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The Old "Bait and Switch"

The New York City Apartment Rental market is still competitive and the best apartments get taken very quickly, especially those that are priced to go. Sometimes, by the time an ad for an apartment comes out the apartment is already rented (ads for The New York Times are placed on Thursday and come out on Sunday). Some brokers, however, purposely place ficticious ads (for shame!) for apartments that do not exist in an attempt at the old bait and switch. This would not be so bad if they had comparable inventory that did in fact exist. But when they advertise a doorman one bedroom apartment for $1600 and the cheapest one they have is actually $2300, this leads to...

The Old "Slam Dunk"

Forget what you want. The unscrupulous (and aggressive) agent will tell you what you will take. He'll try to "slam" you into an apartment you really don't want. Believe it or not, it happens. The agents who use this technique call it salesmanship. In actuality, they use force of personality, intimidation or more subtle means such as...

"Three Apartment Monty"

The game works like this: You see that $1600 one bedroom with the doorman. It's "available". You are strongly urged to quickly run to the bank and draw out a deposit so the broker can "hold" the apartment. Off you go dutifully to do your broker's bidding. The deposit is paid, the paperwork is in, everything looks good and then something happens. The apartment is rented to someone else (their application just beat yours) or the apartment is taken off the market or whatever.

The bottom line is you are not getting that apartment. But they do have another one for you that's in fact a little nicer, but it's a little more money but "still a good deal considering the market", yadda, yadda, yadda...Of course your deposit is refundable but of course it's not immediately refundable. It will be suggested that the deposit is to be applied to the "next" apartment you decide to take.

If you press hard enough you mayl eventually get your money back, but while they have it you are vulnerable to all sorts of tricks. A lot of potential renters who fall victim to this trap, after numerous attempts at obtaining a refund, give up in disgust and abandon their deposit!

Not All New York City Apartment Brokers Are Crooks

We have all heard Broker horror stories and in some cases New York City Real Estate Brokers deserve the rotten reputation they have. However, there are some very good, very sincere professionals out there trying to provide a legitimate service to their clients. There is no reason why you, the consumer, have to put up with any garbage from a broker in New York. There are many Real Estate Brokers in New York City. The best brokers work with the same or similar inventory. The difference between them is in the service.

What To Look For In A New York City Apartment Rental Agent

The keyword is professionalism. In spite of what seems to be an endemic lack of professionalism among New York City Apartment Rental Agents, you should insist on being treated properly. Let's face it, the broker is earning a commission whether you are paying it or not. The least you can expect, and demand, is professional handling. Your housing is one of the most important aspects of your life. The professional who is assigned to the task of helping you find housing should take the process seriously. If your agent only sees you as a two legged dollar sign when he meets you, you're not going to get the service you deserve.You don't want to be trifled with at this important and stressful time in your life. Important questions to ask:

1. How long has the agent worked in the business? How long has he lived in New York City? How long has he been in the United States, for that matter?! Does he live in Manhattan himself?

2. What is the agent's general appearance? Is he dressed professionally or does he look like the dog's breakfast?

3. Does the agent have a courteous and helpful attitude? Or is he rude and pushy and behave as if he doesn't have time for your questions and concerns? 4. Does your agent return your phone calls?

5. Does your agent listen to you? Is he showing apartments of the type and price range you have asked for or is he trying to slam you into what he wants you to take?

6. Is your agent mature (regardless of age).

7. Does your agent or broker work out of an office, someplace you can find him if there is a problem. Beware of one or two man operations working out of someone's apartment.

Sympathy For The Devil

As was mentioned earlier, not all Brokers are crooks. Their are a lot out there who are straight shooters. Clients don't always play it straight, either. Some people go around and put applications on everything and then decide later which apartment to take. This can damage the broker's relationship with the landlord, not to mention the taking up the agent's time. By putting up a deposit the client shows everyone that he is serious.

This is not a drill, this is not a drill! Just make sure that you get a receipt that clearly states the deposit is fully and immediately refundable at the moment it is determined that you are not getting the apartment. Remember, apartments really do go fast and sometimes it will take two or three tries before you get one. Is your agent acting in good faith? Is he willing to stick it out with you until you get something? Using a broker can be the fastest and easiest way to get a good apartment in New York. However, Caveat Emptor!