Methods of Searching

Methods of Searching - Fee v. No Fee Rentals If you can afford to pay a broker's fee, searching with a broker is highly recommended for convenience. Brokers can give you an overview of the market, guide you in your search, and facilitate the paperwork for you. Some landlords list apartment availabilities exclusively through brokers.
Brokers charge a commission for their services. In Manhattan, expect to pay between `12%-15% of the year's rent. That means if your rent is $1,000 a month, the broker's fee works out to $1,000 x 12 x 15%, or $1,800. Fees outside of Manhattan are usually less, ranging from one month's rent to 12% of the year's rent. The fee is payable only at the time of lease signing. OCHA maintains a list of real estate brokers, many of whom will give a discount on their fees to CU students and affiliates. The larger firms have Web sites where you can search their listings in advance of contacting them. You can also check their most updated listings in the classified ads in The Village Voice, The New York Times and LOOT. Don't forget to ask if a student or Columbia corporate discount is available.
If you prefer not to pay a broker's fee, "no fee" searching options include:
Classified Ads - look for ads that say "no fee" or "by owner" as well as ads for sublets and shares. Landlords and Management Companies - Call directly and ask for a list of their vacancies. OCHA has compiled a list of some of the larger companies. Gabriel's Guide to Apartment Hunting is a book, which lists management companies, rental buildings and contact information. Online Search Sites - First check out OCHA’s Housing Registry listings. Then try the series of Web site links we have developed. Flat Fee Agencies - A flat fee ranging from $60-$250 is usually paid up-front for access to non-realtor fee listings.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.