Saturday, June 4, 2011
Interesting Craigs List posts
http://www.myhousenyc.com/
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/fee/2420621118.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/fee/2420621118.html
Sunday, May 29, 2011
APARTMENT SEVEN $2200/3 bed
This is the best apartment that I've visited by far, and the only one I saw tonight really within our price range. The rent is $2200 a month, and it's three bedrooms, but the rooms vary in size from Large (master bed with 1/2 bath and own ac unit), Medium (can still fit queen bed), to Small (full bed), so the rent will probably need to be graduated accordingly. However, even the small room is still pretty standard size for NYC, and the advantage of it is that it is located on the opposite side of the apartment as the other two rooms and has a view of the park. So, without further ado, here is the apartment:
Pros
- Location: this baby is located just a few blocks from the N/Q and is right in the middle of Ditmars, which is a pretty amazing place to live. (Think young people, gyms, 24 hour grocery, cafes, etc), and it is also right across from a park. The neighborhood is extremely safe and convenient.
- Price: This is probably the cheapest thing that I've seen so far, especially for how incredibly large this apartment is. I would almost bet that it's 1000 square feet.
- Multiple bathrooms: While it's only 1 and 1/2, let's be real, having an extra toilet in the apartment is always a positive thing, even though it's in one of the bedroom (hopefully we'll all love each other enough not to care)
- HUGE living room/dining room/kitchen: Since all of us are pretty social, I think it's important that we have a decent sized entertaining space, and this place offers it.
- The living room and the master bed have AC units in them already, which is 2 less that have to be bought. Also, all of the bedrooms have ceiling fans, which is awesome!
- All utilities included except electricity/cable, which is total within our control, which is nice.
- Pet friendly and parking!
Cons
- Stairs: This apartment is a 3rd story walkup, but, honestly, I didn't even notice. The stairs are pretty short, and it's definitely not the most glamorous hallway area, but the inside of the apt definitely makes up for it.
- 3rd Roommate: If Chelsey isn't going to be able to make the commute (I hope she can!) we will have to find someone else, though, at this price/location, I really don't think that will take more than a day.
Now, I know I didn't have a lot of negative things to say, but, this is definitely the best thing in our price range that I've seen so far. Definitely don't let my enthusiasm sway you, if this isn't the place for us, then it just isn't, and we'll keep looking, because we do have a little bit of time. Iman (the agent) explained to me that with rentals, a landlord can list it with an infinite amount of realty companies, and that's why they go so quickly in Astoria, b/c each company is showing 2/3 people the apartment a day. Essentially, this place will probably be signed for by Wednesday, so definitely look at the pictures, decide what you think, and if it's not our place, then definitely keep Iman in mind, because she was 1. on time 2. showed me lots of apartments (4!), 3. was very professional
I'm going to email you her phone number so that you can contact her with a decision or to set up more appointments at your convenience. There was a 2 bed for $1600 that she really wanted to show us, but the guy wasn't available today and I'm swamped tomorrow, so maybe you can talk to her about seeing it later in the week...idk. Anyways, hope this helped!
Pros
- Location: this baby is located just a few blocks from the N/Q and is right in the middle of Ditmars, which is a pretty amazing place to live. (Think young people, gyms, 24 hour grocery, cafes, etc), and it is also right across from a park. The neighborhood is extremely safe and convenient.
- Price: This is probably the cheapest thing that I've seen so far, especially for how incredibly large this apartment is. I would almost bet that it's 1000 square feet.
- Multiple bathrooms: While it's only 1 and 1/2, let's be real, having an extra toilet in the apartment is always a positive thing, even though it's in one of the bedroom (hopefully we'll all love each other enough not to care)
- HUGE living room/dining room/kitchen: Since all of us are pretty social, I think it's important that we have a decent sized entertaining space, and this place offers it.
- The living room and the master bed have AC units in them already, which is 2 less that have to be bought. Also, all of the bedrooms have ceiling fans, which is awesome!
- All utilities included except electricity/cable, which is total within our control, which is nice.
- Pet friendly and parking!
Cons
- Stairs: This apartment is a 3rd story walkup, but, honestly, I didn't even notice. The stairs are pretty short, and it's definitely not the most glamorous hallway area, but the inside of the apt definitely makes up for it.
