2012 May Be the Year of the Starter Apartment

So the headlines of the last nearly 2 years have been how luxury homes (over $5 million) just don't seem to be slowing down... until they kind of have. I mean, at the very top end people will always have the money to buy. But now, according to a couple articles, family sized apartment sales have been slowing down.

Instead, it looks like the little guy is finally feeling a little more confident, and smaller starter homes are starting to finally move on the market.  It may not be all about the want to invest however, as Manhattan rents are starting to fly skyhigh again. All you renters, that means you don't have 48-72 hours to "think over" apartments. February, a traditionally slow month, saw very high rental activity.

When you're out shopping for apartments, you need your previous year's tax returns and/or W-2s, letter from your employer showing salary and tenure, 2-3 consecutive paycheck stubs, and bank statements showing enough reserves to pay all the move in costs (please don't send a checking account statement showing only $50; you are trying to prove you are financially qualified to pay rent monthly!). You may also need a copy of your ID, a reference or previous lease from your current landlord. Forewarned is forearmed: I would have quite a fortune if I were given a commission for every renter who missed out on an apartment they loved because they didn't take my advice and have all their paperwork close to hand.

Oh, the Weather Outside is Perfect...!

Today and yesterday have been pitch-perfect in their temperature - near 70 - perfect weather for chinos and a top and no need for those extra linings. I am planning to spend a little time on the High Line appreciating the weather.

What really makes me happy is the delightful new renderings for the 3rd part of the High Line - the part that goes above 30th street and over to the West. The amphitheater is ingenious and I love that part of the stretch will be left - temporarily at least - au naturel with the life that seeded itself there when the High Line was abandoned.

I've been so grateful the winter was so mild but I'm a little fearful the summer will blaze in compensation. So I'm going to head out and enjoy this weather while I've got it!