Landlords &/or tenants if you're not using John O'keefe from Devoted Real Estate you're making a mistake! After a long search filled with viewing crappy apts & dealing with unproffesional brokers i was losing hope. Thats when i sent the "id like to request a tour" message to one of Devoted's properties and all my troubles went away. That was on a Tuesday morning. I met with John to view it just a few hours later that day. Applied on Wednesday. Approved on Thursday! I could of signed my lease same day or next day too if I wanted but I opted for that Saturday. John answered every one of my concerns, gave me his advice & opinion on questions I had that wasn't even part of his job to answer he's just a good guy on top of good at his job! He may be a little late to your meeting or miss a text because he's juggling so much getting us into our new homes but i'm telling you do not let it deter you from working with one of the best agents out here! Oh and dont hesitate to provide whatever is needed to submit your application. Just think about all those apartments you reached out to on zillow or street easy but then didnt respond after. Devoted wants to protect their time spent, show you're serious and also make sure you dont back out last minute of a property another potential tenant could have its only fair! I can confirm all agreements were honored with no issue! I could go on and on because I'm so shocked at how seamless the whole process was but i'll end it with John you're the best! It was a pleasure and thank you a million times over! read more

I used this real estate agency as a landlord to fill some vacancies I had. Over the course of 2-3 years I started having issues with all 4 tenants they brought me. Different issues all at different times. They brought me two tenants who should have never passed a background check. One tenant had multiple criminal charges in a different state and the other had stopped paying after moving in. Stay far away from them. They are not thorough and just care about making money. read more

TL;DR - NOT a scam! Great customer service. Keep reading for my family's experience, and email me at arbazaziz1999@gmail.com and I'll tell you the story myself! That's how much I stand by my experience with John! First off... I was GENUINELY afraid of working with this company in the beginning (spoiler: I ended up getting a GREAT apartment with a REAL company)! Being an engineer, I am hyper-focused on little details, and question everything. Also being my first time renting an apartment, I was very cautious about every step. My wife and I applied to see a listing for an apartment posted in Zillow (or StreetEasy, I forget). We received a text saying to go to the address in the listing. When arriving there, we call the number from the text message, and hear "John O'Keefe", who tells us we can go to the apartment and visit it ourselves. He simply asks that we text him what we think at the end of our visit. We say we loved the apartment, and would like to proceed! John sends us a lengthy text message, explaining the upcoming steps for the application, the refundable (initial) deposit, and to schedule an appointment! However, before calling him, I found it strange that there was no one to let us in, and it was open for us (it turned out, it was being renovated, and was simply open). And, I read online that anyone that requests an initial deposit is likely a scammer, and that you should ONLY give a deposit until AFTER the lease is signed. Seeing all this (and being extremely cautious and paranoid), I searched up "Devoted Real Estate" on Yelp and Google Reviews. And saw similar posts, warning that this company is a scam! Now I was even MORE scared! I decided to call John, and state my concerns directly! I mentioned the comments online about scams, and about the initial deposit! And he reassured me, thoroughly, that he was legit! He even went so far as to send me his official license (with photograph, and name), AND let me lower the REFUNDABLE initial deposit (and then pay the rest AFTER the lease). He explained that the reason why he asks for an initial deposit is to make sure the person applying COMES to the landlord appoint and comes with the intention of SIGNING the lease!!!! In the refund, he explains that if you pay the initial deposit and your application is REJECTED, you can easily get your money back! But if you give the deposit, and then back out of the deal, then you get no refund! It's clearly stated in the agreement, and the agreement states you are GOING to meet the landlord, with the intention of signing the lease... yes or yes! (and he states that many times, before accepting your deposit). Finally, John, my wife, and I meet the landlord in a professional building, go through the process, and sign the lease on the same day. And in the same day, we get the keys from the super! Long story short: John helped reassure us that we have nothing to fear, explained MANY times the deals in the contracts and what we are signing up for, and he helped prepare us for the interview. I can't say anything about this "Peter" person, since I've never interacted with him... and I've never met Mohammad (simply because I never had to interact with him during this process). But for John O'Keefe alone, I can say... you can TRUST HIM! read more

I would be VERY cautious of this group - unprofessional and possibly scammers. I was looking for an apartment and someone named Peter messaged me and coordinated meeting at two different locations and this person stated I need to give a good faith deposit for the apartment of a full months rent. This is NOT standard practice as other reviewers have mentioned. Since I questioned this practice, this person was not professional via text and laughed at me and then did not answer. I tried to confirm the morning we were supposed to meet and did not get an answer. Overall very unprofessional and do not recommend. read more

I love this agency. Words cannot describe how happy I am with this agency and with the people who work there. I was really struggling to find an apartment that works for me, and at a price that was reasonable. I was getting really discouraged until Devoted Real Estate reached out to me via an app I was using for my search. John is incredibly honest, extremely thorough, and truly supportive. He told me that if I don't like what he shows me, he will work to find me something that works for me. He showed me two beautiful places, and I was surprised by the price. John was very attentive to what I was looking for, and I highly recommend working with him. A huge thank you to Moe too for all your help, it means a lot. You guys truly rock, and I am very happy with my new apartment. read more

