BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 03:08 PM

woohootey! she likes her house mates... she's got a job offer.... she's found a fella and most importantly..... she is happy.

thanks all

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: open mike
Date: 03 Jul 10 - 12:02 PM

...best friend of Hilary's sister...in Alexandria or Arlington...is moving to California ....there's an available place there...perhaps they can move in when she moves out..best of luck...to all..

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 01:10 PM

Hilary is all moved into new place. Fingers crossed for her job interviews.

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Janie
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 12:50 PM

Great news!

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 12:22 PM

Good news VT. Happy birthday Hilary.

I am 65 today. It's all downhill now :-)

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 12:19 PM

Good news... L (best friend of Andie) checked a house share in Alexandria and got the rent and deposit down for Hil. 2 guy and 2 girls sharing. Cats welcome. Hil has talked to one of the guys several times. All sorted. She moves on the 30th.

BTW the 21st was Hilary's 26th birthday. She is a soltice baby.

Thanks to all for you input and help.

tamara

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Bobert
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 08:26 AM

Be sure to check out accessabilty to Metro (subway, buses)...

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 05:03 AM

good news on that basement deal.. I would cosign for you on that. Where abouts do they live?

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: mg
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 03:39 AM

I would definitely get a place on my own if I were you because you do not have a job worked out yet..you don't want to be in a financial situation with a lease etc. and a commitment to a roommate, I presume, and you don't know where you will be working..it could be far far away from where you signed the lease. If something inexpensive and temporary came up that was safe and not much else, I would take it until I got a job. And I would not be buying a car for a while so it would need to be near buses etc. I would keep the friend as a friend and not yoke up with her. mg

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Lunarfairy
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 12:24 AM

may be some light old college friend told me that another old college friends parents may be renting out their basement.. i am sick of waiting for corinne if she doesnt set something up with me before i get a place on my own... well then.. yeah.. thanks for everyones help

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Lunarfairy
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 10:09 AM

i thought it would be.. but i am worried about the commute to work for my roomie .. plus other friends say other things..

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 09:52 AM

Takoma Park is mostly a very nice area.

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Lunarfairy
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 07:35 AM

no this one is in alexandria where L's boss lives i was looking at the cheapest all utilites included places.. cause the one place that we did find that C wont commit to would be 1078 plus utilites .. so if you add the utilites to the rent .. it evens out to the rent of other place and you dont have to worry about a huge bill..

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 02:48 AM

fingers crossed for you love. Is this the Tacoma Park one? Is it Tacoma Park DC or Tacoma Park MD?

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Lunarfairy
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 11:37 PM

well we have been roomates before in college.. i called boberts bro he seemed a nice guy.. i also found an opening at a place all utilites included for 1200 (thats what the said on the phone) open july 9th.. and current ga roomie said that if it comes down to that its ok

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 04:33 PM

Good plan. Sometimes the best of friends don't make the best of roommates so this would probably be easiest at least for her, especially since she is not sure where she will be working etc...and everything would be established, utilities, etc.and she would not have to work things out with roommate etc. mg

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 04:24 PM

She plans to do just that if the would be roomie has not made an application by this weekend.

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 04:18 PM

THe easiest thing for them to do would be split up for now and each take a room in an already established apartment or condo where someone is looking for roommates..mg

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 04:11 PM

Thanks Bobert... I am still trying to convince her to call your brother.

Hillie, I think "L" can only mean some parts of MD (just as some parts of VA) are more crime riddled than others. In any case she is moving back to California... How is she going to drag you out of anywhere?

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Bobert
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 07:44 AM

Not to worry, Tam...

My brother is also an actor except the world is his stage... Yer duaghter will find him very warm and interesting...

