Advice for new apartment owner?

[FrugalGuy]

I'm going to buy a new co-op 1BR apartment in NY. I know next to nothing about redesigning a new bathroom/kitchen, preparations prior to moving in, decorating, furniture, etc. If anybody has any advice, know any short books I can read or websites that can help, then it I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[z0mb13]

Don't forget the house warming party?

 

[BigJ]

The best thing to do is once or twice, take note of every single thing you use that day. People forget about things like shower curtains, shower curtain rings, door mats, hand towels, etc. Just catalogue what you use now so you know what to bring.

 

[axelfox]

I thought you "rent" an apartment, and "buy" a condominium. Right or wrong?

 

[cherrytwist]

Originally posted by: axelfox
I thought you "rent" an apartment, and "buy" a condominium. Right or wrong?

Not if you buy it to rent to another.

 

[clamum]

Don't pour gasoline all over and set it on fire.

 

[DBL]

Originally posted by: FrugalGuy
I'm going to buy a new co-op 1BR apartment in NY. I know next to nothing about redesigning a new bathroom/kitchen, preparations prior to moving in, decorating, furniture, etc. If anybody has any advice, know any short books I can read or websites that can help, then it I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

Good luck getting your plans approved by the co-op board.

 

[DBL]

Originally posted by: axelfox
I thought you "rent" an apartment, and "buy" a condominium. Right or wrong?

Technically, you buy shares of a co-op. You don't really own your apartment.

You buy and own your apartment in a condo and have shares in the common elements.

 

[Train]

You better have homeowners/renters insurance. You should be able to get $20k in covereage for about $16 a month. Adjust up or down depending on how much you think all the crap in your apt would cost to replace. When I was in college I only needed $10k for me AND my roomates, but nowadays I own a lot more stuff, nicer furniture, comuters, etc, so I bumped it up to 20k just to be on the safe side.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

http://www.ikea.com

 

[LS21]

watch Small Spaces Big Style on HGTV. some really, really great ideas on there. lots of units in New York because thats where the shortage of space is. though the renovations they do there is pricey, you can nick off ideas here and there

 

[Barrak]

Make sure you contact any one/company that you deal with and get your address changed.
Credit cards
Drivers Lisense
Voter Regestration
Any sort of Insurance
Your Work-for the W2s

Also, depending where you get your car insurance, you can add in Renters at a reduced rate. When I got my first appartment My insurance went up a whole $3 because of the deal.