Hi
Wondering if anyone has any advice or can offer any help on ways of finding an apartment. I'm going on 2 months now without a flat, & beginning to become extremely frustrated with this whole process. I realize that i've only been here for 2 months, but even with my office backing me as a guarantor i'm getting nowhere... with regies & sublets. I think that if i don't find something very soon i may have to call it quits to my Geneva experience. Can anyone offer up any thoughts or advice.
Thanks
J
Forums in Geneva > Geneva > Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
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Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Aug 24, 2009 @ 12:38
The text you are quoting:
Hi
Wondering if anyone has any advice or can offer any help on ways of finding an apartment. I'm going on 2 months now without a flat, & beginning to become extremely frustrated with this whole process. I realize that i've only been here for 2 months, but even with my office backing me as a guarantor i'm getting nowhere... with regies & sublets. I think that if i don't find something very soon i may have to call it quits to my Geneva experience. Can anyone offer up any thoughts or advice.
Thanks
J
juzayAug 24, 2009 @ 12:38
Wondering if anyone has any advice or can offer any help on ways of finding an apartment. I'm going on 2 months now without a flat, & beginning to become extremely frustrated with this whole process. I realize that i've only been here for 2 months, but even with my office backing me as a guarantor i'm getting nowhere... with regies & sublets. I think that if i don't find something very soon i may have to call it quits to my Geneva experience. Can anyone offer up any thoughts or advice.
Thanks
J
juzayAug 24, 2009 @ 12:38
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Re: Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Post 1
Aug 24, 2009 @ 13:19
Hey J,
Join the club. Your situation is shared by many many folks.
4 pieces of advice i can share with you, although I'm sure you heard all of them before:
1. Have the right expectations.
The real estate market here is crap these days, and many folks find themselves on the hunting market for months, and then they have to compromise on a mediocre place. Be ready for that, with all the pain...
2. Attack the apt-hunting project like it's a real emergency.
Take days off work, and go search for a place as often and as hard as you can. Don't leave it for the weekends or for 'when you have time'. Attack it.
3. If you see something you like, apply immediately.
Apts here fly fast, and every day counts. Apply fast.
4. Consider using a relocation agency.
They cost good money, but they help a lot with the search and with the application. And throghu their contacts, they can pull some strings with the big Regies. If you want, I can recommend some.
Good luck,
Nir
Join the club. Your situation is shared by many many folks.
4 pieces of advice i can share with you, although I'm sure you heard all of them before:
1. Have the right expectations.
The real estate market here is crap these days, and many folks find themselves on the hunting market for months, and then they have to compromise on a mediocre place. Be ready for that, with all the pain...
2. Attack the apt-hunting project like it's a real emergency.
Take days off work, and go search for a place as often and as hard as you can. Don't leave it for the weekends or for 'when you have time'. Attack it.
3. If you see something you like, apply immediately.
Apts here fly fast, and every day counts. Apply fast.
4. Consider using a relocation agency.
They cost good money, but they help a lot with the search and with the application. And throghu their contacts, they can pull some strings with the big Regies. If you want, I can recommend some.
Good luck,
Nir
The text you are quoting:
Hey J,
Join the club. Your situation is shared by many many folks.
4 pieces of advice i can share with you, although I'm sure you heard all of them before:
1. Have the right expectations.
The real estate market here is crap these days, and many folks find themselves on the hunting market for months, and then they have to compromise on a mediocre place. Be ready for that, with all the pain...
2. Attack the apt-hunting project like it's a real emergency.
Take days off work, and go search for a place as often and as hard as you can. Don't leave it for the weekends or for 'when you have time'. Attack it.
3. If you see something you like, apply immediately.
Apts here fly fast, and every day counts. Apply fast.
4. Consider using a relocation agency.
They cost good money, but they help a lot with the search and with the application. And throghu their contacts, they can pull some strings with the big Regies. If you want, I can recommend some.
Good luck,
Nir
Nir Ofek, Aug 24, 2009 @ 13:19
Join the club. Your situation is shared by many many folks.
4 pieces of advice i can share with you, although I'm sure you heard all of them before:
1. Have the right expectations.
The real estate market here is crap these days, and many folks find themselves on the hunting market for months, and then they have to compromise on a mediocre place. Be ready for that, with all the pain...
2. Attack the apt-hunting project like it's a real emergency.
Take days off work, and go search for a place as often and as hard as you can. Don't leave it for the weekends or for 'when you have time'. Attack it.
3. If you see something you like, apply immediately.
Apts here fly fast, and every day counts. Apply fast.
