First Executive Real Estate

Hello my name is Daniel and I found your listing on the Sunnyside for $xxxx. Is this apartment still available?

Yes it is!

Great! I have several questions. Which floor is the apartment on? Is it pet friendly? Do you have pictures?

I think it's on the second floor. Why don't you come in with your questions to my office?

Sure! Is 12pm ok?

Yes. I will be here, see you then.

*At the office standing and observing the lack of seats (3 were taken by other roomseekers) and the poster on the wall that states 20% commission fee on years rent, while the realtor finishes his phone conversation*

HI CAN I HELP YOU?

Yes. My name is Daniel, we spoke on the phone this morning on the apartment in Sunnyside.

How much?

How much what?

How much is the room going for?

Ohh. $xxxx

That room is taken.

WHAT? You told me it was available 2 hours ago.

It's taken. We only have apartments starting at $xxxx. I can't help you.

*WTF expression*

If this would let me put 0 stars or negative stars I would. The guy is a thief. All his adds are fake. Went there to see an apartment and he posted it for 1400 then when my family went there he said its 1700. Then he said his commission is 22% which he has it on his wall in a dingy apartment office in a run down building. If you want to get screwed and get bait and switched then definately he's the guy who can screw you

I don't post reviews, but I just finished using First Executive and felt like there needed to be some balance in these reviews. Look, I get it, we all want personal attention and to have our hands held through the apartment search process, which let's face it, isn't even remotely fun. The reality is this is a busy realty office. They need to get you in, see who you are (income, credit, documents, etc) and then see they can do for you. Shiek, one of the brokers, will know in a matter of minutes what he can do for you, and if what you want doesn't align with who you are on paper (your credit matters so much, something I wish I'd paid more attention to when I was younger!), then there's not much he can do for you and everyone's time is being wasted. I found him efficient and forthright, which I will take over fake-charming any day. Be nice and polite with them, and you'll get the same in return!

My first apartment choice didn't work out due to my less than perfect credit and a picky management company, and Shiek very quickly pivoted to another apartment that had just opened up. I saw it around lunch-time, signed a lease that evening, and will have my keys this week. It came together so fast because First Executive has had a good relationship with the landlord for over 20 years, and because I already had all my paperwork in order and the cash in hand. Again, having your paperwork in order is the best way to help the process along!

On the subject of fees - ALL realtors have fees to process the applications and credit check. As for the broker's fee, no-fee apts in NYC are like unicorns - so rare as to be imaginary. Realtors work essentially on commission playing match-maker between landlords or management companies and us demanding prospective renters. That said, Caroline in the office was also willing to work with me on the percentage of their fee (fees can range from 1 month's rent up to 20% and more). Since I was patient and organized they cut me a break, and since they'd gone to bat for me, I walked away happy too.

Everyone that I met at the company was very friendly and seemed to genuinely want to help people find what they're looking for.

Not that I want to move anytime soon, but if I do, I will definitely call up First Exectutive again!

Here's how much I trust review. I just called this guy. I could tell almost immediately that he is a low class, scumbag. The very tone of his voice and his snide response to my polite questions plus the endless reviews of what a snake this guy is were enough for me. I will avoid Sheik Hossain like the plague. Bad person.

They are unprofessional and RUDE. They gave the office address to come and see a room in sunnyside and when asked them a few questions about the room ( how many roommates, utilities.) a very rude person said: you know what, this room is rented it is no more available.

I do not recommend this place to anyone.