Advice for hunting for NYC apts Forum

[Anonymous User]

Have a couple questions having never searched for apts in NYC. I'm sure others have questions too, feel free to post them in my thread

1) Is there any benefit to not using a broker if the firm covers the broker fee?
2) When should I start looking if I want to move in Oct 1?
3) Is it possible to find a good studio for under $2500 in the East village? By good I mean, no cockroaches, not on the 6th floor without an elevator, decent appliances, etc

TY

[2014]

Have a couple questions having never searched for apts in NYC. I'm sure others have questions too, feel free to post them in my thread

1) Is there any benefit to not using a broker if the firm covers the broker fee?
2) When should I start looking if I want to move in Oct 1?
3) Is it possible to find a good studio for under $2500 in the East village? By good I mean, no cockroaches, not on the 6th floor without an elevator, decent appliances, etc

TY

Tax hit on brokers fee is ~25%

Week of 9/1

No

[misterjames]

Have a couple questions having never searched for apts in NYC. I'm sure others have questions too, feel free to post them in my thread

1) Is there any benefit to not using a broker if the firm covers the broker fee?
2) When should I start looking if I want to move in Oct 1?
3) Is it possible to find a good studio for under $2500 in the East village? By good I mean, no cockroaches, not on the 6th floor without an elevator, decent appliances, etc

TY

1) No, the only downside to a broker is the fee. If you have a good one they're generally very helpful.

2) You should definitely be researching ahead of time (like start sometime in the next couple months) so you know what you want. But for appointments, first week of September.

3) Yes absolutely. In fact for $2500 you can probably snag a good 1br. Check out padmapper.com, very useful

[Anonymous User]

Have a couple questions having never searched for apts in NYC. I'm sure others have questions too, feel free to post them in my thread

1) Is there any benefit to not using a broker if the firm covers the broker fee?
2) When should I start looking if I want to move in Oct 1?
3) Is it possible to find a good studio for under $2500 in the East village? By good I mean, no cockroaches, not on the 6th floor without an elevator, decent appliances, etc

TY

1) No, the only downside to a broker is the fee. If you have a good one they're generally very helpful.

2) You should definitely be researching ahead of time (like start sometime in the next couple months) so you know what you want. But for appointments, first week of September.

3) Yes absolutely. In fact for $2500 you can probably snag a good 1br. Check out padmapper.com, very useful

I've looked at the various sites and there do seem to be a lot of good options but ive been told not to trust the ads cause they are all lies.

[misterjames]

Have a couple questions having never searched for apts in NYC. I'm sure others have questions too, feel free to post them in my thread

1) Is there any benefit to not using a broker if the firm covers the broker fee?
2) When should I start looking if I want to move in Oct 1?
3) Is it possible to find a good studio for under $2500 in the East village? By good I mean, no cockroaches, not on the 6th floor without an elevator, decent appliances, etc

TY

1) No, the only downside to a broker is the fee. If you have a good one they're generally very helpful.

2) You should definitely be researching ahead of time (like start sometime in the next couple months) so you know what you want. But for appointments, first week of September.

3) Yes absolutely. In fact for $2500 you can probably snag a good 1br. Check out padmapper.com, very useful

I've looked at the various sites and there do seem to be a lot of good options but ive been told not to trust the ads cause they are all lies.

Well the rule of thumb is don't be an idiot. If you see a gorgeous, totally renovated 2 br in the east village for $1000/month, yeah it's a scam. By and large though online postings are legit. A lot of people here use craigslist for apartment hunting (i did, 3 times actually). Number one rule: don't EVER hand over any money until you've seen the apartment and signed the lease. do yourself a favor and do a google search for any broker you commit to. like i said, just don't be an idiot.

[Pokemon]

Have a couple questions having never searched for apts in NYC. I'm sure others have questions too, feel free to post them in my thread

1) Is there any benefit to not using a broker if the firm covers the broker fee?
2) When should I start looking if I want to move in Oct 1?
3) Is it possible to find a good studio for under $2500 in the East village? By good I mean, no cockroaches, not on the 6th floor without an elevator, decent appliances, etc

TY

Tax hit on brokers fee is ~25%

Week of 9/1

No

Agree on 2 and 3. No idea about the broker's fee but also some bigger buildings pay for it if you do not want to go through firm

[NYC2012]

.

