Are you on the hunt for an apartment in NYC? Do you wonder if there is a technique for finding your dream apartment? Believe it or not, there are many tricks to apartment hunting and setting yourself up with the right situation.

Doing so can help you find the perfect setup for your needs. It’s all about finding a happy mixture between finances, lease length, location, square footage, and so much more. But how can you find those apartments in the first place?

See below for an in-depth guide of things that you need to consider when searching for apartments for sale.

1. Create a Budget

Alright, all you crazy kids. Before you start your apartment search, you need to put a heavy emphasis on your finances. Ask most NYC residents about their current place and a majority of them will tell you that they pay way too much.

While it’s true that New York City square footage is at a premium, a majority of renters get themselves in trouble by investing before budgeting. By doing the opposite (budgeting before renting), you’ll find a perfect situation.

Start by creating a monthly budget for you and your family (if applicable). Take all of your monthly expenses and subtract them from your monthly take-home pay. What’s left is what you’ll have to work with for rent.

This can help keep you accountable as you start your search. By keeping your finances at the front of your mind, you can ensure that you find a place you enjoy, without having to sacrifice your lifestyle.

Not only that, but your budget can help you in negotiations. For example, say you decide that you have a budget of $4,000/month for your next place. You find a place in Financial District, Manhattan for around $4,100/month. You might find that agents are willing to negotiate if you communicate your budget upfront.

2. Always Factor the Location

Rent isn’t the only aspect of leasing an apartment that gets New Yorkers into financial trouble. It can also be caused by the location of the apartment that they choose to rent.

Location plays a bigger role in the apartment search process than most people realize. Too many renters get wide-eyed for amenities and proximity to entertainment, and not enough on proximity to their job.

Think of it this way: whether you like it or not, you’ll be commuting to work a lot more than to your favorite hangout spot. As such, you need to find an apartment that allows you to get there without many setbacks. Otherwise, you’ll spend an unnecessary amount on transportation and quickly burn yourself out.

Don’t take anyone else’s word for how long it takes to get from one spot to the next. Whenever you find an apartment you like, pull out your smartphone, and analyze the distance from that location to your job.

You might also consider the apartment’s proximity to things such as grocery stores, auto shops, places to eat, your friends/relatives, and so on. It all plays a factor.

3. The Company You Search Through

A fisherman wakes up one morning and decides that he’s going to go out, catch a huge fish, then bring it home to cook for his family that night.

He grabs his fishing rod, his bait, and heads out to fish in the small puddle on the side of his house. What do you think the likelihood is that he catches a desirable fish? Not likely.

This is the same thought process that modern-day renters have when they search for apartments. While they desire to find their dream apartment, they go to places such as Craigslist to find their next place to rent. Much like the fisherman, it isn’t likely that they find an ideal setup.

You can look for opportunities to both rents or buy a space, whichever makes more sense for your situation.

4. Find Great Roommates

This should be prefaced by saying that the definition of a great roommate isn’t someone that you become best friends with. It’s someone that respects your space and pays their fair share of the rent.

Too many people make the mistake of inviting their relatives or friends to live with them, they are surprised when things take a turn for the worst. Find a roommate who understands what you expect from them and is flexible.

If you’re considering renting a space where roommates are already there, be sure to get to know them first. Invite them out for a beer or coffee to see if you would be a good fit.

5. Look for Quality

If you’re looking for a rental property with a large amount of square footage, then NYC isn’t the place for you. You’d be surprised how well a person can thrive with little square footage. It’s all part of the experience.

The one thing that you shouldn’t compensate for is quality. Always schedule an in-person tour so that you can see the property firsthand. If the landlord refuses a visit, then cross them off your list.

Think of the quality of the apartment as a form of ROI for the rent you pay. If the rental property is in bad condition, you’ll find yourself frustrated and uncomfortable in your own living space.

Apartment Hunting: Find the Perfect Balance for You

Now that you’ve seen a few pointers on what to look for as you start apartment hunting, make sure to take advantage of them in your search.

Always give yourself options. Find a few properties that fit your criteria, tour them all, then make an informed decision. There’s nothing wrong with going with your gut!

Be sure to browse our website for more articles on how to apartment search, as well as many other helpful topics.