- 3rd Roommate: If Chelsey isn't going to be able to make the commute (I hope she can!) we will have to find someone else, though, at this price/location, I really don't think that will take more than a day.
Now, I know I didn't have a lot of negative things to say, but, this is definitely the best thing in our price range that I've seen so far. Definitely don't let my enthusiasm sway you, if this isn't the place for us, then it just isn't, and we'll keep looking, because we do have a little bit of time. Iman (the agent) explained to me that with rentals, a landlord can list it with an infinite amount of realty companies, and that's why they go so quickly in Astoria, b/c each company is showing 2/3 people the apartment a day. Essentially, this place will probably be signed for by Wednesday, so definitely look at the pictures, decide what you think, and if it's not our place, then definitely keep Iman in mind, because she was 1. on time 2. showed me lots of apartments (4!), 3. was very professional
I'm going to email you her phone number so that you can contact her with a decision or to set up more appointments at your convenience. There was a 2 bed for $1600 that she really wanted to show us, but the guy wasn't available today and I'm swamped tomorrow, so maybe you can talk to her about seeing it later in the week...idk. Anyways, hope this helped!
What to do...what to do..
Ah, it's getting to be crunch time!
So, Amy, essentially, I'm looking at a few apartments when I get off from work tonight, but I'm working a double tomorrow and then leaving Tuesday for my brother's graduation and I won't be back until Saturday.
What I'm going to say is: I trust you. And what I mean by that is, is that if you make some appointments to see places this week, and you find something that you think will suit us for a great price, then just get it. I can fax you all of my information they'll need for the application, my guarantor form, and then my deposit. I'm coming back the 4th and then I'm working 60+ hours that week (to help pay for the move, etc), so I'm just ready to get something that way we can prepare for our moooooove!
So, yeah, I'm looking tonight, if I don't see anything, I'm going to give this broker your info because she's pretty determined to find us something, haha, otherwise, I'm leaving it in your hands until my return, and if you have to pounce on something, then, by all means, POUNCE AWAY!
SMOOCHES,
Victoria
So, Amy, essentially, I'm looking at a few apartments when I get off from work tonight, but I'm working a double tomorrow and then leaving Tuesday for my brother's graduation and I won't be back until Saturday.
What I'm going to say is: I trust you. And what I mean by that is, is that if you make some appointments to see places this week, and you find something that you think will suit us for a great price, then just get it. I can fax you all of my information they'll need for the application, my guarantor form, and then my deposit. I'm coming back the 4th and then I'm working 60+ hours that week (to help pay for the move, etc), so I'm just ready to get something that way we can prepare for our moooooove!
So, yeah, I'm looking tonight, if I don't see anything, I'm going to give this broker your info because she's pretty determined to find us something, haha, otherwise, I'm leaving it in your hands until my return, and if you have to pounce on something, then, by all means, POUNCE AWAY!
SMOOCHES,
Victoria
UPDATES
So, believe it or not, I've actually been to see a shit load of apartments, both fee and non fee. None of them were either available when we needed them (they needed immediate occupancy), they were a little out of our ideal price range ($850 or more), or they just weren't ideal, BUT the ones that ARE perfect for us are definitely out there, they just need to be filled right away. Essentially, after talking to many brokers, I get the idea that you go see a place and if you like it, you fill out your app, your credit check, and put down your deposit immediately. If all goes well, you move in the next day or so. For me, it seems like we're cutting it close, but in reality, I guess this is just what people do (weird).
Because I'm going away this week, I'm just going to trust your judgment Amy. If you see the perfect apartment for us, and you can see us living there and being happy, then just get it. I really am not very picky, I just want it affordable, safe, and commutable. Layout, space, etc, all of that is pretty negotiable. Please make sure to mention to anyone that is hesitant about Miss Daisy that she is crate trained (ie: she's in her crate when no one is home), she's full-grown, 17 lbs, quiet, house trained, and I'm willing to pay an extra pet deposit if necessary (up to $350).
