Apartment searching in NYC *is wild & expensive*. My experience on the hunt!

AHHHHHHH! Apartment hunting and searching in new york city is so stressful but soooo exciting!! I didn't share pictures of this dream apartment because the current tenant was still living there when I viewed it.... so... more on that soon, maybe ;) If you're new here, I'm on the apartment hunt living in new york city. I've been living alone in a studio apartment and am finally ready to upgrade to something bigger and better. Excited for this new nyc chapter!
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[@meriahmakes6870]

Having an email draft with all your documents attached is so wise! I’m sure that tip will help a lot of your viewers in the future. We love not gatekeeping 🙌🏻

[@ChelseaCallahan]

❤️❤️❤️

[@deloresredman4792]

Yes..great idea!

[@Noflexing100]

I would advise against this. You’ll be left victim to a cyberattack. If they gain access to your emails then you’ll have all your sensitive information ready to be sent from one email. You can think of it like leaving all your eggs in one basket and putting them in your living room table ready to see. Remember the attacker would just have to attack any wifi that you may be connected to and you’re device will be there. Its not as difficult as you may think. Stay safe.

[@veen2119]

This feels like a close friend telling me good news! Im really happy you found a new home.

[@jaymieadriano1676]

Sammmee😭😭

[@debbiejames3096]

You did all the work and you were well prepped, you DESERVE this so much!

[@youbiscuit2146]

That broker fee is crazy! Should be illegal for them to charge that much!

[@betsywilliams3666]

I thought it was. I heard that in NYC, that it was under $50

[@jf7654]

Only in NYC does that bs happen. Glad I moved out of that hellhole

[@Jack-ti7mg]

its normal for the broker to charge 1 month's rent. There are "no fee" apartments, also on streeteasy, in which the broker's fee does not apply, but the broker's fee may just be included in the rent, unless the landlord is trying to rent the unit themselves. In some cases, it could a sign that it has been difficult to rent out the apartment for some reason (eg- COVID lockdown, or other reason).

[@thebowmac]

@@betsywilliams3666 You may be thinking of an application fee. A brokers fee here is similar to how real estate agents get paid for the sale of a home in other states. It’s often 10-15% of the annual total rent. It’s very expensive and pretty unique to NYC from what I can tell.

[@thebowmac]

@@Jack-ti7mg When I was looking last summer it was almost impossible to find a “no fee” apartment because the market was crazy and they could take advantage. I think the fee trend tends to fluctuate with the market.

[@BePreparedDunDun]

In all honesty you deserve your own talk show. You’re just so charming. It’s incredible how your real life charm translates on here.

[@ChelseaCallahan]

🥹🥹❤️ you’re awesome Paul, thanks!

[@andreacullen770]

I’m less than 4 minutes in and I’m screaming !!!! So exciting! I like everyone else here feels like a good friend gave us good news! Your maturity and probably experience at work ( being organized, being a problem solver) go a long way here. We are collectively thrilled for you!

[@thebowmac]

As someone who’s been through this process in NYC I can say that this is such solid advice! I had success with both emailing and calling the broker (and sleuthing to find their contact info if it’s not available on the app). You manifested this gem! So excited for you!!!

[@BenChanNYC]

Congrats - Good hunting Chelsea! You not only lucked out, but did a great job being prepared and doing what you needed to to close that deal. While I don't need it right now, I appreciate your transparency about the process and providing some really solid tips. Can't wait to see the place - I hope you're excited for the possibilities!! 😁

[@SimplyAl2]

I also just signed a lease on a place and I was READY! I immediately called and was the first viewing. The biggest tip to snagging something great. Congrats, I’m glad it was as easy for you as it was for me!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Yayaya! So exciting, congrats!

[@franzo13579]

As you said in the end : you worked hard and EARNED IT ❤🎉

[@IStarscream_]

Chelsea as a Capricorn I RESPECT YOU SO MUCH, fellow earth sign. Solid work getting your apartment so smoothly! You're living my dream! You are also inspiring me to pick up running :) but I'm an Oregon girly and don't want to run in our eternal drizzle, so it might be more of an indoor thing for most of the year? Regardless, I've so been looking forward to catching an update from you. We're different in many ways, but somehow our lives and aspirations mirror one another's and I'm happy to watch you succeed from all the way across the country. We're all so proud of you! Already looking forward to your next video :)

[@elise6346]

Fellow Cap here too! When I start loosing motivation I think about Chelsea and all of her longtime work (running, KZbin...) and how good she is with keeping motivation on the long run. Super inspiring :D

[@c.nicole.n]

Congratulations! It was a sigh of relief that all went well. I hope the best for you in your new space. I’m looking forward to the “moving series”. Cheers Chelsea!!!! 😊

[@lyndaplancarte4895]

Sounds like being so prepared was a big plus for you. Happy that you'll be where you will feel safe.

