When you’re competing with hundreds of other New Yorkers also searching for their perfect home, it can feel like a rambunctious wedding crowd fighting to catch a bride’s bouquet. Even if your house hunting experience is limited, there are some easy ways to stay ahead of the game. Follow our savvy tips, and you’ll soon discover that, with the right street-smarts, the apartment of your dreams might be just around the corner
1. Ease Your Mind, and Stretch Your Legs
Stressed out about finding a new apartment? Maybe what you really need is some fresh air. Try taking a walk around the parts of town you’d like to live in. Scope out areas near the Subway, your job, perhaps even your favorite sushi place. (Hey, everybody has their priorities.) Keep an eye out for “For Rent” signs: a house hunter’s best friend. Many happy renters stumbled on their apartment by pure dumb luck. (Or fate, but hey, let’s not get too existential!) So stroll around the right places, and let destiny do its job! Also, never walk by a local bulletin board without checking it for new listings. Staying well-informed is the key to snagging an apartment before the next hopeful tenant.
2. Phone-a-Friend
You go to your friends, family, and coworkers when you need to find a good dentist or a cheap plumber. So, why not give that old-fashioned word-of-mouth a try as you search for a new apartment? Asking around can be enormously helpful, especially if you’re not looking to sacrifice Happy Hours to pay that pricey brokers’ fee. Take advantage of your job connections, and see if some strategic schmoozing yields any pertinent news. Also, let all your friends know you’re on the hunt. (After you listen to the latest problem with their love lives, of course!) What are friends for, if not to be your stand-in brokers? Just be sure to celebrate their free labor with a fun housewarming party!
3. Don’t Play the Fool
Don’t let anybody treat you like a novice, even if you are one! Now’s the time to acquire some real-estate savvy. Talk to friends who have recently signed a lease, and get an idea of what they paid. Also, stay updated on prices in the classifieds so that you know what range to expect. That way, no smooth talking real estate agent can pull one over on you.
4. Window- Shop from Your Chair
Make checking the classified ads your new Facebook stalking! When you’re slacking off at work on a Friday afternoon, take a few minutes to scope out the latest happenings on the New York realty scene. Check out The Village Voice, Craigslist, and, of course, yours truly. Keep in mind that many newspapers now post their classified ads online (technology wins!) So be sure to look on your local paper’s web site and online message boards. Just don’t get caught by your boss!
5. Make a Wish-List
Sick of doing all the work? Maybe it’s time to let them come to you! If you feel like being a little more hands off, try posting an ad online. Be specific about what you’re looking for, though: you don’t want to waste time fielding messages about places you’re just not that into. Prepare yourself to be bombarded by realtors eager to solve your house-hunting woes. You’ll never feel more popular!
6. Make the First Move
Peruse our property management company reviews. If a company has a clean record, contact them and see if they have any available apartments that meet your criteria. This also gives you a jump start on other apartment-hunters, as most property management companies know about vacant apartments about three months before the tenant moves out. Also, being aggressive eliminates the middle man - the slick realtor- which means no additional fees.
7. Go Straight to the Source
Now’s the time to get friendly. Stop and chat with the doormen at units you’re interested in. Chances are, they’ll be able to give you the inside scoop about the comings and goings on their turf. They’ll also be able to tell you who to contact to pursue available apartments. Small talk’s never been this productive!
8. Stay Close to Home
Sometimes the answers to your house-hunting woes are right in your own backyard…or down the hall; that is. Love your building, neighborhood, and local coffee shop, but looking for a bigger space, more affordable rent, or an apartment that’s not facing a busy street? Hit up your landlord for the latest building gossip. This way, if a tenant with your ideal set-up is heading out, you can get first dibs on their place. Added bonus: your best friends will be more likely to help haul your boxes of shoes and old college textbooks if the new place is just a few floors down.
Apartment hunting doesn’t need to feel like realty limbo! Stay active and knowledgeable. If you reach out to as many landlines as possible, whether they are friends, co-workers, landlords, and doormen, you’ll stay one step ahead of the curve. Don’t get discouraged, and remember that every “For Rent” sign brings you one step closer to finding your new home.
