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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[@veen2119]

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

[@jaymieadriano1676]

Sammmee😭😭

[@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.

[@debbiejames3096]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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!!!

[@shess1640]

StreetEasy for the win. Rented my first NYC apt through them and 3.5 yrs later bought my first NYC condo through them.

[@kristindiamandis4297]

Yessss I’m here for the moving series✨🙌

[@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.

[@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]

😀😀😀

[@jenchamberlain9208]

Congratulations on the new place. I can't wait to watch the next videos!!!

[@Linda-d7c2e]

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!!

[@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!! 😁

[@paulherbert8809]

Hey Chelsea Paul here I love your vlog! Just so you know I’m a gay man living in Melbourne Australia and I really enjoy following you! Your so down to earth and genuine…I have a fascination with NYC but at this stage haven’t been to the Big Apple I mentioned that I’m gay so you don’t think I’m a straight man who is sleazing on you if you get my drift 😊. Keep up the great work congrats on the new apartment can’t wait to see it!….Don’t change your a lovely person! Take care and look forward to seeing many more of your vlogs! Cheers from downunder! 🤙🏻👋🏻🇦🇺

[@franzo13579]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!!

[@iammarccolomayt82094]

yay apartment searching vlog!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@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.

[@anthropotron]

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

[@deborahrobertson4670]

Yeaaaah🎉 So glad you are staying in New York🍎It sounds great! I am guessing Upper West Side. Love you too😘

[@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!

[@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 !

[@lyndaplancarte4895]

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

[@MaeSadie1952]

I like you you-tubes, so realistic, and down to earth. I’m waiting for the video of your new place. Congratulations 🎉😊

[@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!!!! 😊

[@koysdo]

I have just moved this month as well ❤

[@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!🏘💓

[@reapersphantomofhell]

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

[@thatcubanredneck9111]

The sad day has come when Miami is definitely more expensive than NY,awesome. Also you and the apartment is the Avengers saga of the city bloggers😂

[@mlk2608]

I love the way u went into details with the documents thank u so much! I had my pen and paper ready lol

[@addieaddie]

Congrats, Chelsea! Sounds like kismet, you getting the new place!

[@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 🥹❤️

[@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!😃

[@facundosaieghify]

The greatest of all time!!!

[@lori-annefay4138]

Holy crap that's a lot to get together to move and I'm wanting to move to NYC from Honolulu. It going to take all of 2024 to get it together. When did life become so complicated! You are amazing that you were able to do all that so fast, without losing your mind. I am truly so hsppy for you!😊

[@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.

[@michaelscottcutler3627]

Boy, am I glad I'm not going through all that bullshit. I did some of it when i moved to the UWS 22 years ago. The part that pissed me off most was the broker's fee. They're freaking bandits!

[@merlejune]

Wow that sounds like a lot of paperwork! But its also really exciting. Thank you for the video ☺️

[@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

[@mjhmn]

yay, awesome Chelsea!

[@NoNameNumberTwo]

Congratulations on the new place. Looking forward to seeing it. 🙂

[@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 🥹♥️

[@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.

[@em12249]

I'm so excited to see your new apartment 😊😊 congratulations, I'm so happy for you. 🎉🎉🎉❤

[@Luffnyc]

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!!

[@junekuntz1874]

Congratulations that great you got the one you wanted 🎉🎉🎉

[@Inreallife25]

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! 😅😅😅

[@deannafrench7062]

I'm so excited for you.

[@knew52]

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

[@harryjamessmithmusic7762]

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

[@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 ❤

[@Ponycargranny]

Congratulations, and well-deserved🎉❤😊

[@ElisabethOberndorfer]

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

[@Nurse4life1995]

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

[@christinewendt9285]

Congratulations on the new apartment! Such good news. 🥳 … 🍀🎈😊

[@gracemunroe]

I look forward to your new videos, Thanks for sharing.

[@CynthiaLevy-o2l]

Go Chelsea go! See Chelsea go!!

[@pamfogarty3087]

Great news! I already worry about you giving too much info away lol. Please stay safe and have fun!

[@thoughts3897]

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

[@williamlarson275]

Can't wait for the new apartment tour!

[@minagrey9584]

I am also squealing in excitement for you! I love cheese!

[@sct4040]

The credit check for $25, i had paid too. That was normal. The $500 deposit without a lease, I never heard of. NYer

[@adrienneszell6901]

Szia Kriszti! Ez a nadrág, csodásan áll. Tessék hordani!! ❤🥰

[@af8604]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@aquao5372]

I’m excited to see your new apt next time !!

[@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 🤗

[@karenanderson6443]

Happy for you just Subscribed. You are an inspiration !!

[@vidabacevicius9567]

Can't wait to see the new place! Who-hoo! :)

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@britfreak]

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

[@carlamengele1215]

I hope the new place is closer to your job. Best of luck. 🍀

[@DanielleJ27]

Congratulations, I am so happy for you. Looking forward to your moving vlog 🎉

[@Warmbreeze43]

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

[@maurasturzenegger626]

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

[@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!

[@jerryspringer6096]

So glad i got out of nyc, SO STRESSFUL

[@ChelseaCallahan]

it's definitely not for everyone :)

[@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.

[@Erinba]

Lol with the address info 😂 Loved this video ❤ the positivity was infectious!

[@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 💖

[@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!

[@Rellevart]

I knew something was happening, I kept checking for a new post. Like where is she, and now we know why. Amazing job all around. congratulations CC

[@macthecat]

Congratulations!! I am so happy for you. Watching your video is the highlight of my day. Best of luck.

[@JessicaP12.]

I cannot wait for the moving vlogs 🎉

[@Sjudit84]

Yeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! Congrats! Can't wait to see the new place! Love it, love the fact that you worked for it and got it! So good!

[@rowank3116]

Yayyy so happy for you Chelsea!

[@HandmadebyLorelei]

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

[@mirrorballmusings]

hootin' and hollerin' for you chelsea!! 😁🎉

[@luhvskat]

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

[@suelyons531]

I don't think I've ever seen you this excited. Congrats!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

thank you!!

[@basedadri]

Congrats on the new apartment 🎉