NYC Open House Breakfast Club

October 2nd, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The NYC Open House Breakfast Club is my crazy networking idea where I can meet with Manhattan home buyers in a casual atmosphere. The meeting can be in a one-on-one or group format. We will discuss the pro’s and cons of currently available real estate listings based on your criteria. Sound interesting?

Depending on the needs of my current buyer pool, each week we’ll focus on a different neighborhood and price range. The meetings will take place every Sunday morning in local neighborhood diners and coffee shops. Breakfast will be on me of course. After we narrow down our list, we’ll take a stroll to our final list of open houses. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the neighborhood.

But wait a second, I don’t need a broker to help me. I can do everything on my own. I know you can. But would it hurt to have some free professional advice? I think not. It’s understandable that some buyers may shy away from working with a broker due to a previous bad experience. I think we’ve all had our share. That’s one of the reasons I got into the business - a bad experience. Not all real estate brokers are cut from the same cloth.

Did you know that if your buying, working with a broker is free? Yes free. In Manhattan, the seller pays the commission to the listing agent and then the listing agent shares that with the buyer broker. If you buy alone, that pie is eaten completely by the listing broker - no crumbs for you.

By working with a buyer broker, you receive free guidance and advice. All the legwork is done by the broker. Contrary to popular belief, working without a broker will not necessarily get you a better deal on the price of the apartment.

Buyers who represent themselves sometimes have a tendency to say and do things that might hurt their negotiating power. A skilled real estate professional can help negotiate the best price and terms on your behalf. All while keeping your motivations and excitement held closely to the vest.

Negotiating is an art. A real estate broker who knows how to use the right tools and information may help you get a better deal. Knowledge and experience about the intricacies of the Manhattan real estate market is crucial. Avoid the order takers, for they will yes you to death.

Trust is a must. This goes both ways you know. Don’t waste your time with someone you are uncomfortable with.

Few Things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him, and to let him know that you trust him. ~ Booker T. Washington

Here’s a story for ya. Once upon a time, by chance, I met a buyer in a local diner. He just so happened to overhear me talking about real estate and asked me what I thought about the area. Coincidentally, I knew the area quite well. When I asked what he was looking for, he told me a 1 bedroom co-op in x price range, x square feet and with a balcony. I told him he was wasting his time because a co-op, in that area, with those features did not exist in that price range.

He was taken aback. After pausing for a moment with his head tilted to the side, he took a sip of his drink and said something to the effect of - “Wow, now that’s an honest answer!” We both smiled. After digging in his wallet in what seemed like an eternity, he gave me his card and with a big smile, told me to call him. I did. And we eventually found his place albeit under more realistic conditions. Imagine that?

Technorati Tags: NYC Open House Breakfast Club, Manhattan Real Estate, Home Buyers, kiosk realty

Posted by Rudolph D. Bachraty III | Filed Under NYC Open House, Real Estate Blog

Real Estate is The Sexiest Sport in New York

September 27th, 2007 | 2 Comments

NYC Real Estate has been called some interesting names in the past. Craig Newmark of Craigslist calls New York City real estate a Bloodsport. Others call it the Wild Wild West. Hot real estate news or gossip is referred to as Real Estate Porn . Today, in the New York Observer, David Hyman, vice president of programming and creative services at NBC4HD says:

“We found that real estate is the sexiest sport in New York,” he said.

Sex sells right? Of course it does. Have you heard about the Manhattan broker who hired runway models to be his agents?

He says 12 models will be working for Paramount by early next year. Six already have broker’s licences while the others are still studying for their real estate exams.

Good looks are not the only factor. After years spent attending glitzy parties, many models have acquired a valuable network of wealthy contacts.

Angie Everhart, a 37-year-old actor and supermodel, has become one of Mr Zampolli’s agents after a 20-year modelling career. “Fashion is the centre of a lot of worlds and lifestyles. You get to meet rock stars, presidents, sports stars and your regular Joes on the street,” she says after sweeping into Mr Zampolli’s office in knee-high boots, silk blouse and dark designer jeans. All such contacts are possible buyers.

“I know a lot of wealthy people round the world, so it made sense for me to get paid to tell them about apartments,” she says.

Realizing there was a untapped niche in the New York City real estate market, David and NBC4HD, in conjunction with LXTV, have put together Open House NYC. It’s an informatively sexy television show about New York City real estate. If you haven’t seen it, give it a look see will ya?

It just so happens, that today, my business partner Joe and I will be interviewing Morgan Hertzan, Co-Founder of LXTV.

Stay tuned for the follow up both on Kiosk and Sellsius.

Update: The interview has been re-scheduled.