Trying to take the hassle out of apartment hunting

With graduation just around the corner, many Penn seniors will soon be faced with the intimidating task of finding an apartment.

To calm the fears of those moving out on their own, The Daily Pennsylvanian contacted several sources to offer first-time apartment hunters a few helpful hints.

Glenwood Management -- a Manhattan luxury rental firm --offered universal advice, whether you're moving to the suburbs or to New York City.

n Be prepared to make a decision and move on it quickly in order to secure the apartment of your choice.

n Your credit will be checked. If your credit record is blemished, tell the landlord ahead of time.

n Renting in a condo or co-op building can take up to eight weeks due to the approval process. You must agree to provide detailed financial information and a personal interview to the co-op board.

n When meeting with your prospective landlord, dress conservatively to give yourself a competitive edge and a positive first impression.

Anchor Associates agent Vass Tsonev, offered the following advice to those going through the often-stressful process.

n To get a feel for the market, be sure to see at least 10 to 15 apartments with an experienced broker. This can be accomplished in two to three hours.

n Although it is possible to negotiate rental costs in the wintertime, you will not be able to during the summer because of the wave of college graduates searching for a place to live during those months.

n When signing the lease, you will have to pay one month's rent, the broker's fee and a security deposit. If you don't have good credit history, however, you may have to put down two months' worth of rent.

n Use a guarantor --someone who earns 80 to 90 times the monthly rent -- so that you don't have to put down an enormous security deposit.

n Be ready to answer your broker's questions or he won't take you seriously. Be sure to know when you want to move in, your price range and what you are looking for (e.g. pool, fitness center).

n A broker can rarely help you unless you are looking to move into the apartment in less than 30 days because landlords are not usually willing to keep the apartment off the market for any longer than that.

Finally, 2004 Wharton graduate Elysia Brenner, who currently rents an apartment in Brooklyn, N.Y., offered the following advice to this year's graduating seniors.

n If you are planning to rent in New York, be open to the outer boroughs -- you can get more for less and still be two blocks from the subway.

n Sublet while you're looking for an apartment so that you don't feel as rushed into taking the first thing that comes along.

n The process takes a lot of leg-work: researching, making phone calls and hiking all over the city to see apartments.

n Meet your landlord to make sure that he or she is helpful and kind to tenants.

n Live with others. Combining your budgets can get you a better apartment than any one person alone.

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