After looking in Harlem, and not finding anything that appealed to me (space) I decided to look in Brooklyn and ended up choosing a studio in the East Flatbush area. I like it, it's nice.

One thing I hate, hardwood floors and upstair neighbors who wake up with heels on.

All in all, can't complain.

M

Glad you, too, found a decent place and that you're still with us to tell the tale after what sounds like some stress-tastic times. What neighborhood did you end up in? What a shame that you got such a run around even AFTER you put down a deposit. Yikes.

I actually got a decent rate of 10% from Destination Realty. I still have some lingering doubts about brokers, but the guys there were honest and upfront about everything. . . might be a matter of picking the lesser of two evils.

I'm glad you found an apartment! The apartment I actually referred you to, was taken. But I totally agree- paying those utilities(heat and all that crap) definitely sucks in the winter.

I had no choice but to use a broker. I didn't have the time to go through craigslist, it was affecting my job, and I was tired of seeing those stupid management company ads. My first broker was this guy who promised to show me the world, but instead showed me crappy apartments in great neighborhoods. I'm originally from NYC, born and raised, so I could care less about the neighborhood, I just wanted a nice space in a decent area. Then he showed me something in Harlem, which I fell in love with, but he kept giving me the run around even after I put in a deposit. Luckily after a big threat (Hey, I'm from Brooklyn) I got my money back and called a family member who works in real estate. She only charged me half the brokers fee, which was a huge relief.

And I got a sweet place!