Hi,
We just had a house inspected by Inspect America. The guy did an excellent job and took the time to really be thorough, as well as explain how what he was finding would affect us as potential homebuyers.
Inspect America also were able to quickly schedule us in as we were in a hurry to move forward on a house.
Good luck!

Posted by: MeredithRoseF at February 10, 2008 2:14 PM in response to engineering inspection

We recently rented our 1 bedroom garden apartment in Park Slope within a few hours of showings with people off of craigslist and we're really pleased with the quality of people we got responses from and are renting too. We recently bought our house and it's all really immaculately done, when we bought it we were told it was a 'high end' rental, but with the rental market the way it is, we're renting it for almost $200 below the rental price originally quoted. I also agree that the price seems steep for a studio in Park Slope right now, from my research when we priced out the rent on our apartment. You should be able to tell if the price is too high by the feedback of your efforts.

In terms of finding someone qualified or checking their qualifications, find an online service like the ones mentioned that do background and credit checks. They usually have a reasonable fee. The serious applicants that we had had no problem with the $30 fee or whatever to do this. Many of our applicants also came prepared with w-2's, pay stubs, bank statements, guarantor info if needed etc. You can specify how much and what info you want to assure yourself that you are getting a good tenant.

For us, renting the apartment ourselves was essential because we live on the other two floors and want to feel comfortable with the people. We also share the garden. The broker seems unnecessary both financially and professionally in finding some good renters.

Posted by: MeredithRoseF at March 27, 2008 4:41 PM in response to Rental Apartment in Brownstone

Thanks all! 'Preciate the info.

Posted by: johnlarry at February 10, 2008 2:53 PM in response to engineering inspection

Bannon engineering.

Posted by: guest at February 10, 2008 5:39 PM in response to engineering inspection

I just had a great experience with Bruce Merdjan, www.badvanced.com

Posted by: zinka at February 11, 2008 3:02 PM in response to engineering inspection

We used these guys about a year ago -
Aberdeen-
http://www.inspectbeforebuying.com/

Matthew was incredibly thorough and you will get a 30 pg (approx) printed report with pictures explaining things to lookout for, some immediate , some for the future ..
I really liked him- his electrical expertise seemed average.. not sure - but you can ask him - he seemed really honest and as a bonus I believe hes a classical piano player hey!

good luck
sg

Posted by: guest at February 11, 2008 5:35 PM in response to engineering inspection

You should try to use a National Association of Home Inspectors. Their inspectors are required to be PE's and have errors and ommission insurance.
http://www.nahi.org/

Posted by: albany at February 11, 2008 8:03 PM in response to engineering inspection

here's a bunch of inspectors

http://www.cityhammer.com/catalog/companyList/?category_id=41

some engineers also but not really sure the diffrence

ramon

Posted by: guest at February 11, 2008 8:36 PM in response to engineering inspection

Thank you all so very much for your thoughtful responses on both sides of the broker issue. I learned a lot from the collective wisdom, and I appreciate the time you all took to respond.

Posted by: LandLady at March 27, 2008 6:16 PM in response to Rental Apartment in Brownstone

Thank you all so very much for your thoughtful responses on both sides of the broker issue. I learned a lot from the collective wisdom, and I appreciate the time you all took to respond.

Posted by: LandLady at March 27, 2008 6:17 PM in response to Rental Apartment in Brownstone

I am a new landlord also and have only used brokers to rent out the two apts in my 3-fam. I don't have the time or inclination to be showing the apt to lots of people, collecting all the paperwork, etc. I also have no interest in splitting the fee with the renters. What I have learned through the process is to tell the broker up front that I will not necessarily take the first person interested in the apartment - often with a few brokers competing within one agency they try to go by first come first served - this doesn't work as well for the landlord. I've found that if there a couple people interested it is best to consider both of them and then accept the one that you're most comfortable with. In addition, since I live in the building, I've made a point of meeting and interviewing anyone who I'm considering renting the apartment to. This reduces the chance of ending up with someone you can't stand living in your house - even if they look good on paper and in their references. If you tell the broker these things up front there shouldn't be a problem later on.

Posted by: BklynDahl at March 27, 2008 8:59 PM in response to Rental Apartment in Brownstone

I absolutely agree as a landlord that your should get a broker. I have a touch as nuts broker (I know, because he broke my balls before showing me my first apt in the neighborhood that was fabulous) - he is great at vetting and found me a tenant who is amazing. Who cares about tenants who don't like brokers, there are plenty of good ones willing to pay the fee.

Posted by: guest at March 31, 2008 10:43 AM in response to Rental Apartment in Brownstone