NYC EREers I need your help!

gordy50 · Post by **gordy50** » Sat Oct 01, 2011 6:02 pm

I am relocating to NYC this month and I am STILL looking for an apartment/room *sigh.com*. I have scoured Craig's List daily and found some places but nothing has panned out since prospective roommates want to meet me in person before they agree to renting to me (they won't just take my word for it that I'm cool). I actually understand, since I would want to know in advance if I would be living with someone who has an unhealthy obsession with Care Bears or something (Although, there's nothing wrong with that). My challenge, besides my budget, is that I am out of state and can't view places at a moment's notice. I have decided to fly to NYC sooner to secure something.
My budget is $450-$525. I have been pleasantly surprised by the availability of places on Craig's List within my price range. If I can stay within my budget, my total monthly expenses will be around 1k. Please help me. Let me know of any resources, tips, etc. or if you hear of anything that comes available. In an effort to keep my daily commute manageable, my preference is Brooklyn or Manhattan.

dragoncar · Post by **dragoncar** » Sun Oct 02, 2011 2:53 am

I don't know much about NYC housing, but as for long-distance hunting, this is one time social media can save you. You can offer to friend your prospective roommates on Facebook. That way, they can see that you are normal, have friends, etc. and you can see likewise.

gordy50 · Post by **gordy50** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 3:14 am

Dragoncar: that's a good idea but then if they accept, I would have to find another semi-public forum to vent about my roommates. I kid, I kid.

secretwealth · Post by **secretwealth** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 3:25 am

I'd recommend staying here for a week while you look for a place: http://www.jazzhostels.com/jazzonthelenox.php
There are other cheap hostels, but this is one of the cheapest and is in a safe area in easy commuting distance to Hamilton/Washington heights. It's a pain getting to Brooklyn, however.
It's very difficult getting a place in NYC if you aren't actually there, especially if you want a roommate, and difficult again if you're looking for a place that cheap. Fortunately, you can find a place in a week or two if you go in person.

gordy50 · Post by **gordy50** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 10:52 am

Thanks, secretwealth! In the past, I have stayed at Hosteling International hostels but that place looks great! I am fortunate that I am able to stay with friends for a few days when I arrive. I will keep that place in mind just in case my search is longer than expected as not to overstay my welcome with any of my friends.

secretwealth · Post by **secretwealth** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 10:40 am

If you have a place to stay, then I definitely recommend trying to get a place in person. It's nerve-racking, but NYC real estate being what it is, you really do need to see the place before committing. Also, fortunately it is possible to sort things out fast if you have enough cash. Offering to pay 4 months rent in advance, for example, can speed up the whole application process if you aren't dealing with a broker.

gordy50 · Post by **gordy50** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:11 am

secretwealth, you're absolutely right. It is imperative that I see where I am going to live first hand before committing to a place. I have been so consumed with finding a place within my budget and within my timeframe that I have mentally sacrificed all hopes of finding a place in which I would really enjoy living. Conducting my search in person will give me the freedom to say 'no' and feel like I have options, which is a wonderful thing that I hadn't had before now. I will not pay a broker. I. will. not. pay. a. broker. LOL I have to remind myself. Seriously, I have heard so many horror stories about brokers (some good also) but I just can't pay someone for something that I have the time/ability to do myself. I know they have more resources. Honestly, they would probably consider me to be a waste of time due to my budget.

Hoplite · Post by **Hoplite** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 3:26 pm

You will need to see the place and the people there in person, but you will also need to see the neighborhood, which can vary quite a bit within a block or two. Ideally, a lousy (cheap) building on a good block.

The main consideration though is where you want to commute to--getting from one place to another can be Byzantine but also an opportunity. For example, to midtown Manhattan, the New Jersey shoreline on the Hudson has many shares (often students) and the bus trip is not too bad.

gordy50 · Post by **gordy50** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 2:41 am

Hoplite, thanks for the tip. I actually never considered Jersey but I need to include it in my search. Google maps has been handy for looking at real pictures of neighborhoods.
I booked my flight for Oct. 25th, I'm anxious to find a place. A friend of mine who recently relocated from Chicago said she found a place in one day. Let's hope I have her luck.