Real Estate Broker/Agent Solicitations

"Tell the broker to go fuck him/herself."

Wow, you must be one of those CLASSY people who know it all, and actually know NOTHING...

The buyer ANNOUNCED that they are working with a broker... the broker called, and will work his/her fee into the selling price.

MAYBE the buyer wants/needs a broker to help with the search, and are willing to pay for his/her knowledge and service.

MAYBE, the broker will help expedite the buying process, and actually ASSIST the sale to closing.

MAYBE, just maybe, YOU should go fuck YOURSELF instead

Thanks!

Posted by: howrealnyc at August 31, 2009 6:45 PM in response to FSBO - Dealing with Buyer Broker

John Grindley, CHI, CMI, CRT, ESIC
516-488-1132
HOME TEAM INSPECTION SERVICE

Im a realtor... i/ve met him 3-4 times.. VERY knowledgeable.. over 30 years experience

Howard Witz
FILLMORE REAL ESTATE

Posted by: howrealnyc at August 31, 2009 6:39 PM in response to Engineer recommendations wanted

** First thing L-A-W-Y-E-R

** Second Thing TELEVISION NEWS REPORTER...

Posted by: howrealnyc at August 31, 2009 6:37 PM in response to Park Slope Bedbug Disaster

All I can say is:

Think about the RICARDOS and the MERTZES in "I LOVE LUCY"

Howard

Posted by: howrealnyc at August 28, 2009 12:52 PM in response to Renting to a Friend

I have known and used WARREN SOLOBOW for 20+ years... i highly recommend calling him. NYC Master Plumber, etc...
Office 718-648-6838. Tell him Howie Witz says HEY!!!

Posted by: howrealnyc at August 19, 2009 12:47 PM in response to Plumber I can trust

"Among other details far too embarrassing to mention, she actually showed up at the inspection with her Mommy"

Actually, Rachels Mom, Robin is an accomplished Realtor herself... far classier & professional than 99% of ALL the Realtors I have ever dealt with... just my 2 cents!

Howard

Posted by: howrealnyc at August 10, 2009 10:47 PM in response to Realty in Red Hook

<-AGENT

Been to hundreds of closings over 20+ years...
Title closer receives tip at closing (called a "pickup")... must be some sort of "tradition" (from back in the day)

Weird, but true... TIP THE CLOSER!

Posted by: howrealnyc at July 18, 2009 12:14 AM in response to Tips at Closings?

HEY Anthony & Camille!!!

At least the seller hired great agents!

Witz!

Posted by: howrealnyc at June 30, 2009 7:51 PM in response to House of the Day: 358 Prospect Place

Corcoran sends out 100's of tweets a day... had to remove them from my twitter acct... whatta pain!

Posted by: howrealnyc at June 26, 2009 1:23 PM in response to Overheard on Twitter

""Property Sold Totally As Is. No Representations or Warranties. Purchaser Pays Transfer Tax & Stamps."

These words are used on FORECLOSURE and Bank Owned REO properties. All it means is that you BETTER know EXACTLY what you are doing.

Any seller can sell AS-IS... but when you see the words "Buyer pays Transfer Tax & Stamps", it means that the BUYER pays the SELLERS closing fees. NYC charges the SELLER 1% and NYS charges the SELLER 4/10% (((( 1.4% )))). The seller then makes the buyer pay these fees. It might be worth it if you're buying a property for $250K that's worth $400K after investing $50K...

BE CAREFUL... but watch for a good deal...

Posted by: howrealnyc at May 12, 2009 12:39 AM in response to "Sold as is" Properties

POSTER.. Do you know WHICH MLS is participating??? There are two MLS services in Brooklyn, one is primarily for BayRidge & Bensonhurst (brooklynmls.com) and the other is the larger MLS (bnymls.com)

Just Wondering

Howard

Posted by: howrealnyc at May 5, 2009 11:38 AM in response to StreetEasy Snags All Brooklyn MLS Listings

As I read it.. the seller hired a broker to get the HIGHEST offer.. legally of course. It is perfectly legal to sell to the highest or best bidder. That is EXACTLY what the seller is paying for.

