Moving to NYC in the summer, need info on real estate brokers (New York: apartments)

[geryorama]

Hi everybody! I will be moving to New York City in July. I looked at neighborhoods and I really like Astoria. I am looking for a studio. I read on some forums that most Astorians rent their apartments through real estate brokers. Can anybody tell me if this is true?

Does anybody know any good brokers? Also, how easy is to negotiate the brokerage fee?

Thanks

[Brian Marukk]

To avoid broker fees, check out No Fee NY Apartments from Urban Edge. I found my apartment on Urban Edge and was able to directly contact the owner of the buildings I was interested in, rather than going through a broker.

[Cida]

Can't imagine who would have told you that most rentals in Astoria are through brokers. In general, less expensive apartments seem to try to reach the renter directly.

The main place people go is Craigslist (use common sense to watch out for scams, of course), and like Brian, I've read about Urban Edge and talked to them, and they seem okay.