4. Consider using a relocation agency.
They cost good money, but they help a lot with the search and with the application. And throghu their contacts, they can pull some strings with the big Regies. If you want, I can recommend some.
Good luck,
Nir
Nir Ofek, Aug 24, 2009 @ 13:19
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Re: Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Post 2
Aug 24, 2009 @ 14:01
Thanks Nir
i've been doing the first 3 but if you could pass on some contacts of relocation agencies that would be grand.
Many Thanks
Josè
i've been doing the first 3 but if you could pass on some contacts of relocation agencies that would be grand.
Many Thanks
Josè
The text you are quoting:
Thanks Nir
i've been doing the first 3 but if you could pass on some contacts of relocation agencies that would be grand.
Many Thanks
Josè
juzay, Aug 24, 2009 @ 14:01
i've been doing the first 3 but if you could pass on some contacts of relocation agencies that would be grand.
Many Thanks
Josè
juzay, Aug 24, 2009 @ 14:01
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Re: Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Post 3
Aug 24, 2009 @ 18:43
Nir,
Can you also send me information on relocation agencies?
Cheers.
M
Can you also send me information on relocation agencies?
Cheers.
M
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Re: Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Post 4
Aug 27, 2009 @ 17:31
Hello everyone,
Beware that this link if for real estate agencies, not relocation agencies.
If you want to find the best relocations agencies in Switzerland, go to the website of SARA, the Swiss Association of Relocation Agents. Here is their members list: http://www.sara-relocation.com/Members_List.pdf
The most important thing is to have a perfect application file to give to the real estate agency. If your file is not complete or accurate they will not bother to inform you about it. They will simply pick another one. For some apartments agencies receive up to 100 applications. They have all the cards in their hands.
The agencies will always ask for their registration form to be completed and several complimentary documents (like work permit, salary statement, proof of non-debt, etc.). Make sure you fill out the form completely without leaving any blank and give them all the documents they request. Otherwise, you have no chance.
Concerning the search itself, follow all of Nir's advices, they are excellent.
Good luck to you all
Sabine
Beware that this link if for real estate agencies, not relocation agencies.
If you want to find the best relocations agencies in Switzerland, go to the website of SARA, the Swiss Association of Relocation Agents. Here is their members list: http://www.sara-relocation.com/Members_List.pdf
The most important thing is to have a perfect application file to give to the real estate agency. If your file is not complete or accurate they will not bother to inform you about it. They will simply pick another one. For some apartments agencies receive up to 100 applications. They have all the cards in their hands.
The agencies will always ask for their registration form to be completed and several complimentary documents (like work permit, salary statement, proof of non-debt, etc.). Make sure you fill out the form completely without leaving any blank and give them all the documents they request. Otherwise, you have no chance.
Concerning the search itself, follow all of Nir's advices, they are excellent.
Good luck to you all
Sabine
The text you are quoting:
Hello everyone,
Beware that this link if for real estate agencies, not relocation agencies.
If you want to find the best relocations agencies in Switzerland, go to the website of SARA, the Swiss Association of Relocation Agents. Here is their members list: http://www.sara-relocation.com/Members_List.pdf
The most important thing is to have a perfect application file to give to the real estate agency. If your file is not complete or accurate they will not bother to inform you about it. They will simply pick another one. For some apartments agencies receive up to 100 applications. They have all the cards in their hands.
The agencies will always ask for their registration form to be completed and several complimentary documents (like work permit, salary statement, proof of non-debt, etc.). Make sure you fill out the form completely without leaving any blank and give them all the documents they request. Otherwise, you have no chance.
Concerning the search itself, follow all of Nir's advices, they are excellent.
Good luck to you all
Sabine
Sabine Eve B, Aug 27, 2009 @ 17:31
Beware that this link if for real estate agencies, not relocation agencies.
If you want to find the best relocations agencies in Switzerland, go to the website of SARA, the Swiss Association of Relocation Agents. Here is their members list: http://www.sara-relocation.com/Members_List.pdf
The most important thing is to have a perfect application file to give to the real estate agency. If your file is not complete or accurate they will not bother to inform you about it. They will simply pick another one. For some apartments agencies receive up to 100 applications. They have all the cards in their hands.
The agencies will always ask for their registration form to be completed and several complimentary documents (like work permit, salary statement, proof of non-debt, etc.). Make sure you fill out the form completely without leaving any blank and give them all the documents they request. Otherwise, you have no chance.
Concerning the search itself, follow all of Nir's advices, they are excellent.
