How far in advanced should I look for a rental?

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Mar 07, 2017 Views67,047 Answer a Question

My husband and I are relocating from Florida and we were hoping to fly into Houston in April to look at some places... but we aren't moving until June. Do you think April is too early? Should we try going in May?

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Consumer
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Relocation & Newcomer
About 11 months ago
Absolutely not. April is probably one of the best times to start looking for homes. Houston’s market tends to boom in summertime because everyone is trying to get in certain school districts.
About 11 months ago
Hey, I understand your query as I come across these question more often being a Real Estate consultant. I would advise you to come in April to have a look at the area and its facilities. You need to get yourself familiarize with the environment and the locality before moving in for rentals. Without having a thorough research, you can not move easily. Hence, you better come and experience the lifestyle and other related things.
source:
I am a Real Estate Consultant
About 1 year ago
It's generally recommended to start looking for a rental property at least 60 days before you plan to move in. This will give you enough time to research properties, schedule tours, and complete the application and rental process. However, the ideal timing for looking for a rental can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the local rental market conditions, the time of year, and your specific needs and requirements. In some cities or areas, rental properties may be in high demand and may rent quickly, so it may be necessary to start looking earlier. On the other hand, if you have a lot of flexibility in your move-in date or are not looking for a specific type of rental property, you may be able to start looking for a rental closer to your desired move-in date. In any case, it's important to give yourself enough time to find a rental that meets your needs and budget, and to complete all of the necessary steps in the rental process, such as submitting an application, providing references, and signing a lease agreement. ***contact info*** Aziz Qwasme’ (281)818-1931 Zazahtx@gmail.com IG: zaza_living Zaza living llc
About 1 year ago
Great Question! I recommend starting the process at least 45 days prior to your lease ending. There are some cases when multiple applications are received and your most preferred home becomes more competitive to be approved for.
About 1 year ago
Tiffany! After assisting hundreds of folks with rentals, I have found that as a general rule, with apartments, 60 days out is a good time frame to begin your search, while with single family houses it is generally better to start a little bit closer to move time about 30-45 days out! This is because I’m my experience, Apartment complexes typically require a 60 day notice to their tenants while rental homes typically hold a 30 day notice requirement. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to me via call, text or email! 346-412-6603 Codysellsproperty@gmail.com
About 1 year ago
The ideal time to start looking for a rental depends on various factors, including the rental market in your area, your preferred move-in date, and your rental budget. However, here are a few general guidelines: In a tight rental market: If you're living in an area where rental properties are in high demand, it's recommended to start your search at least 1-2 months in advance of your desired move-in date. This will give you enough time to find a suitable rental, tour the properties, and apply for the one you like. In a more relaxed rental market: If the rental market in your area is less competitive, you can start your search a few weeks in advance of your desired move-in date. You may still have to act quickly if you find a place you like, but you'll likely have more options to choose from. If you have specific requirements: If you're looking for a rental with specific features, such as a backyard or a pet-friendly policy, it's best to start your search earlier. Finding a rental with specific requirements can take more time, so it's best to start looking several months in advance. Regardless of the rental market in your area, it's always best to start your search early to ensure you have enough time to find a rental that meets your needs and budget. David Smith | Managing Broker Blok & Blvd. Realty (281) 732-3090 david@blokblvd.com
About 1 year ago
From my experience you should start searching a month to a Month and a half. If you start looking too far ahead it is a great chance the homes you find will not be available when you actually get ready to move. If you have a month to month lease I would even go with two or three weeks.
About 1 year ago
When doing a move to another city, especially one that you are not familiar with, it is certainly a good idea to get a realtor and it’s also a good idea to view neighborhoods ahead of time if possible before choosing a final destination. So I’d say three months may be the least amount of time to begin to start viewing potential areas.
About 1 year ago
Plan ahead! I would recommend talking to a local pro before you start looking. Make a plan and start search for the community/area of Houston. Moving to Houston is very different from Florida and you want to be clear where you want to move too. South Florida and Centra are two different cultures and Houston is large with various areas and all of it is Houston. I would not wait and I would start now because in April we have higher demand for our housing market.
About 1 year ago
1 month to 15 days is better based on my experience.
About 1 year ago
Good Question! I would suggest coming twice if you can. I would come in April to get familiar with the area and a better idea what side of town you want to live. Once you've figured that out, you can ask your Realtor to send you homes in that area with the number of beds, baths and your budget. You will start receiving homes that match your criteria. Once you get close to May, I would select the homes you want to see on your second visit. Make sure that you've sent all your required documents for that property to your Realtor just in case you see a house you really want. Your Realtor will have your information to send off the paperwork asap. Usually Landlords like to rent asap so submitting an application a couple of months in advance will most likely not get accepted if they have a qualified applicant that is ready to move in within 5 days.
About 1 year ago
I would recommend looking at least 45 days from when you need to move. You don't want to start too early, but you also don't want to be rushed. Many landlords will want someone moved in their property in at least 30 days and won't love the idea of holding it much longer than that. Especially if the property is a hot item!
About 3 years ago
I recommend in a volatile neighborhood starting to search about 60 days before but then getting real serious about 30 days before.
About 6 years ago
I agree to start looking for house in April since most landlords do not wish to keep house vacant and will not hold it for tenant ( if you really like one). Familiarize yourself with the areas, commute to work etc and any real estate agent can help to find you house that meets your rental criteria and there is no charge to tenant to find a house. Realtor is paid by landlord agent . Realtors have more access to data on HAR MLS.

