Dumb dumb newbie trying to find an apartment
- Joined: Nov 19th, 2008
- Posts: 1
Hey there everyone,
I've just been in this city for a little over a month, working for a foreign company at CBD, but I've decided to stay and see how much longer this city can fascinate me.
Obviously that means having to get an apartment to rent. I've been to a few real estate websites and looked through this forum for a while. But in the end I find it an almost impossible task to master, considering that I don't know too much about the city, its areas and the possible traps on the real estate market.
So, I figured I'd ask you people if there's anything I should be especially aware of. Do I need an agent? Which areas are good, which are not? What is an acceptable price range for something like 2bdr, 80-100sqm.
Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!
coco-nuts
Re: Dumb dumb newbie trying to find an apartment
It depends. Which area of CBD do you work in?
lodgerly
Re: Dumb dumb newbie trying to find an apartment
It's really difficult to contact with the landlords even for Chinese locals. But if you insist, you can still have a try to see if you can get any luck.
So maybe finding a reliable agent could help you more as you are
The area should be carefully chosen. Coz later you will have to deal with the transportation everyday.
Just spend some time to take a look at those apts. Normally, you don't need to pay for the agent fee if the price is higher than 3500.
If in CBD area, I think a 2 bdr apt will cost you around 4000.
You can try some Chinese websites to get more information.
Show Oligarch
joangracea
Re: Dumb dumb newbie trying to find an apartment
Better check for some ads by the landlord in the classifieds section or other online communities. I could PM you the website addresses. In my case, I hate dealing with pushy and somewhat deceitful agents. Dealing directly with the landlord is much better but you need to make sure you understand everything stated in the contract. Most landlords who advertise on these onlince communities can speak acceptable English but the contract would definitely be in Chinese. Just ask a friend to help you out with this. In the CBD, 4k to 7K RMB is quite easonable but it would also depend on how posh or upscale the neighborhood is. Lido and Wangjing are also good, though a litle bit far from where you work. Most neighborhoods are laid back and some foreigners prefer those... especially now that the rental rates are receding in these areas...
well, good luck!
"Will and conscience are subordinate to intellect."
-Apolinario Mabini
gulch
Re: Dumb dumb newbie trying to find an apartment
Feel free to PM me for help. As an experienced lessee in Beijing and Sweden/Norway, also being a landlord in Beijing now, I can help you to find cheap apartment near subway station only can be find by very smart Beijinger, without fee now.
I am planning to establish reputation in the future, I may charge thro my company.
The above saying doesn't represent my opinion...
sophya530
Re: Dumb dumb newbie trying to find an apartment
Hi,derlino
I am Sophya from Century21 Prospect Realty.And I can help you find apt for rent in Beijing .We have many kinds of apts near CBD .In addation, I will do my best to find apt which is the best and cheappeast in the area for you.Maybe we can check them on this weekend .Please contact me for free at
150-1130-7834 or send me Email:sophya529@hotmail.com
No Agent Fee
Best Service Quality
one pain one gain
sophya530
Re: Dumb dumb newbie trying to find an apartment
Hi,derlino.
I am Sophya from century21 Prospect Realty.And I can help you find apt for rent in Beijing .We have many kinds of apts near CBD .In addation, I will do my best to find apt which is the best and cheappeast in the area for you.Maybe we can check them on this weekend .Please contact me for free at
150-1130-7834 or send me Email:sophya529@hotmail.com
No Agent Fee
Best Service Quality
one pain one gain
V
Re: Dumb dumb newbie trying to find an apartment
You are wise to be suspicious. The market is chock full of less-than-forthright people (both agents and owners). My suggestion is to live as close to your office as you can stomach to avoid the hassles of transportation. Walking to the office is a huge luxury, especially in the choked traffic in BJ.
For a so so quality apartment in CBD of those dimensions, I'd expect the cost to be about 4000-5000/month. Nicer buildings in more "expat friendly" compounds can be 2-3 times that price. I'd stop into a Century21 or some other big real estate office in the actual area you want to focus your search and have one of their elves hunt around for you. Tell them to find 5-10 places within X distance of wherever you want to live. They'll always try to upsell you so be SURE to tell them your budget up front and not to waste your time showing you things outside of that budget. Also, it's a renter's market these days. Outright refuse to pay more than 1 month security since you'll likely never see that money again. Bring a Chinese friend or colleague with you if you can to help with the language issues.
Good luck!
canuckistan
Re: Dumb dumb newbie trying to find an apartment
Good advice: pick an area you like, scout around for buildings / complexes, and, most importantly, try to find an agent that somebody you know recommends. a good agent will make renting in BJ harmless and pleasant. a bad one will make it a nightmare.
Don't be afraid to haggle on price, and don't take crap from an agent who starts sighing heavily if you want to look at more than two places ... a good agent will be patient with you and help you find the right place.
startrekfan
Re: Dumb dumb newbie trying to find an apartment
I am volunteering to help! I am new in the real estate business, NOT trying to make money off people coming in to find a life here. I'll help you set up a few appointments with landlords at different locations your friends might recommend you to go to.
Don't worry, in Beijing, it should be the landlord pay the commission for apartment rental(state regulation). No money charged to you except the rent.
Call Justin at (010)52930155. If you got the time, I could even set up appointment for tonight!
Justin, specialize in sports and auto translation.
"to boldly go where no one has gone before!"