John and Moe made my apartment search stress free. I requested a viewing of an apartment through Trulia, and Moe immediately responded asking me what was my availability. There have been numerous times where I get no reply from realtors through these sites or they takes days to reply. John was very flexible and showed me multiple apartments that he felt would be a good fit for me. He listened to what I was looking for, and stood within my budget. I ended up picking an apartment he showed me. I've had negative experiences throughout my apartment search, and it was refreshing to work with broker's who were personable, not pushy or pressuring, just to make a sale. I would recommend John and Moe to anyone who is apartment hunting. read more

John was fantastic!!! He called me about an apartment on a Friday and by Tuesday evening I was already moved in and ready to enjoy my new home! For a twenty-five-year-old law student, like me, finding a spacious apartment within my budget and in a quiet neighborhood was a dream, but it became a reality thanks to John and I am so grateful. He communicated with me frequently and made sure everything went smoothly. He was fast, efficient, very nice, and very helpful! A++++++ read more

Buyer, know your Rights! They will charge you a huge 'Non-refundable Broker's Deposit' if you decide to apply. No application fee will be charged (which is normally 55$ to 100$ per person which is non-refundable as per market standards). I later found out this isn't even legit.....We paid a 1550$ deposit for an apt whose rent was 1550$. At the time, we didn't notice the non-refundable clause in their receipt (which was error on our part, but house hunts in NYC are tough & people get desperate). But this, by no means, is a legitimate deposit amount that any broker should charge you... all other brokers we worked with dissuaded us from putting down anything more than $300-500 as a good-faith deposit, which seems reasonable. We decided not to go for the apartment and after much negotiation & debate; they agreed to return half of the deposit after we asserted our intention to complain to the NY State housing department. It was an avoidable situation that the brokers could have prevented from happening. read more

I inquired about an apartment in Bay Ridge online. I was contacted by a Peter from devoted real estate to schedule a viewing. Come time of the appointment, I met with Johnny O'keefe to view on Saturday at 11am. Johnny was a few minutes late but I did not find this to be a big deal as things happen. Fell in love with the apartment and wanted to move forward with applying. Johnny informed me that to apply I would have to schedule an appointment at the office to fill out an application and would need to also provide the security deposit in full when applying. This deposit would be refundable if my partner and I were not approved. Shortly after the viewing, I texted Johnny to schedule our appointment to apply. I received no answer, so I called him. He did answer this time and confirmed an appointment with me at the office for the next day, Sunday at noon. Fast forward to Sunday morning, I texted Johnny that my partner and I were on the way and would see him soon. Once again, I received no answer. Upon arriving at the office, cash in hand, ready to put a hefty deposit down, and apply my partner and I were surprised to see it completely closed, gates down and all. I immediately called Johnny and said I was there for my 12pm but the place was closed. He proceeded to tell me he completely forgot to let me know someone else put in an application and was approved the previous day (same day I saw it). I was mind blown because when we met to view the apartment Johnny convinced me he would get my partner and I approved had we moved forward and never mentioned another application being put in. After our initial meeting I was very pleased with Johnny and excited to work with him going forward. However, he did not live up to this first impression. I am SO disappointed in the unprofessionalism. Please be cautious using this company as a resource for your real estate needs! read more

Do not trust these brokers. They will use the classic bait and switch move to lure you to visit apartments that are not what you contacted them for. They are very hard to get in touch with and you have to try very hard to get in contact with them. After many days of trying to get in touch with them about an apartment, I was able to set an appointment for later that same day during my lunch break at work and was told that apartment was available. When I got to the neighborhood's apartment 6 hours later, they sent me to another address and said that the apartment I was looking at got rented. That would imply that someone not only applied but also submitted all their documents within that six hour window. I was then showed more expensive apartments that I was not interested in and just ended up wasting my time. read more

Finding a apartment in Brooklyn, while juggling a busy schedule is hard. My boyfriend and I have met with so may different brokers, attended many open houses, been stood up, had bait and switch happen a few times before we came across John. He showed us one apartment at first, then showed us an additional two that fit our budget. He answered all our questions and actually responded when we did reach out. He helped us land a one bedroom apartment under our budget. If your in need don't hesitate to reach out to him! read more

My husband and I met a lot of realtors when we were looking for our new home. We loved working with John and Moe. They were so personable and helpful. They showed us some options in our budget and one of them we fell in love with. They helped get us a better price and we were able to sign the lease the next day. We can't recommend them enough! read more

The partners at Devoted Real Estate are just that; devoted to helping you in every way they can. John and Moe were patient and professional throughout the whole process. They are very knowledgeable and have many insights on each apartment/home they showed me. I was able to find a beautiful spot within one day with Devoted Realty! They are committed and will go out of their way to make sure you get what you want. I would recommend them to everyone I know. What a pleasurable experience it was. Thank you, John and Moe! read more

