Hello.

I have been searching for an apartment in midtown, Columbus Circle, UWS area for almost 2 weeks now without much luck. Have tried many brokers, Craigslist and have had no success. I have really liked one apartment building but they aren't sure if they have anything available. I just happened to see this building from the street and walked in as they have their own on-site leasing agent.

I was wondering how can I find out more information on apartment buildings that have their own leasing agents? Or apartment buildings where I can rent directly from the landlord without having to use a broker? From my one experience, the rent is much better directly from the management company.
And the apartment was very nice as well.

Please do advise. I'm getting desparate and my legs are aching from this apartment hunt now!

Many, many THANKS in advance!!!!

gtrekker

Try Bettina Equities and Milford Management Corp. Both own several buildings, so no agent is needed.

Have you done the NYTimes real estate section on-line? Are you willing to consider a temporary roommate situation - or a sublet - until you can find a place you like (the USW esp has lots of co-ops and condos vs rental buildings)? One tip - buildings w/o brokers usually have signs on the outside giving the agent's name and phone number - have you checked those? (Often the doorman or super can tell you if there are really any vacancies - so you don;t waste time tracking an agent with nothing to show.)

I hate to break it to you - but two weeks to find an apartment in NYC is nothing. The last time I looked for a rental it took me over two months - and that's not a long time unless you're preared to pay both a broker and top dollar rent.

gtrekker, someone suggested I place an ad on Craigslist for "apartment wanted". I did and within three days had an offer of a great sublet for one month in June, just what I had been looking for and having no success.

Is this for short term or long term? Judging from the thousands of listings by individuals on Craigslist for both kinds of rentals, I'm guessing a lot of people with apartments to let are also looking at the "apartment wanted" listings.

I'm assuming the building you "just happened to see from the street" was new or relatively new. Otherwise, few buildings will have an on-site leasing agent. So that's one trick. Do a web search for new buildings. But it is true, if you find the leasing and/or mgt. agents (not usually on site)you can often avoid a broker fee. But is your problem the fee or just finding a place period?

I tried a few google searches b/c I couldn't remember the names of the mgmt cos. I'd heard through the years. A search for nyc apartment building management companies turned up some good websites to check.

Glenwood is a mgmt company that has more places on the east side than the west but shows 2 on the west. (I'm not sure they're the best people to deal with-just a heads up.)

http://www.GlenwoodNYC.com

Here's another URL that gives info (4 ways to find a no fee apt.) including names and addresses of a few more mgmt cos. including Bettina and Milford that Gekko mentioned.

http://www.theinsider.com/nyc/save/015NoFeeApts.htm

There's no harm in placing an ad in Craigslist, but if you're looking for a primary lease for a year or more, Craigslist may not be the best idea for you. I think it tends to be shorter term, shares, sublets etc.

If you're willing to post exactly what you're looking for (size, budget, area, amenities, start date) I might be able to offer some more ideas.

If you are desperate, perhaps you might consider broadening your neighborhood search. I've lived on the Upper East Side, downtown and in the East 50's and never felt I was limited in my ability to get to/from any other part of Manhattan.

I guess I should ask why that area and how flexible are you? If you are moving in solo, then one possibility is to find someone who is looking for a temporary roomate or a short-term rental. Certainly that will let you have a little more time to find what you really want.

I'd also suggest you're getting towards a month end and typically more options become available. You're also going to see some movement soon as a result Wall Street Bonuses. Bonus season usually means people who are renting become people who look to buy or trade-up.

If you are flexible, you might consider somewhere like Hoboken. The upside is that rents are about 25% less (or more) than Manhattan, it's a nice little town with plenty of good places to eat and fairly good transportation into the city. The downside is that it isn't the city.

If you're interested, the complex that I'll be moving from next month has 1, 2 & 3 bedrooms for rent. Most have great views of the city, many have balconies and the complex has a free health club and outdoor pool.

Hi all!

Thanks for the tips and suggestions.

I am actually flexible somewhat on where to live. I just want to be near a variety of subway lines which is why I was considering midtown East (4,5,6, 7, E) and midtown West/UWS. Hopefully that isn't limiting myself.

During my last time living in Manhattan on the UES, I lived in a nice luxury building with a gym, 500 sq ft studio, balcony, 24 hr drmn, laundry, elevator, etc etc. Very nice. And I was looking for something like that again. If it is no-fee, I can go up to $1650/$1700 at the most.

I know somebody mentioned that some apartments have signs on the front advertising but I haven't had too much luck finding any. Apart from the one building I saw from the street. However, that building doesn't have anything available for quite some time.

Any other suggestions are welcomed! Thanks again. I always get really good advice from here.

gtrekker

If you've already lived on the UES then you know it too has access to the same 4,5,6 that midtown east does. I understand there are more studios up there per square inch than probably anywhere else. I can understand if you want a change but you may be limiting your options. Have you looked here

http://newyorkmetro.com/realestate/index.htm

I know you are looking for a No Fee apartment - but these are much more difficult to find. (Simply walk up and down the avenues and check the fronts of each building - to see who rents them.)

But a search of the NYTimes web site for a studio, doorman building, upper east side, midtown east or upper west side - $1700 or less per month turned up over 300 apartments -at least some of which are no fee. Have you checked out any of these?

And while paying a feee is not fun - if the market is tight and your time is limited you may need to pay a fee and spend a little less on rent.

Good luck!

The clearest sign you're unrealistic is you're posting apartment questions on a travel board.

Give in, pay the fee.

Sneezey,

Do you have any suggestions of where else to post apartment questions?

I've seen many similar posts on this board before.

I've never "paid the fee." Use the NY Times and check out Glenwood, Bettina and Milford.

If you're still out there and looking gtrekker, found this amazingly long list of apt buildings and phone numbers
http://www.newyorklivingmag.com/dire...ng_guide.shtml

McLaurie,

Hi! I just by chance decided to check my posting again today. I'm amazed by that link. Thanks so much!!!!! Appreciate yours and everybody else's help. I may have finally found a potential apartment. Got a great sublet in the mean time from Craigslist. I think I could become a broker myself after this experience.

Loads of thanks everybody!

gtrekker2003