Welcome to New York City — the city where countless dreams come true. But sadly, it is also where most apartment seekers’ nightmares often come to life. As experience will tell you, searching for a place to live in the Big Apple is filled with many surprises.
Dealing with tricky brokers and fake apartment listings can be daunting, especially when you’re in a time crunch and desperate for a new home. But don’t worry — we’re here with strategies to help you navigate this chaotic terrain and find your dream home in NYC!
1. Do your research
First things first: knowledge is your best friend in this journey. The more you know, the faster you will catch red flags. First, familiarize yourself with the average rent in different neighborhoods of NYC.
Check out the rent prices in different areas and list what amenities are non-negotiables for you. Whether it’s a pet-friendly policy, swanky new appliances, or just a decent laundromat area, knowing what you want helps you narrow down your search.
If you spot a listing that sounds too good to be true, it’s probably because it is. Many brokers use bait-and-switch tactics to lure potential renters in with compelling ads and marketing tactics of too-good-to-be-true facilities.
For instance, you might see an ad for a stellar apartment at an unbelievable price. You click on the ad, schedule a visit with the broker, and eagerly await the appointment. When the day finally arrives, you find—to your disappointment—that the property is already off the market or, worse, it never existed to begin with!
In consolation, the broker might offer to show you “similar” properties. However, these properties might be completely different from the one you originally saw — maybe less furnished, a little bit run down, or smaller in size. You then realize you’ve been duped and your time wasted.
2. Verify listings before wasting time
Picking up from the previous point, we cannot stress this enough. Remember to verify listings before scheduling a visit. We know those ads can be tempting, but unfortunately, not all are legitimate.
To be on the safe side, cross-reference the property on multiple websites or platforms to ensure consistency in the property details, description, pricing, and photos. If there are any discrepancies and something seems off, proceed with caution. Check for reviews, if any, or try to vet the legitimacy via phone.
Long story short, we recommend you go the extra mile to verify these listings before you waste your time. Legitimate and trustworthy landlords and brokers will be transparent, provide accurate information about the property, and answer any questions you may have.
3. Cross-check broker reputation
Unfortunately, ghosting brokers are a common occurrence in NYC. You might schedule an appointment with a broker, only to find you’ve been ghosted when you follow up with them.
To avoid being ghosted, do some research before engaging with a broker. Yes, more research!
If you’re new to the city, ask for references from friends or colleagues. You can also check online forums, communities or reviews on Google and Yelp to verify a broker’s legitimacy. We know it’s a lot of hard work, but trust us, it will save you a lot of time and frustration.
Remember to establish clear communication expectations upfront, and don’t hesitate to walk away if a broker seems unreliable or unprofessional. You can also ask your broker for references from the past. This will give you insights into your broker’s professionalism, insights, and effectiveness.
4. Trust your instincts
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and rushed into making a quick decision when you need a place to live. We know it’s tempting to snag up any place fast but the key is not to rush the process.
Cliche as it sounds, it’s crucial to make these important decisions calmly and trust your instincts. If you’re getting strong inklings to hold off on a broker, don’t be afraid to listen to your inner guide.
Don’t settle on a subpar apartment or broker out of desperation or fear of missing out. Your broker might be signaling some red flags so you need to keep an eye out. Some include inconsistent communication, distant and fragmented replies, over-the-top promises, and below market prices.
In these instances, don’t hesitate to listen to your gut feeling. Keep a track of your conversations and negotiations with your broker and refer to them if you spot any red flags or discrepancies. We know the pressure is real, but finding the right apartment takes some time and heaps of patience, but it’s worth the effort in the end.
5. Attend open houses
Attending open houses can be a game-changer in your apartment hunting game. These provide you with an opportunity to get the feel of your possible future neighborhood. Whether it’s your neighbors, the local events, or just the ambiance around, touring the block just helps you envision yourself living there.
Another bonus of open houses is how time-efficient they are. Unlike traditional listings where you have to schedule one visit at a time, open houses let you view several properties in one go.
Additionally, open houses give you the added edge of communicating with the landlord or broker directly. You can ask questions and clarify doubts about the property, its features, or even potential issues. By asking questions on the spot, you can gather crucial information to help inform your decision-making process.
You’re good to go!
These are our tried-and-tested strategies for waving goodbye to elusive brokers and fake listings. As overwhelming and daunting as the apartment-hunting process can be, with a little patience, a lot of research, and a sprinkle of luck, we’re sure your dream apartment is waiting for you out there.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to find your slice of the Big Apple and make it feel like home. Happy hunting!
