Why Use A Broker
If you are renting
Real estate brokers and the agents who work for them are licensed by the State of New York. Their activities are regulated by laws, which are designed to protect the consumer. In the New York City rental market, the broker is traditionally your representative. He or she is working for you and will guide you through such considerations as:
- Neighborhood and apartment selection
- Understanding types of leases, including rent-stabilization laws
- Document and financial preparation
- Landlord negotiation
- Lease signing
A broker will save you the time and frustration of running around to see apartments that may not meet your specifications or have already been rented. Brokers have long-term relationships with superintendents and landlords and often have keys to show their apartments. The best brokers are familiar with hundreds of buildings and can advise you on the best layouts available, what is coming up in a particular building, and other inside information.
Perhaps most importantly: There is no cost to you to look at apartments with a broker, ask all the questions you need to ask, see what's out there, and learn all there is to know about the market.
You pay no broker fee until the deal is done and you have secured your new home.
For more information and advice on how to rent an apartment in Manhattan, see Facts About Renting.