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cally one month before you are deciding to move into a new rental. You should see as many places as you can. Ideally, try to see at least 5 to 10 apartments a week or more if it’s an area I which you aren’t that familiar. Pictures and descriptions can always be deceiving. But if you nd something you genuinely love, be ready to move on it. BORO: What should you have ready before you start looking? ER: Try to have your nances in place. Every building is di erent. Have letters of pre-approval, bank statements, employment veri cation. BORO: Can you give us a list of your top ve things to take into consideration when seeking a new apartment? ER: 1) Know your budget. Your income needs to be 40 times greater than your monthly rent. 2) Know your expectations. A studio is not a one bedroom 3) Know the location. You can’t just move somewhere because it’s a ordable. I wouldn’t live too far from a subway. If you are a driver and really want free parking, then visit the location ve or six times at di erent times of day to get a sense of parking availability. 4) Know the Area. Check out grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants. 5) Know your building. Know what type of building you want to live in. Some are great for singles, others are terri c for families. If you call me, I can check everything from nances to structure damage, repairs, elevators, rodents, and information about the management company. BORO: What are some things people often forget to check inside an apartment? ER: Always check the water pressure in the shower and how long it takes for the water to heat. How is the lighting in the apartment? Where is there storage space and closets? How many electrical outlets are there in each room? BORO: What are the bene ts of working with a broker? ER: If you work with the right broker, s/he will take your criteria and expectations and really help you make a reality out of it. We can all go online and look at apartments, but you need someone who really studies the market. Even though I work with many clients, it is really important to me to make sure all my clients are getting 100% of my attention and commitment. BORO: What is a standard broker’s fee? ER: You can expect to pay 15% of the annual rent. But that fee isn’t just getting you into apartments. Ideally, it is building a relationship with a broker. When I rent you an apartment, it is my honest hope that we will be friends for a long time. Trust is priceless. 47-37 Vernon Boulevard Long Island City, NY 11101 (917) 386-6164 emanuel.rodriguez@ elliman.com DECEMBER 2015 I BOROMAG.COM I 19


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