I'm on streeteasy a lot so i have a pretty decent sense of the market and pricing, but i'd still like a broker to help me put together a bid when/if i find a place.

Particular knowledge of downtown (but above fidi) is helpful. My price range is +/- $2 million (hopefully below) and I'm in no particular rush, but I would really like to close in the next 2-4 months if i find the right spot.

If you are a broker or had a good experience with one, let me know.

Hi, I'd love to talk with you.

I am a half-time real estate agent (I spend the other half my time in the publishing world, currently as a columnist for CBS Moneywatch) and my expertise is downtown. I work both the sellers' and buyers' sides -- just closed one condo sale in Chelsea and one co-op sale in the East Village, and am now working with one buyer in the East Village (who found me through Streeteasy) and one buyer uptown.

I'm a Harvard grad, do a low-volume, boutique business (partly because of my writing commitments), and have great research/pricing skills. I have lived in New York for twenty years, and personally owned in both Chelsea and the Village.

Most importantly, I'm backed up by a sponsoring broker who has been in real estate for twenty-five years, much of it based in Chelsea, and who is one of the great real estate brains in the business. We are in an extremely challenging lending market -- not many deals are being done in the $2 mm range -- and we have the experience and expertise to work with lenders and boards to close deals.

I think on the buyers' broker side, "fit" is important, but it sounds like it's worth chatting over coffee. If you want to reach me, you can email me at ali [at] dgneary [dot] com (please put "Streeteasy" in the subject line, or I won't find it) or call me on my cell at 646-322-6150.

ali r.
---
Alison Rogers
DG Neary Realty
member, Real Estate Board of New York and Manhattan Association of Realtors

Alison is your woman.

Another model to consider: http://theburkhardtgroup.com/services-and-fees-c14358.html

If it were me, I would go with w81 or keithb. In this market, an informed buyer can't beat a rebate.

fumiyo hayashi of barak was extremely impressive and helpful, she helped me buy in the EV. only after i found the place did i call her up and we went for it.

Take a look at Sandy Mattingly - aka Manhattan Loft Guy - he's very knowledgeable. Blog is http://www.realtown.com/sandymattingly/blog

It would be my pleasure to assist. We specialize downtown and represent primarily buyers. If you like, please contact me.
Best
Robert Dankner
President
Prime Manhattan Residential
0 646 485 5896
c 917 951 2242
robert@pmlny.com

Gutterballs, in the two weeks since you posted, did you find a broker you like?

Thanks for the help. I got sidetracked with work, but i plan to check out everyone recommended so far within the next week. If you have other ideas its not too late.

Based on what i see now, I'm about 50/50 buy versus rent given that i'd prefer not to spend more than $2 million, but i've seen a number of rentals for below 10k a month that seem nicer than the places listed for over $2m.

If anyone has an idea of an interesting compensation scheme for a buyer like me who is somewhat informed and doesn't need as much of the broker's time, i'd be interested. For instance, i was thinking about some arrangement with a reduced commission if i buy and a variable fee if I rent based on the number of apartments the broker has shown me (with some reaonable minimum). I'd also consider paying a retainer upfront as well (since i know i'll be moving soon, but the broker may not be convinced).

I never say anything nice about brokers but Uri is a great guy and is THE best downtown broker. Look at his listings, he has deep experience with the area.

He also lives there. http://www.prudentialelliman.com/mainsite/agents/agents.aspx?BID=UH

ali has been giving great advice on downtown locations and seems a very respectable sort.

ditto on the ali recommendation. good advice minus the attitude.

Contact west81 . His firm has a very interesting rebate option. He is a highly intelligent frequent poster here in SE.

Noah "urbandigs" Rosenblatt. Has been great for us!

Thanks all for have recommended me, I appreciate the shout-outs.

ali r.

You should contact Medel Payumo of Triumph Properties Corp. He's been a broker for over 25 years and knows the ins and outs of the city. I have no doubt in my mind that he can negotiate the best deal for you. His number is 212-370-0911. or you can email him at medel@tpcny.com

You can certainly find what you are looking for in the downtown area ---- downtown encompasses a good deal of neighborhoods so I'm curious as to which ones you are putting your focus. My partner and I were recently voted as 2 of the top 100 agents in the city by Top Agent Guide. I'd love to speak with you about your search - to narrow the spectrum as well. We would also be interested in speaking with you about your financial picture. If you are looking at co-ops, there are distinct financial criteria you will need to fall within in order to pass a co-op board. Condos - not so much as far as 'building financial requirements'. Feel free to "meet" us at our link on Top Agent - and you can also see a great deal of testimonials about our customer service:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5o1l7nmBsw

You have two of the highest caliber agents working with you should you decide to go with our team. Again, I think there are more questions to be asked about your search - and should we find it to be a match, we can absolutely take it from there.

Brad Malow
Charles Rutenberg Realty
212-688-1000

Gutterballs,
Since you are asking for recommendations of a downtown agent ("if you are a good broker or had a good experience with one") I'd like to throw my hat in the ring. I'd be happy to work with you and take you through every step from beginning right though to the closing table. I have a binder of client testimonials which speaks much louder than any self-praise which I would be happy to share with you. Let's talk and see if we are a good fit.

Best,
Jenet Levy
Halstead Property, LLC
jlevy@halstead.com
(212) 381-4268

Rent or Buy or just answer your questions - we can help: http://sites.google.com/site/tagportalnyc/ - we specialize in downtown sales and rentals at Corcoran. We have testimonials on our site too.

Hey, front porch - you interested in doing some "consulting" work on a potential purchase at the visionaire? I know you have responded to my posts and I would want more specific feedback and wondering if you would be willing to work on that basis?

rangersfan, I'd be thrilled to. Feel free to email me at ali [at] dgneary [dot] com, or call me on my cell at 646-322-6150.

ali