RESOURCES
ON THE WEB
Where
Can You Find Apartments
Online?
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The
local papers are a good source of up-to-date information
on the housing market. Unfortunately, citywide newspapers tend
to be Manhattan-centric. If you're looking for housing in the
other boroughs, try and look up the many community papers that
are available in every neighborhood. |
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There
are many free and fee-based real estate listings and online
brokerage firms that cater to your particular need. Many allow
you to search for apartments on their website, while some send
you email messages when they find a place that fits your profile. |
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These
online services specialize in roommate referrals, sublets,
and Bed & Breakfast accommodations. Most major universities
also have housing offices specifically designed to help students
find apartments both on- and off-campus. |
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You
might also want to refer to these general housing resources
during your apartment hunt. |
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How
Do New Yorkers Find Housing?
Finding
an apartment in New York City can be a daunting process.
In today's tight real estate market, stories abound about
apartment hunters seeing scores of units before finding a
suitable one, only to be outbid by a prospective tenant with
check in hand. It is also common to hear anecdotes about
unbelievable deals on centrally-placed apartments found simply
by word of mouth. How do apartment hunters actually find
a place to live in New York City? Check out our Top Ten List
to see the most common ways New Yorkers find apartments: |
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TOP
TEN LIST
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#1: Brokers
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One
of the most common methods of finding an apartment in New York
City is using a real estate broker. If you know what neighborhood
you want to live in, it's usually best to find a broker based
there. Many brokers also have websites where you can view available
apartments, sometimes even with photos and detailed descriptions. |
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#2: Word
of Mouth |
There
is good news for those who would prefer not to pay hefty brokers'
fees: a substantial number of New Yorkers find their units
by word of mouth, mostly from friends, relatives, and co-workers.
If you're looking for an apartment, make sure everyone you
know knows that you're looking. |
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#3: Classified
Ads |
The
third most common method used by recent movers is a classic:
the classified ad. Movers cite using the New York Times, the
Village Voice, the Daily News, local or community papers, and
Newsday. Foreign-language or ethnic
newspapers, such as El Diario and the Jewish Press are also
a good source of classified ads. Many newspapers now post their
classified ads online, so make sure to check out the websites
of local papers and online message boards like newyork.craigslist.org. |
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#4: Walking
Around |
A
small but notable percentage of movers find their apartment
when they simply see a "For
Rent" sign. It can pay to walk around the neighborhood
you want to live in and look around. |
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#5: Housing
Office |
If
you're living here for professional or educational reasons,
don't neglect your organization's housing office or service.
They know what you often don't about renting in New York City
and it's their job to help you find a great new apartment.
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#6: Apartment
Referral Service |
Referral
services are a growing resource that savvy hunters, especially
those who are comfortable searching on the Internet, should
not neglect. For a monthly fee these services will provide
you with a list of no-fee apartment rentals as they become
available. |
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#7: Finding
a Vacant Apartment in Same Building |
Other
movers find their apartments in the same building in
which they already live. Be proactive and talk to neighbors,
doormen, supers, landlords, and/or management company to see
if another apartment is available in the same building. |
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#8: Going
on Waiting Lists |
Affordable
housing is often offered through waiting lists or application
lotteries. If you have time before you need to move, put your
name on waiting
lists and/or fill out applications for affordable housing through
the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development
(HPD), the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC)
or the NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA). |
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#9: Community
Groups |
You
may occasionally find housing
through local government offices or community groups that keep
information on neighborhood housing notices. |
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#10: Apartment
Guides |
Lastly,
don't forget to rely on resources like our Apartment
Guide. These general references provide information about leases
and other housing issues. |