Also, the buyer called the broker a few months after they first saw the property. They are indicating SOME level of interest... the broker told his client, and the seller is fishing for a higher offer. HELLO??? what is wrong here>>>????? NOTHING.

Poster, either make the higher offer, or stop wasting everyone's time. Jeez... if you like the property, GO FOR IT... BUYERS change their minds all the time, the seller has the same rights. There could be a hundred reasons why the deal isnt executed yet,,, could be the seller OR the buyer delaying... but why is the SELLER and/or BROKER being villified???

Posted by: howrealnyc at April 26, 2009 3:10 PM in response to Broker tactics

The only one responsible is the one signing... (unless he/she was completely lied to..) and their attorney who sat there and had his/her client sign everything.

Posted by: howrealnyc at April 20, 2009 1:00 PM in response to 111 Monroe Street: Let's Do the Time Warp Again

Dumbest Statement Of 2009 (so far)

We all PLOTTED for the market to receed, and FOOLED you!!!

Really, That was Dumb

Posted by: howrealnyc at March 30, 2009 11:33 AM in response to Same Real Estate Agents

WTF BROWNSTONER????

Why would my posting be removed when all i did was provide the name & number of a 203K expert, from Countrywide??

This site is nothing but CENSORED... THE WORST EXAMPLE OF FREE SPEECH...

Really

Posted by: howrealnyc at March 28, 2009 12:17 PM in response to HUD's 203(k)

Lundy's was good.. Roll n Rosters is GREAT...

BUT RANDAZZOS IS, WAS, AND WILL ALWAYS BE...

The Best Food In Sheepshead Bay

I might not know "everything" about real estate, but I know my calamari...

Relax

Posted by: howrealnyc at March 3, 2009 11:16 PM in response to Closing Bell: Photo Tour of Lundy's New Occupant

<-- Agent

Usually the broker meant to say "Corporate REO", not RELO.

REO means that the bank has foreclosed and now OWNS the house.

Corporate RELO would mean that the former owner has relocated and the sale is being handled by the relocation division of the employer.

BIG DIFFERENCE between the 2.

Posted by: howrealnyc at January 12, 2009 9:11 PM in response to RELO

I have used WARREN SOBOLOW for 14 years for all emergency & non-emergency situations.

Warren 917-939-6014

He's a master plumber, insured & very reliable & professional.

Howard Witz

Posted by: howrealnyc at December 21, 2008 7:50 PM in response to Help! Basement Flood !!

Insist on an MLS broker. Most areas of Brooklyn are serviced by the Brooklyn NY Multiple Listing Service. (I'm with Fillmore RE)

If you choose a non-MLS broker, ask if they will Co-Broke. What split between brokers (should be 50/50).

Commissions will be in the 4-6% range.

Ask about advertising & marketing strategies, and have him/her put it in writing. INSIST on floor plans, professional photos, and MAJOR internet exposures.

Listing agreement should be 4-6 months in length. Ask about release clauses for non-performance by the agent.

Feel free to email me back for any information. howardwitz at fillmore dot com.

Howard

Posted by: howrealnyc at November 4, 2008 3:14 PM in response to selling a house/realtors

Have you considered a 203K FHA mortgage.??

It allows you to borrow additional monies for construction, and allows for a lower credeit score.

Just an idea.

Howard

Posted by: howrealnyc at September 29, 2008 12:00 PM in response to Mortgage Advice

<---- Realtor

I recommend Michael Reinhardt 718-377-7798

15+ Years Experience, Excellent Knowledge of coop law, I have recommended him to sooooooo many customers and clients.

Howard Witz
FILLMORE REAL ESTATE

Posted by: howrealnyc at August 27, 2008 10:50 PM in response to RE Attorney Recommendation

the post says he is an OWNER,.. and if he is an agent he is taking a HUGE risk... if he is an owner also, great however he is supposed to say he is an owner/broker.

This coop should be on Brooklyn MLS

Posted by: howrealnyc at August 20, 2008 4:43 PM in response to This CO-OP got me going

I have been using a wonderful mortgage broker for 17 years for 203K mortgages,,, she has probably forgotten more about 203K than I will ever know.

