By Deborah Miller, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Moving tends to be stressful, making advanced planning a useful tool to help reduce the chaos quotient. Here are three questions to ask yourself when considering whether or not to renew your current lease.

1. They say timing is EVERYTHING… Have you looked at your lease lately?

If not, have a look at your lease so you have clarity on when communication on non-renewal / renewal needs to be communicated to the landlord/management. Make a reminder note in calendar if you didn’t do so when you signed the lease.

2. Have you left ample time to find your next rental if you are not renewing?

Even if you are a swift shopper, it typically takes a week or two, depending on the time of year, to transact an application, sign leases, and collect keys on a new space. More for condo rentals and co-ops sublets. Make sure you clear your calendar to leave prep time for the transition.

Pro Tip: If you haven’t left time to move to your next apartment, some moving companies include storage services. 

3. Have you spoken to a lender?

Know your options before continuing down the rental path. If you are considering staying put in NYC for more than 3 years, how would carrying your own place compare to what you are paying in rent – pro tip: there are tax benefits when buying a primary residence.

Deb Miller specializes in writing for Harlem, with more in store at CRACKNYC.com

Click here to connect with Deb Miller for all of your real estate needs.