More Rent Negotiation How-To’s

September 6, 2008 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

So, it’s been a few days . . .have you given the idea of negotiating your lease a twinkling thought? I’ve been thinking about it aaaand, I definitely have some resources for you! But, first things first — let’s cover the basics that’ll help you best negotiate: 1.) Make sure your finances are on order.…

The new word in the renting game is — NEGOTIATION!

September 2, 2008 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

Let’s imagine something. You’re looking at apartments (ok, so you don’t need to be so creative on this journey) and after 8 dumps you spot it. You’ve found “The One.” Whether you’re planning to live with roommates or not, it has everything you’d want, be it location, space, amenities, what have you. The other thing…

How much is it worth not having to sign a lease?

August 10, 2008 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

In some ways, I’m looking forward to being 45. Like, in the way that I’ll have probably lived in the same house for the past 10 years and my friends will all be settled as well. We won’t have to spend Sunday afternoons pouring over craigslist and debating the best ways to comb through listings.…

New insurance plan makes it easier for first-timers to rent

July 21, 2008 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

If you are a first-time renter and cannot meet the New York City landlords’ income target (up to 40-45 times your monthly rent, up to 80-90 times for a guarantor) there’s a new way to jump that hurdle. As reported in The New York Times on July 20, 2008, a new company called Insurent requires…

When the Subletter Renegs on the Rent

July 11, 2008 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

Hello Gentle Blog Readers, I was going to write about urgent last-minute apartment fixes–but a friend is having an urgent problem, so I’m hoping some of you may have advice. Also, apartment living ethics fascinate me. The problem? The subletter( who is an acquaintance of a current housemate) doesn’t think she should pay rent for…

More…HIDDEN COSTS OF LIVING IN A BIG CITY

June 15, 2008 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

Every so often, I’ll be checking my bank statement and think to myself, DAMN, why I am I so over budget? Well, this week, I realized that I’m spending way too much money eating out; if I had a theme song, it’d play the “Anoooother Hidden cost of Moving to NYC” theme song right now.…

How Much Does It Cost to Move?

January 29, 2008 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

THIS IS A REPEAT OF ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR POSTS. Here are some rough guidelines you can use when you start planning the move to your first apartment. Monthly Rent = annual salary divided by 40 Security Deposit = one month’s rent Furniture = one to two months’ rent Starter Equipment = $250-$500 (Check…

My ten steps to green your apartment

January 10, 2008 | By Shelby AuthorMy First Apartment

10. Set up a recycling area. This can be as simple as a grocery sack next to the trash bin. Seriously. It’s not that complicated. 9. Install compact fluorescent light bulbs. It will save you money in the long run – always a good thing. 8. Live close to work so that you can walk,…

Kelly M’s tips for furnishing from Craigslist “free”

October 14, 2007 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Our new contributor Kelly M recently moved into her first apartment in Queens, New York, and shares here what she learned about using Craigslist’s “free” section: “Everyone loves Ikea. They’re relatively cheap, the stuff looks cool, and…well…they’re relatively cheap. But then you move to the city, and “relatively” cheap only gets you so far. What…

Alissa’s Tips for Buying a Mattress

August 22, 2007 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Your first big purchase for the new apartment is likely to be a mattress. Before you step a foot in a mattress store, read our blogger Alissa’s tips on how to get the best deal. “We’ve all heard stories about the devious car salesman with the comb-over. You know, the one who’s as honest about…