West Side Rag columnist Richard Kriheli (left) is living in a one-bedroom apartment with his wife and son, but he’s looking to upgrade to a two-bedroom so he can live like a, you know, human being. He has chronicled his frustration for us a couple of times already (Open Letter, and Broker Shenanigans). Now, we bring you Kriheli’s decision matrix, the chart he uses to rank the apartments. An apartment needs to rack up at least 9 points for him to see it, and he’s praying that he can stay within a semi-reasonable budget and actually find a 12-point place. But really, that’s just ridiculous.
Seriously, though, if you know of a reasonable place, send him a note on twitter @kriheli. (Click graphic to enlarge.)
Flickr photo of “welcome” mat by Mr. T in DC.
Consider Hudson Heights….near PS/IS 187
the perfect client; knows what he wants, just one thing missing: how much is he willing to spend? what is a “semi reasonable budget”? and of course, he doesn’t want to pay a broker’s fee if he can avoid it (doesn’t everyone?)the school question opens up a can of worms – brokers are advised to avoid making any claims.
I have to take issue with a broker posting something dumb like: “the perfect client; knows what he wants, just one thing missing: how much is he willing to spend?”. Really? Are you kidding me? I think that’s a rhetorical question from the point of the broker – because the answer is always “whatever will make me, the broker, the most money.”
And of course he already knows what he wants, because certainly the broker isn’t going to help him find it. They do exactly what we all do, search nybits.com, ntimes.com and streeteasy.com with a prettier front-end. Plus, they only show you what they are listing or are incentivized on and not a wide spectrum of rentals – that would be too customer-service focused.
I’ve found absolutely no value in hiring brokers anymore, did it once years ago and will never do it again.
Here’s how you find an apartment in NYC – walk a neighborhood you like, eat in the restaurants, shop in the stores and walk around and note buildings you like (you should since you’re the one living there, not your broker).
Then, pop on NYbits.com and look up the buildings and call them directly. In this market, no one should be paying brokers, it’s a waste of time and geared toward newcomers and corporate renters who know nothing about the city. Basically you have one-time glorified secretary running you around aimlessly for a fee of 15%; I’ll run you around the city for 5% …
Broker fees, like rent increases are NY’s biggest scams.
I’ve actually sent this chart to brokers in lieu of wasting each others time. So far, the response has been underwhelming.
@hope – i’ve considered hudson/washington heights but we’re focused on the ‘hoods we’re familiar with first.
@sharon – the brokers know exactly what i’m willing to spend and it’s a reasonable number (i think). i’m even willing to pay a fee if the place knocks me out. but nothing “meh” is gonna get my monies. re: schools, it’s a fairly easy thing. in the dept of education website, one can plug in an address/borough and immediately get a list of zoned schools.
Look up Tauber Properties (office on 85th) we just moved into a 1st floor 2 br with outdoor patio and a little bonus/sunroom, on 85th/Columbus for $3400/mo. It’s not fancy but enough room for 2 adults, an 8 year old boy, dog and a cat. We have a friend who also rents from them (also on 85th) and has for years and has nothing but good things to say about them. We did go through a broker (ouch!) but maybe try calling them directly.
202 Riverside Dr– Great building, tons of kids, super is amazing, large bedrooms, large laundry room on site. The zoned School: PS 84—i have 3 kids attending it and I love it! Get your kid in one of their dual language programs (French or Spanish) and you’ll be happy! It’s a hidden gem. The school has an F rating but that’s nonsense.