Street Smarts

Consider the size and layout, not the name. Often studios are more spacious than one-bedrooms.

Don’t judge an apartment by its photos (or lack thereof). Some of the best apartments come with the most pathetic photos. See it in person before you say no.

If you're set on a certain neighborhood, walk the streets. Get to know building owners and supers. They're the ones who know if and when apartments are opening up. If you luck out, you also avoid a broker’s fee. So if you're interested in a certain building, it's worth stopping by their management office.

Don't lock yourself in with one broker. Brokers have different listings, so working with more than one widens your options.

Be firm about what you want. Don’t let a broker refocus your search or sell you short. There are deals to be had, and they can be yours if you make your broker(s) look hard enough.

Investigate your landlord. Having a responsible landlord is critical. Find out if the building's well taken care of—if the basement is overflowing with garbage and painted over with graffiti, chances are no one's going to be running to your rescue when your toilet overflows. Knock on a few doors and speak to people that live there, and ask about the heat, the pipes and water pressure, and whether the super's responsive to their needs.

The time of year matters. In the summer, more apartments open up, but the competition is greater, and you can run into a bidding war (know your ceiling). In winter there are fewer options, but there aren’t as many people looking, so landlords may give you a better deal, including incentives like one month’s free rent, or, in Peter Cooper/Stuy Town, a free iPod or large-screen TV.

Have your paperwork ready. When you’ve found the right apartment, you don’t have time to lose. Have the following in hand: the first two pages of your tax returns from the previous two years; a completed financial statement detailing your assets, liabilities, and income; references from previous landlords and possibly your employer; and certified checks in increments of $500. In New York City's nutty real estate market, dream apartments have been snatched away before!

*Based on data collected from a 2003 cover story in New York Magazine.

Related:

• Articles by E. J. Samson
• Table of Contents: Aug 8, 2005 issue of New York | Subscribe!