I didn't bother reading the 5 star ratings because I know they were put there by Rapid Realty employees. I starting apartment hunting in Brooklyn in July 2010; luckily, I was in no rush to find a place. My friend referred me to an agent at Rapid Realty (she mentioned him several times and I decided to call the guy the fifth time). So, I made an appointment to meet with the gentleman the following day and he showed me ONE fabulous apartment. The second we walked out of the brownstone, standing on the sidewalk, he told me that I would have to give him a check for first month?s rent, last month?s rent and a security deposit. I couldn't understand what the security deposit was for because he had already told me in a previous conversation that Rapid Realty WOULD NOT charge a fee. He told me that the third month?s rent was in case I left the place in a mess when I moved out. I thought that's what last month?s rent was for. Anyway, I asked him why in the world would I give a dime if there was no guarantee I would get the apartment. At that point I hadn?t filled out one form. He didn?t even know if I had given him the right name. All he was concerned with was money. I proceeded to remind him that he promised to show me several apartments and even though I really like the apartment he had just showed me I wanted to see a few more, have options. He was a bit annoyed and tried (aggressively) to talk me into giving him a check. Eventually, he retreated and promised to take me out to see more apartments the following day. In the meantime, I dreamed about the first apartment I saw. So?he and I went out the following day to look at 3 apartments. The first apartment was a DISASTER. We were unable to get into the second apartment because his colleague had the keys and she wasn?t there. The third apartment was cute but more junior level. We doubled back to the second apartment and it was a no go. I really wanted to settle on the first apartment I saw the day before but was suspicious about having to leave money behind without nothing being done i.e. credit check, application, etc. I told the agent that I had to sleep on it. He and I went back and forth. During one conversation he was extremely understanding and comforting and the next conversation he was practically yelling at me.
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