Apartment Hunting New York

om2020

Streeteasy works great.

zMaverick

Most Helpful

I've moved in NYC a number of times, always trying to avoid a broker, but I find they're embedded in pretty much all buildings with doormen. Best to get approved, then tell the broker that he/she is the sticking point and that you think their base fee (12 or 15% of first year's rent) is too high. If you play it right, they'll will be so ready to make the sale that they'll drop the fee to something lower. I've done this both times I dealt with a broker (12%-->5% one time, but 12%-->8% is more likely). I also think you have more leverage if the building is a pain to apply for. For example a lot of co-ops have extensive applications, reference checks, and do an interview, so getting good and interested candidates isn't as easy as it sounds.

You can avoid brokers with some of the walk-ups / non-doorman buildings. Try NYBits and Craigslist.

Authored by: Certified Private Equity Professional - 1st Year AssociateCertified Private Equity Pro

tds2006

My experience is the opposite, although I don't have any experience with condos/co-ops.

I've always found that for rental doorman buildings, you never need a broker, while for walkups, it's much more likely.

Streeteasy is the site to use these days.

Authored by: Certified Equity Research Professional - Vice PresidentCertified Equity Research Pro

Twinkle

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