Rejected: Apt Hunting

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unfortunately,  I have probably missed the most fun parts of our move to NYC, but I will start a blog now because we're not moved there yet.

We're from Philadelphia, and we're moving for a year to NYC.  And not just anywhere in NYC but lower Manhattan.  This made it so we got rejected from our first 2 apartments.

We had heard that the apartment search would not be easy, and it wasn't.  We are specifically looking in the PS340 zone.  Why?  It is close to my husband's work, and I had this idea that since it's new, it would be easier to get into than PS41.  Our broker:  "Oh, you definitely want this apartment, PS41 is nearby, and there are many artists who send their kids there."  OK -- but umm, broker, this apartment is zoned for PS340, so good to know that you have no idea what you're talking about.  But I'll save the broker post for another time (since we're still dealing with her).  Just a hint on the experience -- watch Broad City's Apartment Hunters.

Place #1 on Fifth Avenue, a 1 bed/1 bath ($3850 but no fee):  My husband was excited that it was 5th avenue.  They had 2 apartments free for our way advance timeframe -- which was mid-July to August, and we were looking in early June!!!!  First apartment was spatious but kind of dark.  Second -- when we got to the apartment, there was smoke practically billowing out the neighbor's.  So, I didn't even go in the second.  The super's wife, who was showing us the apartments, was super-nice.  She disclosed she had two kids (a little older than ours) herself and how she fit the family in this 750 sq. ft. apartment.  So, I thought -- "this is perfect… she has kids and understands."  We wanted the first apartment we saw.  This was a no-fee apartment that had a leasing office.  I called the office, and they were like "well, we're only 15 minutes away.. why don't you come here."  Went down there  (took 40 minutes since it's upper-east side and the apartment is lower manhattan), plunked down $200 for the credit-check/application.  I was too honest with disclosing we had kids.  She got back to me "No-go" because we have two kids.  I wanted to say "ok.. but your super does too."  But hey, I'm not a snitch, plus I doubt they care.  To get our app fees back, I had to go back to their office.. which took like a month for me to get back there from Philly.

Place #2 The Victoria ($3700+fee): So, it had a broker which meant it was effectively $4250/month, but hey, it had AC and everything.  There was an extra bathroom in the laundry room, etc.  (which is important should one of the three potty-trained people of the household need an extra bathroom).  We were sold.  The guy took $120 for credit checks (which we never got back).  We took a bucket load of money for the signing since it's a Co-op.  Then after we sign everything, the landlady sets up a phone interview.  It comes out that we're just moving for a year.  She freaks out, and the deal is off, even with the lazy broker trying to convince her to accept us.  The lesson is "don't be honest", but I didn't feel like not being honest.

We are now accepted to a third place, which I will detail later.