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March 20, 2009 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

One of my favorite things is when I find that one of the places I like to visit has something even BETTER than what I already knew they had. Yeah, vague, I know, but hear me out. Like, for instance the deli across the street from my office: they have great salads, but OMG their…

It’s a Renter’s Market!

February 3, 2009 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

Have you been thinking about what city to move to? Well, if you’re feeling stressed for time – don’t be. According to the NYtimes, the rental market has been getting looser for the past couple of months and stands to stay this way for awhile. What does this mean in laymen’s terms? Rents are getting…

My roommate got fired. . .now what?!

December 20, 2008 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

My roommate got laid off. . .and has taken over the apartment! Now what!? So, tis the season to be. . .laid off. Or, at least so says all the major news outlets. While most of us early to mid twenty-somethings have been spared because, lets be honest, we’re not worth much, many of us…

The Holiday Shakedown: How much should you tip your mailman + others?

December 14, 2008 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

Holiday tipping makes me uncomfortable the way tipping cab drivers makes me uncomfortable. How much am I supposed to tip? 10%? 20%? Do I just round up? And as I’m sure many of us are feeling this year, I kind of want to tip just enough. Well, I suppose some of us feel that way…

Lease Negotiations –“True Life” Part Two…Victory!!!

September 24, 2008 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

When our story left off, I had just called my ‘new’ landlord to see, well, what the heck was going on. Would we be able to keep living in our oh-so-affordable $900(!!) a month apartment or…would I need to look for a new place pronto? Well, he finally called me back. Allow me to give…

Lease Negotiations –“True Life” Part One

September 16, 2008 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

I’ve lived the past month afraid of my mailbox. I’d pass it on my way to work, wondering Will Today Be The Day I Learn I Can No Longer Afford My Apartment? It’s a pretty horrible feeling, especially living in New York where the housing market is insane. But, day after day, nothing has come.…

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…