My wife and I are moving to another state which is 5 hours away from our current home. She got a job in this state. We aren't very familiar with the state or the surrounding areas.

We'll end up buying a house, but first we would like to learn the area more so we can determine where we want to buy. I'm thinking we should rent for a few months to a year.

Any advice how to get a rental and not get tied into a lease for 12 months? We just want a roof over our heads until we can find and buy a home.

Also finding a rental in another state is tough, we're using craigslist, online ads from their local paper, I'm asking the local chambers of commerce and we're calling real estate agents. We would like to rent a house or townhouse where it's quiet for the time being. Quiet/privacy is important to us.

Any suggestions on finding a rental (house or townhouse)? We need to move in the next 5 weeks.

What makes it tricky is that we have 4 cats, so pets must be allowed.

Can anyone offer any thoughts/ideas that I missed?

Thanks in advance for your help!
James

ps - we are actually renting right now, i'm trying to see if I get the lease extended for 3 months to give me and the cats a place to live while my wife stays in corporate housing in the new state. To give us time to buy a home.

If you'd like a short-term lease, offer more $ per month.

PM'ing you James.