[@jackienolan9142]

Moving prep can be stressful. Start decluttering now. Start packing into boxes whatever you aren’t going to be using in the next few weeks. Good luck and congratulations!!

[@foo9877]

Omg but you uploaded this on the fifth… which means this all had happened.., which means the vlogs are coming soon!!! I’m so excited! And congratulations!!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

😀😀😀

[@marccolomayt82094]

yay apartment searching vlog!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@marymcdonagh7697]

So happy for you! I had a friend in Brooklyn who had to find a place asap last year and the skills you called out - ready to hustle and being prepared - made all the difference.

[@pitita585]

I don’t know why this whole video made me so emotional. The suspense at first and then hearing that you got it. I’m just so so happy and proud for you 🥲 Congratulations. I hope you absolutely love your new place 🥹♥️

[@kristindiamandis4297]

Yessss I’m here for the moving series✨🙌

[@DomoinaYoga1976]

YAAAYYYY! New home, new neighbourhood....SOOOOO excited for you! Who knows what else that's "new" will come into your life now. You sure DO work hard and you DO deserve this... and it's all yours! Congrats! Can't wait to see your new home!🏘💓

[@eleftheriaatalla4678]

Omg I remember myself going through this process in summer which makes it even worse due to the huuuge demand! The good rentals were gone minutes after the ad was posted on StreetEasy.. glad you found a good fit !

[@ElisabethOberndorfer]

Congrats! I remember apartment hunting in San Francisco ten years ago, what a stressful time. Glad you've found a place right away!

[@sylvias4899]

Congrats on the new place.🎉 Really happy and excited for you. The apartment hunting Gods were really smiling down on you. Can't wait to see your new place. YAY!😃

[@estrellarouge]

So excited for you! Not that your old place isn't cute, it's just so nice for you to be comfortable after all your hard work! Hope you enjoyed your vacation. Good luck with the move!

[@mariemagmandeln]

Congrats! It's just the best feeling: getting the flat you really wanted, getting the job you really wanted. Love it and it sounds just great.

[@lucindabutler1100]

Hi Chelsea, Yay! I can tell how happy you are grinning from ear to ear good for you, so happy for you. To be honest I didn't realise how stressful it is looking and applying for a place to rent in NYC. I also didn't know you had to pay the agent guy, in the UK there is a 6 week deposit and a tenancy deposit, that's it! Can't wait to see your new home take care and have a good week x 💖

[@winslow_j]

That happened so quick!!! The epitome of something being aligned and meant to be 😌 super excited for you and to see the new spot. Congratulations!!🎊🎉

[@lisatakeitorleaveit]

I’ve been a realtor for 25 years and you were seriously prepared! My son also lives in Midtown so he has been through it :-) congratulations on the new place

[@geek-jenn]

How exciting! Can't wait to see the new place. As someone who is hoping to move there in the next 6 months I always appreciate your realistic insight and tips. Congrats again!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

best of luck on your move!!

[@r.burnski7393]

Appreciate you being so transparent about costs included in this process! Thank you ❤ Hope your move goes smoothly and enjoy your new space!!! -from another girl living alone in a city that’s ridiculously over priced and hard to find living arrangements lol ❤

[@af8604]

So happy you found a good place! Can't wait to see what it looks like.

[@caroleearnshaw32149]

So pleased for you Chelsea. All the best getting settled in your new home ❤️

[@janicecoulson5388]

Good heavens, I couldn't believe the cost of your rental. Broker fees seem high too! You must have a very well paid job! Congratulations

[@elise6346]

I couldn't help smiling during the whole video, this is so heartwarming to see someone achieving a goal! Congrats on your new place, you deserve this upgrade :D

[@ChelseaCallahan]

🥹thank you Elise!

