Momma H Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 It has been a while since I have been on here but this is often the place I go when I need advice. We sold our house in Missouri and are moving to Dallas--ok--north of Dallas. We are looking for acreage and the things we are looking for are avaiable but few and far between. We need time! We have looked into renting houses or apartments and -- short term--there is nothing. No one wants to rent short term. Long term hotel with 4 kids, two dogs and three cats--8 grand a month! Does any one have any ideas? We would rather not settle until we find the right home and the summer is just ramping up so we really don't want to rent a house or apartment for 6 months or a year--the right house is right around the corner! We just do need to go somewhere! Any thoughts or ideas? I am getting too old for this! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 I wonder if you could rent an RV or something like that and find a camp ground. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frances Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 Have you checked out VRBO or AirBnB or similar sites? I'm not sure how many properties will allow pets, but if they do, it would likely be cheaper than a hotel, although probably more expensive than regular rentals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momma H Posted May 6, 2016 Author Share Posted May 6, 2016 I have considered that. I checked on renting a class c and it is like 5-6 K a month! 😳😳😳 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momma H Posted May 6, 2016 Author Share Posted May 6, 2016 France's, I did look into Air B and B -- it is still pretty expensive, and the pets are an issue but I may go look at that option again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 When we were in a similar boat last year, we considered just renting for a year. It might be cheaper to sublease out to someone else or carry the rental for the remaining term than it would be to be in a long-term hotel. Even if you found something today, it's still going to be 6-7 weeks to close on it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 I would do a year long rental and take my time looking to buy. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3 ladybugs Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 This is probably going to sound stupid so feel free to ignore, but what about purchasing a used RV and then selling it after you find your ideal home? Provided you didn't wear it down too much then you could sell it for about what you paid for it, or close to it. Yes some of your money would be tied up for a bit, but it would be yours and if you liked it you would have a way to go camping once you got your home... or renovated your home if need be. Used RV's are lower cost and I have seen people that had purchased used RV and sold them for close to what they paid. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 You might check out IMT apartments (Such as: http://www.imtresidential.com/imtlakeshorelofts/) We lived a year in one of their communities in Austin and they definitely had shorter term rentals (Though it was more expensive to rent for shorter terms) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 My first thought was VRBO too, asking for a decent rate since you need it for a few months, not just a few days. Can't hurt to try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catalytic Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 This is probably going to sound stupid so feel free to ignore, but what about purchasing a used RV and then selling it after you find your ideal home? Provided you didn't wear it down too much then you could sell it for about what you paid for it, or close to it. Yes some of your money would be tied up for a bit, but it would be yours and if you liked it you would have a way to go camping once you got your home... or renovated your home if need be. Used RV's are lower cost and I have seen people that had purchased used RV and sold them for close to what they paid. ^^^ unless you will use it after you buy the house. We have spent quite a bit of time living in our RV, due to moving so much in the past decade. We've logged about 10 months in it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momma H Posted May 6, 2016 Author Share Posted May 6, 2016 (edited) 3 Lasy bugs, I am considering that. We actually have done that in the past. My husband really doesn't want to do that again (he works out of the house--or in that case "house". It is getting to the point where it makes more sense! I just wondered if anyone has ideas other than that because with the two dogs and three cats and t kids and working out of the house--it's not ideal! I am still just open to any and all options. Edited May 6, 2016 by Momma H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momma H Posted May 6, 2016 Author Share Posted May 6, 2016 What is VRBO? Is it Vacation rental something something? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 What is VRBO? Is it Vacation rental something something? VAcation Rental by owner. It's a website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 I have considered that. I checked on renting a class c and it is like 5-6 K a month! 😳😳😳 Holy cow! That's a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momma H Posted May 6, 2016 Author Share Posted May 6, 2016 Yep! It is all spendy stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momma H Posted May 6, 2016 Author Share Posted May 6, 2016 Never saw myself jumping on 3 grand a month thinking, "yeah! 3 grand a month!". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purplejackmama Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 We spent March in a Candlewood Suites hotel in Dallas with 4 kids and a dog for $1800. Give them a call, they are really easy to work with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purplejackmama Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 I would caution you about the RV option. RV parks in Dallas are INSANELY crowded. We actually were in the hotel because we couldn't find a park. Before you make a purchase I would make sure you could find a spot. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellydon Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 Sign a year lease and just plan on breaking it if you find a home you like. It will probably take longer than you think. 3-4 months to find a place you like in a location you like, 8-10 weeks to close once you make an offer. You are looking at a minimum of 5 months. If it takes longer to find a place, it could easily stretch into 7 or 8 months. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
