Rapid Realty

My wife and I are in the process of looking for a new apartment for ourselves and our 5 month-old daughter. I found an apartment through Trulia that caught our eye because of the proximity to our current location (only 1 block away = good for moving a newborn baby) as well as the rent. I sent an email through the Trulia system expressing interest in the apartment, and was happily surprised how fast a reply came from one of this branch's realtors – Essence Porter.

Unfortunately, that is where my good experience ended. I took some time to answer all of Essence’s questions (of which there were MANY) in case there were any other properties she thought might fit our need, and, because I believe in being forthright with information, let her know that we had been looking for about a month and had been working with a few other brokers. The reply I received was only this: “If you’re working with other brokers, I won’t bother looking.”

I get it…it is hard to deal with shared clients given the amount of research and legwork that sometimes goes into the rental process, but the sad truth of the matter is that with all of the “exclusive listings” and “single broker” management companies, the customer is forced to work with a number of different people just to get enough choices in front of them so that an informed decision can be made. I understand this, and let every broker know that my first priority is finding a comfortable home for my wife and daughter, and it has become nearly impossible to accomplish that through any single broker relationship these days. I’m guessing I’m in the minority when it comes to providing this kind of information, and it is a shame Essence chose to punish me for my candor.

I’m in the customer service industry (I manage multiple high performing event and entertainment properties grossing $45 million+ annually), and I know first-hand that if you are not ready to fight for your customers they are just going to stop coming altogether. Essence is clearly not fighting for the branch's customers or the branch's business…perhaps it is time for her to decide if she really has the motivation to be a good sales person, because at the moment she is drowning the business with her mediocrity and laziness.

Experiences like this are what push people to write bad reviews and tell their friends, colleagues, neighbors, landlords, and management companies which brokerage firms to avoid. I say again, it is a competitive market…how many bad reviews will it take to stop customers from seeking Rapid Realty out?

My hope is, this is the review that will steer the next customer in another direction.

Jamesia absolutely nailed it. I fell in love with the second apartment she showed me and put down a deposit within minutes. It was as easy as that! She was very attentive to all the details we wanted in an apartment and considered only the best locations for us. Paperwork was a breeze and I would recommend her in a heartbeat! Thanks Jamesia!

This is my second time having Rapid assisting me to find a home. Brandon assisted and took us under his wing, and found a home within our budget and expectations. He was attentive to our every need, and provided great service. Rapid is an awesome organization, but its outstanding when you have individuals such as Brandon working with you. I refer Rapid and Brandon to assist you with your home search.

Moved to NYC from out of State. Manny and Rapid Realty made the transition quick and easy, got us a great place at a great price and helped us get a lease signed all in the same day. If moving to the area, call Rapid and ask for Manny.

I sent out about 100 emails on craigslist looking for a place to move into immediately. One of the 3 people that responded was Manny from Rapid Realty. He was texting me the next morning at 8am ready to meet up. I told him what I was looking for and when I met up with him at noon he already had a place in mind. When I met him I was surprised he was so young! I immediately loved him. He radiated such caring/sweet vibes. He told me everything about the neighborhood, walked me around the entire neighborhood, showed me the train stations, places to eat, etc. I felt so comfortable with him. I kind of got emotional about moving and had a meltdown and he talked me through the whole thing. He talked the landlord down on the rent and even talked him into storing my stuff for me until I move in (for free). I really felt like he was on ~my team~. Manny helped me find the perfect place and it's because he took the time to listen to me. He's even texted me to check up on me! LUV U MANNY!!!