{"id":14729,"date":"2021-10-27T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-27T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/content-manager\/?p=14729"},"modified":"2023-07-22T11:36:34","modified_gmt":"2023-07-22T15:36:34","slug":"8-things-to-pay-attention-to-during-your-nyc-apartment-hunt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/blog\/8-things-to-pay-attention-to-during-your-nyc-apartment-hunt\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Things to Pay Attention to During Your NYC Apartment Hunt"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Searching for your New York City apartment<\/a> is both exciting and stress-inducing. While you may think deciding on that \u201cperfect fit\u201d NYC neighborhood<\/a> and figuring out a budget are the most important items on your house-hunting to-do list, it\u2019s really only the beginning. You’ll also need to set up tours and then attend showings with a real estate agent or landlord. There are numerous things to pay attention to during the tour, so we’ve collected a list to help with your process.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

1. Decide When to Tour<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In certain circumstances, the time of day you get that first peek at your potential future apartment matters.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

For instance, if you work from home and natural light is important to you, you may want to request a viewing during peak daylight hours.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

On the other hand, if you\u2019re sensitive to noise<\/a> and looking in neighborhoods with more nightlife like Hell\u2019s Kitchen<\/a>, East Village<\/a>, or the Lower East Side<\/a>, an evening viewing might make sense. This strategy will give you insight into how well the apartment is protected against outside noise.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If possible, you may even want to check out the area at different times of day to get a sense of how the vibes shift from daytime to nighttime.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

2. Consider the Steps<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In a city full of charming brownstones, historic walk-ups, and converted warehouses, elevators are a luxury, not a guarantee. These types of properties are pretty standard in some of NYC\u2019s most desirable neighborhoods like SoHo<\/a>, West Village<\/a>, and the Upper East Side<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

While you might initially consider the positives of a top-floor apartment like more light, a better view, or rock-hard hamstrings, you also need to consider your lifestyle. If the apartment doesn\u2019t have a washer and dryer, your laundry will need to go both up and down those flights of stairs a few times a month. And if you prefer to buy weeks’ worth of groceries at a time, you may quickly begin to feel like an urban pack mule in a six-floor walk-up.\u00a0 Also, don\u2019t forget you may have to carry your trash\/recycling up and down the stairs if the building doesn\u2019t have a built-in trash chute.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

3. Look for Signs of Pests<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You\u2019ve likely heard all the stories. Maybe you\u2019ve even had your own \u201cpizza rat<\/a>\u201d experience. Most big cities come with some furry and creepy crawly residents. And we\u2019re here to tell you that NYC is definitely no different. Pay attention to signs of pests during the tour.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When viewing apartments, keep a close eye on bathtubs, corners, and under cabinets where little visitors like to hang out. If they\u2019re there during a viewing, it\u2019s likely a problem that management hasn\u2019t been able to solve. If you\u2019re extra weirded out by unwanted roommates, stay away from basement<\/a> and ground floor apartments<\/a> as they\u2019re more accessible to street creatures.\u00a0 You may also want to check the NY Department of Building\u2019s website to see if the building has had any rodent complaints filed against it.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

4. Turn on the Faucet and Shower<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

After a long day in the mean streets of the city, the last thing you want is to come home to lukewarm water trickling out of your shower head.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In older buildings, it\u2019s quite common to have issues with water temperature regulation and pressure. Take a few extra minutes to check the showers and faucets in your potential new apartment before signing on the dotted line. Pay attention to how long it takes the water to get hot, or if it immediately comes out burning.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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