Hi...well, plans changed...we are now heading to Southern California, just north of San Diego (Camp Pendleton area). That being the case there is no way we can afford to buy a home, so we will have to rent.
I've never rented anything besides an apartment. How do I go about finding a good rental property? Do I hire an agent who specializes in rental properties? There just seem to be so many property management companies in the area that we are looking at. I dont know whether I am supposed to contact them or if there is a way I can filter thru them all with just one person or website? Im so confused....any advise or experience with this?
Thanks!
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ventana,
Where in "north of San Diego" are you planning to live? I live in the Temecula/Murrieta area, and when we first moved here 1 1/2 years ago, we rented a house first, then we bought in the area that we like and we could live for few years - we move a lot. BTW, we used the classified ads of the local paper, then my husband checked it out coz he had to start working while me and the kids wait for the school year to end and prep the old house for sale. You could also search on Craigslist, or call one or two property management company, or even real estate company.
Posts: 203 | Location: SoCal | Registered: Jun 04, 2004
Each specific area has different rental ad avenues, my area (Southbay)has two online rental companies that seem to rule. Check the local paper, Pennysaver, online searches. As a landlord, I've also been contacted by RE agents to show my property as a service to their client.
Posts: 944 | Location: Southern CA (Southbay) | Registered: Nov 08, 2005
The best way to find a rental is to pull up the local newspaper in the area you are looking at, on the internet. Then go to classifieds, then to rentals. Also, if you want an apartment to rent, there are numerous apartment rental guides online. Just google.
Good luck!
quote:
Originally posted by Ventana: Hi...well, plans changed...we are now heading to Southern California, just north of San Diego. That being the case there is no way we can afford to buy a home, so we will have to rent.
I've never rented anything besides an apartment. How do I go about finding a good rental property? Do I hire an agent who specializes in rental properties? There just seem to be so many property management companies in the area that we are looking at. I dont know whether I am supposed to contact them or if there is a way I can filter thru them all with just one person or website? Im so confused....any advise or experience with this?
Thanks!
♥ ~ ~ ♥ ~ ~ ♥ ~ ~ ♥ ~ ~ ♥ ~ ~ ♥ ~ ~ ♥ ~ ~ ♥ ~ ~ ♥ ~ Faith, Love And Laughter ... Medicine For The Soul ~
Posts: 886 | Location: Gulf Front Paradise, Florida | Registered: Oct 15, 2007
It very much depends on your budget in what area you want to live in. Near the coast, more inland, etc. The local paper is the Orange County Register and on Saturday is when most rentals are listed. Figure your budget, what are you looking for in general, to activities in the area, shopping, beach and also your communite time, if you are working. Rentals in So. CA are ususally start around $1,200 for a 1-bedroom and up from there, depending on size and location. There are home rentals, apartment complexes, townhouse complexes, many to choose from.
Posts: 2415 | Location: So. California | Registered: Jan 18, 2005
Thanks for the input! To be more specific, we will be stationed at Pendleton (possibly later at Miramar). We are looking at Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, Temecula, and those general areas.
I think I prefer to live on the coast (I know...more expensive!) b/c I have been stuck inland here in FL and NEVER make the drive to the Gulf. So, Carlsbad (and possibly Oceanside) are on the top of the list. But I will get a better idea once we visit the area in April. We dont want to spend more than 2500 a month - but prefer closer to 2000. A minimum of a 3 bed 2 bath and want a community with some young children as we have a 1 year old and plan on another.
Ugh, so much to think about and to consider. Moving is always an adventure, but it is SO stressful.
So - I'm guessing you're a military family??? If so, usually the bases have resources to help you find available rentals - in addition to all the great suggestions already mentioned.... I hope your move goes smoothly...
Posts: 3623 | Location: Northern Virginia, USA | Registered: May 29, 2003
Ask Jim Klinge (he is a real estate broker specializing in the North SD area) over at www.bubbleinfo.com, he's a straight shooter and wont steer you wrong.
Of those areas, Temucula is more inland, and will be alot less than Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista. Since there are many military families in the area, the rental costs are somewhat more reasonable. For the amount in your monthly budget you will have no problem in these areas. I would stay more towards Oceanside and Carlsbad, closer to the ocean. Temucula gets extremely hot in the summertime, since it is more inland. And your commute wouldn't be very congested. Best of luck, and welcome to California.
Posts: 2415 | Location: So. California | Registered: Jan 18, 2005
Originally posted by Debid: So - I'm guessing you're a military family??? If so, usually the bases have resources to help you find available rentals - in addition to all the great suggestions already mentioned.... I hope your move goes smoothly...
We sure are! We are definately going to base during our househunting trip to see what they have to offer in terms of help.
Of those areas, Temucula is more inland, and will be alot less than Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista. Since there are many military families in the area, the rental costs are somewhat more reasonable. For the amount in your monthly budget you will have no problem in these areas. I would stay more towards Oceanside and Carlsbad, closer to the ocean. Temucula gets extremely hot in the summertime, since it is more inland. And your commute wouldn't be very congested. Best of luck, and welcome to California.
I have heard that about Temecula...that is is VERY hot. I am ready to move out of the heat that is Tampa. Yuck.
What do you know about Oceanside? I have heard both good and bad things...there is a rental that I am looking into in Rancho Del Oro. Do you know about that area?
Originally posted by caroeib: Ask Jim Klinge (he is a real estate broker specializing in the North SD area) over at www.bubbleinfo.com, he's a straight shooter and wont steer you wrong.
My advice is to be very careful who you rent and research them like they will you. Because if they are an FB, chances are good they'll take your deposit and rental money and default anyway. If they are really wiped out financially, then you may win if you take them to court but may never see the settlement money. It's getting really nasty out there in the LA area.
** I live much farther north, though I grew up in the southland, the Tustin Hills area and then Huntington Beach. I miss walking a block to the beach.
My advice is to be very careful who you rent and research them like they will you. Because if they are an FB, chances are good they'll take your deposit and rental money and default anyway. If they are really wiped out financially, then you may win if you take them to court but may never see the settlement money. It's getting really nasty out there in the LA area.
** I live much farther north, though I grew up in the southland, the Tustin Hills area and then Huntington Beach. I miss walking a block to the beach.
GREAT! *said with extreme sarcasm* How in the world can you check the financial status of your landlord? Does anyone have any idea?
I think that most homeowners with rentals, have already been foreclosed on. So you shouldn't have too much of a problem.
You might want to check www.homeseekers.com and go into "lease" link, as there are many rentals in those suggested cities you would like to live in.
My suggestion, if you can come into the area, and stay at a hotel for a few days, so that will give you time to search in the areas you have seen in person and would like to live in.
Posts: 2415 | Location: So. California | Registered: Jan 18, 2005
We're not done with this by a long shot and LA was late to the game. I can't think of a single market that is immune to this problem for renters.
Vent,
On my current rental, I looked up the purchase date and figured out what the carrying costs are before I rented this place back in 04. I wanted to make sure the LL could at least cover the PITI with rent and she can since she bought in 86. I don't have a way to check on refi and MEW which is equally dangerous.
But I also found out she bought a brand new place in the foothills and is living part time here and there which makes me nervous. So I watch the tax records to make sure it's paid and watch our local online county data base. I know she says she wants to sell all her properties now that she's about to retire and she is banking on 05 prices. I think she is over leveraged.
I can't stop the bank from taking the rental and giving us 30 days but I can keep my eyes open and get something closer to 90 days notice.
