Looking for help with finding an apartment

Hi guys,

This is my first post. I'm trying to move to Brooklyn towards the end of May, but a June 1st move-in is ok. I just have no idea how to find an apartment. I've seen some of the neighborhoods in Brooklyn and I like Park Slope and Williamsburg and other nice places. I don't want to live in a ghetto.

I need the following in an apartment:
- 1 bedroom & bath
- All wood floors
- One small dog (5 pounds), house trained
- Relatively close to parking
- Rent maximum around $1850

I'm hoping to be able to get something pretty nice for $1850 for a 1 bedroom. I'm a clean, responsible 26yo adult who is moving up there to finish medical school.

I don't know how to find a broker. Should I just Google for brokers and try to cold call them? Should I set up apointments with them? I was thinking to fly up to Brooklyn towards the end of next week and try to meet with some brokers, but I don't know how to find them.

Is (paid) parking hard to find in Brooklyn? Wow I have so many questions.. Also, I've heard that you have to have all of your paperwork together when apartment hunting. Where can I find a list of paperwork I should have handy. And also for the first/last/security should I have a money order? Or cash?

Thank you very much for any help you could offer,
the_new_guy

You can do a search for "brokers" here and get some opinions, but the bottom line is you need to find an apartment - hit as many as you can and make yourself VERY clear. Even still, some will show you stuff you don't like/want (out of your range, carpets, no pets, etc.).

If you are coming from out of town, I'd bring copies of W2s, credit reports, former leases, etc. Most brokers will still want to run their own credit check, but at least it will give you some credability to start.

Also check CraigsList for apartments.

Try to set apointments with brokers beforehand so that they can have places lined up and have the keys to show you places.

Hi New guy,

I am a real estate salesperson based in Williamsburg. I would love to help you out. You can check out our website at www.aptsandlofts.com Let me know if I can be of assistance.

Heidi

maybe the "ghetto" doesn't want you

well my place still for rent ; ). haha

Just posted this on another message but:

The 1BR beneath me in my building just opened up - being shown daily and can be rented w/o a broker (who's also showing it). New construction,diswasher, balcony, common area in backyard. Nice quiet building, $1700 I think. PM me if more info needed...