Broker wants application fee to present offer?

Sorry, this was meant for 'rentals'.

no that is not acceptable. negotiate first, then apply.

After the rent is agreed upon, I would make sure you get it in writing that the application fee refunded if the owner changes his/her mind.

also, get a new broker.

i don't have a choice of the broker representing the landlord...

gcondo I disagree.

If the application fee is to run a credit check and background check then yes this is common. If your credit is great, strong income and history then your offer would be more seriously considered if you had terrible credit, low income et al...

The $500 of course should be refundable.

i agree with gcondo. you can run your own credit and provide the score you received with the offer. if the offer is accepted, only then should they run your credit check, etc. if you lie, they can rescind their offer, so they have nothing to lose.

I am an owner and I will never negotiate until I see the application. The better your application, the more flexible I can be. I do not want to negotiate at all with someone who i would not really want as a tenant.

The $500 might be the broker just trying to save their ass. Make sure that check is written out to the landlord NOT the broker. Then it is fine.

To answer your question, yes, I would have to run your application (therefore need to take your application fee) to consider your offer. My app fee is also less than 1/2 of that, FYI

Good luck!

Fee yes, though this is high, deposit no.

Credit check fee, yes. Deposit? Iffy. Why would the LL bother making a verbal "sure I will consider that offer" if the app ends up being a train wreck/waste of time? I totally agree with MAV - my Owners will 100% never say, "Sure", they say, "Let me see the full app first...then I will let you know. If the below-ask app is solid as a rock, the deal always goes through at the lower offer (if not ridiculously low), unless a higher/asking-rate bid enters with a strong app and no 'cagey caveat application dramatics'...but an approvable/approved low-bidder only gets passed on if the better $$ app goes in before tenancy offer/lease execution/fund delivery from the initial low-ballers. Even then, the LL generally gives the low bidders options to match the asking price, with proof of actual approvable offer from another party.