Sheryle Beckman
917-751-6540

tell her WITZ says HI

Howard Witz
FILLMORE REAL ESTATE

Posted by: howrealnyc at August 1, 2008 4:46 PM in response to Need Referral for 203k loan

Fillmore Real Estate uses an AWESOME stager, Amy Schoenfeld and her number is 718-951-0965 and cell 917-903-8769. Her website is www.theexpertorganizer.com.

Good luck selling!

Howard Witz
howardwitz@fillmore.com

I also have a great floor plan guy, Warren Young. His number is 732-759-1395

Posted by: howrealnyc at July 28, 2008 6:31 PM in response to ISO Stager

I think it stinks that my post was erased.. I explained that there IS an MLS service in Brooklyn, and offered my services. WTF is wrong with that????

Is this site an example of free speech?? I say not.

Howard

Posted by: howrealnyc at July 25, 2008 11:28 AM in response to Park Slope co-op realtor recc's?

<-- Agent for 23 Chester Ct

This house was listed for $699K right before Xmas... the first showings were in the begining of January... there was an accepted offer within 3 weeks, and the buyer backed off after 4 weeks of negotiating a contingency for the sale of their condo, which the sellers lawyer wouldn't allow.

The sellers have reduced their price in hopes of a fast sale, so if you're interested, please call me at 718-368-3200 x1143.

Howard Witz
FILLMORE REAL ESTATE

Posted by: howrealnyc at June 14, 2008 5:31 PM in response to Prospect Lefferts Gardens

<-- Agent for 23 Chester Ct

This house was listed for $699K right before Xmas... the first showings were in the begining of January... there was an accepted offer within 3 weeks, and the buyer backed off after 4 weeks of negotiating a contingency for the sale of their condo, which the sellers lawyer wouldn't allow.

The sellers have reduced their price in hopes of a fast sale, so if you're interested, please call me at 718-368-3200 x1143.

Howard Witz
FILLMORE REAL ESTATE

Posted by: howrealnyc at June 14, 2008 5:31 PM in response to Prospect Lefferts Gardens

I would recommend MICHAEL REINHARDT
His number is 718-377-7798

I have used him successfully for my real estate deals for over 11 years.

Howard Witz
FILLMORE REAL ESTATE

Posted by: howrealnyc at June 13, 2008 12:34 PM in response to Looking for a Lawyer Experienced with Seller-Financing

Hi.. I'm the agent for 23 Chester Court.

Please email me so I can set up an appt to show you this home.

howardwitz@fillmore.com

Thanks!

Posted by: howrealnyc at June 11, 2008 4:05 PM in response to Prospect Lefferts Gardens

"You don't need an attorney, they typically don't know the process either.
Jonathan Christopher of Short Sale Way"

Sir.. when you are at risk of losing your home... it IS time to speak with an attorney, just not one who wants to steal your home also! Lots of sharks in those waters.

Howard

Posted by: howrealnyc at June 5, 2008 11:06 PM in response to Need attny recs for a short sale

Michael Reinhardt
718-377-7798

Excellent attorney handling my business for 12 years.. very knowledgeble & approachable!

Howard

Posted by: howrealnyc at June 5, 2008 11:01 PM in response to RE lawyer

Id call Michael Reinhardt... 718-377-7798

He handles a majority of our sales here at Fillmore... deals with it all!

Howard

Posted by: howrealnyc at June 4, 2008 12:45 PM in response to Need attny recs for a short sale

I'd call the MTA to get the train out of my bathroom.

Sorry... I had to!

Have a great day

Posted by: howrealnyc at June 4, 2008 12:43 PM in response to Bklyn Plumber to Snake a Drain?

PS:

Make sure he sends a blast email to all agents. Eflyer type... and make sure he is offering a fair co-broke to agents. 50/50

Posted by: howrealnyc at June 1, 2008 10:56 PM in response to Selling w/o an agent

<-- Realtor

Give the agent a break... but at the same time, make sure it is on NYtimes.com EVERY day/week, and stay on top of his/her efforts. There are alot of condos on the market, but prices aren't exactly going up. NOW is the time to sell, while interest rates are low.

BTW, if he DOESN'T put it on craigslist, you would say, "lazy bastard, he didn't even put it on craigslist..."