This whole process was great. From beginning to end John and Mo worked with me and some of the issues i had in obtaining an apartment. John was very accommodating in showing my different apartments despite having to drive quite a distance between locations. They were able to get me the apartment i chose within 4 days. Amazing. I'd definitely recommend them to anyone and if i ever move again (hopefully not for a while, packing and unpacking sucks), they are the only realty I'd consider. Thanks guys. read more

My family was looking to change apartments and Mr. O'Keefe and his partner Mohammed helped us find an apartment within a few days. We are very pleased with our new apartment and highly recommend them because of their professionally and commitment to help us with our search! read more

John and Moe are awesome individuals and partners. I can't thank them enough for finding me a comfortable and affordable studio apartment in a great neighborhood within a short time. Their broker fee is reasonable, compared to outrageous fees that some other brokers in Brooklyn charge. I asked them to negotiate the rent -- they did, and got me the price I wanted. I had a broken leg during the searching process, and on a number of occasions, John drove me to the apartment, the bank, their office, etc. THANK YOU, John and Moe. I'm very happy where I am now. read more

After my girlfriend and I requested to see a listing on trulia, less than 24hrs later I received an answer back from Moe and John from Devoted Realty. This caught me by surprise because for months we were getting the run around from other real estate agents. Moe had then scheduled an appointment for the next day and within 2 weeks we had the keys to our new apartment. We cannot thank them enough for helping us get this beautiful apartment in Dyker Heights. My girlfriend and I definitely recommend Devoted Realty for anyone who needs help from people who care about getting you what you need. Thanks Moe & John, your services are greatly appreciated! read more

Mo's partner John responded to my request and after about 2 weeks finally showed me / apartments in the same building. Both were amazing units with bright light, dishwashers, and there was laundry in the building. I had been shown a lot of duds in the weeks previous but when I saw these, I knew that this was where I belonged. So I put in an application. But every time I talked to John, there were more fees associated with the apartment that he forgot to tell me. Apart from your standard first, security and 1 month broker fee, there was a reasonable pet deposit (fine), a $1000 application fee (um, what?), and a $500 move in fee (huh?). The apartment was all I ever wanted so I agreed to pay it all. When my application was approved, we scheduled time to come and sign the lease. It had to be on a weekday afternoon so I had to leave work early. John texted me about 10 minutes before I was leaving work to confirm and then as I was about to walk out the door, he asked me to call him. When I did, he told me that the apartment was no longer available (um, I left a deposit equal to 1 month rent). I was given a story about how the management company needed it for the super. So I asked about the other unit they showed me. I was told it was no longer available and that they wouldn't be able to rent me anything in that building. Beware of Mo and John. I don't know what kind of games they are playing but they really gave me the run around. I got my deposit back and my search continues but this was an awful experience. Save yourself. Work with another broker. read more

I dealt with John mostly through the apartment finding process. He was professional, personable, and knowledgeable. John was dedicated to finding an apartment that met my criteria and did in a short time. In addition, he was flexible and available to meet at any time. I would recommend Devoted Real Estate to others. Thanks! read more

Devoted Real Estate responded to my inquiry very quickly and I viewed the apartment that same day. I fell in love with the place and was able to close the next day! They were very transparent about the whole process and made it as stress free as possible. So glad I found them! Thank you so much Moe and John! read more

Started out looking for an apartment when I got a call to check out a local entry in my area. The real estate agent I dealt with was very kind and interested in explaining as much information as possible, helping me understand all aspects of my possible future apartment. The office is clean and well kept and the help I received was second to none. Everyone was willing to take the time out of their day to help in the application possible and it felt as though the urgency I felt in getting all my paperwork in was also valued and priority to the employees here. Thanks to Devoted real estate, I couldn't be happier with my new apartment! read more

Great help in finding place that truly suits your needs. Fast and prompt responses and assistance. Highly recommend.

My boyfriend and I recently used John and Moe to help us find an apartment. They were really helpful and accommodating to all the questions and concerns we had. They were always really responsive to texts and helped us clear up any problems that we had. Would definitely recommend them. read more

I never write reviews but the guys at Devoted Real Estate really need to be acknowledged for their great services and hard work. I've been looking for an apartment for months now and have tried contacting numerous agents but all I ever got were messages from "Alex from Zillow" with nothing further. I swear I was going to lose my mind if I got another text from "Alex." That all changed when I messaged Moe with a listing I saw and he got back to me right away. He was able to arrange viewings of multiple apartments the same day with John. I instantly fell in love with the first apartment and was able to complete the application the same night. Within one day, I was signing the lease to the apartment! John was so diligent and prompt in making sure everything went smoothly for me. They addressed any issues I had and answered all my questions. I highly recommend these guys if you want a stress free experience when you're looking for your next home. read more