Size Matters

When apartment shopping, size does matter, and varies on the needs of the clients. Some people are content with a studio apartment while others may be looking for a 2 BD or perhaps a 4 BD apartment. The following factors play a part in your ultimate decision:

1. How many people will be living in the interested unit?
2. Will it be family, roommates, or couples?
3. Is it a bachelor pad setup or a family oriented living arrangement?
4. How much are you willing to spend? (remember to factor in payment of utilities if any plus additional expenses)
5. Will the apartment also function as a home office/personal studio or any other such use of the space?

If you’re a bachelor right out of college making your mark on the world, then a studio apartment would perfectly meet your needs. If you’re sharing the apartment with your best bud from college then a two bedroom apartment is what you will need to live and entertain your guests in. If you’re a couple just starting out in life then there are plenty of beautiful one bedroom apartments ready to be moved into. If you’re one of the lucky few to be fortunate enough to work from home then you definitely should look into a duplex apartment.

When some people hear duplex apartment they automatically assume that it will cost a lot of money to rent out but that is not necessarily true. There are plenty of inexpensive duplex apartments available for hundreds of dollars less then what you may expect to pay. So no matter what your living arrangement or financial situation may be, Peoples Choice Real Estate, L.L.C." can accommodate any and all of your needs. Check out all of our apartment listings and give us a call at 718-782-2400 for additional listings as well.

The Building and the Neighborhood Checklist

• Are pets allowed? If you have a pet, make sure there are no restrictions.
 It really depends on the owner/landlord/management of the premises. Some are more willing to amend the lease in regards to pets depending on the type and size of the pet.
• How close is public transportation? Calculate how easy it would be to get to work or other frequent destinations. If your commute will be long and complicated, you may want to reconsider unless you really love the apartment.
• Is the neighborhood safe? Will you feel comfortable walking home alone at night?

• Is there a laundry room in the building or nearby?

• Is there outdoor space available (roof, garden, terrace)? 

• Does the neighborhood provide all of the daily conveniences within easy access?Locate the closest grocery stores, gyms, dry cleaners, pharmacies, banks, etc.

• Is there a live-in superintendent? Does he maintain the building well and respond quickly when repairs are needed? Ask a current resident if possible (just corner someone in the lobby or elevator).

• Is there a doorman? What type of security is offered (i.e. security cameras, number and strength of locks, etc.)

• Is the building managed responsibly? Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no complaints against building management.

• Is the building in good repair? Look for signs of disrepair or shabbiness in the public spaces.

• If you have a car, is there convenient parking nearby?

• Do you like the feel of the neighborhood? Do you feel comfortable there?


Apartment Checklist

• Is the rent reasonable? Do your research before deciding on the apartment you want. Just like you would shop around for the best deal on a digital camera or the latest fashion, the same thrifty rule applies to a rental unit. Make sure you've seen other apartments in the same price range (or at least perused listings and talked to people to understand current rental trends). Be prepared to adjust your budget according to your financial situation. It’s always a better idea to have a broad choice base rather then narrowing it down too specifically and severely limiting your options. If it's the first apartment you've seen, think hard before committing unless you really love the place. If you're new to the NYC apartment-rental game, bring a savvy friend with you to provide some objective advice.
• Is the apartment clean and freshly painted? If the landlord is promising to paint or renovate before you move in, exactly what will be done? Get it in writing. Verbal agreements don’t stand up in courts since it becomes a he said she said situation and neither party will come out a winner.

• Are the kitchen appliances clean and in working order? Test the refrigerator, stove, and other appliances to make sure everything’s in working order. Better safe then sorry.
• Is there enough cupboard and counter space in the kitchen? 

• Are there any signs of roaches or rodents? Look under the sink and around cracks and crevices.
• Do the windows open and close properly?
• Are there enough electrical outlets? Test the electrical outlets to make sure they all work.
• Are there enough closets and are they large enough?
• Can you live with the view and the amount of light in the apartment? 

• Do the bathroom fixtures work? Are there any leaks? 

• Are there any rules against painting or making other modifications to the space? If you’re thinking about remodeling or redecorating, make sure there are no rules that prevent you from doing so (or your landlord may take it out of your security deposit).
• Is there excessive street noise or noise from nearby apartments?
• Is the apartment cable-ready? Make sure the apartment is wired to support your cable TV or high-speed Internet habits.

