[mntonv]

Do you think for a short term (6 month) rental, one is better or less costly than the other?

I've started to contact a few apts, but was thinking that maybe I'd have better luck with renting a condo instead. Maybe more willing to negotiate price?

Are there things generally included in an apt rental price that isn't with a private condo rental? I need to weigh this out. Internet isn't necessary as hubby has one of those internet USB things from work so he can access internet anywhere. He won't need a phone. But what about other utilities?

As for finding a condo to rent and working through a realtor, is it better to work with a realtor that is pretty much just into rentals? Are there realtors like that out there?

Thanks!

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by mntonv

Do you think for a short term (6 month) rental, one is better or less costly than the other?

I've started to contact a few apts, but was thinking that maybe I'd have better luck with renting a condo instead. Maybe more willing to negotiate price?

Are there things generally included in an apt rental price that isn't with a private condo rental? I need to weigh this out. Internet isn't necessary as hubby has one of those internet USB things from work so he can access internet anywhere. He won't need a phone. But what about other utilities?

As for finding a condo to rent and working through a realtor, is it better to work with a realtor that is pretty much just into rentals? Are there realtors like that out there?

Thanks!

You don't need an agent to find a rental.

craigslist: dallas / fort worth classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events
Apartments.com | Find Apartments for Rent, Houses, Condos and Townhomes | Rental Listings
Apartments for Rent & Homes for Rent - Rent.com® Apartment Finder

[olecapt]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

You don't need an agent to find a rental.

Actually you do much of the time.

Agents are useless on apartments.

Agents are the only way to go on much else.

Craig's list is fine as long as you are a life long expert in never stepping on land mines.

[jhiker1o]

The owner of the condo upstairs from us used a realtor to screened the tenant that rented the unit. I spoke to the realtor and requested that she rent the unit to decent people. Well so far so good, the lady that rented the unit looks like she works in a clinic or hospital and the place has been quiet so far. Keeping my fingers crossed, hehehehe.

[RecentlyRetired]

Originally Posted by olecapt

Craig's list is fine as long as you are a life long expert in never stepping on land mines.

I found my rental home on Craig's list. Many property management companies list on Craig's list. Are they considered to be agents?

[fremontfred]

Go with craigslist. A lot of the stuff on there is listed by agents anyway so you will likely end up working with one. With CL you can usually see what similar stuff (from all agents) is going for and figure out a fair price. I advise against only going to a single agent as you could potentially get a warped view of what is available.

[airics]

bullpucky! craigslist is fine.. just watch for scams.

[olecapt]

Originally Posted by airics

bullpucky! craigslist is fine.. just watch for scams.

YOu arguing with me or someone else. It ain't and that is called a land mine.

It also lacks any real structure making the hunt hard just for the hell of it.

[wuttuptae]

It will be harder to find a condo that will rent out for 6 months, but there are some that do -- most want 1-year commitments. Apartments are easier to find/move-in/move-out imo, and should something break, easier to get things fixed (make sure to thoroughly read your lease agreement, especially with condos concerning this). Less headaches in general with apartments, so long as you don't have some restrictive requirement (like a big dog).

With that said I'm renting a condo that I found through craigslist about 2 months ago. You don't really need an agent to find condos for rent. You can search MLS for them just the same as the agent; however, it's no cost to you so no harm in using one since they could save you some time. If you're familiar with the area, I say skip the agent.

(trying to stay unbiased, but I am rather jaded with real estate agents since I've been house shopping so know that's where I'm coming from)

[olecapt]

I still don't understand. It is of course possible to lease an MLS listed condo without an agent. Why would you? There is no money in it for you and you lose what might be useful input and help.

I sit around wondering why on earth agents do renter side leases...but that is a different story.