Should I pay or should I not? (Broker's fee that is...)

[beap]

Hello all,

My husband and I are relocating from London to NY in February. I've been researching the NYC rental market for months and while sometimes I feel 'cautiously' optimistic about finding a no-fee apartment other times I feel like there's no way it'll happen. (We're looking for a 1-bedroom for up to $3,000 ideally in the Upper West Side)

But yesterday my husband's company told us that they'll give us $7,500 for relocation expenses.

My question is... would you advice me to just forget about it, walk into a Real Estate office and spend the money in their broker's fee or do I really have a chance of finding a no-fee apartment and spend my money in lovely furniture for our new pad?

My only concern is that we don't have a credit history in the US (we fulfill all other usual requirements) and I don't know whether brokers will make it easier for our application to be approved.

Thanks! I hope you guys realise how useful this forum is for people living abroad...

[m123456]

Generally I've found that no fee apts tend to be pretty bad. You can find a good one but I think it's harder work. Also if you're not here to look a broker can be helpful because he/she can actually see the properties (if you can trust their opinion)

Another idea might be to sublet for a month or two via craiglist which would give you more time to settle and pound the pavement looking for a good no fee rental.

[beap]

I forgot to say that we'll be put up in a corporate apartment for 1 month, so we won't have to look for a place from England.

[stache]

It is so much easier to use a broker for your first apt. in NYC. If you plan on staying here they would be able to help you get a two year lease etc.