Real estate agents: Ask to see their license so you know they are legitimate and professional

According to the NY Post and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, Lawrence Paul posed as a real estate agent and escorted a potential renter to an apartment on East 116th Street with the promise that a similar property would be available in a week and accepted their deposit check of $2,900.

On moving day, the apartment hunter learned that the apartment was already occupied and that the real estate agent was nowhere to be found.

As reported by the NY Post Paul was arrested on Monday and was charged with grand larceny.

As a professional and licensed real estate agent in the State of New York, I am appalled by this story and the fact that anyone would commit such a horrible act.

You will find that the majority of real estate agents and brokers in Manhattan are very reputable and take pride in their work!

To be sure you are working with a real and professional real estate agent, ask to see your agent’s license card. We are required to carry it with us at all times. Most of us are also proud members of the REBNY – the Real Estate Board of New York and take our licensure and our work very seriously.

Be sure your agent or broker is with a legitimate real estate firm and a member of REBNY. Check out their web sites with those companies.

If you are looking to rent or purchase an apartment in Manhattan, call me. I’d be proud to show you my license and assist you in finding a legitimate home where you can build your dreams.

For more information or a consultation feel free to email me

Ross Ellis is a proud member of the Real Estate Board of New York

As much as the nation is in an economic turndown, Manhattan is a completely different market.

And while some are making the decision to downgrade from their classic six or larger apartments to smaller homes in the city, there will always be those who want the ultimate in luxury.

From a 6-story townhouse in lower Manhattan priced at $25,500,000, to a 3 bedroom/3 bath condo on the Eastside priced at $7,000,000, to a 2 bedroom/3 bath Soho loft priced at $4,350,000 some still want their luxury.

And for those who want the ultimate – their very own private island, there’s an island in the thousand island region of New York that comes with a 6,500-square-foot mansion on 1.3 acres — ten bedrooms, four bathrooms, plus a boat house and dock for a mere $1,950,000. About an hour-and-a-half drive from either Syracuse or Montreal.

These are just a sample of New York luxury properties, and there are more on the market.

And for those who don’t want luxury and prefer smaller more affordable homes – no worries. They are available in Manhattan.

No matter what type of property you’re considering, if you’re in the market I would be delighted to assist you. Do feel free to E-mail me.

Visit my Website and blogs at newyorkcityrealestatenews and Active Rain

Ross Ellis is a proud member of the Real Estate Board of New York