How do I tell if I am getting scammed in BK? (Ridge: subletting, 2014)

[Blitz2014]

so I just moved from england.

looking for an apt. in Bay Ridge

I am using:

Craigslist
padmapper
street easy
trulia

I have seen 14 places so far. Most are asking for 1 month broker fee. Most want 1 month security. But some are giving me random values like 600 bucks or 1000 bucks.

How can I tell if the agent is legit? some guys dont have business cards..

Not sure who to believe..Or am I just being paranoid?

I am looking for spots around 86th subway.

Average for 1bdr seems to be around 1300 to 1400. Closer to Shore road is pushing 1500 to 1600.

Input appreciated,

[Anonymous725]

Over here you pay sometimes one month rent as security deposit, or sometimes a simple amount like $500 or $1000. If you don't have credit here, you may have to pay between 6 and 12 months in advance. Maybe you should talk to one of the guys at Bapple in SoHo, they're quite good but charge 15% brokers commission.

[itsideal]

Many times you're paying 3 months worth of rent at once. It can be a 1 mo broker fee + 1 mo security + first mo rent.

[Adhom]

Originally Posted by Blitz2014

I have seen 14 places so far. Most are asking for 1 month broker fee. Most want 1 month security. But some are giving me random values like 600 bucks or 1000 bucks.

I have used brokers 3 times and the amounts you quoted are typical. However, it does not guarantee a specific broker isn't scamming you (by offering you a place that doesn't exist and keeping your money.) The amount itself doesn't raise a red flag.

[city living]

Originally Posted by Blitz2014

so I just moved from england.

looking for an apt. in Bay Ridge

I am using:

Craigslist
padmapper
street easy
trulia

I have seen 14 places so far. Most are asking for 1 month broker fee. Most want 1 month security. But some are giving me random values like 600 bucks or 1000 bucks.

How can I tell if the agent is legit? some guys dont have business cards..

Not sure who to believe..Or am I just being paranoid?

I am looking for spots around 86th subway.

Average for 1bdr seems to be around 1300 to 1400. Closer to Shore road is pushing 1500 to 1600.

Input appreciated,

Your averages seem appropriate---though you can find apartments for more or less, that's about right.

Expect to pay a broker's fee and one month (at least) of rent and security. Go with something that actually seems legit and that has a contract. (Someone who is subletting might not have a business card.)

BTW-If you're looking to stay near 86th, stay off of 86th itself as well as the main avenues around there (3rd/4th/5th) if you want some quiet. Though it's not too noisy/busy at night.

[funcrusher3000]

Let me just say...fine choice of neighborhood. You'll love Bay Ridge.