3 Tips For Snagging A Hoboken Rental

These days snagging a Hoboken rental may seem like the ultimate challenge. And you thought getting a drivers license was hard.

While the inventory is still low and demand high, finding an apartment can be difficult. 5th floor walk ups, tiny bathrooms where if you don't watch your step getting out of the shower you'll step into the toilet, and nearest laundry mat is 4 blocks away?!

Ok, no, not all Hoboken apartments are tough sells, I've listed and rented many a diamond but you have to be in the know and working with an agent if you're going to score one.

So, once you find a great apartment, here are 3 tips that will help ensure you are the winning bidder.

1. High Credit Score
Ideally your credit score will be in the mid to high 7's and extra points if your credit score begins with an 8. Landlords are looking for tenants that have a great credit history since the market is competitive they can be choosy.

2. Guarantors
Know that your credit isn't squeaky clean? Or maybe you just don't have any yet, if either are the case, definitely ask your parents if they would be willing to be your guarantor on the lease. This will make the landlord feel more at ease and would likely favor them renting to you. One note, your guarantors will also need to have good credit and available income to cover your rent in the event you can't pay.

3. No Pets
Sounds crazy because Hoboken is super pet friendly, but more and more landlords are saying no to pets. And even though you are happy to offer an additional pet deposit, landlords can't accept it because it is considered to be more than 1.5 months of security deposit.
If you come across a landlord that doesn't want pets, I would recommend you offer one of two things.

A non refundable pet fee of $500 or, $25-$50 additional monthly rent. Sounds like a lot but if the alternative is you can't live without FIDO and are having difficulty finding an apartment then hopefully that should do the trick!

These 3 tips should help you snag a Hoboken Rental. If you'd like to search for apartments now, check out www.searchhobokenrentals.com or visit more complete listings by visiting my remax website.

Hoboken | Rental | Open House Tomorrow!

OPEN HOUSE Tomorrow Wednesday one hour only 5:30-6:30PM !! Pet friendly !
- Location, location, location! Just 3 blocks to the PATH

This spacious, top floor corner unit is a spacious one bedroom condo that's located just 5 minutes away from the PATH train station and seconds away from downtown Hoboken's nightlife. Bright and roomy, your home has hardwood floors, high ceilings, a wood burning fireplace that works, large windows and laundry on site. This will not last! Contact me today for an appointment. Landlord is negotiable on price if you rent it for December! So stop by, view this apt and make an offer!
I'll be hosting it.
Here is a link to the flyer
http://www.postlets.com/rts/2967885

Hoboken landlords; the good days of the Hoboken real estate rental market are gone

More and more potential tenants are negotiating rents these days. They are convinced that with the current economy and state of the Hoboken real estate market, they have a very good chance at finding a nice apartment at a great price. On top of it, they'll want part or all of the fee paid, repairs and painting all done for the price they are willing to pay. Don't be surprised if a potential tenant makes an offer on your rental either, they are looking to negotiate just about everything. And with over 100 rentals listed on the MLS plus dozens of other rentals listed in offices independently, they'll find someone who's willing to give them what they want. 

On a side note, in this market you'll want to make absolutely sure that the agent you are working with will treat your rental like a sale. I've said this before, but it is crucial to the success of your apartment being rented. With customers starting online with their searches, an MLS listing will only optimize your visibility to potential renters. 

Bottom line: todays rents are lower than last years in many cases and it takes more ensure your apt gets rented. Consider paying the broker fee, put your listing on the MLS, don't list your rental with an agent unless they are willing to take pictures to market it, clean, repair and paint to get your place rented. 

Sweet One Bedroom In Hoboken! For rent! Smart upgrades

My client - call her Sally who I sold her place too, was fabulous enough to have vision and see beyond the mess and grime. At the time, this one bedroom railroad was in shambles. Literally. But with her creativiy and determination to own her first place, she was able to picture the space how she would like to live in it. After some bleach and $$ in upgrades she transformed what was once -- I'll say it -- a frump, into a beauty!! And now, as is life, she is moving on to bigger and better - which can be your gain! :)

Details, 637 sq foot 1 bedroom plus den railroad, located downtown just a 10 minute walk to the PATH train, or 3 blocks to the Light Rail. Available August 1 or a later move in date. $1800 a month. No dogs, sorry - building policy!

>-- that's the front, Sally even got the association to change the front door which was dreary and beat up!

This is the living room, the original floors were stained and worn. Sally chose a warm wood floor and laid them vertically to keep with the long feel of the home and accentuates the size of unit. She also had the ledge put up and painted on the fire place, put in molding, and created a custom built in book case that all goes with the traditional feel of Hoboken brownstones.. Nice right?

Nice chair rail, and she added the shelf above for more storage in this great bonus room. The molding is a huge upgrade in this unit along with the floors, she definitely added value and will get all of her money invested back.

If you're interested, write or call me! Here's a link to ad http://www.postlets.com/rts/2470194

If you want some advice on what intelligent upgrades you can make don't hesitate to reach me. You can over invest, and you can invest poorly, so make sure you're making great decisions like Sally.

