033: NYC Apartment Hunting with Michelle Wainwright
Hacking the worst part of NYC: the rental real estate market
Everyone has a niche, and this week, Michelle Wainwright is sharing hers.
Michelle is the brains (and voice) behind the Creative Juicy podcast, where she interviews a range of creatives about their inspiration, career paths, and what it took to turn their craft into a full-time business.
Although today, she’s here flexing her apartment-hunting skills. Refresh your browser and get ready to find your dream home.
That’s Niche: Finding (and actually getting) your dream apartment in NYC
Michelle’s Expertise:
Ever since I can remember I wanted to move to New York City. Perhaps that realization hit after I stomped around the Upper East Side at the tender age of 8 as documented here. FAO Schwarz bag in tow, I think I fit in quite well, no?!
Other contributing factors most certainly include the women I saw living my dream life on the big screen: Andy Sachs, Andie Anderson (why are all the cool girls called Andy?!) and the indelible Melanie Smooter.
Fast forward 20+ years and I am proud to share that this New Year’s Eve will mark my 10 Year Anniversary of calling New York City my home (yes, I moved to NYC on NYE when I was 22 and no, I would not recommend it).
Over the last decade, I’ve lived in 6 apartments across 4 neighborhoods, had 2 terrible roommates and one very cute one : ) I’ve lived alone, with a boyfriend, in a brownstone, up many a walk-up, and can confidently confirm that finding an apartment in New York City is without a doubt the worst part about this wonderful place. It should by no means deter you from moving here, but it should be approached with caution, willpower, and relentless optimism that that great floor-through apartment with a separate office and bay windows overlooking Cobble Hill Park, just wasn’t meant to be… because it actually wasn’t! SO, without further adieu, let me make the hunt not easier, but hopefully more successful for you and your future self.
DISCLAIMER: In order to follow the below step-by-step guide, you first must have the StreetEasy app and your custom searches SAVED. Search the neighborhoods, price ranges, number of bedrooms, etc. you’re looking for, and hit ‘SAVE THIS SEARCH’ so you can easily access it whenever you use the app. Don’t be afraid to rule out neighborhoods, add in new ones, and alter your search filters as you go, as your tastes and preferences will most certainly evolve as you move throughout this experience.
OK, happy hunting!
Religiously monitor your StreetEasy searches
AND know how to sort them for optimal results!
StreetEasy’s default sort function is ‘Recently Updated,’ meaning everything from a new photo, updated listing price, change from ‘for rent’ to ‘in contract’ will push mediocre months-old units to the top of the list - no bueno.
In order to be the first to see the newest listings, tap ‘Recently Updated’ and change the sort feature to ‘Newest.’ Make sure it is sorted as such every time you use the app. Then, when a spot catches your eye…
Dial the agent
Scroll to the bottom of the listing’s page and click either ‘Request a tour’ or ‘Ask a question.’ The broker’s details, including their phone number, will likely pop-up here. Dial their number and leave a message. Your voicemail should include:
An introduction of who you are and who you’re looking for aka who you’re living with (be friendly, say hi!)
The exact listing you are interested in (give the address + unit number)
Your interest in attending the open house
A request for the lease application
And lastly, a heads up that you’ll be in touch with them over email from ‘xyz’ email address
THEN, put all of the above in email form, add your cell phone number, and fire that baby off. I recommend this format for the subject line:
Application Request: [ADDRESS] - [YOUR NAME]
Once you hear back, hopefully with the lease application attached…
Send a completed lease application
Fill everything out and when it comes to the price field, simply put the asking price for the apartment. Send the application back, with your name, date, and unit information in the title of the document itself and let the broker know that you look forward to meeting them in person at the open house on said date.
When there’s an open house, attend near the END
This one always takes people by surprise, but I once was running late and a broker I befriended told me it’s actually better to come near the end of an open house, vs. the beginning, because it allows you to get some real feedback from the listing agent.
Go to the open house, introduce yourself, be inquisitive, casual, and conversational. Do NOT be thirsty, even if your mouth is salivating at the black and white harlequin floors in the kitchen. You can ask:
How’s the open house been?
How is interest in the apartment so far?
Where are people coming in at, in terms of offers?
That last one is a must, because it will give you a better understanding of the offers the broker is receiving. Yes, rental leases in New York City are going above ask. I pray this changes soon, but in the meantime, this is the world we’re living in and it’s important you know that before getting all of this.
Send one more email
To seal the deal, send one more email with an updated lease application attached inclusive of a NEW, increased rental price based on the number you're willing to offer. Do NOT do this unless you are absolutely in love with the place, and (I hope this goes without saying) only offer what is reasonable and in budget for you.
I wish this wasn’t the name of the game in New York (and for 8 of my 10 years here it wasn’t!) but until things change, this is a critical step.
And voila!
The above strategy has proven successful for me and a number of my friends, so I’m hopeful it will increase your odds of snagging the apartment of your dreams. And if things don’t work out the way you hope, I truly believe that it was not meant to be… seriously! Please keep me updated, and let me know if I can help in any way. I love this stuff!
Misc Recs
Unrelated things Michelle likes that you might, too
✍️ Annie Kreighbaum on Substack
Annie's inaugural post on the platform left me with literal goosebumps.
🍾 Karasu
Your next date night in Brooklyn. It looks like you’re heading for the bathroom at Walters before you settle at this hidden gem.
😵💫 A Bar Song (Tipsy)
This song reminds me of my 22 year-old self that moved from Texas to NYC with big city dreams. Oh my, what she has ahead of her!
❤️🩹 Checking in
Check-in with that friend who’s going through it. A genuine ‘how are you?’ goes a really long way.
Get more of Michelle every Wednesday on Creative Juicy, and catch you back here next week for more niche interests and specialty subjects. Bye!
Michelle! Niche genius