Good luck to you all
Sabine
Sabine Eve B, Aug 27, 2009 @ 17:31
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Re: Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Post 5
Aug 28, 2009 @ 18:37
Hello!
'Juzay', 2 months is not long at all actually. We are in a similar situation. We've been looking for an apartment for over a year. A colleague has been looking for an appartment for 9 months. No luck. I am telling you there is also a low level discrimination going on here. They do prefer local Swiss to foreigners. This German colleague says Regies hang up the phone on her, when they here her accent.
Now, that said, you MUST hire a relocation agency. Here is one.
Expat Services: Specialising in the relocation of expatriates. Services include property and school search, help with administration and formalities, and orientation and familiarisation of Geneva, Vaud and neighbouring France. At 1 route de l'Aeroport, 1215 Geneva.
Send an e-mail Tel: +41 (0)22 920 12 12 Fax: +41 (0)22 920 12 13, http://www.expat-reloc.com/index-UK.htm
[email protected]
I've done my homework, and I think it is the cheapest one as well. The guy I spoke to really wants to help. They take up to 3 months to find something for you for 500 CHF for the work. If they find you a place, they ask 1,000 CHF and you get the keys. It's not at all expensive, really. We are leaving Geneva for 3 months. While we are gone, I am definitly paying them to find us an apartment or I move back to California and claim unemployment benefits. I've had it.
Good Luck,
Oliya O., (using J. O. account).
'Juzay', 2 months is not long at all actually. We are in a similar situation. We've been looking for an apartment for over a year. A colleague has been looking for an appartment for 9 months. No luck. I am telling you there is also a low level discrimination going on here. They do prefer local Swiss to foreigners. This German colleague says Regies hang up the phone on her, when they here her accent.
Now, that said, you MUST hire a relocation agency. Here is one.
Expat Services: Specialising in the relocation of expatriates. Services include property and school search, help with administration and formalities, and orientation and familiarisation of Geneva, Vaud and neighbouring France. At 1 route de l'Aeroport, 1215 Geneva.
Send an e-mail Tel: +41 (0)22 920 12 12 Fax: +41 (0)22 920 12 13, http://www.expat-reloc.com/index-UK.htm
[email protected]
I've done my homework, and I think it is the cheapest one as well. The guy I spoke to really wants to help. They take up to 3 months to find something for you for 500 CHF for the work. If they find you a place, they ask 1,000 CHF and you get the keys. It's not at all expensive, really. We are leaving Geneva for 3 months. While we are gone, I am definitly paying them to find us an apartment or I move back to California and claim unemployment benefits. I've had it.
Good Luck,
Oliya O., (using J. O. account).
The text you are quoting:
Hello!
'Juzay', 2 months is not long at all actually. We are in a similar situation. We've been looking for an apartment for over a year. A colleague has been looking for an appartment for 9 months. No luck. I am telling you there is also a low level discrimination going on here. They do prefer local Swiss to foreigners. This German colleague says Regies hang up the phone on her, when they here her accent.
Now, that said, you MUST hire a relocation agency. Here is one.
Expat Services: Specialising in the relocation of expatriates. Services include property and school search, help with administration and formalities, and orientation and familiarisation of Geneva, Vaud and neighbouring France. At 1 route de l'Aeroport, 1215 Geneva.
Send an e-mail Tel: +41 (0)22 920 12 12 Fax: +41 (0)22 920 12 13, http://www.expat-reloc.com/index-UK.htm
[email protected]
I've done my homework, and I think it is the cheapest one as well. The guy I spoke to really wants to help. They take up to 3 months to find something for you for 500 CHF for the work. If they find you a place, they ask 1,000 CHF and you get the keys. It's not at all expensive, really. We are leaving Geneva for 3 months. While we are gone, I am definitly paying them to find us an apartment or I move back to California and claim unemployment benefits. I've had it.
Good Luck,
Oliya O., (using J. O. account).
jhgowen, Aug 28, 2009 @ 18:37
'Juzay', 2 months is not long at all actually. We are in a similar situation. We've been looking for an apartment for over a year. A colleague has been looking for an appartment for 9 months. No luck. I am telling you there is also a low level discrimination going on here. They do prefer local Swiss to foreigners. This German colleague says Regies hang up the phone on her, when they here her accent.
Now, that said, you MUST hire a relocation agency. Here is one.
Expat Services: Specialising in the relocation of expatriates. Services include property and school search, help with administration and formalities, and orientation and familiarisation of Geneva, Vaud and neighbouring France. At 1 route de l'Aeroport, 1215 Geneva.
