General Idea I am a Real Estate agent with many customers who are looking for qualified individuals or groups to become their roommate(s). All candidates are screened to make sure that they are mutually compatible and qualified according to the requirements specified by the management company. I have worked exclusively with three locations. One is in midtown east vicinity, one is near east 14 street area and third one is between the two mentioned (12minutes walk from east 14 street area). 1) One is a complex of 5 buildings in the Midtown East vicinity (5 minutes from 42nd Street Train station) area totaling over 1,000 apartments. All apartments have extensive resources, a sea of amenities (ex. elevators, sophisticated computerized laundry system, video intercom and complementary fitness center in each building) as well included paid heat and hot water. Ultra secure complex (Many residents are UN employees) contains amenities such as concierge service, swimming pool and adjacent parking facility . There is one and a half month security deposit (if credit is good), one month rent and one month brokerage fee (*minimum lease signed for tenants will be for 14 months) due at the lease signing. 2) Second one is a huge (also luxury) complex in vicinity of L Train stop on 1st avenue (proximity to Union Square) with very similar list of amenities. One month rent for those qualified with one month security and (since I have to perform a very complex task of matchmaking a functioning group of roommates) one month brokerage fee due at the lease signing. 3) Third one is between midtown east and east 14 street area and it is located within 12 minute walk from L train station on 14street and 1st avenue. One month rent for those qualified with one month security and (since I have to perform a very complex task of matchmaking a functioning group of roommates) one month brokerage fee due at the lease signing. This is the one that I primarily work with. Large Apartment Size: 1) Even the smallest convertible apartment is a 600+ Square Foot Convertible or Flex Two Bedroom is larger than a standard one bedroom. It is so large that I have had budget minded tenants convert it into a 2BR with ease, with every bedroom having a closet, window and fitting a minimum of a queen sized bed and a dresser. This creates an average share price bellow $1200 (Flex 2), sometimes as low as bellow $800 per person (Flex 7 with multiple bathrooms). 2) Smallest apartment is a convertible two bedroom that is 750+ sq.ft. where master bedroom is 15X12 or 180 sq.ft. (180sq ft fits four queen size beds in it and where convertible room is 120 sq ft which fits king size bed, dresser and a computer desk). Even after the conversion there is a sizeable living room area that is in the range of 200 sq ft (area that fits three king size desks). 3) Smallest apartment is a convertible two bedroom that is close to 700+ sq.ft. where master bedroom is 17X11 or almost 190 sq.ft. (190sq ft fits four queen size beds in it and where convertible room is over 120 sq ft which fits king size bed, dresser and a computer desk). Even after the conversion there is a sizeable living room area that is in the range of 200 sq ft (area that fits three king size desks) Average Shares range at 1) ~$1,100 (2 roommates total; ~500sqft), ~$1,000 (3 roommates total; ~900sqft), ~$900 (4 roommates total;~1000sqft), ~$700 (7 roommates total; ~1500sqft). 2) Roughly 20% higher versus numbers quoted already or ~1500 (2 roommates total; ~750sqft)~$1,200 (3 roommates total; ~950sqft). 3) Roughly 20% higher versus numbers quoted in #1 or ~1500 (2 roommates total; ~700sqft)~$1,200 (3 roommates total; ~1000sqft). *Amounts are rounded up for average amount (*after incorporating free month incentive) as all bedrooms are not even in size (ex. master bedrooms, with own bathrooms, are larger then other ones <-- #1) which means some might be more and some less then the average. *Amounts might differ depending on a given month as incentives might change. *Note: The bigger the number of bedrooms the cheaper the average share becomes. *Note: The pictures and video you saw were of a apartment that was available at the time of taking it and as you can see the actual apartments come unfurnished. Approaching This : There are two ways to approach this! A) As a Tenant ('Subleaser'). This is the person that outright rents (or leases) an apartment and will usually stay there 1) at least 14 months or more or 2)+3) at least 12 months. Their name is on the lease and they pay the rent to the management company. Here such person is in full control in regards to dictating terms to the subtenant (look bellow at #2). B) As a Subtenant ('Sublessee'). This is a person ('occupant') that is renting out a room from a tenant (look at #1 above). Their share might be on average somewhat higher versus those of tenants (Look at #1 above) which remains at tenants discretion. Requirements : For one to lease an apartment all is needed is 1) one month rent (* Plus 1 1/2 months security deposits if credit is good), picture ID, good credit/no credit (even no SS# is ok) and clear criminal background (proof of income documentation/offer letter is necessary). Same goes for guarantor (who makes at least 65 times the monthly rent on yearly basis while it is 45 times for combined tenants). The leasing procedure is somewhat easier versus other management companies (in Manhattan such procedures tend to usually be stricter and more demanding in certain aspects for example). 