Alexandra’s AirBnB Experiences in Manhattan

January 14, 2013 | By Alexandra AuthorMy First Apartment

Our newest blogger, Aussie Chick Alexandra has landed in Manhattan with her two tightly packed suitcases and reports on her actual AirBnB experiences. (She had narrowly escaped getting scammed early on.) Using AirBnB in Manhattan – This time was different! Each time in the past that I have used AirBnb as an accommodation tool, I have leased…

Countdown to Your First Apartment: 4 Steps to Conducting Your Search

January 13, 2013 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

If you’re looking to move into an apartment for the first time, you’re in luck: this is part two of our three-part series. Today’s topic is how to search for your place. Last week we talked about getting ready (i.e., budgeting, saving for moving costs, and credit scores) and next week we’ll have a discussion…

Apartment Scams and the City – Or How I Almost Became Another Victim!

November 26, 2012 | By Alexandra AuthorMy First Apartment

Hi house-hunters… It’s me – Alex H. I’m back. I felt a little guilty after leaving you with my last post and my dream stories of how I landed my first month’s worth of accommodation in New York City. It all sounded pretty perfect, huh! Well, let me be completely honest… just weeks before all…

Aussie Chick Plans Move from Melbourne to Manhattan – Introducing Alex H.

November 6, 2012 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Hello world! I’m Alex – a 27-year old Aussie chick who is on the move! I would love you to come with me on my journey to finding the perfect home as I relocate from Melbourne, Australia to New York City this winter. Yes – you read that correctly. I am leaving the gorgeous Australian…

Beyond Craigslist – A Brief Guide to Apartment-Hunting Web Sites

October 30, 2012 | By doug AuthorMy First Apartment

We recently listed a few resources for those who want to get off the beaten path and find an apartment without using the internet. But, of course, the web is an invaluable research tool, especially once you’ve figured out how to narrow your search, and how to harness the wealth of information without drowning in the onslaught. …

What to Look for in a Short-Term Lease

September 30, 2012 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

No rental is forever but some are shorter than others. If you land an internship or a short-term job, there’s a chance you’ll be looking for an apartment with the possibility that you could only be there for a few months. In these cases, it’s tempting to bite the first low-hanging fruit you find on Craigslist.…

After Complications, Zainab’s Long Distance Apartment Hunt Ends Successfully in Austin

September 2, 2012 | By Zainab AuthorMy First Apartment

In my last post I told about my plans to continue apartment hunting in Austin long distance by email. Well, that did not quite work out. In the end we did find an apartment and a home for my new kitten, but it was more difficult than we expected. The wedding and reception and the…

Sam’s Tips for Finding a Roommate Share Long Distance

August 25, 2012 | By Sam AuthorMy First Apartment

One of the hardest things to deal with when moving across the country (or even to another state) is procuring housing before you arrive. Typically, the prospective renters that my housemates and I have interviewed (mainly from Craigslist) were already conveniently located in our area. We set a time, they came over, we asked them…

In the Military. Planning a Move to First Apartment.

May 15, 2012 | By Dréa AuthorMy First Apartment

We are welcoming a new guest blogger, Drea, who is planning the move to her first apartment while facing a military deployment. She’ll write about the unique apartment challenges facing her as a member of the military, such as picking furniture that must be ready for frequent moves. She’ll also cover budgeting, moving in with a partner, and her journey through the whole first apartment…

First Apartment Hunting Trip Just Raises More Questions

April 9, 2012 | By Zainab AuthorMy First Apartment

I’m so excited to be blogging for MyFirstApartment! Let me begin by saying that I’m getting married this summer, and this is my first apartment hunt. The wedding is in June and everything is a little crazy right now. I’ve already dropped a class this semester, so I’ll be taking two online classes during the…