OK the bottom line is
... If you want someone to help you find you the right apartment for you(or list your home),
.... someone who listens and doesn't try to convince you which apartment is for you,
.....and someone that you feel like actually deserves the broker fees ...
Go with the Eastpointe Team! (They're really cool & professional guys).
WHY:
First of all I need to say I'm from LA, searching for an apartment in NYC. So the main things for me were:
1. Figuring out a budget where I can still keep a similar lifestyle that I am used to.
2. Figuring out the broker fees that go along with my apartment Budget. (say good bye to that overpriced furniture that I fell in love with... or maybe I'll just gather my furniture one piece at a time for my studio/small one bed).
3. Figuring out the right neighborhood that may not have been my dream neighborhood but is an all around good fit for my first NYC apartment.
--Looking at #2 & #3 I really had to gather an understanding square footage, building amenities, market value by neighborhood while still keeping a lifestyle I want, [yes, yes..still knowing Not every apartment is 100% perfect ever] was hard to grasp coming from LA).
*ALL of these I really got a grasp of when working with Kevin of Eastpointe.
I met Kevin after emailing David, (both represent Eastpointe) about viewing an apartment I was so interested in. It was in the W. Village :), Off of Bleeker St. It was in my Budget, it had tons of light.. I was so excited!
I got a return email from David introducing me to Kevin and saying he would be there to show the apartment to me. At that point I was a very guarded apt. hunter, because I had already seen a good 15-20 apartments and had some people not show up or ask me the same questions that I already answered before. But I really liked what I saw from the apartment pics. So of course I went. I met Kevin there, and was pleasantly surprised with his manner and professionalism. I explained my financial situation: how I qualify yet I would need an "understanding" landlord to see my financials clearly, as I work for myself. He quickly explained that it was a Co-op..(something new to me) and that the Board of this particular building would probably not be the best fit for me. I was really grateful for his honesty. He offered to help me find another apartment and he seemed to really get a sense of what I was looking for.
Now, Kevin has really been helping me find the right apartment, unlike the 3 other brokers I tried to work with. Kevin is not at all interested in trying to fit me to an apartment, so he could get me in the apartment he felt was right. (others did this over and over). He really does do a good job of listening to what I liked about each apt. and what I didn't like about them. With this info from me he continues to build off of and continues on searching for the right apt. for me.
He also is realistic with me and my budget; and not wanting me to over spend on rent leaving me with nothing for "play." The other brokers kept pushing my budget, something I do naturally on my own and I didn't need any further stretching. Also at the same time kept showing me tiny or dark places, which I kept repeating the same issues with the apartments persisted. It was like they were hoping I would see such beauty out of things they saw and were trying to convince me they were right for me. C'mon Brokers... LISTEN to your clients needs, wants, and potential gives & takes (compromises they're willing to do based off of what they're dealt with).
*** The best thing has been his tenacity to find the right place for me, while persisting to explain "my financials," to ensure a successful app prior to me putting up application fees.
I have also interacted w/David of Eastpointe. I have to say he's pretty "Zen" for a New Yorker. At one point, after being declined from an apartment I applied for, (reasons out of anyones control), David showed me a great apartment on the same block as Bergdorff Goodman. I was in the worst of spirits, however I went. He's very even in manner and soothing when he talks...seriously! Sounds funny but I was super grumpy that day and when I left the showing; even though the apartment was not exactly what I wanted, I was happy to have gone. David was very encouraging and I left feeling like everything would be fine.
Through my apartment search I really appreciated their help... I hope all their good doings for me get returned and hope whomever sees this review legitimately doesn't think twice about having them representing them as their broker! read more