Dipping My Toes

While surfing StreetEasy, I noticed that there was a new two-bedroom apartment listed in my ideal neighborhood. The price is absolutely ridiculously overpriced though I was curious and wanted to see the apartment in person. I knew from past experience that the apartment looks much larger usually in person than they appear on line. I clicked the call the agent feature on StreetEasy and I was connected to a Broker name Owen. Owen isn’t the listing agent however he would meet with me at the property and offer me guidance, realtor services if I needed to make an offer.  I wasn’t going to make an offer.  Firstly, the property was ridiculously overpriced.  Secondly, it was small.  The apartment opens into a small foyer where you can see the living/dining area. Left of the foyer was a retro pink bathroom, then a master bedroom with two nice closets (one of them a walk in).  The second bedroom is actually I half bedroom right off the kitchen. Owen made a point of telling me that the kitchen cabinets were granite. Needless to say, I wasn’t impressed. I couldn’t get over the price.  

Owen and I spoke a few minutes later outside the property, where he made his realtor pitch. He asked if I was pre-approved and I said no. I said this was my first time searching in more than a year. He starts to tell me that the apartment was actually a good price but then again, he added, he has never worked with any coops before. He used to listing and showing houses. He has a potential listing next week (a two bedroom coop a few blocks away) and asked me if I wanted to see it and I said yes. Then he tells me that both apartments will go fast. There is something about people who work off commission that I find deplorable, pushiness.  I was put off. I asked him with all honesty, “If I was your daughter, how much would you tell me to offer on this property”. He quoted me a price that was $40,000 less than the asking price. I tell him that I still don’t believe that the apartment is worth that much. He asked what was my budget and I quote him 2x times my current 9 am to 5pm salary. I mentioned to him that I also had a side hustle with income that fluctuates each month. But I wanted to stay in a comfortable price range due to my monthly bills which includes student loan repayment, car insurance and car loan payment.  Owen basically tells me that I was being too cautious and now was the best time to buy.  His tone did not impress me much. Right now, I don’t think I will be working with Owen, however I will look about getting pre-approved and start back on my home search journey. I will keep you posted.