What I Would Do If I Was A Broker…

For those keeping score at home…I moved. I now live on 61st between 2nd and 3rd avenues in NYC. Moving anywhere is a huge hassle but especially in New York!

Most buildings require you to go through a broker but dealing with a broker is like having to use some one else’s hands to eat but they are too busy doing something else. The person knows you are hungry but they could care less. In fact, not only don’t they care but they will try to take all of your food too.

I went through 4 different brokers because all of these people forgot to do one important thing: Listen. They wanted to show me apartments that they wanted to show me. Not apartments I wanted to see.

I don’t appreciate having my time wasted. And in the end I didn’t even use a broker.

Being a broker must be a tough gig. No one wants to deal with you and most people don’t value your service. I’ve never met anyone who was happy to pay their broker. I’ve also never met anyone who has recommended their broker.

“Adam, I have this guy. You must use him. He only charged us a $35,000 broker fee and get this…he even waived the application fee for us!” Doesn’t happen.

What if your broker met you where you wanted instead of you having to go to their offices that are usually far away from where you want to look? What if she took you out for lunch? You sat down and she genuinely and sincerely wanted to learn more about you and why you’re moving. She’d also learn about my budget and where I wanted to move and what days and times are good for me to check out places.

Depending on your situation she would say something like, “Yes. I know moving sucks. But listen. I am going to be 1000% committed to making this as painless as possible for you. I know. Believe me. But, just know that I won’t stop until we find something that you totally love.”

Or she might say something like, “Wow! That’s so exciting. Congrats! So moving in with the girlfriend huh? That’s great. This is so exciting and I want to find a special place for you two. I’ll make it happen. You have my word.”

Or, “I know. I know the city is big. I know it can be overwhelming but you remember when you were overwhelmed at first by high school? Now look at you. Before you know it, you’ll feel like you own this place. Now, tell me. What do you think you like and where do you think you want to live?”

She’ll also say something like listen, “I know the rates we and all brokers charge are very expensive. But I want you to know one thing. I will break my back for you. I am determined to find the best possible place for you for the least amount of money. Your happiness is my goal.”

Once the quick lunch is over she’d say something like, “Okay Adam, so let’s meet on Sunday at 11 AM because that’s the most convenient time for you. I will have at least 10 places to show you and all of these places will meet your exact specs because I don’t want to waste your time.”

I would leave our initial meeting relieved and feeling that I am in very good hands. I’d also have high expectations.

But here is where the magic happens. If she actually delivers on her word then she will get a lot of referrals from me and not because I have to but because I want to. I (and most everyone) appreciates when someone goes out of their way for them.

Here is a girl that is going above and beyond and taking something that is painful and making it stress and pain free.

Three weeks later, I’d get a letter in the mail congratulating me on my new apartment with a gift card to a place like Best Buy or Bed Bath & Beyond or Home Depot. (The expensive broker fee can easily justify that.)

That’s a broker I would have loved to use and would have gladly paid.

It’s the little things that really count. Always.