Send an e-mail Tel: +41 (0)22 920 12 12 Fax: +41 (0)22 920 12 13, http://www.expat-reloc.com/index-UK.htm
[email protected]
I've done my homework, and I think it is the cheapest one as well. The guy I spoke to really wants to help. They take up to 3 months to find something for you for 500 CHF for the work. If they find you a place, they ask 1,000 CHF and you get the keys. It's not at all expensive, really. We are leaving Geneva for 3 months. While we are gone, I am definitly paying them to find us an apartment or I move back to California and claim unemployment benefits. I've had it.
Good Luck,
Oliya O., (using J. O. account).
jhgowen, Aug 28, 2009 @ 18:37
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Re: Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Post 6
Mar 16, 2014 @ 11:06
First of all, what matters for the Regies is the income level and background.
Secondly, Expat Services is a crappy relocation service, as they have lazy stuff who will try to sell you their most expensive option, and will then be superattentive to you until they get the advance payment and then offer you only options that you can get easily without their assistance, i.e. the expensive ones. I mean, what's the use of paying them extra if you are willin to pay 3000pm or more.
I know many people who were really unhappy with their service. They claim there are no options on the market (after receipt of the payment of course) and when they are proven the opposite, just choose to terminate the contract and keep the advance. This results in them being sued of course, but guess they are happy with that level of service.
Hopefully this is helpful,
Jamie
The text you are quoting:
First of all, what matters for the Regies is the income level and background.
Secondly, Expat Services is a crappy relocation service, as they have lazy stuff who will try to sell you their most expensive option, and will then be superattentive to you until they get the advance payment and then offer you only options that you can get easily without their assistance, i.e. the expensive ones. I mean, what's the use of paying them extra if you are willin to pay 3000pm or more.
I know many people who were really unhappy with their service. They claim there are no options on the market (after receipt of the payment of course) and when they are proven the opposite, just choose to terminate the contract and keep the advance. This results in them being sued of course, but guess they are happy with that level of service.
Hopefully this is helpful,
Jamie
James S, Mar 16, 2014 @ 11:06
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Re: Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Post 7
Mar 16, 2014 @ 14:04
hello, I'm sorry for you you it's a big problem for swius people too if you're a good saalry yu can have a locely flat ,in your country foreigners people can have a flat esasy?many ,Regards
The text you are quoting:
hello, I'm sorry for you you it's a big problem for swius people too if you're a good saalry yu can have a locely flat ,in your country foreigners people can have a flat esasy?many ,Regards
rodriguez juliette, Mar 16, 2014 @ 14:04
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Re: Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Post 8
Mar 16, 2014 @ 17:05
My beautiful apartment is for rent in Founex ! You can find the apartment at Classifieds 
The text you are quoting:
My beautiful apartment is for rent in Founex ! You can find the apartment at Classifieds
Maybritt R, Mar 16, 2014 @ 17:05
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Re: Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Post 9
Mar 16, 2014 @ 21:41
"No luck. I am telling you there is also a low level discrimination going on here. They do prefer local Swiss to foreigners. This German colleague says Regies hang up the phone on her, when they here her accent.
This quote is unfortunately (for us Swiss) totally incorrect. The regie in Geneva apply only one rule: MONEY.
The higher the salary the bigger the chance to get the flat.
As Nir correctly pointed out hiring a relocation agency helps but they can't do miracles either since the market is the dryest in years.
The text you are quoting:
"No luck. I am telling you there is also a low level discrimination going on here. They do prefer local Swiss to foreigners. This German colleague says Regies hang up the phone on her, when they here her accent.
This quote is unfortunately (for us Swiss) totally incorrect. The regie in Geneva apply only one rule: MONEY.
The higher the salary the bigger the chance to get the flat.
As Nir correctly pointed out hiring a relocation agency helps but they can't do miracles either since the market is the dryest in years.
Richard B, Mar 16, 2014 @ 21:41
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Re: Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Post 10
Mar 16, 2014 @ 21:51
BTW, I know it is not possible for everone but France is often the solution to find decent accommodation at a fair (well not so fair sometimes) price:
Try this website:
www.seloger.com
The text you are quoting:
BTW, I know it is not possible for everone but France is often the solution to find decent accommodation at a fair (well not so fair sometimes) price:
Try this website:
www.seloger.com
Richard B, Mar 16, 2014 @ 21:51
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Re: Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Post 11
Mar 18, 2014 @ 13:34
We got the first appartment we enquired about, and we were using HR Relocation. I can't comment on the price, because the wife's company picked up the tab, but the service was amazing.
