You probably are. At least that's the saying. I was just generally on the lookout for a new flat and doing research when I stumbled upon a listing by one of the main Fidi brokers. Of course, the listing I wanted was very old, and "the rates have gone up significantly". He then went on to tell me most of the listings on the site are old ones and no longer available- I just needed to stop by their... [more]
You probably are. At least that's the saying. I was just generally on the lookout for a new flat and doing research when I stumbled upon a listing by one of the main Fidi brokers. Of course, the listing I wanted was very old, and "the rates have gone up significantly". He then went on to tell me most of the listings on the site are old ones and no longer available- I just needed to stop by their office on Wall Street and he could show me around to newer listings.
hmmmmmm, I mentally told myself to go along for a ride.
We ended up at a new FiDi converstion that was listed at 3,500- even though I told him my max was 3000. He managed to get it down to around 3100. I loved the place (one bed, home office...great layout, high ceilings, and closets). AFTER I fill out the application and pay the application fee I get a call that tells me "just MINUTES" before you sent in your app, someone else did. The flat is no longer available. I go in the next day to look at new layouts...none that I love, but the building is cool and they threw in an extra bathroom (which I'll never use). Again....fine
He tells me all the buildings are "low or no fee". Fine
He tells me (and later denies saying) that the unit is 2 free months rent on a 12 month lease. He changes it to say he misspoke and it is now 2 free months on a 24 month lease. Fine
He sends me the numbers. The building is paying him 3500 for his fee, but he wants another 2700. He states that the building is not paying the fee. I call the building up, they say that they are paying him a full months fee. Fine (sarcastic)
I go to sign the lease. Reading it- it states that only I am allowed to occupy it. I ask for clarification and am told it means "sleeping over". Fine. I cross it out and put a note to add " my self and my invited guests". Add in another 3-4 serious disagreements in the lease, and he tells me he spoke with the building manager, and everything is cool and "I can do whatever I want with the apartment". Again, fine. May I please have that in writing?
Then the fun starts. Someone else from the brokers office comes in and literally starts yelling at me and treating me like a 5 year old child. I actually laughed (couldn't be helped. Who does that?) He then essentially tries to strong arm me and get me to "just hurry up and sign it" and tell me I don't know anything about leases. Let's just say I do. Or even better, let's say don't and know enough not to sign something I don't agree with- esp if there are binding financial consequences.
The question is- (and no, I did NOT sign anything)...am I getting screwed?
I'm sure if it feels that way, I probably am- and there were enough signs to "look before you cross the road" that I did not put my signature anywhere. I'm just looking for some guidance from those that know more- because that is really the only way to learn..
Thanks in advance!
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