Here is a little of what I've seen so far, just to give you some ideas. I've uploaded an organized them on my photobucket, so just visit the links below to see the photos:
Apartment One $1600
This apartment was located 2 block from the N/Q at the last stop (Astoria-Ditmars), which makes it about a 15 minute ride from Midtown. It's close to the train, to laundromats, grocery stores, lots of Greek restaurants, etc. This area of Astoria is a little more family oriented, but just one stop away is all of the cool shops, etc that the area is known for. This was on the street level of a 4 family house, so it wasn't in a big, impersonal building. However, the common area was very small, and the price was $1600, which seemed a bit much for what we were getting.
Pros: Close to train, close to laundry/restaurants, safe neighborhood, lots of street parking, allows dogs, bedrooms are on opposite sides of the apartment, no broker's fee
Cons: Apartment is a little small for the price, common area is way too small, not in the middle of all the young people.
Apartment Two $1450
The great thing about this apartment is, obviously, the price. It was shown to me by the same broker as the first and is available whenever we would like. It has a pretty great sized common area, lots of closet space, and is generally well laid out. Both rooms are decently sized, though one is smaller than the other and lacks a closet (though there are lots of hall closets to make up for it). The room are side by side, and the apartment is located almost directly across the street from the first one, still right off the N/Q at the Astoria-Ditmars stop.
Pros: Again location, large living/dining area, all appliances included, street parking, lots of closet space, cheap rent, pet friendly
Cons: The biggest problem with the apartment is that it is below street level. While there are windows, they only show the top of people's feet.
Apartment Three $1500
This is a no-fee owner rented apartment located about three block from the N/Q at Astoria/Ditmars. Clearly, the most obvious advantage is the cost, so I went to go see it.
Pros: Location (close to the train and near shops), owner owned/maintained, month-to-month lease option, lots of street parking, pet friendly
Cons: No oven, Location (right next to Astoria Blvd highway), very small common area and fairly small bedrooms
Apartment Four $1700
This apartment was absolutely beautiful. It's located in a really great part of Astoria, right between 28th and 30th Ave, which anyone will tell you is the place to live. It's on a nice residential street with very pretty, well-kept buildings, and the apartment itself is one of four, though it has the entire 3rd story to itself. It has been gut-renovated, so everything in it is brand new. This apartment is also pet friendly.
Pros: Beautiful apartment, brand new everything, very large common space, very nice balcony that runs the length of the apartment, has a great set up for entertaining, etc
Cons: Second bedroom is really a home office, much smaller than first, which makes the price a bit high for what we're getting
Apartment Five $1750
This apartment was amazingly large and is located right in Astoria, two blocks from the N/Q at the Astoria/Ditmars stop. It's a little messy because the current tenants are...idk, messy, but it has an enormous amount of space, which could make it awesome. Downside is, of course, that it is a little pricey.
Pros: Very large space and beautiful kitchen, location, commutable, pet friendly
Cons: A little pricey, the landlord is a little old and stuffy, so he might not be party friendly, apartment isn't technically available until July 1st, though the landlord is sure he could kick out the guy early if we definitely want it.
Apartment Six $1600
This apartment is located in a similar building as the one above, so essentially everything is the same. The only difference is that one of the bedrooms is this apartment doesn't have a closet, but there are also a lot more closets out in the common area. This apartment is $50 more a month, but it's not in the same building as the landlord, so parties might be a bit more possible.
Pros/Cons are essentially the same as the apartment above
Because I'm going away this week, I'm just going to trust your judgment Amy. If you see the perfect apartment for us, and you can see us living there and being happy, then just get it. I really am not very picky, I just want it affordable, safe, and commutable. Layout, space, etc, all of that is pretty negotiable. Please make sure to mention to anyone that is hesitant about Miss Daisy that she is crate trained (ie: she's in her crate when no one is home), she's full-grown, 17 lbs, quiet, house trained, and I'm willing to pay an extra pet deposit if necessary (up to $350).
Here is a little of what I've seen so far, just to give you some ideas. I've uploaded an organized them on my photobucket, so just visit the links below to see the photos:
Apartment One $1600
This apartment was located 2 block from the N/Q at the last stop (Astoria-Ditmars), which makes it about a 15 minute ride from Midtown. It's close to the train, to laundromats, grocery stores, lots of Greek restaurants, etc. This area of Astoria is a little more family oriented, but just one stop away is all of the cool shops, etc that the area is known for. This was on the street level of a 4 family house, so it wasn't in a big, impersonal building. However, the common area was very small, and the price was $1600, which seemed a bit much for what we were getting.
