Well, the apartment such has started in earnest. I have two brokers, one assigned to me from work, and one found through the "friend of a friend" broker network. I am convinced that the broker network in New York is only rivaled by the number of realtors I knew in Atlanta.
So far: it is looking more and more like a studio or the famous "alcove studio" is in my future. And by future, I mean budget. For those who don't know, "alcove studio" is French for "a studio that isn't just a square room." With an alcove studio, you are lucky enough to get a small pocket of space to fit your bed. And only your bed. Nary a bedside table will fit in there. But, having an alcove for your bed removes the likelihood that your bed will need to double as the seating for your dining room table.
Also, I have come to appreciate the amenity that is light. I had no idea I would have to worry about that. Everywhere else, it is like air: something you don't think you would have to pay $300 more a month to get. But, in New York, where you fight (read: pay) for every aspect of life, light is just like a dishwasher. If you want it, you pay for it. There is even better and worse light, with southern light being more authentic (e.g., direct) than northern light, which is more consistent but is often indirect (e.g., bouncing off of buildings) and thus less desirable. Light is like a box of chocolates...
My most horrifying place so far: a 400 s.f."renovated" one bedroom on 23rd and 8th next to the Chelsea Hotel. It had one window in three rooms, appliances that would do a 1973 Price Is Right rerun proud, and so many rough coats of paint that I thought the walls were originally brick. The best part was that I could open the one window, reach out about 3 feet, and touch the building next to me. They called that the "outdoor plaza space". All for a low low $3,100 a month.
Next up, broker no. 2 gets a swipe at my 12% fee. Stay tuned.
