Is this man a crook?

Question

My gf and I are apt hunting, using a broker.
We found a perfect apt and applied.
We paid the $500 initial fee.
We have perfect credit, good jobs, about 4 yrs of rent in our bank accounts.
We are maybe 4K short of the yearly income requirement, but my gf's mom has a $1M house in New Jersey
We applied on Mon. The broker told us we would know on Wed, Thu at the latest. It is now Fri.
We have been in contact with the broker several times since we applied.
We have heard: "Pretty sure you have it"
"looks good", "Just waiting for final word",
Everything except "Come down and sign the lease".
It has now been five days, and the same old rhetoric.
From what I understand:
In NYC, there might be six or more brokers trying to get the same apt rented.
Until a lease is signed, the apt. remains for rent.
Every day we wait, our chances of getting it diminish.
What is the hold up? Do we have it or not?
NYC apt hunting is unique, so please only answer if are familiar with the procedure in NYC.

The broker will also get 15% of the years rent once the contract is signed.
He hasn't answered the basic questions:
Do we have the apt or not.
If so, when can we come down, sign the lease and pay the fees/deposit.
If not, what else do we need? Extra cash, invoke my girlfriend mom as guarantor (whech she agreed to)
Is it common for these things to take 5 days in NYC?

We are ready to hand the broker and the landlord a several thousand dollars. Why are they dragging their feet?
Why can't we get a straight answer?
dammit!

Answer 1

I just went through the same experience. Whenever there was a 24 delay, we didn't get the apartment. The management company that finally approved our application did so within an hour. If you find a good deal in NYC, all of your paper work must be prepared that day, or you will lose it. We had to have W-2 and W-4 forms, pay stubs, and a letter from my employer that I currently work there. I don't know what the $500 fee is for. I only paid $150 for a credit check once we submitted our application. From what I've seen, it all comes down to the management companies that actually own the properties. A realtor only finds the apartment and submits your application. Some are stricter than others. One management company rejected our application for a less expensive apartment than the one we ended up settling on. I think your Realtor is stringing you along because he/she doesn't want to lose you. If the owner of the apartment really wanted you to sign, they would have done so already, as to earn your rent. Our realtor recomennded using a guarantor because we just missed the required income, but they may give you different advice. If you have already invested money in your broker that is non-refundable, stick with them. We used Ardor NY Realty. They also charged 15%, which is on the high end, but you get what you pay for. I heard you can go straight to the management company and not have to pay a fee, but I am not sure how that would work. You probably would have to let the realtor show you a place, and if you like it, get the number for that specific management company, claiming you have to ask them a few "questions". Go to the managemant company and ask if they have anything else for rent. But that can become very time consuming. I also found that it was worthwhile to submit multiple applications for multiple apartments. If you want information on Ardor,or have any other questions, e-mail me. If you find their number on the internet, ask for Spencer or Helen. Good luck and don't lose hope. It us about three weeks, but we eventually found something great in a neighborhood that we really like.

Answer 2

I'd report him to the local government branch of the Real Estate Licensing agency. They will check his rep and if he's a crook you can get him punished. It is not unusual for brokers (and I think these people are the biggest scam artists in the country) to use a sure bet on an apartment to get higher rent from someone else. I think you should get some friends to check to see if the apartment is still for rent. Get the broker to take their application and then use that information to sue him for discrimination and unfair businesss practices. Because you haven't signed the lease and you're still telling him you're interested, he believes he has you by the short hairs. Tell him you're going with another broker unless you get an answer immediately. See how fast he responds.

Oh, I hope you have copies of all the papers you signed so you can prove the dates. That will put him in a real box. Always get and keep copies of everything you complete and/or sign. Never go without them because that gives your rights away.

Answer 3

I don't know about NYC leasing, but I understand negotiating - which is where you're at. The owner may be waiting to see if a more qualified applicant comes in this weekend... and if not, then he'll settle on you. You have the option to sit tight and hope nobody better comes along, or give them a time ultimatum - "Give me an answer by 5pm or I remove my application." kind of thing.... Don't do that if you don't qualify for something else though.

Answer 4

The broker can't tell you to sign the lease until the building owner approves the deviation from his INCOME REQUIREMENT.

You are asking to be allowed to rent a place from someone who has set a standard that you don't meet.

The difficult can be done in an hour.... the impossible might take longer.

Answer 5

what law do you think he is breaking?

is he a flake...possibly. do you have an exclusive contract with him? Is he representing the landlord too?

Call his broker and tell him the situation....if he is his own broker, tell him you are taking him to the state.

He may be a crook but certainly no criminal action taken in your case.

Answer 6

get a different broker..i really dont know about that kinds of stuff..sorry! but good luck..maybe you should contact a lawyer.

Answer 7

it sounds like your get ripped off big time. I'd contact your lawyer immeadiatly or hire one if you dont already have one.

Answer 8

i thinkur being played if hes not giving u a straight answer

Answer 9

sounds like crooks to me man....i wouldnt go paying them all that money