[@harryjamessmithmusic7762]

Fantastic job, Chelsea! Amazing video! Greetings from the EU!

[@atlfun08]

So exciting! It’s totally worth all the work after you get settled in. I moved in 2022…after 7 years! AND definitely keep the lid on your locale and get that privacy! 😅😅😅

[@brooklynwilliams8650]

Yay! Congrats! I did the same thing with my apartment. I had all my attachments already in a draft too. So happy for you!! I apartment hunted for about 2 months.

[@user-vb7my4di2r]

Just an FYI for anyone looking to rent in new york state before signing a lease, the most a landlord can charge is $20 for a credit and background check. The landlord has to give you a copy of the background/credit check, as well as an invoice from the company that performed it. In nyc I have looked at apartments where they tried to charge more for it (one was 65$) and called them out on it and got oh we didnt update our paperwork still in 2023 when this law was passed in 2019. Look up the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection act. They originally wanted to get rid of broker fees too, but unfortunately that didnt happen.

[@JayFingers]

First, I wanna say: I have that same Kikkoman T-shirt! Not only are we both Virgos but we dress alike? We’re practically besties! 😆😆 I’m glad you were able to find an apartment that you like - although those broker’s fees are the absolute worst! I also think it’s cool when the landlord wants a tenant they can build a relationship with. And yes, things move fast, especially once you actually get the place. So excited for you! 🥳 I’ve also been on an apartment quest in LA and it has been a nightmare. I feel like it’s worse out here than in NYC. BUT! Like you, I found a place I loved and got it the same day. I’m super stoked. But I still keep my StreetEasy alerts on just in case I decide to move back to NYC! 😅 Glad everything worked out well for you!!

[@Michele-kn9kv]

This is 100%awesomeness!!!!! I had saved this video because I was dealing with things and thought, "I ain't missin' this beauty," so unbelievably happy for you. You have definitely earned this. Working hard. I can not WAIT to see your moving videos. Remember, there is NO STRESSIN!!! I know easier said than done, lol 😆 By the way, I hope you had an awesome vacation 🤗

[@filmwithhannes]

Ok, watched the video, I am very happy for you and by the time you posted the video the move has happened and now I will wait for the video of the new place.

[@ganeeva8635]

Congratulations Chelsea! I’ve a silent viewer back when you have 20k subs! You have no idea how happy I am seeing your numbers growwwww! Yes girl! I’m an interior stylist/designer and I’m sooooo excited for your space upgrade! Best of luck with the rest of the “fun” stuff you have to do to move! ❤❤❤❤

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Ahhhh! Thanks for being here :) ❤️

[@Nurse4life1995]

Congrats Chelsea 🎉🎉🎉 Finding that new spot was ment just for you👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 plz enjoy every moment❤❤

[@LuffLab]

I literally chose my current apartment for the sunlight. It makes all the difference!! Also I felt sooooo nervous working with brokers and giving thousands of dollars 🥴 anyway congrats on your dream apartment!!

[@knew52]

AHHHH I LOVE THIS STORY! It was so meant to be!!❤❤❤

[@bluedog1052]

I've been renting in Australia for the past 14 years in Australia (how depressing, that's generally half the life of a home loan lol) and application and brokers fees are unheard of here, that's crazy. All we do is apply online through a rental app portal, upload the same ID/income/employment letters (don't even need to talk to anyone, but beneficial if you've gone to an open viewing), once approved, pay 4 weeks rent to the Residential Tenancies Agency and 2 to 4 weeks rent to the real estate agent once monies all cleared pick up keys on the agreed date. Looking forward to the vlogs from the new pad and a walkthrough of course. Great work Chelsea.

[@davem7942]

Congrats! Personally, those apartment requirements/asks are so intense. For my apartment, I didn't do all of that (employment + paystub + credit check + state ID). Seven pieces of paperwork is excessive; not sure why they wanted the employment offer letter (employment verification letter confirms the date at which it was sent/requested, confirming employment). Very, very weird.

[@daniellemanzano1423]

Hey Chelsea ! I never comment on videos but I legit found your channel I want to say last week and have been obsessed with your videos since. I even cleaned my house yesterday to your 1 hour in real time cleaning video haha. I just wanted to say your vlogs are so incredibly comforting / relatable. I'm also in my thirties just tryna navigate life and watching your videos makes me feel like we're doing it together (not to make you feel weird lol ). Just so nice seeing someone else doing similar things. Loving the content, congrats on your new place / chapter in your life and I look forward to future videos !

