They say that if you put a frog in a pot of water, and slowly bring the water to a boil, the frog will not jump out, but will stay in the water and boil to death.

Aside from wondering what sick sadist thought this was a good idea for a science experiment, I have to appreciate this as a metaphor for renting an apartment in NYC.

I got my renewal notice for my current apartment about a week ago. As i had expected/feared, they are raising my rent another $125 (not quite a 10%-per-year increase, but close enough). So the process that my realtor two years ago referred to as “The Hunger Games” will begin again.

Ah yes, the realtor. I paid my last realtor 12% of a year’s rent to find me my current place. Well, my dear, backstabbing former employer actually paid, but that’s besides the point.

I think I got a better apartment with a realtor than I would have on my own (if my attempts at finding something are any indication). And as I look at apartments, it seems like the better the price, the more likely there is a broker’s fee involved.

BUT if I had to pay a broker’s fee, even if it was just one month’s rent, it would cost me as much as it would cost me to stay here for another year.

I’m going to keep looking…I need to keep my options open…but I am suddenly realizing that the water isn’t burning my skin too badly…

(to be continued…)