Pros: Close to train, close to laundry/restaurants, safe neighborhood, lots of street parking, allows dogs, bedrooms are on opposite sides of the apartment, no broker's fee
Cons: Apartment is a little small for the price, common area is way too small, not in the middle of all the young people.
Apartment Two $1450
The great thing about this apartment is, obviously, the price. It was shown to me by the same broker as the first and is available whenever we would like. It has a pretty great sized common area, lots of closet space, and is generally well laid out. Both rooms are decently sized, though one is smaller than the other and lacks a closet (though there are lots of hall closets to make up for it). The room are side by side, and the apartment is located almost directly across the street from the first one, still right off the N/Q at the Astoria-Ditmars stop.
Pros: Again location, large living/dining area, all appliances included, street parking, lots of closet space, cheap rent, pet friendly
Cons: The biggest problem with the apartment is that it is below street level. While there are windows, they only show the top of people's feet.
Apartment Three $1500
This is a no-fee owner rented apartment located about three block from the N/Q at Astoria/Ditmars. Clearly, the most obvious advantage is the cost, so I went to go see it.
Pros: Location (close to the train and near shops), owner owned/maintained, month-to-month lease option, lots of street parking, pet friendly
Cons: No oven, Location (right next to Astoria Blvd highway), very small common area and fairly small bedrooms
Apartment Four $1700
This apartment was absolutely beautiful. It's located in a really great part of Astoria, right between 28th and 30th Ave, which anyone will tell you is the place to live. It's on a nice residential street with very pretty, well-kept buildings, and the apartment itself is one of four, though it has the entire 3rd story to itself. It has been gut-renovated, so everything in it is brand new. This apartment is also pet friendly.
Pros: Beautiful apartment, brand new everything, very large common space, very nice balcony that runs the length of the apartment, has a great set up for entertaining, etc
Cons: Second bedroom is really a home office, much smaller than first, which makes the price a bit high for what we're getting
Apartment Five $1750
This apartment was amazingly large and is located right in Astoria, two blocks from the N/Q at the Astoria/Ditmars stop. It's a little messy because the current tenants are...idk, messy, but it has an enormous amount of space, which could make it awesome. Downside is, of course, that it is a little pricey.
Pros: Very large space and beautiful kitchen, location, commutable, pet friendly
Cons: A little pricey, the landlord is a little old and stuffy, so he might not be party friendly, apartment isn't technically available until July 1st, though the landlord is sure he could kick out the guy early if we definitely want it.
Apartment Six $1600
This apartment is located in a similar building as the one above, so essentially everything is the same. The only difference is that one of the bedrooms is this apartment doesn't have a closet, but there are also a lot more closets out in the common area. This apartment is $50 more a month, but it's not in the same building as the landlord, so parties might be a bit more possible.
Pros/Cons are essentially the same as the apartment above
Friday, May 13, 2011
Here's to the hunt!
So, I've made this blog because I figured it would be easier for us to post pictures, etc as we actually go and see the apartments and to compare and contrast them. I'm telling my landlord on the 15th (in 2 days!! AHH!!) that I am going to be moving out in 30 days, which is a pretty scary thing since we don't have an apartment yet and I may potentially be homeless (haha). Let's hope that it doesn't come to that.
What I also know is that most places aren't really showing apartments for June 15th yet. Mid month renting is always kind of weird, but, I've started looking anyway because, I figured, if we found the right one and gave them our cash, they might be a bit flexible with us. We'll see.