Tell her to call him today...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Lunarfairy
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 07:39 AM

oh also the friend of my older sis said not to go to MD or actually inside DC cause thats where all of the crime actually is and is she hears about me going to some places.. she will come and drag me out of it

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Lunarfairy
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 07:37 AM

thanks for all of your help.. basicly everything i have looked at is around the same price .. if its really cheap gotta include utilites which makes it around the same price as a expensive rent that includes all the utilites.. except one.. but roomie wont apply cause she thinks we can find something cheaper.. found another ad on craigslist 1200n a month all utlities living above an older man in tocoma park.. and gave a # to call

i reversed the number on 411 gave an addy and a guys name and said he was around 65.. so i called it and a person answered and low and behold it was the same name on 411.. its 18 steps above him private entrance and he knows i have a cat and has been renting the place for 37 years.. only thing is roomie went to MA last friday.. dunno when she is comming back to the area to check it out.. and if it will still be there

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 02:51 AM

Hi Bobert - thanks.

As I said Hil is uber independent but may also be a bit shy about calling a stranger on the advice of another stranger. I am encouraging her to do it. She is an actress by play and her job is phone collections (though she is praying she can get out of that line of work the move up north). No room for shyness in that combination.

That house sounds lovely if it is within striking distance to public transport or is inexpensive enough for her to start buying a car.

BillD see pm.

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Bill D
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 09:52 PM

There are a few more regular Mudcatters in MD, and in general MD is 'easier' to get around, and a bit cheaper, I think..though VA is more the 'in' place to live. In MD, you have more neighborhoods near Metro to choose from on the Red Line. There are places for sale all over right near me (Connecticut & Viers Mill area-- 5 minutes from Wheaton Metro stop), but I don't ordinarily follow rentals.

If they are set on staying on the N.Va. side, I hope someone can help more than I can. I'm going to a meeting in N.Va in a couple days...I'll see if anyone there has ideas.

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Bobert
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 09:10 PM

Ummmm, I gave them my brothers name, whcih BTW is Steve... He is a wheeler dealer real estate broker but has been known to do his brother (me) favors when I'm in a pinch...

BTW, if I am in tune with things there is a very good chance that a very large country home (with lots of bedrooms, a private study and lots of other stuff, might come up...) No promises but I do know a little about that house and it is incredible...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 05:57 PM

if Bobert peeks in, could he please provide his brother's name to Hilary. She is a bit uncomfortable about calling a complete stranger..


"Hi, your bro Bobert told me to get in touch with you. Said you might be able to help me find a place to live in ......"


You get the idea!


The best friend of Hilary's older sister is also on the look out. She lives in Alexandria or Arlington or one of those A named places. She is moving to California very soon, so her time is limited.

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 05:32 PM

they are looking at MD too. But not finding much that meets their specs.

Thanks Susan you're a star.

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 02:37 PM

Tam, no kidding-- we're 5 hours away, but anything she ever needs-- we can go see her. Lemme know, anytime.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: artbrooks
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 08:19 AM

VT, is there some reason that you (or she) are only looking at
VA? I think a lot more Mudcatters live on the MD side, and there must be a reason. If I ever had to move back there (perish the thought), that's where I'd look first.

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 02:16 AM

I have been checking reviews on the major letting companies... Not very good. Many of the properties are riddled with vermin, which might be why so many of them say the gladly welcome cats. More alarming is complaints that management staff go into apartments when tenants are away and rifle through and even steal stuff. Repairs like blocked toilets, leaks, doors falling of hinges are never repaired, some of them in over 3 years of tenancy. Staff is rude, rents are put up as soon as a lase looks to be renewed. The list goes on and on.

I think the girls would be much better off in a privately held townhouse or duplex.

I am trying to convince them to look at Manassas, as it is on the OmniLink and OmniRide and they can get a 3 bed for the price they are willing to pay as 2 people, get another mate in and they will save even more in rent. Hil is up for it but the roomie is hesitant.

Thanks Janie for your input. Now if we can get some DC area mudcatters to tweak on this thread.

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Janie
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 06:18 PM

DC Metro folks,

I suggested VT start this thread based on my own experience of finding good, affordable rental housing options through word-of-mouth. In my mid-20's, was looking for a place that was affordable for my sister and a couple of other friends. We couldn't find anything we could afford in the "for rent" want ads. I let it be known at my workplace that we were looking. A co-worker who was a mere acquaintance told me her sister was moving out of a duplex that was a real deal.

