What honest NYC realties do you know

one day, and no response. I think that about sums it up...

;-)

Try Absolute Properties

What's with the double negative? You do realize that if you request a "realty" that "don't use no bait and switch techniques" you are actually asking for a someone who DOES use bait and switch, right?

Hi, Slavik - it's probably more of a broker issue than a brokerage issue. Are you buying or renting? Renting is a lower margin business for brokers, so it may be harder to find great people, but either way, do a search in discussions or ask for recommendations - people have recommended brokers for both buying and renting.

If you are renting, you could also try nybits.com to look for broker-free listings.

get a referral from a friend or co worker...thats how a lot of my deals come from...

I agree with buster, its more of a broker issue than a company issue.

Yeah, if it ain't obvious by now, it's a broker-by-broker thing. Especially with the larger brokerages, you can get a scumbag in the same office as a brutally honest and helpful broker. If you're going to use one, I'd meet with at least a few before committing.

Nevermind all that "its a broker vs. brokerage" mumbo jumbo.

A broker is paid only if the transaction is completed.

This means that their interests may or may not be aligned with yours. That is to say, they will do anything to complete a transaction, even if it is not necessarily in your best interest. We could debate this point, but as someone who has dealt with many brokers on the buy and sell side, take my word for it.

My advice? roll up your sleeves and do it yourself.

"This means that their interests may or may not be aligned with yours."
That is true with any kind of relationship.

"...roll up your sleeves and do it yourself."
That does not mean you'll end up with the best result. I think it's important to do enough homework so that you know what to expect from both the service and pricing perspective. You can then better evaluate whether *it's worth* doing it yourself.

I'm of the opinion that if you get a broker or not, you're going to pay the fee implicitly (with a higher rent) or explicitly (in the form of a certified check). Anyone care to comment that you're going to pay for it anyway when renting?

Management companies pay people in the office a cut of all the business each person brings into the company. That amount is absorbed into the monthly rent.

Sotheby's is pretty good :)

Whether you pay more or less probably depends more on the amount of homework you do and your negotiation skills.

I am an owner who manages and rents my own apartments without any bait & switch, or anything dishonest.

There is no fee whatsoever for the tenant or the building.

Honest people and companies are out there...

Same here Mav... It is amazing what can be accomplished with a straightforward and fair approach. People appreciate that.

MAV and gcondo - any nice 3 beds?

An honest broker is a dead broker!

Using StreetEasy I've found 8 places that fit within my criteria and are priced about the same. I bought my current house with out a broker and was stunned by the difference -- $300.00 total using a real estate attorney. Can one keep brokers out when they have the listing? Or must the appartment be listed "for sale by owner"?

slegehammer- I don't agree with your comment "An honest Broker is dead broker". That's old school.. I've dealt with some honest brokers. Don't generalize. It is not a fair assessment.

Who says I am dead? I may not be as wealthy as I would like, but six years in the biz and still breathing. The rental market has such a high paced turnover, "bait and switch" can actually happen due to the apartment renting in an hour or less. An ad is just that, an advertisement. An apartment is just that, an apartment. Looking online all day at pretty pictures is not going to get you the right apartment. Old fashioned shoe leather, with OR without a broker will.

Using smaller brokerage firms you will find the integrity you seek and that's verifiable. Truth that's why many small boutique firms exist. Check them out. They are easier to find on social media. Btw you can't do your due diligence on a real estate agent by googling the phone number too, you'll see listings (productivity) and reviews on them.

HUH?
I didn't ask.

oxymoron

The best way to find a good broker/agents is through referrals. I've worked with really good brokers who are professional and honest and some that are liars. I get my business through referrals. It is easier to work with people that come to me through referrals because there is trust and respect from the start. Follow your gut feelings. If you don't feel right about the person you are working with then go to someone else.