Now, onto important matters. There are basically 3 areas of the city that we can afford to live in Queens, Brooklyn, and Upper Manhattan. Now, currently living in Queens, I have a generally good idea about the area, so I can pretty much see where an apartment is listed and know whether or not it's even worth touring. Brooklyn and Upper Manhattan I'm a little more clueless about. To help us with this, I introduce maps:
Queens
Now, from looking at this map, you may have noticed that Queens is a rather large bit of land with quite a few neighborhoods. What I will tell you is that, even though Jackson Heights looks like it's not that far away, due to train availability and crowds, it's still about a 45 minute commute. Ouch. So the only neighborhoods we're really interested in this area are: Hunter's Point, Astoria (Steinway), Ditmars (Broadway), Long Island City (Vernon-Jackson), Woodside, and Sunnyside. The great thing is that pretty much all of Queens is a SAFE neighborhood, but the downside is that outside of these areas it's very heavily ethnic and family oriented, so not a lot of cool, young peeps or stores unless we stick to what I've listed. By far, these neighboorhoods have the best commute. Due to the sheer number of EXPRESS trains that are available in Queens, almost all of these areas offer a 15 minute ride to Mid-town Manhattan.
Brooklyn
Now here is lovely Brooklyn. Again, very large. And here it what it means:
Now, all kidding aside, this tends to be pretty accurate. The plus side about Brooklyn is that a lot of young, cool people live there. The downside? Parts of it are legitimately unsafe. Essentially, these are the neighborhoods I've been told by Brooklyn-ites are A-Okay: Park Slope (pricey), Kensington, Flatbush, Midwood, Windsor Terrace, Williamsburg, Greenpoint. The ones that you might be able to live in, but it really depends on a case-by-case basis are Bushwick and Prospect Heights. And then ones to definitely avoid are Bedstuy and Crown Heights. Essentially the rule is Ocean Parkway for the WIN! and Ocean Avenue if you want to die.
The major downside of Brooklyn is the commute. None of the trains (except the 1 and the Q which are in the sketchier neighborhoods) are express in Brooklyn, and you will undoubtedly have to transfer at some point during your commute. Average commute time for most people is about 30-45 minutes.
Manhattan
Unfortunately, despite how much time I spend in the place, I really know the least about Manhattan. There are a lot of really awesome areas, but all of them are also very expensive. Really, the only thing that we can afford to look at it Upper Manhattan, Harlem, East Harlem, Washington Heights, etc. Now, everyone will tell you that a really safe street can be back to back with a really unsafe street, and the only way to know where yours lies is to visit it at night. There's a reason why places up here are more affordable, and it's important to keep that in mind. Most people say that as long as you keep along the express train, you're usually okay.
Just some important things to keep in mind when you're looking at ads on Craigslist or in the village voice. We can't possibly go see everything, so, being able to eliminate properties simply by the sketchiness of the neighborhood or by its uncommutability is an important skill to attain.
What I also know is that most places aren't really showing apartments for June 15th yet. Mid month renting is always kind of weird, but, I've started looking anyway because, I figured, if we found the right one and gave them our cash, they might be a bit flexible with us. We'll see.
Now, onto important matters. There are basically 3 areas of the city that we can afford to live in Queens, Brooklyn, and Upper Manhattan. Now, currently living in Queens, I have a generally good idea about the area, so I can pretty much see where an apartment is listed and know whether or not it's even worth touring. Brooklyn and Upper Manhattan I'm a little more clueless about. To help us with this, I introduce maps:
Queens
Brooklyn
Now here is lovely Brooklyn. Again, very large. And here it what it means:
Now, all kidding aside, this tends to be pretty accurate. The plus side about Brooklyn is that a lot of young, cool people live there. The downside? Parts of it are legitimately unsafe. Essentially, these are the neighborhoods I've been told by Brooklyn-ites are A-Okay: Park Slope (pricey), Kensington, Flatbush, Midwood, Windsor Terrace, Williamsburg, Greenpoint. The ones that you might be able to live in, but it really depends on a case-by-case basis are Bushwick and Prospect Heights. And then ones to definitely avoid are Bedstuy and Crown Heights. Essentially the rule is Ocean Parkway for the WIN! and Ocean Avenue if you want to die.
The major downside of Brooklyn is the commute. None of the trains (except the 1 and the Q which are in the sketchier neighborhoods) are express in Brooklyn, and you will undoubtedly have to transfer at some point during your commute. Average commute time for most people is about 30-45 minutes.
Manhattan
Just some important things to keep in mind when you're looking at ads on Craigslist or in the village voice. We can't possibly go see everything, so, being able to eliminate properties simply by the sketchiness of the neighborhood or by its uncommutability is an important skill to attain.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)