Shopping for a home or rental, you face the same challenges

If you're shopping for a home in Hoboken to purchase, or an apartment to rent you are facing the same challenges. Buyer's want to look at many homes, until they find the perfect one. Renters also want to look at many apartments with hopes to find the perfect one. Both aren't in a rush. Problem is, everyone else is looking for the same thing, and they are seeing the same properties you are, and, some are in a rush because of leases ending, school and jobs starting... While yes, you absolutely have some more options, don't think time is always with you. It happens over and over again, buyers and renters take a day or two too long and end up either losing a home or end up paying more for a home. 

Two examples,  Willow - an apt had been on the market for a while, was reduced aggressively and there were 2 people interested. The first one, waited to make an offer knowing they wanted the place, but decided would think about it. Owner agreed. Second person came in and made a higher offer right away after the 1st had signed the paperwork. The 2nd one saw it, liked it and aggressively went for it. First one lagged and had they moved quicker would've had the apt, and at a lower price than the 2nd ended up getting it for.  

Next, Grand - a buyer saw a home that they loved, it was perfect and at a good price. They decided, it's a buyer's market, no one else is going to make an offer, let's wait to make an offer and see if it goes down. About two weeks later buyer sees the property is no longer on the market.. buyers are very upset. They decide at this point to offer full price, but before they were hoping to offer well below asking and negotiate..  Unfortunately buyers are too late and the property is in contract. Now they are still looking for a home like the one they fell in love with. It's been a month and nothing...And I can almost guarantee that the first buyers are not paying full price.

Keep in mind when you sign a lease or a contract it isn't binding until the three day attorney review period is over and the owner/seller has also signed the contract.

Ladies, early bird gets the worm. 

And - at a better price! 

But you know this already!  You're savvy and know what you want so when you see it you'll be ready :) 

Happy house hunting and best of luck!!

Fully furnished Hoboken luxury rental at the Hudson Tea Building

Hello bloggers! My client is renting out a wonderful condo at the Hudson Tea building in Hoboken. If you need temporary residence, or are looking for a fully furnished home, this luxury loft unit is beautiful! Here are some pics

It's difficult to capture the grandeur of this home on camera, not sure if you can tell, but this home boasts 13 foot ceilings and a true loft, open feel with a great functional floor plan and privacy in the bedroom alcove.

Also, it has 10 ft windows that actually open and offer serene water views, lots of blue sky, and fresh air.

The unit comes fully furnished and has great design! Since these pictures it's been custom painted a beautiful warm red spice color that compliments the furnishings and accentuates the drama of the space even more.

Here are some highlights about the Tea

• Secure doorman entry
• Two elevators
• Every unit has it's own washer and dryer
• Concrete building, orginally the Lipton Tea Factory - a historic conversion
• Residents fitness center, one of the largest in Hoboken
• Residents community lounge, offers a billiard table, telvisions, comfy couches, kitchen/bar and beautiful NYC views, available for private parties
• Private shuttle service to and from the Hoboken PATH
• Garage parking within close proximity
• 13 ft ceilings
• 10 ft windows
• Open Kitchens
• Fabulous uptown location, short stroll to NY waterway ferry
• Great night life and shopping
• Waterfront

Available for August 1 occupancy, comes with 1 garage parking space

Hoboken Rental? Done!

I'm so excited! It looks like I was able to rent a friends/clients beautiful studio condo. I'm super excited and relieved. It's stressful believe it or not when your selling or renting someone's place. You feel personally responsible and connected to the place and of course want to do a good job!

Anyway, so 725 Washington is off the market! Now she can move to the UK on her next adventure!

Are you trying to rent your place? Or know of someone having trouble? I'd be happy to help!

Beautiful Hoboken Apt Hosts Open House Tonight!

Yes! Tonight you can come by and view this apt for rent. Open House tonight from 6:30 - 8:00 PM. Check out blog entry 'Hoboken apt in great downtown location' for details! Or visit this link to a postlet ad! Hope to see you there!
Any questions please don't hesitate to reach me. Send me an email and I'll respond quickly!

This apt can be rented short term furnished or for 1 year unfurnished. July 1 move in date.

Beautiful new studio rental in the heart of Hoboken!

Another fabulous friend of mine is renting her beautifully renovated condo! Ladies, if you're looking for a 1 bedroom in Hoboken - consider not renting a dull 1 bedroom with a 60's kitchen and narrow living room and zero closet space. Instead keep your mind open and rent this beauty!!

This studio is located on 7th and Washington just steps to everything! It is super spacious and offers a sleeping loft with queen size bed and skylight. A short walk to PATH and you can shop and run errands on your way home from anywhere. It's a top floor apt located in the rear of the building so it's super quiet. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves! It's available July 1st - can be rented fully furnished for $1950 or unfurnished for $1600. Contact me if interested! You'll love coming home.

Kim sanded and refinished the cabinets and stained them a rich chocolate color plus added a beautiful tile back splash and tile floor, new fixtures and a black granite counter top with gold flecks.
She also updated the bath, added a new vanity and sink plus upgraded the tile work. Just out side of this bath is a huge walk in closet and a linen closet!


There is a lovely terrace that over looks private gardens from the buildings on Washington and the brownstones on Hudson. It' s very serene. And the apt gets great light with another large skylight.

Beuatiful hardwood floors and an original brick wood burning fireplace plus two other huge closets in the living room! This is better than any one bedroom you could rent in Hoboken in this price range. If you're interested call me for a private appt.