Actually Finding an Apartment (real estate, apartments, lease)

[candiceb]

Hello all,

Well, I'm actually in the process of trying to find an apartment to live in. I've never really done this by myself before so I don't want to get taken advantage of. I'm also doing this from out of state (currently living in Houston) so that adds a degree of difficulty.

I'm currently looking at the UES as where I want to live. If anyone could recommend a good broker, or if anyone knows real information that they'd like to share, that would be wonderful.

Any other tips on this process would be very helpful. Thanks!

[lhf1979]

Since there are hundreds of brokers, the best thing might be to read what some people have to say in the form of online reviews and so on.

Also you can try looking through online listings such as streeteasy.com or nakedapartments.com. Agents/brokers use those sites among others to post listings.

[jeffcon0]

Not sure what your budget is but if you're looking from out of state I'd strongly consider one of the new(ish) developments that have ample material with which you can judge the space. If you're trusting a broker or looking into typical small walk-up buildings you are leaving a lot to chance as the reality of those units usually differ from the fantasy that agents use to rent them. They could have unique problems that won't be in the ad and you won't know about until you get there.

[nobody69]

Spring and summer is probably two of the most competitive seasons in apartment hunting in NY. I would recommend you fly here for a weekend/week and look yourself. And sign a lease if you find something. Nice apartments without brokers are usually the first to go and get snatched up quickly.

[lhf1979]

also keep in mind that most Manhattan landlords will require proof that you make 40 times the rent.

[Adhom]

Don't trust the apartment pictures you may find on Craigslist. A lot of times they are fake. In fact unless you are able to check out the apartment on your own, assume the pictures you see are fake.

[Kefir King]

There are several very large management companies running hundreds of buildings on the UES. Names escape me, although if you are looking for what is loosely termed 'luxury" you can start by getting in touch with RELATED COMPANIES who hold thousands of apartments.

Related Real Estate, Apartments For Rent & Condos

It might give you some ballpark ideas.

There are many many smaller operations for lesser buildings but I don't have them at my fingertips.

If you deal with a management company directly you may save yourself a hefty broker's fee.

As an out-of-towner you will not find an ideal fit at an ideal price but getting your foot in the door will allow you to do a year's research when you move in and your SECOND choice will be a better one.

[Cida]

Personally, I think it's a mistake to do this long-distance - all the more so since you say you're a novice. And unless you really have money to burn, I'm not sure that a broker is the way to go.

[Joburger]

I am currently going through the same process of apartment hunting! I will let you know if I learn anything...except I am currently doing this from slightly further than you...Africa to be precise...:P

Good luck!

[Kefir King]

Back in the day before all this preposterous overcrowding one could go to almost any city and get a safe, decent, clean room at the local YMCA for peanuts and spend a month or two while he searched after work for a REAL place to live.

But those days are gone.