How soon is too soon to look?

Since the summertime rental market is so fast paced most apartments you'll be looking at in early July will be for an ASAP move-in, or August 1st at the latest if it's tenant occupied. If you're looking for late August (anywhere from the 15th-31st but NOT September 1st) you may have to resign yourself to eating up a half month of rent or more to get a place you really like. Mid-month rentals are really rare in the summer since demand is so high - I would recommend eating a half month rent or so and aim for an August 1st lease.

What neighborhood?
What price point?
Any special circumstances?

No special circumstances really. Thinking Midtown East or Midtown West, but open to suggestions. Max around $3300/mth. Thoughts?

Thank you skrufi!

Or see if you can delay your relocation for a Sept 1 lease.

So you want a studio or 1 BR? My suggestion is to look for no fee buildings or no fee listings on SE as the broker's fee on a NYC is 15% of the yearly lease value--a big expense.

CCL3: I am looking for a 1 BR. Thanks for the advice. That's a big expense.

I would reccoment 4-6 weeks is the max time out to look. Otherwise you might just be spinning wheels. I would take a few days to hyper focus on exactly what you want, and target your ideal apartment. Also, do not even bother looking at a rental if you do not have all your paperwork in order. By the time you decide you want something, apply and get your paperwork in order it could be gone. - Marcus

Some companies will allow for 30 days, others for only 2 weeks. Though I have met good on site people who know what is upcoming in the future and isn't yet listed but I just wonder if you can't see it all cleaned up and fixed up how you know it will be riht for you because they don' tseem to give away renovations unless you pay higher prices.

Do a google search for Bettina equities. They have two different 1 br's in your price range listed for Aug 1. Great location midtown west building, no fee, but no doorman.