Need USA/Texas advice please

9 replies

Lowryn · 19/09/2004 15:46

DH is trying to move us out to Texas and if we moved there we would want to rent at first.
However we don't seem to be able to find information on rentals other than for students.
Can anyone advise us on a rental company or internet website to look at?

OP posts:

californiagirl · 19/09/2004 16:44

In many places, nearly all rentals are done individual to individual. This can be a real pain if you're not local to the area.
Any real estate agent will have access to the same rental listings, but that will probably include only big houses and big complexes of apartments. You may be able to find a relocation specialist, but you'll have to pay them. Your best bet for a first list would be local newspapers online -- most papers do put their advertisements online and that's where most rentals are listed. (Disclaimer: I've never lived in Texas, and it's possible this isn't true for where you're looking, things vary a lot between states and even regions within a state. But this is true for most o the US, with some variations on what real estate agents have access to.)

CassieD · 19/09/2004 17:04

Hello,
Look for something like "leasing agent" or "realtor" in the phone book. They are not called estate agents in the US. I think you can find the phone book on ameritech.com.

Where are you thinking of moving to? I lived in Houston for 10 years, and would be glad to advise further (such as various neghborhoods, etc.)

There is a paper in Houston called the greensheet that lists a lot of rentals. Not sure, but you may be able to find it online.

CassieD · 19/09/2004 17:14

have a look at \The Greensheet{http://www.thegreensheet.com}

CassieD · 19/09/2004 17:17

Oops... try that again.

the greensheet

Original poster

Lowryn · 19/09/2004 18:34

Excellent thanks!
Yup, it would be Houston. Where are the good areas? Also good schools etc?
DH wants to know what people do in the evenings too. Last time we were out there we were a little overwhelmed by it all and sidetracked by his family and we couldn't really get a feel for it.

OP posts:

woodstock · 19/09/2004 23:36

lowryn, just emailed my niece who lives in Dallas. Here is her reply:

If she goes to Yahoo or any search engine and types in "apartments, dallas, tx" she should be connected to one of literally hundreds of apartment locators. Does she know where she wants to live, is she going to be near the office or family? There are so many areas of the metroplex and she will find what she wants quicker if she knows where she needs to be. Just a hint, north Dallas is much cheaper, or she could live in Carrollton or Richardson in north of Dallas as well.

Hope that helps!

woodstock · 19/09/2004 23:37

OOps, just noticed it was Houston, not Dallas you were looking for. But the general information about searching should still apply.

Original poster

Lowryn · 20/09/2004 10:12

Thanks woodstock. DH looked at Dallas as there was a chance he could work there too.
I think it will be Houston for family reasons.

OP posts:

CassieD · 21/09/2004 10:20

Do you have any idea where you want to live. Where will work be? Can you give me an idea of what you are looking for? Apartment? 5 bedroom house?

My favorite neighborhood is West University. Central location. Nice "villagy" place. REstaurants, shops, etc. Good schools too. BUT, it's not particularly cheap.

Can you give me an idea of your criteria, and I'm sure I'll have loads more to type.

Flip