They also helped with paperwork and ingoing inspections, setting up wifi etc. It was all super easy.
Ask for Yael or Helena - http://www.hr-relocation.ch/hr/
And good luck.
The text you are quoting:
We got the first appartment we enquired about, and we were using HR Relocation. I can't comment on the price, because the wife's company picked up the tab, but the service was amazing.
They also helped with paperwork and ingoing inspections, setting up wifi etc. It was all super easy.
Ask for Yael or Helena - http://www.hr-relocation.ch/hr/
And good luck.
Rachel S, Mar 18, 2014 @ 13:34
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Re: Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Post 12
Mar 22, 2014 @ 08:40
Follow Sabine Eve's tips.
More tips:
Put a motivation letter with your application.
Only apply for apartments if your joint salary certificates cover the rent three times, and remember many Regies will only consider applicants who can cover the rent 4 times or more (unofficial policy).
At the end of the day, you will only get an apartment if you are the most solvent candidate applying, or if your motivation letter makes you sound like a perfect tenant.
The text you are quoting:
Follow Sabine Eve's tips.
More tips:
Put a motivation letter with your application.
Only apply for apartments if your joint salary certificates cover the rent three times, and remember many Regies will only consider applicants who can cover the rent 4 times or more (unofficial policy).
At the end of the day, you will only get an apartment if you are the most solvent candidate applying, or if your motivation letter makes you sound like a perfect tenant.
Marcus T, Mar 22, 2014 @ 08:40
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Re: Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Post 13
Mar 22, 2014 @ 16:42
Other tips:
5. Have your boss write a recommendation letter for you. This really helps.
6. Select ridiculously overpriced apartments (provided that your salary is at least 3 times the rent, as said above, otherwise you won't obtain the apartment in the first place). You won't have much concurrence because the apartment's low quality/price ratio will keep most people away. Once you sign the contract, you have 1 month to renegotiate the rent -- seek the advice of ASLOCA about it. It's something that expats in Geneva usually don't know! I am going to write a longer post about it soon.
The text you are quoting:
Other tips:
5. Have your boss write a recommendation letter for you. This really helps.
6. Select ridiculously overpriced apartments (provided that your salary is at least 3 times the rent, as said above, otherwise you won't obtain the apartment in the first place). You won't have much concurrence because the apartment's low quality/price ratio will keep most people away. Once you sign the contract, you have 1 month to renegotiate the rent -- seek the advice of ASLOCA about it. It's something that expats in Geneva usually don't know! I am going to write a longer post about it soon.
TheOmegaMan, Mar 22, 2014 @ 16:42
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Re: Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Post 14
Mar 24, 2014 @ 20:33
And here it is: how to renegotiate the rent. Some real estate owners in Geneva are real filthy pigs; don't let them scam you!
The text you are quoting:
And here it is: how to renegotiate the rent. Some real estate owners in Geneva are real filthy pigs; don't let them scam you!
TheOmegaMan, Mar 24, 2014 @ 20:33
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Re: Can anyone help...APARTMENT is really frustrating me...
Post 15
Mar 25, 2014 @ 09:43
Other tips:
5. Have your boss write a recommendation letter for you. This really helps.
6. Select ridiculously overpriced apartments (provided that your salary is at least 3 times the rent, as said above, otherwise you won't obtain the apartment in the first place). You won't have much concurrence because the apartment's low quality/price ratio will keep most people away. Once you sign the contract, you have 1 month to renegotiate the rent -- seek the advice of ASLOCA about it. It's something that expats in Geneva usually don't know! I am going to write a longer post about it soon.
Mar 22, 14 16:42
@ 6. Before you sign, it will make sense to be 100% sure the apartment is ridiculous over priced, otherwise 4pcs in colony might be over 4000chf and 1800 chf some where else.
Remember if you have signed and it won't work with ASLOCA then you have crucified your pocket for years!I
For new guy's is just to know Where you can view the lake,Mountain the price might go high (location).
Good luck!
The text you are quoting:
@ 6. Before you sign, it will make sense to be 100% sure the apartment is ridiculous over priced, otherwise 4pcs in colony might be over 4000chf and 1800 chf some where else.
Remember if you have signed and it won't work with ASLOCA then you have crucified your pocket for years!I
For new guy's is just to know Where you can view the lake,Mountain the price might go high (location).
Good luck!
libby joseph, Mar 25, 2014 @ 09:43
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