Make sure there are floorplans available, have him take some killer pics, and make sure he RESPONDS fast to responses. Tell him you will test him. Keep him on his toes, but respect his feet. It might be price/location/market related.

Posted by: howrealnyc at June 1, 2008 10:54 PM in response to Selling w/o an agent

I'm an associate broker at Fillmore REal Estate for over 11 years. Galil is OUR #1 referred company. Derrick Logan is the best, and will treat you fairly. I highly recommend!!!

Howard

Posted by: howrealnyc at May 22, 2008 10:56 PM in response to Moving Company

I'm an associate broker at Fillmore REal Estate for over 11 years. Galil is OUR #1 referred company. Derrick Logan is the best, and will treat you fairly. I highly recommend!!!

Howard

Posted by: howrealnyc at May 22, 2008 10:56 PM in response to Moving Company

The best commercial real estate website is www.loopnet.com

Enjoy!

Posted by: howrealnyc at April 4, 2008 10:42 PM in response to Commercial real estate sales

Call VITO RIZZO From VR Communications.. he runs cables & lines for ALL our offices and our personal homes... tell him HOWARD sent ya!

VR Communications, INc.
718-967-0908
vrtel@verizon.net
Website: vrvoicedata.com

Posted by: howrealnyc at March 27, 2008 6:17 PM in response to Does anyone know a good person for running cable, telephone and computer wire through a house?

Call VITO RIZZO From VR Communications.. he runs cables & lines for ALL our offices and our personal homes... tell him HOWARD sent ya!

VR Communications, INc.
718-967-0908
vrtel@verizon.net
Website: vrvoicedata.com

Posted by: howrealnyc at March 27, 2008 6:17 PM in response to Does anyone know a good person for running cable, telephone and computer wire through a house?

WOW... no one KILLED YOU YET for asking such a question???? All the maniacs must be at dinner!

It's a good question, but if I may recommend the company I work for, Fillmore Real Estate.

I'm an agent in Brooklyn for 21 years, and would be honored to interview for the job. Yes, my answer is a bit self serving, but I love the replies to such an answer. Please email me at howardwitz@fillmore.com before my answer is deleted, adn I will SAVE YOU THOUSANDS and still give you 150% effort and results.

Howard
Fillmore Real Estate

Posted by: howrealnyc at February 19, 2008 10:47 PM in response to Recommend broker

"One thing, i don't know if you are from out of town but there is no MLS in New York city so you may have to work with more than one broker or do some legwork yourself."

WRONGO... www.BNYMLS.com is the website for the Brooklyn New York MLS... over 350 brokerages.. appx 3500 agents...

Also, www.Fillmore.com has many listings...

I hate when people say there is no MLS in Brooklyn... It's been around over 40 years... along with the Brooklyn Board of Realtors (over 100 years old)... get yr facts straight.

And obviously you can look on corcoran.com, etc. It shouldn'y be that hard to find listings for 2-3 family homes in ANY neighborhood.

Howard Witz,
NYS Licensed Associate Broker since 1986.
(and Happily Back at Fillmore Real Estate)

Posted by: howrealnyc at December 11, 2007 11:46 PM in response to Broker for 2 or 3 family building

Grey zone... if the "friend" appears to be acting as an agent by the BUYERS he/she is handling, then they might be construed as being an unlicensed agent. If they are PAID any money, they definately should be licensed.

Remember, if there are any problems down the road with the final buyer, like a lawsuit, they will accuse the friend of being an unlicensed agent, and your HUD closing statement can be scrutinized, as well as both your bank accounts to determine if a payment was made... CASH heats BEST!!!

Howard

Posted by: howrealnyc at December 2, 2007 9:02 PM in response to FSBO done by friend? (FSBF?)

You have NO obligation to identify yourself just by making an inquiry about an apartment, however you must disclose in a contract of sale.

Are you an agent?? He/She might have checked the NYS Dept of State website and saw that there was a match. Ethically, if you are an agent, you SHOULD id yourself.

Howard (agent)

Posted by: howrealnyc at December 2, 2007 8:57 PM in response to Scam or What?

You're comparing apples to oranges with regards to your sister... she bought a house... you're buying a condo which hasn't been fully converted... be VERY careful about accepting the sellers c/o, etc.