NYC HOUSING DISCRIMINATION LAWS

Finding the perfect apartment to rent in NYC can be a very stressful and daunting task. Dealing with housing discrimination after you have found the perfect apartment is something that no New Yorker should have to face. Luckily, the greatest city in the world has the greatest housing discrimination laws in the country, put in place to protect New Yorkers. Housing discrimination is rare but it does happen and that is when it is important for the renter to know what his/her rights are and how to deal with it and put these laws to work for them.

It is unlawful for landlords, superintendents, building managers, condominium owners, cooperative owners and boards to discriminate in the sale, rental or lease of a housing accommodation or in the provision of services and facilities because of a person’s actual or perceived race, color, national origin, gender (including gender identity), disability, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, partnership status, alienage or citizenship status, any lawful source of income, age, lawful occupation, or because children are or may be residing with the person.

Peoples Choice Real Estate, L.L.C. has a very thorough and intense pre-screen process for all of our potential landlords/owners/management, to make sure that they do not discriminate against qualified renters and follow all guidelines set forth by the city of New York in regards to rental discrimination laws. Should we ever come across a person or management group in violation of these strict laws, we immediately take any and all necessary action to correct this serious matter.

“Our clients are important to us and each person deserves a decent place to call home,” says Nathan Smith, Operations Manager of Peoples Choice Real Estate, L.L.C. “We address the individual needs of all of our clients and make sure that their rental process is free of any discrimination. Should any violation of the discrimination laws occur we take swift action to correct the situation immediately.”

If you feel that you have been a victim of Discrimination, please visit New York City’s official website for more information on filing a complaint in regards to Housing Discrimination.

Apartment or Loft? Which is the perfect deal for me?

There are pros and cons associated with both apartments and lofts and the best fit really has to do with what kind of function they want their living space to provide. If you are someone with a care free attitude who does not want their world defined by barriers, then a loft would be the best option. But if you need pre-defined boundaries for privacy and space then the traditional apartment setting is the way to go.

A traditional apartment has definitive rooms separated by floor-to-ceiling walls and accessible through doorways with or without a door. Bathrooms are always separate and are not included in the overall square footage. A classic loft-style apartment is one huge space with an average living space of 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. High ceilings (with windows to match), hardwood floors and exposed building elements such as brick, pipes, and beams with cavernous spaces beyond the reach of the average resident are just a few of the aspects that lure tenants to the city-life. Many lofts are converted factory space which reflects the living environment. Lofts are usually attractive living spaces for trendy hipsters and yuppies looking to make their mark on the NYC scene.

Brooklyn is filled with many traditional apartments and lofts each offering up great living space and spectacular city views. Secured video entry, in-house fitness center and a pool are a just a few of the luxury items that may or may not come with your apartment, no matter which style you choose.

Renters in Brooklyn take advantage of Real Estate "Market Crisis"

Developers who have constructed or are still constructing new apartments have found themselves in a very tricky situation in this volatile real estate market. These apartments were originally slated for sale once completed, but the financial crisis that has hit the nation has forced the developers to adapt quickly and shift from selling to renting these apartments. This has in effect created a win-win situation for thousands of young professionals who have dreamed of living in some of Brooklyn’s most sought after neighborhoods, including the trendy Williamsburg hot spot.

Eager hipsters from all over the nation have begun grabbing up these apartments in record numbers and there is no shortage of apartments to meet this demand. Peoples Choice Real Estate, L.L.C. has been fortunate enough to negotiate many exclusive deals featuring the most amazing apartments in Williamsburg, Red Hook, Greenpoint, Clinton Hill, and tons of more locations throughout Brooklyn.

“If there is an economic crisis gripping this nation, it hasn’t quite made its way to our backyard” says Malkiel Berlianshik, owner of Peoples Choice Real Estate, L.L.C. “We’ve been incredibly busy in this traditionally slow season and have been fortunate to be able to offer apartments at unbelievably low prices. The developers are happy to rent out their apartments as soon as possible and the renters are even more happy taking advantage of this “renter friendly” market.

For more information on how Peoples Choice Real Estate, L.L.C. can accomadate your rental needs, please visit our web site, Peoples Choice Rentals.