I found out about an apartment by walking around my new neighborhood and tipping doormen. When I called the mgmt. company, they said I had to go through a broker -- they do not like dealing with applicants directly. I picked a broker and paid one month's rent for her watching me fill out a one-page form in her office and hand her the usual docs (bank statements, etc). By the time I got to the... [more]
I found out about an apartment by walking around my new neighborhood and tipping doormen. When I called the mgmt. company, they said I had to go through a broker -- they do not like dealing with applicants directly. I picked a broker and paid one month's rent for her watching me fill out a one-page form in her office and hand her the usual docs (bank statements, etc). By the time I got to the office, I had a text message that I have been approved which she tried to spin as somehow related to her skill (I am sure it had nothing to do with my 830 FICO score and income of 90x rent). The lease has been signed by all and all checks have been delivered. I am at work by 7.30am and home by 6.30pm, and the new place is on an entirely different subway line from where I live. So I asked her to get a key from the super and bring it to my office when I am there. The entire process would cost her $70 cab ride roundtrip and 1.5 hour of her time. She declined and said the super will give it to me. Having been living in New York since 1999, I paid a broker fee only once and even that was paid for by the employer when I relocated. At the time the broker met me near the residence to hand the key, so really have no experience in dealing with brokers. Is this common/reasonable behavior on her part? Is there a 'usual and customary' standard for post-closing customer service by the rental brokers? Has anyone had similar experience?
[less]
Response by 30yrs_RE_20_in_REO
about 8 years ago
Posts: 9876
Member since: Mar 2009
I know it used to be illegal for a managing agent to tell you that you had to go through a broker and pay a fee. I guess that has changed but you could call the NY Dept of state and ask. About 20 years ago this resulted in a friend's fee being refunded when she followed my advice and did this.
Ignored comment.
Unhide
Response by Hkman
about 8 years ago
Posts: 12
Member since: Feb 2009
Call the broker and say you think that you think her charging a fee might have not been legal as you had prior knowledge of the apartment and she did not assist you locating the apartment. Say you are not sure either way but think it best if both of you write a detailed report of what both of you did and submit it to the Dept of State.
I actually did this when a broker refused to pay me. I got the payment in 24 hours. Did you sign a broker disclosure statement? If you did not she can be fined $1500.
Ignored comment.
Unhide
Response by JR1
about 8 years ago
Posts: 184
Member since: Jun 2015
Very frankly, I think you should have considered asking for something BEFORE having closed the deal. After the deal is finished, even though you felt like you didn't get much, you can't just ask your agent to do random favors. It's really too bad.
Next time, especially if you're buying, I'd consider either getting a good referral or doing some research online. Try to work with a buyer's broker who is both very experienced (free advice isn't worth much just because it's free) and will discreetly offer you a closing gift / commission rebate.
For example: https://www.hauseit.com/find-great-buyers-agent-nyc/
Either way, you have to do your research beforehand. I'm afraid it's too late after the fact. I hear this happens to a lot of folks after the fact. You have to negotiate beforehand!
'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
I know it used to be illegal for a managing agent to tell you that you had to go through a broker and pay a fee. I guess that has changed but you could call the NY Dept of state and ask. About 20 years ago this resulted in a friend's fee being refunded when she followed my advice and did this.
Call the broker and say you think that you think her charging a fee might have not been legal as you had prior knowledge of the apartment and she did not assist you locating the apartment. Say you are not sure either way but think it best if both of you write a detailed report of what both of you did and submit it to the Dept of State.
I actually did this when a broker refused to pay me. I got the payment in 24 hours. Did you sign a broker disclosure statement? If you did not she can be fined $1500.
Very frankly, I think you should have considered asking for something BEFORE having closed the deal. After the deal is finished, even though you felt like you didn't get much, you can't just ask your agent to do random favors. It's really too bad.
Next time, especially if you're buying, I'd consider either getting a good referral or doing some research online. Try to work with a buyer's broker who is both very experienced (free advice isn't worth much just because it's free) and will discreetly offer you a closing gift / commission rebate.
For example: https://www.hauseit.com/find-great-buyers-agent-nyc/
Either way, you have to do your research beforehand. I'm afraid it's too late after the fact. I hear this happens to a lot of folks after the fact. You have to negotiate beforehand!