best realty companies in the boston area? (Quincy, Somerville: apartment, rental market)

[cityginger]

Hi all,
Am thinking of going through a realty company for my impending apartment rental search - could you suggest ones in the Boston area with solid reputations/warn against ones with poor reputations?
Thanks!

[joebloe]

You need to be more specific on which geographical area you're renting. The metro Boston area is huge.

[shiver]

^ Yes. Do you know which neighborhoods/towns you're considering? The better agencies (at least in my experience) have niches. They may have some listings spread out all over, but they concentrate their business in certain areas. For example, I have a great agency that I used in Brookline, but I wouldn't recommend them if you're looking for a place in Beacon Hill.

[cityginger]

Well, I'm fairly open to a lot of the metro Boston area - the downtown/North End area, Chinatown area, and maybe Back Bay if it isn't too pricy... also Brookline, Quincy, and Somerville seem like they'd be good matches for me.

[lukec]

Honestly, the Boston rental market is a racket. Most places charge a full fee, one months rent, and offer little value. Its a rip-off, but its such a tough city to rent people are forced to use them.

Its not like buying a home; dont feel beholden to one company. But dont waste their time either. Some people just use agents to get a feel for the market with no desire to rent from them. They take a big hit in tickets, gas and wear and tear, and get paid nothing but commission.

I agree that you should find an established place in particular neighborhoods. Use the phone and talk to them. If your in Somerville, maybe apartment rental experts... If North End, maybe Greater Boston Metropolitan... If Quincy, find some place in Quincy.