[@ChelseaCallahan]

hey! This means a lot. Thanks for sharing and for being here ❤️❤️❤️

[@simpleheart9043]

Woohoo Ms. Chelsea! So PROUD OF YOU and SO HAPPY for you! You did it! Congratulations 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Thank you ❤️

[@Tofushoots]

I always struggle between wanting to watch every video the moment it's uploaded and wanting to wait for 3 - 4 videos I can binge watch in one hit.

[@SueB-wv6mg]

Congratulations! That looked like a lot of work and preparation, but you did it! I'm so happy for you! :)

[@britfreak]

Way to go Chelsea! Crush those goals.......🎉

[@suefitz2498]

Wow wow wow 😮, how fantastic. Well done on giving all the deets about how you actually find a place. Your organisation skills are exceptional. Can’t wait for the next edition on here. It makes me so happy to see you look so happy ❤

[@darrielbaldwin3087]

Hey I usually don’t comment… but you are seriously my comfort KZbinr, your videos makes me feel so welcomed and safe and appreciated and I truly enjoy your content/videos and wanted to thank you for sharing your life with us. Thank you🤍

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Thank you 🥹❤️

[@zuur303]

I viewed a lot of apartments (to buy, after renting for years) but the one I eventually got, I bought in the space of 30 minutes. 😅 The housing market in the Netherlands was and remains crazy, especially for a single person. Still, it worked out. Interested in seeing the new space!

[@trishaanderson3001]

It’s so fun when thing fall together perfectly. Something that was just meant to be. I’m so excited for your new adventure.

[@Raachelcurrran]

Can’t wait to see the new place Chelsea! Congrats on securing it so easily 🎊

[@xiomarareyes2364]

Wow, that's amazing. I'm so happy for you! I've seen a lot of apt hunting videos and it looks very stressful, you are lucky! So glad, this all happened for you! Thanks for sharing, can't wait to see your new apartment!

[@shopgirl_ny152]

Congratulations, Chelsea. I'm so glad it worked out for you. You have paid your dues long enough and deserve a nice place to call home.

[@rebeccacartier153]

So happy you found a place.. you seemed so calm about the whole thing. Whenever I have to move I get extreme anxiety and it’s not even that hard in my city.

[@Michela.f.c.]

Welcome back home! Hope your trip was amazing! Just saw your post on instagram and came straight here to see your new video! Good luck Chelsea! Greetings from Switzerland❤️

[@Michela.f.c.]

So glad you found what you were looking for! For sure some luck, but well deserved as well!❤️

[@alexxnelle]

"Im cheesing because I've worked hard and Ive earned this" - YES! Love this 💕 congratulations! Just found your channel and after 2 videos I'm hooked, you're honestly wonderful and have the best vibe

[@ChelseaCallahan]

🥲thank you so much!

[@maurasturzenegger626]

So happy and excited for you and what's to come ❤ congratulations!! well done!!

[@Cmdtheartist]

I just helped my daughter move into a new apartment. Very exciting. Thrilled for you, congratulations, wherever you are. I'm going to picture that apartment at the top of the Woolworth Building.

[@susangladstone357]

Washing dishes is therapeutic. It’s your new zen practice Chelsea ;) CONGRATULATIONS 🎊🎈

[@ChelseaCallahan]

gonna have to learn to love it :) hehe

[@asmahilal239]

I’m so happy for you Chelsea ! You are one of the favorite KZbin channels I love to watch you are just so real and watching you makes me feel good.. you embrace the high & low and don’t glorify things as it should be.. I really can’t wait to see your apartment.. your KZbin channel will be big mark my words :)))

[@warmbreeze43]

Congratulations. I’m so happy for you. Have fun

[@WanderThisWay]

I love watching apartment hunting videos because I always love hearing what is important to someone vs. what I would prioritize. It's always an insightful process!

[@melanywin9656]

So happy for you! Getting this appartment was sooo much work! And by the way you look so tan and healthy! 😊🎉

[@reapersphantomofhell]

This video is truly the meaning of Kismet. I am so happy for you!!

