Ridgewood Commons Apt. Info

Just starting a search for a 1 or 2BR rental apartment in the area for a possible Nov. 1 move. Really like Ridgewood Commons. Called the number on the sign out front (after contact email was not returned) and the person on the line said "no availability" and to call back mid-September. Didn't seem too interested in talking my details. Does anyone reading this actually live there and feel like sharing (here or via PM) what it's like? What the management's like or how you secured a lease? I'd like to get in without the (absurd) agent's fee. Thanks for any insights!

I've never been inside, but I hear the apartments are really nice and management is great. I walk my dog there all the time and strike up conversations with dog-owning residents. I'd love to live there. I'll bet they have very little turnover. Good luck getting in. Do you have any idea what the rents are? I've never heard. If you are contacting them directly, why would you have to pay an agent's fee

As a frequent dog-walker, I can testify that they do an outstanding job of clearing the sidewalks after it snows.

Thanks kthnry. If Trulia and Zillow are to be trusted, I saw 1br at $2000. The email and phone number on the building's website goes to agents at Prudential NJ Properties, so figure they expect a fee. Unless they do basic property management. Can't stand paying a whole month's rent for nothing. But I'm willing to wait and see if that's the case.

bmac said:
Thanks kthnry. If Trulia and Zillow are to be trusted, I saw 1br at $2000. The email and phone number on the building's website goes to agents at Prudential NJ Properties, so figure they expect a fee. Unless they do basic property management. Can't stand paying a whole month's rent for nothing. But I'm willing to wait and see if that's the case.

The last time I rented via a broker, which was in 2006/07, the broker's fee was paid by the landlord. I don't know if things have changed, but it might be a good idea to ask the broker. I know there are brokers who charge the renter, but that is not usually the way brokers work.

My advice is to call a local real estate agent and ask to be shown some properties, including the place you want to rent. Also ask if the fee is paid by the landlord. That's the way sales work. The seller pays the fee, not the buyer.

"The seller pays the fee, not the buyer."

Except in NYC!

Renters pay the fee, not the landlord. I bought a condo in SO in 2007 and have used realtors to find tenants three times, each with the tenant paying the fee. Given the state of the rental market, there's no reason for a landlord to pay the fee.

In Manhattan , rental fees, charged to the renter, are about 15% of the annual rent. Mu son's firm, Defiant Realty charges less than 5% except when the landlord pays the fee. That usually only happens when it is difficult to rent, like during the winter. Not sure if that is the same in the suburbs.

At Ridgewood Commons all apartments are listed by the Realtor and as in most rentals (ETA ) that are listed in the MLS in this area, the tenant must pay the fee

sarahzm said:
At Ridgewood Commons all apartments are listed by the Realtor and as in most rentals in the area, the Tennant must pay the fee

At this building's owner's other nearby building, The Gateway, the landlord is paying the agent's fee.

If you want to get the real story, call the owner Ed Ayuso; his office is in S.O.

It is very uncommon to pay a fee on a rental in this area, unless it is a house represented by a realtor. I do, however, feel that Ridgewood Commons is overpriced for the age of the building and amenities (no central air, etc.), so perhaps you are indirectly paying for the building's use of a rental agent. Most local apartment buildings are owned by larger management companies that handle leasing and do not charge the tenant a fee. In North Jersey, you will probably only find tenants paying broker fees in Hoboken and the nicer parts of Jersey City. If someone is asking you to pay a fee outside of those areas, I'd look elsewhere (unless you are looking to rent a larger house from the owner who is being represented by a realtor).

Also, I am not surprised to hear you are having trouble contacting the building - I left voicemails for 11-12 buildings last week in South Orange, Millburn, and Montclair, and got one call back. I suspect if they do not have a unit available for rent, they will not bother to give you the courtesy of letting you know. Rentals go so fast in this area (by which I mean North Jersey generally) that management companies and agents have no motivation to do anything "extra." Most of the buildings in South Orange are owned by Affiliated Management, Goldberg Realty, and Distinctive Properties. There are others, but those make up the bulk.

