How does the AptStar Program work?
We work as a team. I remove the tag along broker and you contact the landlords directly. You and I communicate via phone, email and text. It's really personal and most of my clients become really good friends. Once I accept you I'm there for you every step of the way - even after you sign a lease (because there are still things you can do to make your rental experience better).
You appear to work only with people who work at the top companies in New York City. I don't fit into that category - will you help me?
While it is true that most of my clients work for companies like Goldman, Morgan Stanley, Google, Facebook, etc., I accept clients based on chemistry. It is a team effort and we need to work collaboratively. There is a basic trust element that must be established at "hello." You want to know I will deliver and I need to know you will do your part. Meaning you need to put together your documents in a timely manner, you need to go see apartments selected for you on our pre-selected time, we will respond to each other in a timely manner, etc. My success is contingent on your success. And if you don't fit into what I call the Triple A rental consumer by having less than stellar financials, or issues that need to be overcome, I can help you. The one thing I have learned in the 14 years plus of helping people with my AptStar is that no two people ever have the same needs. Every AptStar is tailored to fit one person: You.
When should I schedule my search with you?
The best time to schedule is 45-60 days before your desired move in date. Most of my clients will go see their selected apartments and sign a lease at least 30 days before they move into their new home.
What's the advantage of using your AptStar vs working with a broker?
There are many reasons. I will try to address the most overlooked here:
When you work with an agent or a broker that person is an intermediary between you and the landlord. In some cases the landlord or management company may not like the person or company and will reject an offer based on them, not you. When I help you via my AptStar you present yourself directly to the landlord. This results in a "yes" to you and less baggage/paperwork for the landlord/management company.
When you work with an agent or a broker that person is heavily invested in making a commission. There is no incentive to him or her to tell you that the apartment you are viewing has a rodent infestation (or they may not even bother or find out). When I help you I do my best to find every possible thing in the history of the landlord and the building so that you rent a better apartment. A broker or an agent may only want one deal from you. I want you to call me, say three years from now, when you want an upgrade. I want you to tell your friends. It is referrals that I owe my longevity to -- and it's wonderful to hear someone say: "You helped so and so and I want you to help me too."
Financial Documents. When you work with an agent or a broker your financial documents are not secure. This increases the likelihood of ID theft. When I help you the only person who actually sees this highly personal information is the landlord at the time you submit an application. I will make suggestions to you and I will ask questions in order to help you prepare a knock-out financial package - but I will never ask to see your information.
How do you have access to almost every listing?
Having been in the industry for over a decade and with my deep desire to help the rental consumer I will blast through almost any broker listing and get my clients to the landlords directly. I am prepared to help my clients by delivering what I consider the "killer combination" of a high-quality service with an ability to price aggressively. That is my secret sauce, if you will.
I have rented before and I see "no fee" ads - what is the advantage of having you help me?
There are many advantages to us working together. But I will stick to some glaring reasons (from my vantage point).
You will never know 1) if there is money "hiding" in that "no fee" rental; 2) or if there are problems with the landlord; 3) or problems with the apartment itself. (Even newly renovated apartments have issues you may only uncover after you move in). My role is to ensure you rent smart. Renting smart means transparency. I remove the veil, if you will, so that you get the best deal and the better apartment. Moving is expensive. When I help you the need to move again next year drops to almost zero.
What does AptStar cost?
I offer several packages and will give you a price quote after our first conversation. This said: the cost is a fraction what a traditional brokerage charge. You recoup the miniscule cost several times over. Quick examples: a) You avoid making a rental mistake; b) if I spot an inflated rent I walk you through the steps to get you the best price; c) I save you time which more valuable than money; d) I literally push out any broker who may be in the way of you renting directly from the owner. There are other pluses - such as valuable lessons you learn that you will be able to use throughout your rental lifetime.
Why do I have to pay for your help via the AptStar Program in advance?
You purchase a block of my time. This block of time also comes with my 20 plus years of experience. And I use this for your benefit. Not for the landlord, or a management company, but only for you. No one delivers the top notch goal specific service that I give my clients. Many people say to me once we get started: "The information I am learning from you is stuff I will use forever." Meaning, I suppose, that a little money spent now is a ton of money saved over and over again.
How many apartments will I have to choose from?
I select the best apartments on the market for you. Some of my clients receive as little as one. But, it’s perfect. Others receive maybe 3 or 4. You don't need to see 20 apartments. You only need to see the best apartments. Let me do the heavy lifting and weed out the problem apartments before you move in.
What happens if I don't like the apartments you found for me?
We believe every rental consumer deserves to work with someone they can trust. We help people rent a better apartment and offer the best possible service anywhere. We are so confident that you will have a better experience that we back our promise to you with a satisfaction guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with the apartments selected for you, we will work with you to make things right. I will run another apartment search for you at no cost. You won't find that kind of promise or dedication anywhere -- but you will find it here.
