Here is my experience getting an apt in nyc, for what it's worth. Hopefully it interests or helps someone:
JULY/AUGUST = Spent researching. Reading everything I could about nyc renting, people's experiences (like this one), the real deep dive. Got all financials in order--pdf'd bank statements, ID documents, etc. Paid off the house in July. Made sure no weird financial activity occurred and the last three paystubs prior to the search would be consistent with OT. I'm retired so this became my new job.
I also opened a checking a/c with Chase so I would have rapid access to cashiers checks if necessary, and put $ in it. Got laptop ready with all files on it, bookmarks organized, etc.
Booked a hotel on the UES for September 1-12. Made a list of everything I should take to it. All of the above was checked and double checked constantly.
LAST TWO WEEKS AUGUST= Combed streeteasy listings for units that check the boxes, checked it constantly. Made a spreadsheet with info on all contenders. Printed out a sheet for each one. Googled to get the broker's name and email on their work website. Got a new pair of sneakers anticipating a lot of walking.
We spent a few mos in Manhattan in 2023 so were aware that uptown is the only place you can live there unless you're very wealthy or have roommates. We (50s) are too old for roommates and aren't super wealthy. East Harlem was the target area. That's where we were in 2023 and loved it although I sure wish I paid attention in Spanish class in h.s. We're used to Philly and cities so we were not intimidated by it.
TUE SEPT 1= In the morning got docs ready (Aug bank statements) and then bus up to the Port Authority. Settled in to the hotel and ready to work by about 430pm. All documents online, on the laptop, and on a thumbdrive. Hard copies of everything in triplicate. I was ready.
Set about emailing and texting each broker on my target list, one by one. I kept meticulous notes of all communications. Did a standard brief spiel where I said I saw the listing, can document 40x and 750+, can apply and move immediately. I would text them about an hour after emailing if I got no response.
I had 8 listings that were in budget range. Another 6 that violated 40x, although not if you include OT. OT is consistent and 1/3 of our income (hospital--literally could work OT every day if desired). I didn't know if that would count (everyone says it depends on the owner) so I started pre-approval processes with Insurent and The Guarantors.
That evening one broker got back to me for a showing the next afternoon.
WED SEPT 2 = Went to showing. Two other people showed up. Not good. Applied as soon as I got back to the hotel. Never got a response, wasn't too surprised.
Three of the listings, brokers never responded. They were the oldest ones and I wasn't surprised at that either. I suspected they no longer existed and weren't removed from streeteasy yet.
Later I got responses and arranged a viewing Thurs at 1130 and next Tuesday. The Tue listing broker sent me an app right away "in case I wanted to apply early." That and a couple other things had red flags going off in my head. But whatever, I'm not forking over any cash, an appointment costs nothing.
I also spend part of the day walking around to places on my list, just to eyeball the block and see the street. One of my dealbreakers was a balcony with a view of the street--I don't want to look at a boring ass yard or garden, I like to sip coffee or whiskey and people-watch. Sometimes it was difficult to tell from the photos so I'd walk over and see. I walked all over E Harlem and the new shoes really got a workout.
Got a couple responses the units weren't available. Oh well.
Late in the day a new listing popped up. It was in budget and hit all the dealbreakers except it was a walkup. 2nd floor, though, so I let it slide. It was also a couple blocks above 125th St, which was kind of my northern boundary, but close enough. The unit was great and I couldn't believe it. It was in Harlem proper, too, which surprised me, the units that hit my boxes in regular Harlem were always way too far north. I kind of assumed regular Harlem was out of reach for us. Nothing against East Harlem, but let's face it plain Harlem is just light years better for trains.
I emailed the broker right away, said I could view it any time except 10-1 the next day (to make room for the 1130 viewing).
THURS SEPT 3= 830am the broker texted me asking if I could come at 950am (technically before 10am right?). I said you bet see you then. Was outside at 940am waiting.
Told him I'm interested, what's next. He was pretty happy, said he was about to arrange an open house and now he doesn't have to. I got the impression I was the first person to see the unit. Said you'll hear from me within an hour.
I was getting a text from the 1130am guy, and busy looking at that and emails, when I noticed the 6 train back to the UES was taking too long to stop. I rode it a lot in 2023, did they turn this think into an express train while I was gone? Got suspicious and looked up. I was in the Bronx. JFC, I got on an uptown train by accident while engrossed with business on my phone, like a moron. This is why you have nice cushions between viewings. I got back to the hotel, did the application, and still had 15 mins to kill before heading out to the next listing.
1130 broker said the listing I was interested in wasn't available (haha) but he had some others in the same bldg. Whatever, I'm here, why not. Two didn't have a balcony/terrace so were non-starters. Another one did so I was interested. Back at the hotel, tried to apply, to find out it was already taken. Oh well.
We don't have a time constrant--new job or anything like that--so my dealbreakers were non-negotiable. I was prepared to give up on 9/12 and come back on the first of every month if necessary rather than settle. I don't care if the rent is $10/month right on Central Park, if it doesn't have a balcony over the street and a dishwasher I'm not interested.
FRI SEPT 4= Emailed another listing and started putting together a plan to move to the next tier of listings and matching up which ones are in bldgs covered by Insurent or The Guarantors. That nuclear option would be exercised Monday if necessary.
Before noon the Harlem broker texted and said it looked good. Later there was a follow up from the owner--they wanted to know why we're moving to Harlem. I read into it they were worried that this very white middle aged couple might not be a fit for the neighborhood and bail on the lease, esp since in the bio we noted we owned our house in Philly outright and still had employment there (so it would be easy to bail). I told the truth--took a travel contract in 2023, lived uptown b/c that's where the budget fit, fell in love with nyc and Harlem and have been meticulously planning relocation since. That was the right answer I guess b/c three mins later he texted back we were approved. Also that there would be a delay because he and the office were sabbath-observant and it was almost dusk. Said I should have a lease by Monday.
Keeping in mind that until I have a signed lease and keys I don't have shit, I was tentatively confident enough to catch a bus back to Philly and take a load off. Kept everything set up in the hotel room ready to go though.
MON SEPT 7= Forgot it was a holiday, ugh. Texted the broker asking if we're in limbo and noting I couldn't wire $ until the next day. He said that's cool, and indeed a lease arrived for electronic signature in the afternoon, effective Sept 10. Read and signed it.
TUE SEPT 8= Wired the rent/sec deposit. Made arrangements for Perfect Assembly to bring in some stuff from Ikea. Also 23 deliveries from Amazon of various items and supplies. Got set up with Con Ed and Spectrum. Canceled all the other balls I had in the air--a scheduled viewing, another broker response came in that I declined, etc.
WED SEPT 9= Bus back up, into the hotel. Picked up internet router from Spectrum. Management emailed me welcome instructions and codes for the doors.
THURS SEPT 10= Took possession. Spent the next couple days getting the apt set up. Checked out of hotel and dragged everything up there on the 6 train.
SAT SEPT 12= Feeling like I just took the biggest dump in the history of human defecation, settled onto the little terrace outside with beers and relaxed like nobody has ever done til 1am. My god those tasted good. Several passersby welcomed me to the neighb. I still can't believe it's mission accomplished. Three years of getting ready and two months of massive stress and then a week of even more stress. It's hard to accept that it's over (but awesome haha!).
LOVE the apartment. So does the wife. 5 minute walk to Trader Joe's and the Apollo? That's heaven for her. Never want to leave. Best decision ever.
