Tag Archives: broker

The apartment that got away

I know I said I was staying put, but then the rent went up and I started looking around.

The pickings were slim, as always given that it’s NYC, but I kept looking. It seemed like a good opportunity to press RESET, perhaps lower my rent and maybe even go back to Manhattan. As I’ve said, I love Williamsburg, but the L train occasionally challenges my sanity. It would also be nice to have more friends closer to home.

I saw a few “one bedrooms” that were actually studios with a funny wall built to awkwardly break up the space. Like this.

Via Bond

That seems to be the trick of the moment. Years ago, before NYC realtors used the internet much for posting their listings, tricks included not telling you the apartment location and making you meet them on a nearby corner (so you wouldn’t try to see the apartment independently and avoid their broker’s fee).

Then I saw one apartment that was a possibility. Continue reading

The hunt (entry #5 about finding an apartment in NYC)

I could have called this post “The runner-up.” This well laid-out alcove studio in Chelsea was my back-up apartment for if I didn’t get the Williamsburg 1 BR.

The layout of the N series showed me that living in an alcove studio wouldn’t be a real hardship for me. A similar apartment is available for December if you happen to be apartment hunting. While $2650 might sound pricey to non-New Yorkers, trust me: this represents good value for a Manhattan apartment in a “good” neighborhood. And by good I mean not boring, not isolated, etc.

250 W 19th

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The hunt (entry #2 about finding an apartment in NYC)

Would you like to see some of the apartments I didn’t take? OK then! Here’s one.

95 Christopher Street in Greenwich Village

I looked at three studios (two with the same layout, one with a different), all around $2850 per month. Sample listing with floor plan here.

Yes, almost $3000 per month. That’s rent, not a mortgage payment. You don’t get to keep the place.

Continue reading