CityRealty Insider > The Big Hunt: Tips for Finding a Great Apartment

The Big Hunt: Tips for Finding a Great Apartment

OCTOBER 2, 2008

Top line dos and don’ts in the apartment-search jungle.

Do find a good real estate agent. This city thrives on the stuff that goes on behind the scenes. A good broker is the perfect insider. It’s very difficult to find a great apartment without one.

Don’t obsess about getting a great deal. People sometimes lose sight of finding an apartment you can afford that you'll look forward to coming home to. And the “impossible deal”—the little old lady who doesn’t know how much her place is worth—rarely materializes.

Do be prepared to move quickly. To be competitive, be prepared make a quick decision and get things in motion.

Don’t get hung up on apartments that you see online. Property search sites are a good starting point, but don’t count on the information you find being up-to-date or exact.

Do prioritize what you absolutely need and what you're willing to give up. You absolutely need a second bedroom, but can you get by without a doorman?

Do sign up for emails like this one! You’re getting a regular update on what’s new and some things you might have missed in your search.

Get more important information from the insiders in our buyers’ guide.

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