How your relationship will survive the apartment hunt, according to nosy brokers
Add one more worry to the manifold stresses of apartment hunting as a couple: your broker is apparently secretly judging your relationship. But hey, at least it's mostly in a nice way?
Based on how a couple searches for a place to live, brokers can tell whether they're going to have a lasting love or tear-filled flame-out, according to DNAinfo, and they've got some useful relationship advice, to boot.
As we've written previously, opting for a studio instead of a one-bedroom is a recipe for disaster, as is renting an apartment that's above your means. Going to showings together is also key (you don't want just one person calling the shots on such a huge decision), and so is figuring out areas of compromise, and supporting your partner's apartment must-haves.
On top of that, you'd do well to have an honest conversation beforehand about lifestyle factors: how long do you both really want to stay in New York, and is your boo really on board to help clean up after your constantly-shedding cat? (Also, if your partner has a serious allergy, inquire whether pets live in the apartment before showings, lest you end up like the woman whose husband's broker "had to rush into the stairwell and almost give her an Epipen." Yikes.)
And if you'd rather dip a toe in the cohabiting waters instead of diving in head first, aim for a relatively short-term commitment. After all, there's a big difference between splitting a year-long lease or, say, building an entire house together in Newark.
Related:
This Valentine's Day, couples can buy land in Newark for $1,000
Shacking up: the do's and don'ts of cohabiting for the first time
My broker wants me to sign an exclusive before I start apartment hunting. Should I?
Moving to NYC? Here's a crash course in finding an apartment here
