looking for an apartment

[so828.livejournal.com]

I, along with some friends, am looking for a 3-4 bedroom apartment near Davis Sq.  We are all grad students and are looking for a place under $1800 if 3 bedroom and or under $2400 if 4 bedroom.  One of us lives in Somerville currently and is available to look at places this weekend.  The rest of us are moving up from Asheville, North Carolina.  Thanks for your help!

Comments

moving date

[so828.livejournal.com]

We are looking for a place starting August 1

Re: moving date

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I just poked around on Craig's List, and there was a bunch of stuff in your range (most including realtor fees). It wasn't all RIGHT next to the T, but some stuff was a reasonable walk.

I would start emailing people now if you want to look this weekend.

PS, if you're moving in August 1, listings will really heat up over the next 3 or 4 weeks.

Re: moving date

[so828.livejournal.com]

Thanks- thats helpful- just so I have this right- brokers fees are usually 1 months rent right. Seems like most postings are for places available June 1st right now

Re: moving date

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

Yeah, many places will ask you for (up front):

first month's rent
last month' rent
broker's fee (up to one month's rent)
security deposit (up to one month's rent)

Not EVERY place will need all of this, but they are legally able to ask for that much money.

And Somerville is a little less nutso than many parts of Boston on the you-need-to-find-a-place-18,000-years-early, so for an August 1 lease, starting to look now and looking for a month or two is totally reasonable.

PS, consider being a little flexible with your moving date if possible (i.e., look at July 15, Aug 15, Sept 1, etc). This may up your changes of finding places. Sept. 1 is the BIG move-in date around here.

PPS, if you use a broker, don't be afraid to negotiate with him/her. 2 years ago, we got our broker to come WAY down on the security fee and monthly rate.