Finding a Rental (Naples, Estero: real estate, renter, HOA fees)

[pool_ready]

What would be the best method for finding a rental house?

We are going to be in a company rental for a few months, but we want to find a house to rent after that. I've looked for rentals online, but there don't seem to be a lot listed. However, everyone keeps mentioning to me that there are a lot of rentals out there. I guess I just don't know where to look.

The rentals I've found online seem to be mostly vacation rentals. We want at least a year's lease, not furnished. We are looking for a 3 bedroom, possibly near Estero.

Any ideas? Can you think of any rental companies I could ask?

TIA!

[121804]

Start calling real estate agencies and talking to the agents that take care of rental propertries. That is what we did & also wanted unfurnished. It took a few different phone calls and agencies until I felt ok w/ a realtor.

It should not be an issue to get a year's rental. Our landlord was very sweet; just happy to have someone to help pay the mortgage; that after the year, she was ok going month by month w/ us as she knew we were looking at buying elsewhere.

Are you ok w/ a condo? There are some brand spanking new condos that may have more sq footage than a home!! We rented a 1600 sq ft/3 bdrm/2bath/1 car garage for $1150/month. The only issue that became more than an issue after time was the lack of green space & the fact my son's outside "play area" was the parking lot. But, it was a nice condo.

Good luck. There are lots of choices. Be advised the next few months may be a little sparse b/c all the snowbirds who come down to escape the cold and then leave to escape the heat.

[pool_ready]

Thank you for the options.

I am ok with a condo. The first place we are renting is a condo. But it is $1400 per month, and I don't want to pay that much for renting. Of course, the $1400 is for a fully furnished, 2 car garage condo. So maybe we could find something around $1100. I would like that a lot. I want to be in a safe neighborhood. That is most important.

How does renting a condo in a community work? Does the owner of the condo pay the HOA fees? Or does the renter pay?

TIA!

[TANaples]

The owner pays the HOA feels from your rent. Try craig's list, or a reputable agency. The bigger ones like John Woods also have a rental unit. Most of the rentals, even sales, are fully furnished down here so that will not be a problem. Yes, there are a low of rentals on the market. My neighbors are renting out the house. It's a 3 bedroom, with a pool, one car gararge for $1, 500 including all. It's in a golf development though. You should be able to find something maybe not in a development for what you are willing to pay.

[121804]

Originally Posted by pool_ready

Thank you for the options.

I am ok with a condo. The first place we are renting is a condo. But it is $1400 per month, and I don't want to pay that much for renting. Of course, the $1400 is for a fully furnished, 2 car garage condo. So maybe we could find something around $1100. I would like that a lot. I want to be in a safe neighborhood. That is most important.

How does renting a condo in a community work? Does the owner of the condo pay the HOA fees? Or does the renter pay?

TIA!

They "pay" but as we all know, it's all somehow added in your rent.

You have options at $1100 in a safe neighborhood. Most are gated & have pools. It's more for curb appeal than anything else. The bad guys can get in if they want, but there are parts where when common sense is applied, you will be fine.

The best thing about renting is you have the time to really get to know all the areas & see all these areas as someone who is living there, not vacationing, and that makes a ton of difference & hope the school thing works out. The sooner you get some proof of residency in your hands, the better b/c you will need that to even step foot in the door.

Good luck.

[pool_ready]

I really appreciate it. Thanks!

[Debbdoster]

I use VRBO.com. Most of the time you deal with the property owners, not middle men (or women). I have always had good luck with the properties I have rented this way.

[melannewis]

Try Amber Grice in Naples (Sun Realty) she specializes in rental properties.

[tmozer]

Originally Posted by Debbdoster

I use VRBO.com. Most of the time you deal with the property owners, not middle men (or women). I have always had good luck with the properties I have rented this way.

+1 on VRBO. We have used their site a lot for renting, including in the SW Florida area.

[keesie101]

Not sure yet how this forum works , but here it goes;
I am relocation from MI either by April 1th or may 1th. Looking for a 2 or 3 bedroom condo/townhouse. A garage is a must, bring kayaks. bicycles. Looking for a year lease. No pets , non smoking.
prefer gateway area.