Quick question about my new apt. ...

[RageX]

I'm getting an apartment in Astoria through a broker @ Century21. The
rent is $1100. The broker's fee was one months rent.

I paid my good faith deposit ($500), the land lord accepted me, I paid
the broker the rest of his fee (another $600), and I paid the land lord
the security deposit ($1100). This seemed strange to me, the only
other lease I signed all these fees were paid at lease signing.

I'm due to move in April 1st. I've agreed to buy the current tents
furniture, and she's supposed to move out by April 1st, though possibly
earlier.

This is my problem, maybe it's not a problem, but the broker will not
send me a copy of the lease to review. And he insists that the lease
will be signed the day that the current tenant moves out, which is not
exactly firm.

Any thoughts on this? Was it stupid to pay security and the broker's
fee before I signed a lease? Why won't the broker send me a copy of
the lease so I can be ready with questions and just sign it on the 1st?

Why is real estate so shady outside of Manhattan?

[Anibal Amador]

Real Estate is so full of people that are full of boloney . I would
insist in getting the lease it is your legal right . These people in my
opinion want to make you overly dependent on them that way they get all
they want and then if something does not goes right they do like pilatos
and let you hanging out in the cold but they don't care q'uz they have
their non refundale fees! Yes you made a mistake! sorry! They could be
looking for another renter who offers to them more . which is why they
want to keep the lease until the last moment and by not giving you much
chance to review it they pressure you to sing which works to their
advantage but not yours also incase the don't get that the other better
offer for the apt. I have rented and I was a lanlord too real estate
agents are so low key and full of agresion . but worst they think They
own your apartment they are creepy! it is ironic that the most basic of
all needs shelter where you get your security peace of mind ect is
treated in these fashion . like profecionalism (really their 'fees") is
more important than that. Watch out ! They tend to act irresponsable and
ussually suck the living air out off you!

Anibal Amador

[art]

First off.....call the owner of the brokerage. If you get no satisfaction
call the Century 21 national office to complain. Also, ask for the business
license # of the business and indicate that you're going to complain to the
New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. Indicate that you're also
going to call the New York Board of Realtors to inquire about how you can
lodge a formal complaint about this situation. Also, indicate that you're
going to call "7 on your side" (Channel 7 Eyewitness News) to ask them if
they're interested in this kind of story. Do all of this in a very calm
voice. Tell them again how you want a copy of the lease. I presume that you
have receipts from the broker for the payments paid and that you also have a
copy of the agreement that you signed with the broker. It's New York
City.....you gotta get tough if you're going live here! And welcome to your
new home......................

Post by RageX
rent is $1100. The broker's fee was one months rent.
I paid my good faith deposit ($500), the land lord accepted me, I paid
the broker the rest of his fee (another $600), and I paid the land lord
the security deposit ($1100). This seemed strange to me, the only
other lease I signed all these fees were paid at lease signing.
I'm due to move in April 1st. I've agreed to buy the current tents
furniture, and she's supposed to move out by April 1st, though possibly
earlier.
This is my problem, maybe it's not a problem, but the broker will not
send me a copy of the lease to review. And he insists that the lease
will be signed the day that the current tenant moves out, which is not
exactly firm.
Any thoughts on this? Was it stupid to pay security and the broker's
fee before I signed a lease? Why won't the broker send me a copy of
the lease so I can be ready with questions and just sign it on the 1st?
Why is real estate so shady outside of Manhattan?

[RageX]

Everything turned out okay, even though it was slightly shady.

BTW, I've been living here 3 years (more if you want to count school),
and the reason I asked is that I only half trusted my gut.

The broker wasn't as professional as I would have liked and he made me
do some work that should have fallen on him. I was much happier with
brokers I've used in Manhattan.

The lease was a standard Blumberg Lease with just a couple standard
riders (no pets, no washing machines, etc.) I just wish it was a rent
stabilized apt., but you can't have it all I guess.

Thanks for the help guys.

Regards,

[Alex Rodriguez]

Post by RageX
Any thoughts on this? Was it stupid to pay security and the broker's
fee before I signed a lease?

Yes. I hope you have reciepts.

Post by RageX
Why won't the broker send me a copy of
the lease so I can be ready with questions and just sign it on the 1st?

Obviously they are hiding something.

Post by RageX
Why is real estate so shady outside of Manhattan?

What makes you think Manhattan is any better?
-------------
Alex

[RageX]

Post by Alex Rodriguez
Yes. I hope you have reciepts.

I do, but I don't think I'll repeat this mistake.

Post by Alex Rodriguez
Obviously they are hiding something.

Turns out that they're not, it was just laziness.

Post by Alex Rodriguez
What makes you think Manhattan is any better?

Because the broker's I've dealt with there were top notch and I was
quite happy.

I'm moved in now and everything turned out fine, thanks for the help!

Regards,
Chris