It’s hard enough to find a new apartment in New York when you actually live here but even harder if you don’t live here. Due to a quick job relocation or other change some people find themselves dealing with the task of finding a new apartment to rent or buy from out of state, or even the country. This is challenging but not impossible.

Here are key tips and strategies for finding an apartment when you don’t actually live here yet. 

Identify your needs

Giving some serious thought to what you need and want, f.e. size, building, neighborhood – is a key starting point for out-of-towners on the real estate hunt. You don’t need to know the city to know what is important to you!

First, you should identify your lifestyle choices. How important is the commute to your working place? How long does it take? Where do you like to spend most of your time? And how much money do you want to spend for your rent? How many people will occupy the apartment? Do you have a pet? And what else is really important in your new home?

Analyze your lifestyle as honestly as you can stand to. Figure out what you can compromise on, and what you can’t live without. Put together a ‘must-have’ vs. ‘would-be-nice-to-have’ list.

Enlist a broker

If you can’t be physically here and/or don’t know the city, having a broker on your side can be a huge help. Ideally, you should get in contact from afar, to kickstart your search and lay the groundwork.

If you do work with a broker, they will likely perform their own due diligence with you, asking you about every detail of your search. He or she wants to identify your needs. If you find somebody who doesn’t ask you about your needs pass on him or her – it doesn’t worth the time.

A broker can also help you understand the unique, often perplexing world of New York real estate. There are numerous websites you may be familiar with, but the condo/co-op/rental market here is a phenomenon unto itself and completely unlike acquiring a house or apartment in every other city of the U.S. or elsewhere in the world. All apartments come with regulations and fees which vary greatly between co-ops, condos and rentals.

Get your paperwork and finances in order

Do yourself a favor and obtain all the necessary documentation (and money) you’ll need to seal a deal. Ask your broker what you need and/or as a start read my article “Getting approved.”

Be aware that Landlords require an annual income of 35-40 times the monthly rent and good US credit. 

It can be much more difficult to get an apartment if you are an international renter without a credit history in the U.S.. One option is to have your company act as a guarantor. If that’s not possible, enlisting the services of an institutional guarantor could be the way to go. Your broker should have some referrals and can give you an overview how much an institutional guarantor will cost. The good news is that pre-qualification occurs within a day and the guaranty is normally issued within 24 hours too.

You also should have funds in an U.S.bank account, and be able to get a certified check from that account at a moment’s notice. Some banks can take two days to cut a check, and in NYC real estate, that just won’t cut it. Especially during the high season – from March until September – it often comes down to who can put money down first. 

Low-tech strategies

One of the best things a prospective New Yorker can do is to drop-in. Even if it’s for a day or two, and see apartments and neighborhoods in person. 

A quick visit is a scenario in which working with a broker can up the efficiency and effectiveness of your search considerably, through pre-screening and timing appointmens.

High-tech help

Technology has certainly changed the game of looking for and at real estate. Enlisting high res photos, video tours, walkthroughs via FaceTime or WhatsApp is very common now. Of course, you can do all of this with or without, an agent. You’ll just need to have a helpful partner/friend/relative to tour apartments for you if you’re not working with a broker. 

Often, people begin their search via digital means, and do the serious business in person. You see, there are many ways to find a new home in New York.

Here are a few listings you can check.