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it for the six months offered by the landlord. It was apparent early on that it was far too small for the two of them, but they are using the the lease period to have the apartment as home base, so as to familiarize themselves with the city and to hunt for their next apartment!

Get professional help

Like anywhere else, there are Realtors. In New York City, there are Realtors who specialize in finding apartments for renters (versus the Realtors in the rest of the country where the bulk of their business is selling houses). Because New York is a renters' town, there are all sorts of brokers who will find an apartment for you. Low fees, no fees, one-time-fees and a host of other unique structures are available. First off, not every broker is a Realtor; the capital "R" indicates a professional who is licensed and has agreed to a specific code of conduct in uniting people and housing for a fee. Realtors will have specific practices and fees; ask for their apartment renting practices and decide if the fees are something you can afford. Reputable brokers will have a specific fee structure as well. Again, decide what you can afford. If you opt to forego using a Realtor, check with the Better Business Bureau, the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (http://www.nyc.gov/html/dca/h tml/home/home.shtml) or ask for references before engaging a broker/search firm. There are also a host of internet apartment referral companies that you can register with; they will email a list of vacant apartments to you over a specified time period in return for your enrollment fee. The best of these will have new listings on a regular basis by culling information from a variety of landlords and City agencies. Again, due diligence before opting to pay for such services.

Speaking of services, don't overlook The NYC Affordable Housing Resource Center (http://www.nyc.gov/html/housi nginfo/html/apartments/apartme nt_hunting_tips.shtml). Their website offers links to the various lottery programs available to New York City residents. These "lotteries" enable New Yorkers at particular income levels to apply for apartments in buildings being built with tax subsidies of one sort or another, which means rents will be below market.

Other options

There is less frenzy for apartments in the so-called outer boroughs. Prices are lower than those in Manhattan, but commuting will add both cost and time to the decision to live outside Manhattan. In the trendier parts of the other boroughs (Brooklyn Heights in Brooklyn, for example) the rents are the equal of those in Manhattan - and in fact, may be higher. Before considering if this is the right option for you, grab a subway map and take a ride. There are wonderful neighborhoods throughout the other boroughs, each with its own unique character. You'll find Scandinavian delicatessens in Bay Ridge...kim chee in Flushing...gourmet coffees in Park Slope...dim sum in Sunset Park...dockside living in Howard Beach. All are just a swipe of the Metrocard (and a brief subway ride) to Manhattan. Local Realtors and brokers are your best bet in the outer boroughs, along with the small local papers that you can pick up at the newstands. Supermarket bulletin boards and those in churches and synagogues are a prime source for finding a vacant apartment. You'll find everything from two family houses to multi-family hi-rises.

Hang in there!

It isn't easy to find an apartment in a place where there aren't enough apartments to go around. New York City is that place, so take a deep breath, dig in your heels and attack your search knowing it will take a while. Remember, it's a renter's town!

Learn more about this author, Karen Smith.
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