Purvi Shah
Realm Real Estate Professionals
832-561-0691
About 6 years ago
Dear Tiffany,
If you need time to understand parts of Houston, then feel free to start looking. When you already are comfortable with the area that you want to live in. 1 month before you want to move in you should start actively.
Before then it does not make much sense to look for rentals, as the homes that you want, the landlord would like to lease out as fast as possible and they are not willing to wait for more than 1 month.


Kind Regards,
DOMINIK SZABO
UTR - TEXAS REALTORS

(832) 844 1724
dominikrealtor.com
sold@dominikrealtor.com
About 6 years ago
Hi Tiffany,

April is PERFECT to start looking for Renting in June. Looking in April will give you the opportunity to find the area, possibly school district that would be perfect for your family.

Thank you,

Robin Neugebauer
REALTOR
JLA Realty
281-639-7242 call/text
rockinrobinrealtor@gmail.com
www.rockinrobinrealtor.com
About 6 years ago
Hi Tiffany,
I would definitely recommend narrowing the specific area you would like to live in and then set up a search to keep up with what properties that are coming on the market that fit your criteria: https://www.har.com/krystalkayhuhn/sitelogin?act=new

Best of luck and please don't hesitate to call for more information on the areas in and around Houston.

Krystal Huhn
Realtor, Stanfield Properties
About 7 years ago
Within a month. Landlord doesn't want the house vacant for a long time.
About 7 years ago
If you are looking to rent a home, and not an apartment, then typically you would be house hunting about 30-45 days ahead of when you anticipate to actually move in. Earlier than that you can research Houston online at HAR.com to learn more about the area and various communities. Your Realtor can also invite you to connect to our MLS through their branded app, which will provide you with premium MLS data such as days on market and listing sold/lease prices, etc. Also, in our MLS, the homes listed for lease post a "date available". There's a slight chance that some landlords with an availability date in June might list their properties early. Welcome to Houston!
About 7 years ago
I believe 45 days ahead of your expected occupation date is ideal. It doesn't hurt to view homes ahead of time, but you risk "falling in love" with the right property and whenever you are ready it may not be available. If your target is to move in June, I would think about memorial day would be a good opportunity to view, pick and even sign a contract for your rental home. Thank you! melbamaguilar@kw.com
About 7 years ago
Feb. The apartments will quickly fill. They are notified 60 days in advance. Your problem will be finding a nice home rental and then sticker shop. See them early. Most all apts. do not hold to the 20-40 lb pet rule. Certain breeds will be excluded. It fast and furious out there, jump in. Use a Realtor even for an apartment. Cost you nothing and they know the histories.
About 7 years ago
Great question Tiffany!

If you are seeking apartment living then a couple months in advance is best as you will find that they typically have a waiting list. Therefore, for this purpose April would be a great time to start looking into that option.

If you are interested in leasing a home it depends on the area because in certain markets a home will be there fore a significant time while others get leased out in a matter of days. I would suggest 45 days before hand for leasing a home.

