Nestseekers?

yes
avoid
they typically show other people's listings and in the encounter I had I left wondering if there was a bait and switch
but each person and agent may have a different experience

most time they don't know what they are talking about -> avoid

When asking about any brokerage, here's the most salient point: The individual agent is far, far more important than the company. Agents switch companies from time to time for various reasons, but a good agent does quality work wherever they are. A "good" company does not guarantee a good agent experience, not at all. If you doubt that, just ask around.

I used to work at Nestseekers, there are some fantastic brokers there--dedicated, honest, reliable. Of course they show other people's exclusive listings--That's what buyer's brokers do, at all the brokerages in town. Brokers with exclusive listings gladly pay them at closing for this service. This is a good thing, not a bad thing.

Nestseekers has properties on its website that you will hardly find out about any other way, so their website is definitely worth looking at, especially if you are trying to find something special or out of the ordinary. This is because a lot of agents there have special arrangements with For Sale By Owner sellers, whereas some other companies just don't touch FSBOs (except to hound them for an exclusive listing at 6%). Their website also has excellent Search Engine Optimization and unusually good exposure in Europe.

nestseekers are worthless in my opinion. buncha losers
i say avoid...

Fluter makes reasonable points, and of course most firms have some good apples.

In my experience you might find a deal through them, but you are going to have to wade through much. Many of their listings are not as they seem. They rarely have exclusives. Many of their agents are fringe types.

If I was a seller there is a 0% chance I would list with them.

what can a buyers broker do that a buyer can not do own his/her own using sites like streeteasy? I see no point

I can rebate you up to 67% of the commission I receive (tax free) (:
3 done this year already.
Keith (broker)
http://nycrentrant.blogspot.com/

Try getting that kind of discount from the listing broker....

AKA, I can assist you in tax fraud

Avoid them.

Yes, individual brokers matter most, but I figure folks should prefer to work with the good individual brokers who don't work for shady companies.

They post fake listings just to get you in (I know the buildings, and what apartments are available, and they list them $1k under and then somehow the apartment "just rented".)

They have fake photos.

@nyc_sport IRS was petitioned by Redfin for a ruling on this tax matter regarding rebates. It is considered an adjustment in price and no filings need to be made by either party. Rebates are also championed by the DOJ as very beneficial to the consumer.

Stay away from them. I called them on a listing they had at the Essex House. Both the broker and her boss were on the listing. The boss said he did not know anything about the listing, to call the broker. Broker was very "elusive" and the property was then taken off listing. Found out it never existed. Would never deal with them.