Heading to Manhattan on a Wing and a Prayer
So, I originally started this blog as a chronicle of my experiences in New York City as a graduate film student at NYU. But as school doesn’t start until September, I’ve been using it during the summer as a repository of film reviews and the like (which I will continue to do once school starts).
In many ways, perhaps, this post is the first “authentic” Film Snob entry.
While I already changed my Blogger Profile listing to "LOCATION: New York City," the truth is, we're not there yet. Not for another few weeks. This Saturday we'd planned on flying to Manhattan to meet with a broker who has secured some apartments for us to look over. Truth is, we didn't want to use a broker, but were convinced by friends and family in NYC that it would otherwise be impossible to find a place from Colorado. Why are we broker adverse? They charge anywhere from 15-20% of a year's rent for guiding you to a place to call home. And with monthly rent running at around $1,500 for just a small studio, you can imagine how many thousands we'll end up paying just in the broker's fee alone.
Turns out we may not need to pay it after all. Our broker called this afternoon to say that she is stuck in Florida on family business and won’t be able to meet with us. So, in roughly 24 hours we're heading into the most treacherous housing market on the planet all alone and without reinforcements.
I've been scouring Craig's List all night, pounding out dozens of e-mails for possible apartments. To give you an idea of how hot the market is (we were told apartments generally rent the same day they go on the market), below is a picture of one of the "possibilities."
Coffin-sized apartment: $1,600
Picture that makes it look as if it was just hit by a tornado: $25
The fact that you don't care because people like Brandon are so desperate they'll still end up coming by to give it a look: Priceless.
In many ways, perhaps, this post is the first “authentic” Film Snob entry.
While I already changed my Blogger Profile listing to "LOCATION: New York City," the truth is, we're not there yet. Not for another few weeks. This Saturday we'd planned on flying to Manhattan to meet with a broker who has secured some apartments for us to look over. Truth is, we didn't want to use a broker, but were convinced by friends and family in NYC that it would otherwise be impossible to find a place from Colorado. Why are we broker adverse? They charge anywhere from 15-20% of a year's rent for guiding you to a place to call home. And with monthly rent running at around $1,500 for just a small studio, you can imagine how many thousands we'll end up paying just in the broker's fee alone.
Turns out we may not need to pay it after all. Our broker called this afternoon to say that she is stuck in Florida on family business and won’t be able to meet with us. So, in roughly 24 hours we're heading into the most treacherous housing market on the planet all alone and without reinforcements.
I've been scouring Craig's List all night, pounding out dozens of e-mails for possible apartments. To give you an idea of how hot the market is (we were told apartments generally rent the same day they go on the market), below is a picture of one of the "possibilities."
Coffin-sized apartment: $1,600
Picture that makes it look as if it was just hit by a tornado: $25
The fact that you don't care because people like Brandon are so desperate they'll still end up coming by to give it a look: Priceless.
posted by Brandon | 8:33 AM
9 Comments:
Let us know if we can help...
I charge 10% of a year's rent to bring you coffee while you search...
Australian or U.S. dollars?
Brandon I really hope that price is a joke for this apartment. If not I am sure you an Stephanie will make wherever you settle in NYC a beautiful and safe place for the two of you. Happy hunting, and I can't wait to see where you decide to settle. Take care
Don't forget the "couch" feature.
Maybe it is my fried brain and frayed nerves, but, "the 'couch' feature"?
I wish you the best in your search Brandon.
If it makes you feel any better, judging from the picture you posted of that room, its still decently larger than my place =).
Of course I don't pay 1600 either.
Searching for a place to stay is never that much fun but I'm sure you'll find something that will fit the bill.
Australian or U.S. dollars?
I never deal in antipodean pesos anymore. Not worth it.
How did you go?
Still here. Still searching. Been to Brooklyn and seen some really nice places, but the distance thing is probebly going to knock them out of contention. Tomorrow (Monday) is Upper East Side day with a few on the West side too. We're hoping to have something by tomorrow night. If we don't have anything by close of business on Tuesday, then we'll be in trouble!
Oh, and it's hot as hell here!
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