[Cellar-door]

You should be able to get something under $2500 in E.V. that is decent. That's just above the average cost of a studio in a non-doorman building in E.V.
http://www.mns.com/manhattan_rental_market_report
It won't be fancy in terms of building ammenities and it'll be small but yes you can probably find something. If you don't care about the tax hit on the broker then they'll probably be able to find you something easier than you will yourself.

[AOT]

Streeteasy and naked apartments are both pretty good. I've been apartment hunting in NYC recently, and they have a great selection.

[Anonymous User]

2500?!?! I'm here thinking i wont spend more than 1700

[WokeUpInACar]

2500?!?! I'm here thinking i wont spend more than 1700

Lolwut. In Manhattan?

[Tls2016]

If you aren't familiar with NYC a firm paid for broker might be worth it. It should save you time and help you get in to better buildings. A lot of New Yorkers use brokers: a friend who has lived here for years just used one to get a solid one bedroom in a newly renovated building. It wasn't essential that he use a broker but he got a good place using one. He had his choice of apartments as the brokers got access first.

You might have to adjust your expectations and a broker can help with that too.

[Anonymous User]

2500?!?! I'm here thinking i wont spend more than 1700

Lolwut. In Manhattan?

yea upper east side studio or sunny/rego/forest 1 bedroom

[2014]

2500?!?! I'm here thinking i wont spend more than 1700

Lolwut. In Manhattan?

yea upper east side studio or sunny/rego/forest 1 bedroom

Uh if by Upper East you mean like above 100th and several avenues off of 3rd then by all means fire away.

[Anonymous User]

.

[Biglaw1990]

.

[Pokemon]

What is the point of moving so far up in Manhattan when you can easily move to areas of queens or bk that are closer to your office and in many cases nicer.

[smdpnp]

If you aren't familiar with NYC a firm paid for broker might be worth it.

Oh cool, didn't know that was a thing.

[Anonymous User]

Anybody have any advice/opinions on going the roommate route? Living alone is obviously ideal but circumstances dictate that I try to keep expenses as low as possible and I can't see myself shelling out $2400+ a month for a studio.

[5ky]

If you aren't familiar with NYC a firm paid for broker might be worth it.

Oh cool, didn't know that was a thing.

note though (as mentioned above) that you will have to pay taxes on that. it's not an insubstantial hit.

[UnfrozenCaveman]

Just expect, you know, everyone to condescendingly tell you two things.

1) your budget is not high enough (you should consider commuting 2 hrs a day at that budget)
2) the market moves too quick for lowly, sloth-like non-NYers not used to its pace

[RaceJudicata]

Just expect, you know, everyone to condescendingly tell you two things.

1) your budget is not high enough (you should consider commuting 2 hrs a day at that budget)
2) the market moves too quick for lowly, sloth-like non-NYers not used to its pace

They will certainly tell you both of these things. However, your budget is fine. However, they are dead accurate that the market moves too quickly. Always bring a checkbook and be ready to make your deposits on the spot.

[5ky]

Just expect, you know, everyone to condescendingly tell you two things.

1) your budget is not high enough (you should consider commuting 2 hrs a day at that budget)
2) the market moves too quick for lowly, sloth-like non-NYers not used to its pace

They will certainly tell you both of these things. However, your budget is fine. However, they are dead accurate that the market moves too quickly. Always bring a checkbook and be ready to make your deposits on the spot.

You'll need more than your checkbook, though. Depending on the apt, you could need historical tax returns, three recent paystubs or a letter on official letterhead stating your salary and that you will be joining firm, reference letter from previous landlord, copies of bank accounts showing balances, etc.

[Kratos]

Anybody have any advice/opinions on going the roommate route? Living alone is obviously ideal but circumstances dictate that I try to keep expenses as low as possible and I can't see myself shelling out $2400+ a month for a studio.

What kind of advice or opinions are you looking for? Like finding roommates or just general thoughts on living with people in NYC?

[Anonymous User]

Anybody have any advice/opinions on going the roommate route? Living alone is obviously ideal but circumstances dictate that I try to keep expenses as low as possible and I can't see myself shelling out $2400+ a month for a studio.

What kind of advice or opinions are you looking for? Like finding roommates or just general thoughts on living with people in NYC?

Both. I'm still trying to weigh my options. I'd initially be living in the North Bronx (sucks but I don't have much of a choice) and would stay there as long as I could stand it to save on cash.