We're going to see an apartment tonight...could this be the one?! Looks great in the pictures but I just got off the phone with the broker and now it sounds smaller than it looks in the pictures. We'll keep you updated and let you know what happens.
We're also planning on hitting the pavement tomorrow. Going out and just going into every building we see to see if there are availabilities. We've heard that it's a great way to get it done so we're gonna give it a try! Wish us luck :)
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
She Says...Brokers DO Suck
A few additional comments about this pain-in-the-balls experience:
1. There is a reason the broker didn't say a word - He didn't speak English and/or was mentally handicapped (all kidding aside). Seriously, I think the only actual communication we had with him was when he waved to us from across the street. Well, that and when I HELD THE DOOR, for this MAN. Way to close the deal buddy.
2. One good thing did happen and that is; I think I found a new gay bestie. The building manager was fabulous, flamboyant and rolled his eyes when One T started gabbing about his Gigantic (get your mind out of the gutter) TV. I totally should have gotten his number.
Hunting for an NYC apartment on a budget truly is one of the most frustrating experiences in the world...and we've only seen one so far. In true princess style, I've pretty much already given up. Soon I will resort to sulking, crying, whining and shouting things like, "We might as well move to Iowa! We're never going to find a place!" At least I can wear my tiara when I do this.
1. There is a reason the broker didn't say a word - He didn't speak English and/or was mentally handicapped (all kidding aside). Seriously, I think the only actual communication we had with him was when he waved to us from across the street. Well, that and when I HELD THE DOOR, for this MAN. Way to close the deal buddy.
2. One good thing did happen and that is; I think I found a new gay bestie. The building manager was fabulous, flamboyant and rolled his eyes when One T started gabbing about his Gigantic (get your mind out of the gutter) TV. I totally should have gotten his number.
Hunting for an NYC apartment on a budget truly is one of the most frustrating experiences in the world...and we've only seen one so far. In true princess style, I've pretty much already given up. Soon I will resort to sulking, crying, whining and shouting things like, "We might as well move to Iowa! We're never going to find a place!" At least I can wear my tiara when I do this.
One T Says...Brokers Suck Ass
So, the girlfriend and I just both left work to check out an apartment that sounded too good to be true. And guess what?! It was!
We were told that we were seeing an alcove studio in a luxury building for $1900 a month. Sounds great! We get there and stop in to the manager's office...good thing. There are no alcove studios! Of course. So, we get up to leave, but luckly the manager was really nice and told us that they actually have jr 1 bedrooms for 2300. NOW we're talking.
The manager takes us up to see the apartment, and at this point, Mr. 15% broker hasn't said a word and is just following us around. We don't really have to pay this guy if we take this apartment do we?! Well, it was a pretty old building, but nice. Fitness center (aka, gym), doorman, good stuff so far. The apartment itself was pretty nice. Only downfall was the kitchen, and it was enough of a downfall for us to not even consider the place. This apartment had what's called a kitchenette...aka, a tiny stove against the wall, a mini fridge and no counter space. I think not....how is the girlfriend gonna cook me dinner there?!
So, we finally saw our first place...didn't work out so great but at least we saw something and now we're on our way :) We'll keep you updated.
We were told that we were seeing an alcove studio in a luxury building for $1900 a month. Sounds great! We get there and stop in to the manager's office...good thing. There are no alcove studios! Of course. So, we get up to leave, but luckly the manager was really nice and told us that they actually have jr 1 bedrooms for 2300. NOW we're talking.
The manager takes us up to see the apartment, and at this point, Mr. 15% broker hasn't said a word and is just following us around. We don't really have to pay this guy if we take this apartment do we?! Well, it was a pretty old building, but nice. Fitness center (aka, gym), doorman, good stuff so far. The apartment itself was pretty nice. Only downfall was the kitchen, and it was enough of a downfall for us to not even consider the place. This apartment had what's called a kitchenette...aka, a tiny stove against the wall, a mini fridge and no counter space. I think not....how is the girlfriend gonna cook me dinner there?!
So, we finally saw our first place...didn't work out so great but at least we saw something and now we're on our way :) We'll keep you updated.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
One T Says...Apt hunting in New York Sucks
This has got to be the worst experience of my entire life. In case you have never experienced first hand what it's like apartment hunting in New York City, please, allow me to explain...
