Should I get my own broker?

Hi: I went to an open house, loved the apartment. Loved the broker. Would like to make an offer. I'd like to make offer on rental price as well as broker fee (15 percent). At this point, is there any reason to get my own broker to negotiate on my behalf or should I just make the offer myself? I'm thinking if I don't get a broker, perhaps the apartment's broker will be more amenable to lowering the... [more]

Hi: I went to an open house, loved the apartment. Loved the broker. Would like to make an offer. I'd like to make offer on rental price as well as broker fee (15 percent). At this point, is there any reason to get my own broker to negotiate on my behalf or should I just make the offer myself? I'm thinking if I don't get a broker, perhaps the apartment's broker will be more amenable to lowering the broker fee? But if not and I'm going to pay 15 percent anyway, why not get my own broker as they will split 7.5, 7.5? I know the broker is representing the building/owner. Would a broker even want to come on board at this point? So I'm wondering if I'm in a better position on my own or with my own broker? I don't want to ask the existing broker as I won't want it sounding like "I'm going to get my own broker if you don't come down on fee" -- as that's not my intent or message or motivation. I like this broker a lot and am happy to pay a broker fee (would like less though) but would I be wise to get the advice of my own broker since the existing one has made it clear it's the apartment they are representing, not me. Thank you. [less]