies you'd recommend over others? Appreciate the feedback, flying a bit blind.

Also, if you have any suggestions on neighborhoods that have more than a zero lot, would be appreciated. In searching Zillow it seemed like there are quite a few properties available, but I don't want to offer the neighbors sugar through a window and seems like a lot of houses are being built on tiny lots. The city looks like it has a lot of options that will fit what we are looking for, just don't know very much about the area.


Thanks!

[Granny Fats]

Bumping - might need this kind of info myself -

[Sandy Nelson]

Here are a few rental websites for single family homes in the Olympia area:

Homes For Rent & Property Management - Olympic Rentals
The Rants Group |
Homes, Apartments and Duplexes for Rent
Home - Hometown Property Management

I can't vouch for how responsive or supportive these rental managemnt companies are. A Realtor can also help you find homes for rent, but there are only a limited number of rental homes on the MLS for the Olympia area.
The neighborhoods with larger yards will likely be more mature neighborhoods with older homes.

[SantosLHalper]

Thanks Sandy, appreciate it. We are fine with an older home, just want to be in an area that has some convenience. Charlotte has spoiled us with that respect, is just getting way too overcrowded here.

[lady fern]

Even the outlying areas of Olympia are within a short drive to all of the shopping and conveniences, so I wouldn't be concerned there. You might look at the Lake Lucinda neighborhood between west Olympia and Tumwater. It's about 10 minutes to all of West Oly's amenities, the homes are modest and affordable, there is a park, basketball court, etc., and the lots tend to be around 1/4 to 1/3 acre. Ken Lake is another neighborhood on the West side with nice lots. Some of the homes look a bit "Brady Bunch-ish" but the developers did a nice job of leaving in existing trees and it is one of my favorite neighborhoods. There is a nice community lake as well as tennis and basketball courts. Just past Ken Lake on Black Lake Blvd. is another neighborhood with nice sized lots, but I can't remember the name of the community. Ken Lake is within walking distance (a lengthy walk) to stores on the West side.

We have been using the Rants Group for our rental in Olympia for a year now. They communicate well even though we did have one snafu where they hired someone for repairs without our prior authorization, but I don't think they will do that again. After doing comparison shopping, it seems they all charge similar rates.

[Ultrarunner]

I've used Hometown Property Management in Olympia

Had a good manager and a not so good one.

You can see what's available online to get an idea.

[SantosLHalper]

Thanks all, appreciate the feedback. It's a bit hard to tell looking at homes on-line, you can see how close they are to other properties, but can't get a real good feel for the area.

[Ultrarunner]

True... Google Earth might give you a better street view inside the city limits.

My rental was in the county and the only street view is the mailboxes.

Best bet is to always check out a location at different times and days... might be fine on a Sunday afternoon and not so good during the week.

A friend of a friend rented what they thought was the ideal place... had no idea a neighbor was in the firewood business but they sure found out quick be the noise of chainsaws and trucks during the week!

[SantosLHalper]

That is very very true. We've rented the same house for about 8 years and have been trying to get out of it for the last 3. Had one home we were very close to moving to, and went by it multiple times. The noise of basketballs and loads of teenagers around kind of changed our minds. I'm hoping that space will help with noise, but to your point, doesn't always work.

It does seem like Hometown Properties is one of the only gigs in town.

Can I ask you guys/gals a question? We've never lived anywhere that close to an Air Force Base before. I have some noise sensitivity issues and a little bit concerned with this. Are there places near that base that are just a nightmare with noise and other parts that aren't as much? Thank you!