Mo

First of all, congratulations on the offer! Columbia University is a very prestigious place for research.

I've lived in NYC for about 7 years, so I can try to help with your questions:

1. The apartment market in NYC is a bit crazy. This could be a post on its own, but I'll try to break it down for you:
- 10 days is plenty of time, especially if you do research on the market ahead of time. Most good places are on the market for less than a week before they are rented.
- Most move-in dates will be on the first of the month.  Mid-month move-ins are uncommon but can be arranged if the prior tenant moves out early.
- You can find an apartment on your own (using websites or contacting building mgmt companies directly) or through a broker.  Some buildings are broker-only.  Expect to pay 1-month to 15% on a broker fee (occasionally there will be "no fee" brokers).
- http://streeteasy.com/nyc/rentals - This is probably the best site for finding rentals, because it let's you define a lot of criteria, plus see your results on the map.
- http://www.nybits.com/ - This is all no-fee apartments listed by the direct mgmt companies.  Another great way to find an apartment.
- You can use Craigslist (newyork.craigslist.org) to find both fee and no-fee apartments. Be careful, though - Craigslist has a lot of "bait and switch".  Also, NEVER send any money through the mail to someone offering an apartment.  If you use common sense, it will be fine and you can find some good places.
- I would recommend using those sites to get a general feel for the market now.  Then the week before your trip to NYC, start to contact brokers and management companies to line up apartment viewings once you've landed.

2. I'm not sure how taxes will look and if you'll have a break working for a university.  A rule of thumb for many buildings is that your rent should be no more 40 times your gross annual salary.  If it's more, you may need a guarantor (someone who can co-sign the lease with you and has a salary of 80 times the rent).

3. I'm not so familiar with that area, but I would recommend looking at several neighborhoods in that vicinity. You'd be surprised at how much it can change from block-to-block. If you can get it in Turkey, there is a guidebook called NFT (Not For Tourists) that has pretty good descriptions of each neighborhood and what's around there. Your best bet is to get to the City before you commit to a particular neighborhood. Using the websites I listed above will at least help you get an idea of the rents in each area.

4. Using Craigslist, you may be able to find a sublet or a temporary apartment.  Sometimes people will rent out their place when they go on vacation.

Good luck and don't hesitate to let me know if you have any follow-up questions!

Cheers
outernational

thank you for the detailed answer!  I'll try to setup some appointments to see apartments before I arrive. I hope it won't take ages!

It shouldn't take long to set up an appointment.  Usually you can see an apartment in one of two ways: 1) The broker will want to set up a time to show you multiple apartments within your range in a specific neighborhood.  This is usually better for both of you - unless the broker is showing you units that don't meet your criteria.  2) Find an "open house".  They are listed on the broker websites or on StreetEasy.  You can then just show up at the address during the window of time offered and the broker will be there showing other people as well.  These can be competitive, so bring your paperwork (check with the broker listing the unit, but at a minimum you'll need a letter of employment stating your salary) and checkbook with you!

catherinedeusa wrote:

Hi maleficum,

Sorry, I couldn't be of any help here since I'm in L.A.  However, I couldn't help also but noticed that they pay your position so little being a postdoc research scientist.  Is that normal in your field?!  I would think that you would deserve more with all your knowledge and education.  Didn't mean to make you feel bad; just thought it's so unfair. 

I sincerely wish you all the best in settling in NYC smoothly and comfortably.

Catherine

unfortunately as postdocs we are overeducated & underpaid! that's the case anywhere in the world. i don't care about being rich but I would've been happier if I earn a bit more that I don't have to worry about paying my rent when I go to a concert or see a broadway show that month!

outernational wrote:

It shouldn't take long to set up an appointment.  Usually you can see an apartment in one of two ways: 1) The broker will want to set up a time to show you multiple apartments within your range in a specific neighborhood.  This is usually better for both of you - unless the broker is showing you units that don't meet your criteria.  2) Find an "open house".  They are listed on the broker websites or on StreetEasy.  You can then just show up at the address during the window of time offered and the broker will be there showing other people as well.  These can be competitive, so bring your paperwork (check with the broker listing the unit, but at a minimum you'll need a letter of employment stating your salary) and checkbook with you!

i guess it makes sense working with a broker.

since I never lived in the US I don't have a credit score. I'm thinking of making an offer if I see an apartment that I like, like paying 1st year's rent up front.  Does that work in the US? Can I do that? Would the owner give me a discount if I pay the whole year's rent?

Typically landlords won't ask or even accept a full year's rent up front. However, in your case, if you can afford it, it wouldn't hurt to try. It may give the landlord more assurance since you don't have a credit score, etc.  Unfortunately I doubt there will be a discount for any of this, though.

Good luck!