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

The Real Estate Board of New York asks New Yorkers to help build a new subway station

In 2005, the New York City Council approved the rezoning of Hudson Yards, in hope of transforming Hudson Yards into a vibrant extension of Midtown’s business and residential districts. The project would bring new life into the neighborhood.

To better serve the neighborhood and to boost its rebirth, the city decided to extend subway line No. 7 which would bring a new subway station to 41st Street and 10th Avenue.

Yet, the Hudson Yards Development Corporation, the nonprofit that oversees the development of Hudson Yards’ plans now lacks the funds needed to build the subway line extension.

In order to get funding for the project, the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) has formed a coalition to restore the subway stop and is seeking federal funds so that the No. 7 extension line stops west of its current terminal in Time Square.

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