How To Find An Apartment In NYC

Finding an apartment in New York is possible. Just do your homework.

We spoke with Alicia Schwartz, she's the director of the rental resource www.HowToRentInNYC.com.

The following is her advice.

Think about hiring a broker. If your time is limited or you've been looking but haven't found the apartment of your dreams, a broker could make the difference. They may end up showing you an apartment you could have found yourself. But keep in mind they can show you places you would never have had access to. But if the thought of paying one really puts you off; usually you pay the equivalent of one month's rent for their services and remember that will be on top of your first and last month's rent and security that you pay upfront. If you're going to be in the apartment for awhile..paying out that money feels less painful.

If you accept the challenge of going it alone..keep the following in mind.

There are no fee websites for management companies where you can see their listings. There's a contact number so you can set up your own appointments to see the places listed. HowToRentInNYC.com has a large list of management companies that you can call directly.
Check out Craigslist.com and Backpages.com. Listings in Manhattan are in Manhattan County. In Brooklyn check Kings County. In the Bronx check Bronx County. Queens is Queens County. Staten Island is Richmond County.

Make sure you check for "owner" listings to avoid brokers.

Walk around the area you want to live in. Go inside, find the plaque that lists the management company. Make friends with the doormen.

They know when an apartment is coming on the market. They can give you a name at the management company or they are probably on a first-name basis with the owner. They know other doormen in other buildings. Be nice to them, if you end up living there you'll be seeing a lot of them.

Call everyone you know. There is always someone trying to sublet, or looking for a roommate. Again, no fee.

Go back to craigslist.com and backpages.com to find people looking for roommates. The thought of living with someone you don't know might creep you out at first but it's a very New York thing to do. Don't be afraid to interview them. And by all means check their history and references.

If you are relocating here be prepared to devote three solid business days. Weekends are probably the most convenient for you but they are not the best time to look for an apartment.

Do your research before you get here..at least one week beforehand.

Set up all your appointments for the first morning you're in the city.

Meet with at least two brokers that first afternoon. This way you can double the listings you'll have access to.

Make sure you have all your paperwork and money in order and bring it with you. This includes your tax returns.

Give yourself about two to three weeks lead time. This will give you the most inventory to look over.

Be flexible. You could decide on an apartment that opens up on the first of the month then negotiate your move-in date for the 15th.

Do your advance work, work like crazy when you get here, and pretty soon you'll be sitting pretty.

For more information:
www.HowToRentInNYC.com
www.craigslist.com
www.backpages.com