Over the course of 15 years, both units of that duplex stayed rented through word of mouth, and were never advertised. When the people in the downstairs apartment moved out, I told friends, who moved in. When I moved out of the upstairs, another friend moved in. When the downstairs friends moved out, I moved back, only into the downstairs apartment. When I moved out of the downstairs, another friend moved in. When the friends upstairs moved, another set of friends moved in. So it went, until the landlord died. (Although I had moved away from the area, I knew he died because friends were still in the apartments.) It was worth it to him to keep the rents 25% below market value to never experience a vacancy and to know something about the track record of new tenants from current tenants. Had very similar experiences with finding rental housing I could afford through 3 relocations to different cities and/or states.

While you may not know of a good rental deal off the top of your head, if you let it be known among friends, acquaintances and co-workers that some one is looking, you just might learn up some good leads to pass along to VT or her daughter.

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 05:48 PM

Thanks so much Joe... If you think we are confusing virtually, you would be flattened by the reality.

big grin

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Janie
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 05:42 PM

Good job, Joe!

Hope it pays well:;^)

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 04:26 PM

Whew! That was confusing. I think everything is sorted out now. Please use this thread for helping VT find housing in DC for her daughter. The other thread is titled BS: advice needed: daughter moving-is this a scam?.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: advice needed quick daughter moving
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 02:52 PM

Thanks MapleLeaf

Hil and I started 2 separate threads asking for DC area mudcatters advice, leads etc. re housing.

Subject: RE: BS: advice needed quick daughter moving
From: maple_leaf_boy
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 02:50 PM

That's why I was asking about a company name. Killam Properties, for
example is a legitimate company name that has several types of properties for lease in many areas. Try searching for a large company
name.

Subject: RE: BS: 2 mature females need a home soon!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 11:32 AM

she has signed in Gnu... And she has pm'd Bobert.

Subject: RE: BS: 2 mature females need a home soon!
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 11:32 AM

However VT can Pm Bobert with the details.

Subject: RE: BS: 2 mature females need a home soon!
From: gnu
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 11:30 AM

Guests cannot PM.

Subject: RE: BS: 2 mature females need a home soon!
From: Bobert
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 09:34 AM

PM me with yer contact info... I have a few homies in the DC areas that I can put ya'll in touch with that might be able to help...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: GUEST,lunar_fairy
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 08:36 AM

lol i guess i should have read your email more carefully before posting on here.. but yes we need a home! .. i sound like an abandoned puppy.. home townhouse apt anything.. i have posted what we are kinda looking for .. the thread is BS: 2 mature females need a home soon!

Subject: BS: 2 mature females need a home soon!
From: GUEST,lunar_fairy
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 08:32 AM

Ok so here is the deal I live in Augusta Ga atm, and I will have to move out of my place by July 1st. I will be moving up to the Northern Va/ D.C area with a friend that currently lives in the area and has a job. Problem is we can't seem to find a place to live. We are both in our mid 20's and need a place that is 1200 a month or lower. Utilities included is a plus, or at least some of them. The place has to be cat friendly, and would love something with a patio or balcony. I will not have a car so would be great if public trans is close. Please is anybody knows of anything that may help let me know. I am at the point of pulling my hair out ...lol Thanks a bunch!

Subject: BS: VaTam needs DC Metro rental advice
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 07:41 AM

Hi Metro area Mudcatters

I have been advised by Janie to start a thread for my daughter.

Hilary (26 years old) is seeking to move from Augusta GA back up to Northern Virginia. Planning to share house or apartment with friend (definitely 1 girl, may be 1 other) from George Mason university. Hil graduated 3 years ago. She will not have a car so needs good public transport. She also has an indoor cat.

Do any DC, NoVa or MD mudcatters know of people or places in the area who can help these girls get a reasonably priced apartment or house, with good transport links and permits cat? They cannot afford more than about $550 each per month as they also have to pay for food, utilities and transport to work.

Any ideas how these girls can make this dream work?

---

Please use this thread for helping VT find housing in DC for her daughter. The other thread is titled BS: advice needed: daughter moving-is this a scam?.

-Joe Offer-