2) One month rent (* + one security if credit is good), picture ID, good credit and clear criminal background (proof of income documentation + offer letter is necessary + bank statement). Same goes for guarantor (who makes at least 80 times the monthly rent on yearly basis while it is 36 times for combined tenants). The leasing procedure is somewhat even easier versus other management companies (in Manhattan such procedures tend to usually be stricter and more demanding in certain aspects for example) 3) One month rent (* + one security if credit is good), picture ID, good credit and clear criminal background. Same goes for guarantor (who makes at least 80 times the monthly rent on yearly basis while it is 36 times for combined tenants). The leasing procedure is somewhat even easier versus other management companies (in Manhattan such procedures tend to usually be stricter and more demanding in certain aspects for example) * Note: Multiple people can be on the lease on whose signing we can also include the names of subtenants (#2). * Most people I work with end up as being tenants (also my primary focus are clearly tenants) Finding Roommates : I come across on a large number of people per month so finding roommates is relatively easy as long as one has at least several days to spare (ideally one week). Also this is a far more safer manner in which to find roommates in because you will know they are compatible, credit worthy and that they have a clear criminal record. Add to this that you will be in an amazing gorgeous and roomy apartment, included heat/hot water, computerized laundry facilities in each building (as well as tons of other amenities) in what is one of the greenest neighborhoods in Manhattan (all locations). I will work .... *Note: With people who do not have their own roommates but need them (*Me personally). *Note: I will work with people who have their own roommates (*My assistant...). *Note: I will work with people who want to rent apartment on their own (*My assistant...). Meeting Process & Schedule: We meet promptly Monday-Thursday at 3pm-5 pm, Friday 3pm-5pm, Saturday 1pm-4pm and Sunday 1pm-4pm (individual roommates for viewing can come on any day). Please come on time at the agreed upon time. We will look at several apartments so that you can decide what your best option is. If you find people you like on your first meeting then we will schedule an appointment to take your desired apartment off of the market. If not then I will supply you with contact info for all similarly minded clients until you find your match. After you find roommates that you connect well with we will reconvene and take an apartment off of the market. Again the process in itself might take from several days to longer. Fees: There is a one month brokerage fee for renting an apartment. Conclusion : The entire process is easy going and fun and it takes on average anywhere from a few days to a week to combine a harmonious group of people into a given apartment. Call me on the phone (718-216-8277) since I always first screen people over the phone before even contemplating to meet them. The reason is to create a general profile and eliminate inquires that are not serious or not qualified. I also come across an enormous volume of people and will and only can work with select few that pass the screening. Summary (Updated): 1) Tenants have to make combined 45 times the rent while the guarantor has to make 65 times the rent. 2y tax returns for self-employed. Three consecutive pay stubs or letter of employment with salary verification (for those starting now acceptance letter) . Credit check is $70.60. From the credit check to lease signing might take several days. Only pets allowed are cats. In flex apartments pressurized walls are allowed (installed by their own company). At lease signing you are looking at 3 1/2 months minimum (1 month rent, 1/2 month fee, 1 1/2 month security -- and in case the group doesn't hit 45 times but is not far then perhaps even additional security month) unless a minimum of 14 month lease is signed in which case it is 2 1/2 months min. Lease terms are 14 months to 24 months. Move in dates are flexible (usually within 30 days of lease signing but can be negotiated). In case the wall is installed already then a $300 wall fee will apply (which could be refundable at the end of the lease) otherwise wall might cost in the range of $1500 (installed by the company selected by the management company) which will be divided between the roommates. 2) Tenants have to make combined 36 times the rent while the guarantor has to make 65 times the rent. Credit check is $100. From the credit check to lease signing might take several days. Pets allowed are cats and dogs (<80 pounds). In flex apartments pressurized walls are allowed (installed by one of approved companies, cheapest wall being 1500, divided between roommates, and takes them 4 hours to put it up). Apartments with walls are somewhat more expensive versus ones without the walls so they are not cheaper. At lease signing you are looking at three months minimum (1 month rent, 1 month security and 1 month fee). Move in dates are flexible (usually they tend to be 30-45 days of lease signing but can be negotiated). In case the wall is installed already then an additional fees will incur which will be divided between the roommates. 3) Tenants have to make combined 36 times the rent while the guarantor has to make 72 times the rent. Credit check is $75. From the credit check to lease signing might take several days. Pets allowed are only cats. In flex apartments pressurized walls are allowed (installed by one of approved companies, cheapest wall being 1000, divided between roommates, and takes them 4 hours to put it up). Apartments with walls are somewhat more expensive versus ones without the wall so they are not cheaper. At lease signing you are looking at three months minimum (1 month rent, 1 month security and 1 month fee). Lease terms are 12 months minimum. Move in dates are flexible (usually they tend to be anywhere from weeks to around 30 days of lease signing but can be negotiated). In case the wall is installed already then an additional fees will incur which will be divided between the roommates. *I am strictly looking for people who are easy going, flexible, reliable, serious, committed, honest, logical as well as qualified (in same cases we need subtenants which might ease rules on 'qualified' part). Do to the fact that the complex in addition also pays me a month fee for renting their apartments (therefore I get paid by them for bringing clients to them) the actual location is only disclosed once someone has been conclusively identified as a serious prospective client. (**On a side note there are also locations elsewhere which are covered by my associates (who work with mainly non-roommates) -- Uptown, Midtown, Queens etc). Clarification: . To explain something, there are a number of available apartments to choose from so finding one is not a problem therefore main idea is being part of a functioning group. Simply put - if you have a group then you will almost most certainly have an apartment and therefore your room. Finally: So as of this point our correspondence over the email will cease. Thank you for your inquiry and I will speak with you soon (718.216.8277 / victorvlado@aol.com). Otherwise, good luck in your endeavor of searching for a room. PS: Feel free to view bellow links. |