[@carriewyatt8583]

Yay!! Congrats girl! Can’t wait for the tour of the new place. You deserve this ❤

[@HandmadebyLorelei]

Congrats🎉 Girl! Woohoo!!! You hustled and it paid off!

[@maggiehelton8425]

Rooting for you girl. You have grown so much since I started watching. Proud of you!! :-)

[@wyckedli]

Congratulations Chelsea! I’m very happy for you and look forward to watching the Home Moving series! ❤🎉

[@vvnsng]

This was so helpful, about to start looking for a new place - good luck at the new place

[@tjp7342]

Congratulations! I know how stressful this process can be. Happy you found a great place for you!

[@BaoTieuActor]

You totally deserve it. It was obviously meant to be. I went through the same last year here in London. Finally got a nice place I can call my very own home. It's the best feeling ever.

[@uwpride]

Congratulations!!! I recently went through the same process, everything you said was so relatable 😫

[@judyholiday1794]

Congratulations Chelsea 🎉 So happy for you..

[@juliecowallis844]

Watching this on 9/5! So happy for you and I’m hoping you’re settling in well. Also, hoping you made your peace with the old apartment. It is not always easy leaving a home you’ve loved. 😊

[@michaela000]

Congrats! I think this is the most seamless NYC apartment searching video I've seen in ages :) Also re: your new neighborhood/privacy-in case you're not aware, there's a setting in KZbin Studio where you can block words that will keep any comments with information (your address, neighborhood, etc.) held for review. You can find it under settings > community > blocked words.

[@ChelseaCallahan]

great idea, thank you!

[@newhorizons9104]

Wow you went prepared! What great tips for those looking. Great video :)

[@Jessamine90]

I'm so happy for you! I was recently moving just after coming back from the trip. If you have some boxes I really recommend starting to pack before the trip. It was a lifesaver for me.

[@desertwitch9608]

Your face is glowing with excitement. I’m so happy for you. And I’m really looking forward to the moving and decorating videos. Take care and be safe

[@myrtovathioti7809]

Congratulations on your new apartment 🎉 I think there's a way to block some words from being written I'm the comments (neighborhood, street etc) for safety reasons.

[@TheresaAlberti]

Wow, that was fast! Congrats! Can't wait to see it. And it's already Sept 5, so you've already moved! How exciting!

[@Anton0915]

Amazing news! Can’t wait for the tour! You worked hard for this!

[@suzfindsnyapts]

This is a great video, you really did everything right! I love how organized you were with your documents. I can’t tell you how many people are not as prepared. Doing a credit check is legal, in NY up to 20 dollars. Most scammers are on Facebook or Craigslist but anything is possible. Checking the license is so smart too. The summary of what you did right was excellent too. Timing is key!

[@luhvskat]

YAYY IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! cant wait to see what it looks like, I’m sure it’s beautiful

[@cozyvibes083]

Chelsea, I am so here for you girlfriend on this new journey!!! YAY!! Moving videos here we come 🎉😍

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Yaaaaaay! ✨

[@jenniferfriedman8138]

Been waiting for this video!!!

[@letterbox203]

It must feel like a miracle to secure this apartment in NYC without a guarantor. Kudos for establishing your credibility and for making your way. You are a remarkable individual!

[@jupeter24]

yea! I"m so glad you found an apartment with better LIGHT. That is, like, so important. I know when I lived in a major city (studio apartment) that faced a brick wall, it affected my emotions : ) There was only one tiny sliver of light that would shine through. 1x per day.

[@samanthaskinner2773]

Congrats on the new space! I can’t wait for all the apartment content 😍

[@twinmom5138]

I'm so happy for you, Chelsea! Can't wait to see your new place! 😊

[@smargrave]

Congrats!! I’m glad the stars aligned for you! Looking forward to your moving blogs! I hope you can detail the process of choosing movers, how to pack, how much you paid, ect!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Yes! Will be sharing every detail over the next couple weeks ❤️

[@JoseFlores-kl6jm]

Congratulations on the big move Chelsea !

[@thoughts3897]

Best of luck to you! You seem really excited about the change. That is fantastic.

[@wildlily11]

Congratulations, your a New Yorker , n that was a nyc hustle move. Everything is fast in this city. Be open n prepared. Best of luck.

[@trinasmith2931]

Sooo happy for you. Congrats on the new apartment…can’t wait to see what’s next.🎉