displace Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 I would also do a year lease. We purchased on a short timeline to avoid a rental and for two 1/2 years I've regretted it. Especially if you're not from around there it may be better to check out the different neighborhoods prior to committing. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSMWB Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 I would buy the RV, camp with it until you gains a place,and have DH plan to work at a library/park/coffee shop if it is too small for him to have a 'home office'. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meena Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 I'm not sure how the market is where you are looking, but my BIL/SIL are house hunting in the Dallas suburbs and it's crazy. They sold their townhouse in like 2 days but have been outbid on every house they've put an offer on. They are going to end up renting for a year because they can't close on a house before they have to move. So if the market is similar, it may take you longer to close on a house there than you think. It might be better to have a year long cushion to research and then complete a purchase. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 dd just moved to the DFW area - they *almost* bought a house on the weekend they were there to find housing. they are so glad they didn't buy, and instead ended up renting. now, they have time to learn the area, and find something with which they'll be happy. (and now, dd's fav cousin is moving to DFW. throw them in the briar patch.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethben Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 I'm not sure how the market is where you are looking, but my BIL/SIL are house hunting in the Dallas suburbs and it's crazy. They sold their townhouse in like 2 days but have been outbid on every house they've put an offer on. They are going to end up renting for a year because they can't close on a house before they have to move. So if the market is similar, it may take you longer to close on a house there than you think. It might be better to have a year long cushion to research and then complete a purchase. I have a friend in that area looking for a house. The last house they bid on had 26!!!! offers and the thing sold for more than listing price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose in BC Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 I feel your pain. We haven't sold house and I'm leaving for new job (1500 km away) Monday. We have three dogs and one income so rentals will be hard to find. Praying you can find a new home soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanny Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 I don't know what you mean by "North of Dallas". That could be on U.S. Hwy 75 or on I-35. My guess is that you will need to look North of McKinney, probably quite a bit North of there, if you are on U.S. 75 and North of Denton, if you are on I-35. Finding the right property, having your offer accepted, and closing, is probably going to take a lot longer than you think at this time and will be a full time job. I suggest that you try to find a Rental Home, with a 6 or 12 month lease, and possibly a clause, that you can pay a Penalty, to exit from the Lease early, if you are able to buy the right property before the Lease expires. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP. Remember the 3 key things: Location and Location and Location. GL P.,S, You may want to head for the Sherman, TX area, on U.S. 75... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brehon Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 Have you looked in the Ft. Worth environs? The D/FW area is huge and you may have better luck in Tarrant County. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimm Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 Yep I'd rent a place. Find out if anyone will rent to you month to month, see if you can't find a six month lease, or just plan to break the lease when you find a place. It'll be a giant pain the butt to move twice in such a short period of time, but I would just avoid unpacking anything but necessities at the rental. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldberry Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 When we moved to Colorado we did the RV thing. It worked well for us. We did not feel pressured to find a place and could learn the area a bit. I vote either RV or a 6-12 month lease. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.... Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 (edited) We sold our house in Missouri and are moving to Dallas--ok--north of Dallas. We are looking for acreage and the things we are looking for are avaiable but few and far between. We need time! We have looked into renting houses or apartments and -- short term--there is nothing. No one wants to rent short term. Long term hotel with 4 kids, two dogs and three cats--8 grand a month! Does any one have any ideas? We would rather not settle until we find the right home and the summer is just ramping up so we really don't want to rent a house or apartment for 6 months or a year--the right house is right around the corner! We just do need to go somewhere! Any thoughts or ideas? I am getting too old for this! We moved here from Missouri about 6 years ago for a job relocation. We felt the same way and tried to buy a house right away. It fell through and we are so glad it did. I absolutely hate that area now that I've been here awhile. We ended up renting a house for a year and learned a lot about the area in that time. I didn't think it was possible, but someone actually rented to us with 3 dogs, a snake, 4 kids and 2 adults. And they actually liked us as tenants! Yeah... :mellow: I think we paid $1100 a month for rent. After one year, it was just a month to month lease. If you're looking to buy land, you really need to be aware that (compared to MO) they have weird zoning stuff here because of the Barnett Shale. We tried to buy land, too and completely gave up (and we were diehard horse people in MO). It's really hard to buy property where you own the mineral rights and a lot of the properties we looked at had pipes running everywhere underneath the property, so we couldn't build on it. Also research the gas well thing. When we rented, we had no clue what all the Barnett Shale stuff was all about and we rented somewhere surrounded by 6 gas wells. I'm not trying to be melodramatic, but I literally had a pounding headache for 6 months (I guess one month for each gas well - lol) after we moved in. My son (who was about 7 at the time) was having constant nosebleeds/headaches. Our neighbor ended up with cancer. After we moved, the nosebleeds/headaches mysteriously stopped. Just saying, anywhere else I would say, "Buy!", but here it would be a good idea to get to know the area first so you don't end up with something you're not happy with. Also, be aware there is construction everywhere! I have never seen anything like it. GPS doesn't always work, so I would double check stuff when you're traveling here. Good luck! It's very different here than Missouri (I miss MO- lol). Edited May 7, 2016 by Evanthe 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.... Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 You may want to head for the Sherman, TX area, on U.S. 75... I would kill to live up there! *ahem* metaphorically, not literally! :tongue_smilie: The best fishing ever! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.... Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 I'm not sure how the market is where you are looking, but my BIL/SIL are house hunting in the Dallas suburbs and it's crazy. They sold their townhouse in like 2 days but have been outbid on every house they've put an offer on. They are going to end up renting for a year because they can't close on a house before they have to move. So if the market is similar, it may take you longer to close on a house there than you think. It might be better to have a year long cushion to research and then complete a purchase. Yeah, the houses in our subdivision are selling instantly, too (we're on the FW side). I only owe $137,000 for my house and it appraised for $225,000. Everybody is moving here. I've noticed everyone we meet is from California. There must be a ton of people from CA moving here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mominco Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 OP where are you looking,Dallas area is huge so any specific areas? I think Lanny said Sherman I would agree. Traffic has gotten crazy and of course like PP said we have a lot of ppl moving in from CA. The area the Toyota folks are looking at is Plano. Coppell is another area where the houses are selling quick. You said your DH will be working from home so can you pick a house for 3 moths in any of the decent suburbs and then buy? Look at Allen,Mckinney and Frisco.GL ping me if you need more info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momma H Posted May 8, 2016 Author Share Posted May 8, 2016 Thank you all for your replies! I have been at my daughter's play for the last couple of days and kind of got sidetracked. I am liking the idea of a 6 month lease. That met be good with a clause to break it and pay a penalty. Still having zero luck on a three month lease. We are looking at Gunter, VanAlstyne south to McKinney, Parker, Allen etc and all that area where there is a little bit of room. In Gunter/VanAlstyne there are still houses that don't actually go under contract the second they hit the market. It is nice, you have like a whole week before they go under contract! However, we want a bunch of nice stuff (shop, pool, guest quarters) and we want it all for cheaper than it generally comes at. 😂😂. We have seen a couple with what we want and at the price we want to pay but it was before we had our sea legs and knew what area we wanted to be in. We will see what happens! My husband said a big NO on the RV. So, we are still looking and praying. I am excited to get there. I am not sure why it is so darn popular there but I do like what is there and the people seem very cool so, yay! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 When we've moved to a new state/area, the best thing we've done is rent for 6-12 months before buying. You really are able to take your time and get to know the area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxbridgeacademy Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 Won't College be out around then? You may be able to find a short term sublease from someone desperate to save $$. Not sure about the pets though. Could the wage earner go there and stay in a studio/short term (extended stay type place) while the rest went to stay with family :ack2: (yeah, I know) or someplace short term near family? When the kids were little and we had no pets we sent the kids to my sister and DH and I camped for a couple weeks while looking for a place... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 Won't College be out around then? You may be able to find a short term sublease from someone desperate to save $$. Not sure about the pets though. Could the wage earner go there and stay in a studio/short term (extended stay type place) while the rest went to stay with family :ack2: (yeah, I know) or someplace short term near family? When the kids were little and we had no pets we sent the kids to my sister and DH and I camped for a couple weeks while looking for a place... dsil moved to the area in January. he stayed in a room on a airbnb rental. (it was a grandma renting a room out of her house.) dd joined him for a couple weeks before their condo was available. they've been suggesting it for niece's dh - he has to be near the airport, but he may end up with them for a week or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.... Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 We are looking at Gunter, VanAlstyne south to McKinney, Parker, Allen etc and all that area where there is a little bit of room. I am not sure why it is so darn popular there but I do like what is there and the people seem very cool so, yay! It will be easier now that you have a specific area you're looking in. When you're looking, factor in traffic to get to work. When we first moved here, we were looking in this huge radius from my husband's work. After experiencing the traffic and construction, we were really forced to narrow our search. It's popular here because there are actually jobs. :sad: Before we moved, we looked for almost a year in MO for a job and couldn't find one. All the big companies had shut down. There are tons of manufacturing/construction companies here and like someone mentioned Toyota just moved their California headquarters here. There's no state income tax, real estate is very cheap and the government is very good at attracting companies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kesmom Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 I would also go for a 6-12 month lease. It can take at least that long to find a house around here. Our neighbors just sold in a day or two and got a cash offer $15k over asking price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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