using a broker

[nyugirl]

Hi! Like most everyone else on here I'm planning on moving to NYC soon, next month (August) to be exact, to attend graduate school at NYU. I am coming up in a week and a half to look for an apartment with 2 other friends that I am going to live with. We are looking for a 3 bedroom apartment sort of near to NYU (it isn't that important to me, but they're insistant that they have to be near school, whatever) and want to spend between $3000 a month and $3900 (absolute max) for rent. Do we need to use a broker??? I have had some people tell me that it's nearly impossible to find an apartment without a broker and that most of the places where you can find one without (ie. craigslist) are a scam. Any advice or direction would be GREATLY appreciated!!

Oh yeah, we are planning on coming a Wednesday through a Friday, do you think that is enough time? and good days to come????

Thanks,
NYUgirl

[Front_Porch]

You should give yourself time to look, check out a couple of things on Craigslist, walk the streets to see "for rent" signs (the best way to save money) and be open to using a broker.

You should also, however, prepare yourself for the joy of living way uptown or in Queens, because you are sadly, sadly mistaken if you think you can get a 3-BR apartment for $4K anywhere near NYU.

Go to nytimes.com to familiarize yourself with prices. Look only at the ads that have exact addresses, they are more likely to be real.

So what are your options? could possibly find a 2-BR on your budget (though you are still pushing it) so your options are to have one of you sleep on a pull-out in the living room, or to stick bunk beds in one of the bedrooms.

Also, make sure you have three months' rent -- first, last, and security --
available to plunk down when you rent.

ali r.
{downtown broker}