You could have many problems if you want to refinance or sell in the near future.

You have an attorney for a reason. Don't be pushed into closing if you're not comfortable with the legalities. Make sure your attorney is on the ball, if you're not sure, ask another attorney for a second opinion.

Howard (Agent)

Posted by: howrealnyc at December 2, 2007 8:54 PM in response to Closing nightmares: Buying in NYC is IMPOSSIBLE!!!

It's amusing that no responders asked WHERE the OP was interested in doing business...

I'm an OK broker... call me! ;)

Posted by: howrealnyc at December 1, 2007 5:11 PM in response to broker rec

Its funny,,,

I post a comment and note that I'm a broker... my post gets deleted.

Some idiot makes racial comments, and they stay...

WHAYS wrong here Mr. B??

Howard

Posted by: howrealnyc at November 9, 2007 10:11 AM in response to House of the Day: 49 Rutland Road

I feel bad for the original agent, who probably tried real hard to sell the house. I'm sure the SELLER set the original price, and then they pulled the listing and gave it to another broker, at a lower price. If MKG couldn't sell it, it was overpriced. Seller should have relisted it with her, unless there was some otherwise undisclosed issues.

I'm an agent, and i HATE when this happens. MKG is a class act.

Howard

Posted by: howrealnyc at October 25, 2007 4:55 PM in response to House of the Day: 1216 Albemarle Road (Revisited)

WIthout saying so,... most agents saddled with an overpriced listing are secretly happy that an offer is being made. It establishes a baseline of realistic offers, that over time, should have a sobering effect on the sellers. Sometimes the sellers are simply stupid, or greedy or BOTH. Othertimes, they are simply taking their best swing at the ball, and will ultimately take a market offer.

Check public records too... if the seller has a crazy high mortgage balance, they might NOT be able to take less. If they have no or little mortgage balance, they might be at the breaking point and take the offer or make a reasonable counteroffer.

Thirdly, some butthole agents simply keep the asking price very high to discourage other agents from showing the listing.

BE BRAVE, BE SMART... go for it!!!!

PS: ask or demand (if possible) to present your offer yourself. Maybe the seller will appreciate hearing from you instead of the agent (who they might hate anyway).

Howard
howard@communityhomesales.com

Posted by: howrealnyc at October 21, 2007 5:04 PM in response to Is it OK to tell a broker you think their listing is WAY overpriced?

The sellers who list with these companies are BLINDED by the numbers dangles before their eyes... it's hard to deny that a seller will list with the highest quote.. but what kills me is that most of these agents/companies charge 6% when most of the local agents with EQUAL if not MORE IMPRESSIVE sales histories can charge less, and include the house in MLS, etc.

I lost a listing on Sterling place a few years ago. The seller was quoted $330K more, but sold for less than my estimate. My estimate was honest, and reflected reality. Corcoran had a nicer brouchure (quote/unquote). That was their reasoning. A MLS broker ended up selling, and the fight over commission was ugly

A buyer does NOT care who the listing agent is... he only wants to BUY at a fair price. Sellers, WAKE UP, stop overpaying commissions, INSIST on MLS or co-broking with LOCAL agents. TRUST me, the buyers will come to your open house, THEN you will have MORE offers, and save THOUSANDS. I'd love to get 6% on all my listings, but reality says otherwise.

Howard

Posted by: howrealnyc at October 21, 2007 4:53 PM in response to corcoran brokers must be stopped!

quote:
Also I dont doubt that you have a BB in a jar but if I'm not mistaken BB dont crawl on walls in broad daylight

yes they do, ive seen them at a friend's apartment. we smashed them on the walls and blood literally squirted out.

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at September 1, 2009 10:15 AM in response to Park Slope Bedbug Disaster

it would be funny if all the previous tenants dressed up like bedbugs and picketed outside the building too. that would get media attention. it would be like those people who put the giant rat in front of buildings!

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at September 1, 2009 10:17 AM in response to Park Slope Bedbug Disaster

It sounds idiotic to pay the broker anything - he/she did NOT do anything. I would call the prosective buyer directly and tell them that they will pay less if they don't use the broker (who did not do anything anyway). If they wont buy your place unless the broker gets a cut, then they probably are not that interested in your apt anyway.