Interesting to read, hmbooks, thanks. I guess I have a longer process in front of me than I thought. I haven't rented in so long and the last time was in the city (different ballgame). The Ridgewood Commons does look overpriced ($2000 is around my max) but I've always liked that 40s-era building style for apartments. Location works for me too. Seems like some places--if they have a website--link to realtors just to make it easier for the owners. I guess I'll have to be a pest to some management companies to see if I can get around the agents.

@bmac I think you'll be able to find a place without finding a fee. The majority of rental stock around here is mid-size buildings rather than condos, converted houses, etc. so I think it is more common to work with a management company/owner rather than a realtor representing a private home or condo owner.

If I could spend up to $2k, I'd probably look at the Avenue, but if you prefer pre-war over luxury, than it sounds like Ridgewood Commons would work for you, if they have an opening. There are some complexes in Millburn/Short Hills that look nice too under that price range, if you haven't settled on SOMA.

I suspect the apartments at Ridgewood Commons are larger than a comparable unit in the newer buildings. Most of the floor plans have a foyer and/or a large separate dining room, which you won't find in a modern building. (Sorry to keep cheerleading for this building. I've just always admired it as I walk past it to get to my decaying old house. If you do get an apartment there, you have to post pictures.)

kthnry said:
I suspect the apartments at Ridgewood Commons are larger than a comparable unit in the newer buildings. Most of the floor plans have a foyer and/or a large separate dining room, which you won't find in a modern building. (Sorry to keep cheerleading for this building. I've just always admired it as I walk past it to get to my decaying old house. If you do get an apartment there, you have to post pictures.)

+1 I've never been inside...

I have also always liked the building from the outside. But you can not judge a book by it's cover. I have not been inside for about 5 years. Before that I previewed apartments several times. I found the apartments to be spacious, however, they were not updated and felt dingy, dated and dark. If they have been nicely updated they may be worth it. IF not , even though the rental market is tight, I think there may be better value elsewhere.

I was inside one of the apartments once about 15 years ago. I don't remember details, but I do remember it was very nice and definitely felt upscale.

I sent you a private message, bmac.

We have a one-bedroom there. Love it. I don't think anyone can get in without paying a fee. There is no subletting. They are strict about credit checks. Management is top notch. I don't think it is overpriced compared to other apartments in the area.

We want pictures!

Aha! My thread from two years ago with the original marketing literature.

https://maplewood.worldwebs.com/forums/discussion/id/94839-Original-1940-s-marketing-brochure-for-10-North-Ridgewood-Apartments

Love those, kthnry! May I share on Facebook? I mean, I know I can do so without your permission, but I'd prefer to do so with it

marylago said:
Love those, kthnry! May I share on Facebook? I mean, I know I can do so without your permission, but I'd prefer to do so with it

Sure. They're perfect for the historic society. The files live on the Ridgewood Commons web site, so it wouldn't hurt to download them to your computer in case they remove them from the web site some day.

kthnry said:
Aha! My thread from two years ago with the original marketing literature.
https://maplewood.worldwebs.com/forums/discussion/id/94839-Original-1940-s-marketing-brochure-for-10-North-Ridgewood-Apartments

Many thanks kthnry, I was racking my brain trying to remember where I saw that brochure, especially when this thread started. The use of the word "restricted" in the brochure's opening sentence is quite telling. At the time, it was far more of a religious reference, as the exclusion of African Americans went without saying. The constant description of SO as the country is interesting also, as only the Newstead section was undeveloped at the time.

With Irvington, Maplewood then SO as the first destinations of Jews leaving Weequahic, that section would no longer be restricted by the '50's. Newstead was apparently settled by many Jewish families as it was developed.

https://books.google.com/books?id=4oTbp8gv_usC&pg=PA65&vq=Tennis+club&output=html&source=gbs_search_r&cad=1

Yes, I have been in there recently and the apartments -- some at least -- are showing their age.