Nearly one month ago, I saw an apartment I loved and submitted an application with the app fee to the broker. Over the first week after I submitted my app, there was some back and forth communication regarding the application and some excuses as to why the owner was dragging his feet in getting back to me, but it sounded like I would be getting the apartment. After about two weeks, the broker... [more]
Nearly one month ago, I saw an apartment I loved and submitted an application with the app fee to the broker. Over the first week after I submitted my app, there was some back and forth communication regarding the application and some excuses as to why the owner was dragging his feet in getting back to me, but it sounded like I would be getting the apartment. After about two weeks, the broker became increasingly non-communicative, not answering my calls, not responding to voicemails or emails I have sent. It has been nearly one month and I still have not received any answer on the apartment regarding my application. I since have had to renew my lease at my current apartment (even though I wanted to move) because I passed up other apartments thinking I was going to get the one I applied for weeks ago.
I then left a voicemail and sent an email requesting the broker refund my application fee since they never actually responded or processed my application and have heard no response.
Are there any repercussions to this broker who took my application fee and never processed my application?
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Response by gcondo
over 13 years ago
Posts: 1111
Member since: Feb 2009
small claims court?
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Response by romary
over 13 years ago
Posts: 443
Member since: Aug 2008
caveat emptor
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Response by lobster
over 13 years ago
Posts: 1147
Member since: May 2009
Is this a sublet since you mention that the owner is dragging his feet? If possible, I would contact the owner directly and get his/her side of the story. I can not tell from your description whether the broker processed the application and the owner gave no response or whether the broker never did a thing with the application. Also why not visit the broker in his/her office and talk either with the broker or the supervisor for the real estate company? Sending emails and leaving voice mails don't seem to have been real productive so far.
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Response by BAF
over 13 years ago
Posts: 3
Member since: Apr 2012
No it is not a sublet, but it is a condo so I have no way of getting the owners contact info (I tried multiple times with no success). The broker is from a smaller firm and frankly I'm not even sure they have a storefront-type office, but I guess I could try that. Sounds like I just got scammed and thats about it.
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Response by davet
over 13 years ago
Posts: 10
Member since: Apr 2012
Contact the broker's manager
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Response by mlwheat
over 13 years ago
Posts: 1
Member since: Jul 2010
I would suggest sending a letter of complaint to the company, copying the Better Business Bureau, the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and the National Association of Realtors. Send it registered, return receipt requested. If nothing else, you can make their life hell and bring their bad behavior to everyone's attention. This is the very thing that gives brokers/agents such horrible reputations.
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Response by Truth
over 13 years ago
Posts: 5641
Member since: Dec 2009
BAF: Go to PropertyShark.com and look the building address up. Then click on the owner info. You can find names, mortgage info, and there's even a section for (listed) phone numbers, businesses associated with that unit and some voter registration info.
You will get the name, at least.
Look it up for phone# info.
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Response by deanc
over 13 years ago
Posts: 407
Member since: Jun 2006
letter of complaint to the BBB and REBNY and simultaneously small claims court to get your fee back.
its worth it as you might want to rent in the future and the sooner this crap is discouraged the better.
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small claims court?
caveat emptor
Is this a sublet since you mention that the owner is dragging his feet? If possible, I would contact the owner directly and get his/her side of the story. I can not tell from your description whether the broker processed the application and the owner gave no response or whether the broker never did a thing with the application. Also why not visit the broker in his/her office and talk either with the broker or the supervisor for the real estate company? Sending emails and leaving voice mails don't seem to have been real productive so far.
No it is not a sublet, but it is a condo so I have no way of getting the owners contact info (I tried multiple times with no success). The broker is from a smaller firm and frankly I'm not even sure they have a storefront-type office, but I guess I could try that. Sounds like I just got scammed and thats about it.
Contact the broker's manager
I would suggest sending a letter of complaint to the company, copying the Better Business Bureau, the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and the National Association of Realtors. Send it registered, return receipt requested. If nothing else, you can make their life hell and bring their bad behavior to everyone's attention. This is the very thing that gives brokers/agents such horrible reputations.
BAF: Go to PropertyShark.com and look the building address up. Then click on the owner info. You can find names, mortgage info, and there's even a section for (listed) phone numbers, businesses associated with that unit and some voter registration info.
You will get the name, at least.
Look it up for phone# info.
letter of complaint to the BBB and REBNY and simultaneously small claims court to get your fee back.
its worth it as you might want to rent in the future and the sooner this crap is discouraged the better.