Rob Hobgood – Level Group

I was looking for a new place in New York: I wanted a safe and clean building, more space and a lower rent than what I was paying, and Rob helped me find all of this, with a smile and in one afternoon! He was very honest and upfront about the properties he showed me and I felt completely confident in his knowledge. In addition to showing me around for a whole afternoon with just 30 minutes notice, he made sure I got back home easily after, and has taken every step to make sure that I get what I want in a new apartment. He even negotiated a dishwasher being installed in my new place. I have already sent a friend his way to help find a new apartment, and will be recommending him time and time again. I highly recommend Rob, he’ll help you find the right place!

After 10 years and several moves in Manhattan, I could write a Zagats of brokers. Rob ranks very highly, in my book. He helped me in two apartment searches in the upper Washington Hts area. If you’re up to the task, so is he! (Just be really sure you’re up to it.)
What you see: on Craig’s List, his face is everywhere, in ads posted through his sponsoring company Level Group. When you meet, he arrives late, looking like he just rolled out of some dive bar (looks more like a bouncer than a broker, but… just roll with it.) He carries a million (no exaggeration here) key rings that unlock the doors of a gazillion apartment buildings that he has «exclusive» access to. He’ll carry on a conversation with you while wheeling and dealing on the phone AT THE SAME TIME, AND WHILE DRIVING. He might also pick up another apartment-​hunter and take both of you around together (he was showing me 2BRs, the other, 1BRs.) And he constantly brags about what a seasoned, savvy broker he is. Which he is.
What you get: a consummate professional who has perfected his craft – while incorporating some personality quirks. I liked working with him, because he got the job done very well, and very quickly. You might see 15 apartments over 2 hours, especially if you’re unsure of what you’re looking for – that was my first go-​around with Rob. Didn’t rent with him that time, but he showed a ton of great places. I don’t know where he gets his energy from – I suspect he’s ex-​military, the way he keeps the pace fast – no dawdling allowed! The second time I was very specific about price, nabe, apt specs – he showed my bf and I only 2 apartments. We rented the first. We were also able to move in one day before the lease start date (another perk of being down with the Supers.)
Rob’s got the goods. He listens to your specs, and if you are clear and concise about what you want/​need, he will show you what’s relevant to you, with no BS. Accordingly, get ready to pay AT LEAST one month’s commission – but it’s hard to argue with that, if you got exactly what you wanted, and in the time that it takes most brokers to show one or two crappy places. Live in NYC long enough, and you’ll agree with me: Rob is worth every penny he gets.
Rob doesn’t dawdle, and neither should you. Wear comfortable shoes. And as with all Manhattan apartment searches, bring all of your necessary paperwork – W2s, bank statements, tax returns, ID, and of course CASH to pay the app fee. Then just tell him exactly what you’re looking for, and where – and Rob «The Mobile Broker» will deliver.

He kept his promises. He was open, honest and direct. Finding an apartment in NYC is a messy deal. First impressions f Rob were somewhat off putting. He is pure Bronx. But he came through. He found an apartment on the way, way upper west side for my college student daughter.
The process is complicated. Getting an apartment lease is like buying a house. They need all kinds of personal financial stuff like tax returns etc.
Rob keeps his promises. He got the job done.
We would gladly work with him again. Highly recommended.

Rob Hobgood was a godsend. My son is from Ohio and he needed to find his first nyc apartment in a hurry. Rob came through for us. Yes, he was late getting to the appointment but that have us time to quiz the tennants and maintenance workers about the building. Rob worked really hard for us and my son rented the apartment one day and moved in the next. Rob provided us with the numbers for utility companies and gave us other valuable information. He always responds to our emails and texts very promptly. I would definitely recommend him.