Similar to your situation, I moved to Texas from California, ten years ago. From my experience, I suggest that you visit in April and spend the entire time really getting to know Houston and its surrounding areas. Visit the different cities, check out master planned communities vs non master planned. Track the distance to and from the new job location & your possible new residence. This will help you gain a feel for what you can expect. I also understand that coming to a new city can be overwhelming, so I suggest you schedule an appointment with a REALTOR®, I'm here to help.

I can't wait for you to move to Houston! You will like it here.

Beoulah McIntyre-Dozier|www.beoulahdozierhoustonhomes.com|951-813-1643|beoulah.dozier@garygreene.com
source:
www.beoulahdozierhoustonhomes.com
About 7 years ago
A tad early on the properties, but learning the areas....good idea to look ahead. Some rental properties might be over priced and still available in June, but typically they get leased out within 30 days. Many come on the market just before or just after the 1st of the month. If you happen to find one, your agent can ask the landlords if they might hold the home a bit longer or you take the property a little early. Fill out an application in advance to save time.

Mark McNitt, Bernstein Realty
m 832-567-4357
MarkKnowsHouston.com
About 7 years ago
Hi Tiffany, April is not too early at all. You should actually begin your search online so you have an idea of what you would like to have in a rental and compare neighborhood prices etc. It's highly advisable that you contact a realtor before you arrive to facilitate your search and provide your family with guidance on selecting the right part of the city for your relocation. Houston is a large city and many people tend to want limit their daily commute but if kids are relocating with you then there are other factors to also consider as well with for placement in good schools. Reach out anytime if you need advise or help with your search.

Warm Regards
Wendy Johnson
About 7 years ago
Tiffany, April is not too early to educate yourself on neighborhoods and to investigate areas where your budget meets your ideas for a new home. Contact a REALTOR to discuss areas and your needs. Once areas that interest you are identified, have them send you listings to review. Keep in mind that what you see available on the market now will probably not be available when you are ready. The early goal is to become familiar with what's typical in those areas. On timing, many landlords prefer not to accept a lease effective date more than a couple of weeks in advance. If you are asking for them to wait a month for your rent to start; it's a month without rental income for them. So, there is a balance between your needs, availability and timing. Best Regards and Welcome to Houston, Peter Johnston
About 7 years ago
Hi Tiffany!

This is a great question and one I'm asked frequently.

Usually, your best bet is to look about 30-45 days out from when you want your lease to begin. Typically, landlords will not be willing to hold a lease several months in advance of move in (unless of course you are prepared to begin your lease early and pay even though you won't be moving in yet) and most likely those that are available now won't be available beyond that (unless it's over priced or shows poorly). This makes the timeline for finding a place, and the point at which you must give notice, pretty tight. But, fortunately, finding a rental and the application process is pretty quick! That being said, there are instances when a property is listed in advance of availability. In this case, you may be able to secure the property in advance since the current lease would still be in place. These situations aren't that common and really case by case. There is nothing wrong with starting your search online sooner rather than later and your REALTOR could definitely reach out to the landlord's agent to see if circumstances would align (especially in the instance of relocating from out of town). I've also had clients who've put up additional deposit if they were looking to secure a property more than 30 days in advance of commencement of the lease.

Based on your specific timeline for moving (depending on when in June you are looking to move in), end of April / beginning of May would be appropriate if you are looking for a beginning of June move in. If you're looking more for end of June, you'd be better off waiting until end of May / beginning of June.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Darby Grimmett / KW / darby@darbygrimmett.com / 936-827-9217
About 7 years ago
Hello Tiffany,

Since you are visiting in April, it would be a good idea to get familiar with the city, so you can focus on a couple of areas you would like to rent in. If you happen to like a home now, and want to lease it, you will most likely need to be start paying the rent. Landlords don't want to keep it vacant with no income coming in, so they do not like to hold it vacant for someone.

While choosing an area keep in mind your commute to and from work, and also some of the amenities you would like to have in the proximity of your rental.

If you need more information please feel free to call or email me.

Persis Behramsha
REALM
713-294-7747
persis.realtor@gmail.com
Disclaimer: Answers provided are just opinions and should not be accepted as advice.
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