1) You can't start looking until a month before you have to move. If you start looking too early, you won't find anything so it's pointless. So, it's now a month before you have to move, and you're stressed because you don't even know where you're going to be living yet! You have to bring your checkbook to any apartment you see because if you don't grab it, someone else will. You can't check out a few places because if you decide that you want the first place you saw, it'll be gone already. SO STRESSFUL
2) I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but living in NYC is really freaking expensive. You can't find a studio for less than $2,000 a month (studios are typically giant rooms, about 500 sq ft). We're looking for alcove studios or one bedrooms (because there's two of us) and finding something for less than $2400 a month is nearly impossible.
3) No Fee Apartments. Everyone wants them, but they're nearly impossible to come by. Some say they're just a myth and don't actually even exist. Renting a no fee apartment means that you're renting directly from the management company or owner of the apartment and thus, you're avoiding paying a broker's fee. What's a typical broker's fee you ask? Usually between 9-15% of the yearly rent. Now you know why everyone is looking for no fee apartments?
4) Up Front Costs. Typically, when you move in you have to pay the 1st month's rent, last month's rent, security deposit, and possibly a broker's fee (obviously these costs vary but this scenario is typical). So, let's assume that the broker fee is at the high end, 15%, and the security deposit is at the high end, 1.5 month's rent. Let's also assume that the apartment is $2500 a month. So, if you want to rent this apartment, you have to pay $13,250 up front. Like paying $2500 a month isn't enough. If you look at the low end, 9% fee and one month security, you're still looking at $10,200. Freaking insane
So, you can see why searching for an apartment could be the worst experience ever. So bad that I'd consider moving to New Jersey? Hm, well, maybe not THAT bad.
That's why we're proud to announce that we're now accepting donations to the "Help Mathew and Jane Move" fund. Your tax deductible donation will go toward our move and help us land a great apartment in New York City. If you donate, we'll even send personalized pictures of the new apartment once we move in! So, click the button below to make a donation now!
1) You can't start looking until a month before you have to move. If you start looking too early, you won't find anything so it's pointless. So, it's now a month before you have to move, and you're stressed because you don't even know where you're going to be living yet! You have to bring your checkbook to any apartment you see because if you don't grab it, someone else will. You can't check out a few places because if you decide that you want the first place you saw, it'll be gone already. SO STRESSFUL
2) I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but living in NYC is really freaking expensive. You can't find a studio for less than $2,000 a month (studios are typically giant rooms, about 500 sq ft). We're looking for alcove studios or one bedrooms (because there's two of us) and finding something for less than $2400 a month is nearly impossible.
3) No Fee Apartments. Everyone wants them, but they're nearly impossible to come by. Some say they're just a myth and don't actually even exist. Renting a no fee apartment means that you're renting directly from the management company or owner of the apartment and thus, you're avoiding paying a broker's fee. What's a typical broker's fee you ask? Usually between 9-15% of the yearly rent. Now you know why everyone is looking for no fee apartments?
4) Up Front Costs. Typically, when you move in you have to pay the 1st month's rent, last month's rent, security deposit, and possibly a broker's fee (obviously these costs vary but this scenario is typical). So, let's assume that the broker fee is at the high end, 15%, and the security deposit is at the high end, 1.5 month's rent. Let's also assume that the apartment is $2500 a month. So, if you want to rent this apartment, you have to pay $13,250 up front. Like paying $2500 a month isn't enough. If you look at the low end, 9% fee and one month security, you're still looking at $10,200. Freaking insane
So, you can see why searching for an apartment could be the worst experience ever. So bad that I'd consider moving to New Jersey? Hm, well, maybe not THAT bad.
That's why we're proud to announce that we're now accepting donations to the "Help Mathew and Jane Move" fund. Your tax deductible donation will go toward our move and help us land a great apartment in New York City. If you donate, we'll even send personalized pictures of the new apartment once we move in! So, click the button below to make a donation now!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
She Says...3/27/07
This has nothing to do with anything, but after watching that documentary on Crosswords, I decided I should start doing them. After all, I have tested as having an IQ that is categorized as genius. So added the "Daily Crossword" to my Google home page and I am DAMN good. I'm able to fully complete them, with no mistakes, in no time.
I'm thinking to myself, "I guess I still am a genius."
Wrong.
Turns out these Google crosswords are ridiculously easy. I tried to do a real crossword and got maybe 5 answers.
This still won't deter me from continuing to tell people I'm a "Real Genius." It just doesn't help my case.
