Manhattan Connection

I’m not one to write reviews, but I needed to let my fellow NYC residents know about my experience.
One of their agents responded immediately to my inquiry about an apartment that I had really (really) liked and we had a good correspondence back and forth via email about scheduling a time view it as soon as possible, knowing that good apartments in NYC don’t stay long on the market. He specifically told me that he’s «not one of those guys that is going to waste both of our time» and to reach out to him the next day to see if the landlord’s office would be open to get the keys. I thought this all sounded great at first – he seemed transparent and responsive.
It took a turn the next day when I emailed him (3 times) after not getting any response. Then I left a voicemail, and I also texted. The day had come and gone and no word from him. I thought this was strange, and started to get worried that my dream apartment (if it even actually exits) has already been rented – and also that something terribly wrong had happened to him. I then reached out to two other veteran brokers separately regarding that listing and they both said something didn’t seem right about it – the address didn’t match up, and it just seemed off.
Another day goes by – now 48 hours from my initial correspondence with him – and I get a reply! He had been feeling «under the weather» and now the apartment has an application on it. While sorry to hear that he wasn’t feeling well, I think it’s unacceptable to go 48 hours without responding to a client. I’m in sales myself, and I would never do that to a client or else I would lose their business. The least I would do is respond saying that I’m sick and direct my client to someone that can help in the meantime – especially knowing that this is so time sensitive.
I replied to him, asking if that apartment had been rented, and I didn’t get a direct answer (leading me to believe that something was off with this situation). I decided to give him another call since it would probably be easier to just chat. Went right to voicemail. I immediately got a text from Spencer saying «in a lease signing, what’s up». First off, I’m not your college fraternity brother; I’m a potential client and that’s unprofessional, like I was a bother to him. It takes 2 seconds to send a text or email saying that you’re sick and are unable to show me the apartment. I replied to have him call me when he can and I have not heard from him since.
Turns out he is one of those guys that will waste your time, so don’t waste your time with him. Nobody needs that added stress when looking for apartments in NYC.

Avoid this place. Worst experience ever.
Pro Tip: make sure your broker signs a document saying their fiduciary duty is to you the renter, not the landlord. I was offered no such option by Manhattan Connection, one of many red flags. Your broker should have your best interest and not their own or another client’s at heart.

Ok

Reading the 2 reviews that were posted, and having had bad experiences in the past, its kinda weird that someone would complain so much over seeing only 2 apts through one company. I shop around to begin with, so I was totally aware of what the prices were in the neighborhood and what amount of space to expect for the price. Granted, we did choose the place at the top of our price range, but the place is amazing. And I’m pretty sure that Citi-​Habitats probably also had this listing. And if you’ve ever tried to use them you know that the broker’s fee they have is absurd. (15% of the annual rent? It’s amazing that they get any clients)
Manhattan Connection gave us a reasonable broker’s fee. Only half a months rent. And the process was really easy and straight forward. Do you have to use a broker when looking for a place? No, but good luck knowing where to look. Most apartments are listed through some company. If you don’t like what they show you, you have no obligation to use them and pay a broker’s fee.
I’m not sure we’ll use this place again, but it was perfect for us at the time and we also found an amazing apartment through Manhattan Connection.

A real bait and switch shop and RUDE to boot. Waste of time and intelligence.