Posted by: Splenda at September 1, 2009 10:19 AM in response to FSBO - Dealing with Buyer Broker

to the broker haters, have you actually ever bought or sold a property? we've all dealt with dirtbag brokers at some point but they're not all bad. when i've bought or sold, most of the work actually come from when the offers are made. the help with negotiating, coordinating with the lawyers, coordinating with the bank, setting dates, dealing with aggressive counterparties, and lot of other issues that pop up during the long and painful period between contract signing and closing. there are good brokers and bad brokers, but a good broker can be an invaluable advocate. i trust my broker and would involve her in any transaction. just keep in mind just finding the place isn't all the work.

Posted by: CG_ups at September 1, 2009 10:29 AM in response to FSBO - Dealing with Buyer Broker

compared to the time and expense of hiring a lawyer to sue and finding a new place to live, would it be a cheaper and faster resolution to hire an exterminator to treat the place?

i realize that you want your money back, and i agree that in an ideal world you would get it back without the undue hassle of what sounds like a unsympathetic/crooked landlord, but if the apt were free of bedbugs, it sounds like -- based on your post -- it would be your dream apt. can you get together with the new tenant downstairs and split the cost to do the whole building (while your apt is empty)? then move in.

Posted by: panamac at September 1, 2009 12:13 PM in response to Park Slope Bedbug Disaster

Unfortunately, there are tenants on the first floor now - and with small children. They also found a bed bug in their apartment, although it was already dead.

The kicker here, I think, is that I provided an easy out - I never asked for my moving costs (both in or out) to be reimbursed, and I vacated before the lease term even began. My assumption is that the landlord simply wants to keep the money I gave him and will probably rent the place relatively soon while still trying to strongarm me into submission. I wouldn't be terribly surprised if he's already rented it.

In the meantime I've been researching this property every way I know how - trying to put together some kind of dossier on it to provide whichever lawyer we end up going with. I can't find any registration information with the HPD, and according to the DOB there is no certificate of occupancy on file, either. I know that may not mean anything if it's just an administrative snafu, but can anyone here shed any light on these things?

Unfortunately, no violations are registered with the HPD regarding bed bugs. But I've researched other properties with known bed bug problems and I haven't found one yet that lists that violation in the HPD database.

Posted by: twinreverb at September 1, 2009 12:34 PM in response to Park Slope Bedbug Disaster

you did the right thing, one bedbug is too many. where there is one , there are others. this probably wasn't a bedbug just taking in the sights. we had bedbugs in our brownstone, we lease the top floor with 2 other tenants in the building. our neighbor under us went on a vacation and unwittingly brought back bedbugs. 3 weeks after they got back the whole building was infested. $5000 / 3 and 2 months later we were bedbug free. complete horror story. my wife is so freaked out now, she bought bedbug sprays,diatomaceous earth, allersac travel sheets and bedbug proof bags for when we travel. thank god they don't spread diseases, at least that we know of.

Posted by: foreveryoung at September 1, 2009 1:48 PM in response to Park Slope Bedbug Disaster

So the entire building vacated without one violation being filed by the city? Are you all smoking from the same crack pipe? Srsly!

Posted by: modsquad at September 1, 2009 2:36 PM in response to Park Slope Bedbug Disaster

I appreciate both your considerate tone and your helpful observations, modsquad.

Posted by: twinreverb at September 1, 2009 3:10 PM in response to Park Slope Bedbug Disaster

For the record: Full disclosure I AM A BROKER. On many a post, I've defended my profession against naive, small minded posters, incl. some in this thread who think all we do is sit on our asses or turn keys. Most of us perform a needed service. If you're a landlord, owner, sales or rental client who think Brokers are an unnecessary bunch of leaches, then don't use one (It's your nights and weekends to waste.)
However, I have no patience for lazy or unprofessional agents. If this agent sent his/her clients to a FSBO AND DIDN'T BOTHER CALLING to see if the owner would pay a commission, much less show up with them but could miraculously find the time to try and get a commission form signed - then I'm sorry, that's way out of order and that's what gives us a bad name.

Posted by: Crownlfc at September 1, 2009 3:17 PM in response to FSBO - Dealing with Buyer Broker