I'm thinking to myself, "I guess I still am a genius."
Wrong.
Turns out these Google crosswords are ridiculously easy. I tried to do a real crossword and got maybe 5 answers.
This still won't deter me from continuing to tell people I'm a "Real Genius." It just doesn't help my case.
Monday, March 26, 2007
She Says....03 26 07_Part Duex
Re: my earlier post.
I spent a good two hours of my company's time setting up this blog and posting. When I finished, One T went in and revamped the whole thing. Changed the passwords and everything. All that after this IM from him today:
No sir... You are not always right. I just let you think you are.
(note: IM names have been changed to protect certain boyfriends from bombardment by other "right" women like myself)
I spent a good two hours of my company's time setting up this blog and posting. When I finished, One T went in and revamped the whole thing. Changed the passwords and everything. All that after this IM from him today:
Mxxhxx Jxyzn (1:37:14 PM) : i say you go with whatever you think is best 
i trust you partner
He even used a smiley face!No sir... You are not always right. I just let you think you are.
(note: IM names have been changed to protect certain boyfriends from bombardment by other "right" women like myself)
One T Says.... 03 26 07
She can write all the long posts she wants...when it comes down to it, there's one rule and only one rule. I'm always right.
Thank you for reading
Thank you for reading
She Says.... 03 26 07
So we're starting a blog, a business and looking for a new place to live in NYC and I'm dumbfounded that we have yet to get into a massive fight about any of the above. Don't worry, we've gotten in fights about other important things like the fact that he wouldn't jump on board with my latest idea to quit our jobs and move to a remote island somewhere for a year. Clearly he's stifling my wild spirit. He says we need to build wealth. I say we need to build happiness. I'm pissed that at 27 years old I'm rational enough to realize that we need to build both and am settling into a compromise. He snickers when he sees how "mature" I've become.
The Move: For the last year and a half we've lived in the lap of luxury thanks to a thoughtful relative. Unfortunately, like Sands through the Hour Glass, our time has run out and we need to find a place we can actually afford. I'm guessing that means no more 24 hour staff of attentive doormen, rooftop pool and free gym smack dab in the middle of NYC. Last time we moved I ended up handing him the reigns because I was scared. I did this by leaving him standing in the middle of Bed, Bath and Beyond holding a shower curtain and other assorted items while I went outside to have a full fledged panic attack. A year and a half later we're embarking upon new team efforts...go figure.
The Business: I'm mentally preparing for the first fight. In fact, my arsenal is ready to go. I'm all set to say things like, "You're Not Letting ME contribute!" and "This is supposed to be OUR business, not YOUR business that you let me help out with!". And honestly, I can't wait to stomp my foot, pout and say, "I'm not a Child!" Unfortunately, thus far, he's been pretty open and fair. He wants me to get super involved and has been respectful of my ideas. Then again, we're still in the planning stages. We'll see what happens Saturday when we have our first technical class. Don't worry, I'm preparing a few zingers for the moment he tells me to "listen." The Move: For the last year and a half we've lived in the lap of luxury thanks to a thoughtful relative. Unfortunately, like Sands through the Hour Glass, our time has run out and we need to find a place we can actually afford. I'm guessing that means no more 24 hour staff of attentive doormen, rooftop pool and free gym smack dab in the middle of NYC. Last time we moved I ended up handing him the reigns because I was scared. I did this by leaving him standing in the middle of Bed, Bath and Beyond holding a shower curtain and other assorted items while I went outside to have a full fledged panic attack. A year and a half later we're embarking upon new team efforts...go figure.
The Blog: Five minutes ago, I intended to write something along the lines of "I can't believe he's let me take control of the blog." I planned on going on to talk about how he really let me set up the profile and was really happy with my ideas. I was even thinking how this whole post was going to make me sound like a melodramatic princess and him like Mr. Maturity. Luckily for me, one minute ago, he checked out the page and told me to take down our picture cuz he didn't want it up there. My chest tightened and that sweet familiar feeling of having been wronged and irritated because of it came rushing over me. I took 5 to 50 deep breaths and let it go. I pick and choose my battles carefully. That is to say I choose to pick the one's I know I can win with some witty and cutting comment.
Side Note: It really bothers me that he hasn't shown insane jealousy over the fact that two out of three of the "soup men" in the place I get my lunch have all but professed their undying love for me. One of them even asked me out on a date and I bring it up to him at least once a day. Annoying.
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