Real Estate

I’ve been doing quite a lot of apartment searching, both on my own and through a realtor. A few days ago, I come across a website of a management company with a number of apartments that look nice, so I fill out an inquiry directly to the company to hear more about them.

Afterward, I meet up with a realtor to see a few apartments she’s representing. Before we go see anything, my fiancee and I of course have to sign the standard form stating that the realty is "introducing us to properties, owners, and management companies" and that if we rent with one of them, we’re obligated to pay the realty a fee of one month’s rent.

So she shows us a few places, one of which is owned by the management company I had mentioned finding earlier on my own. Ironically enough, none of the keys to the unit work, so we don’t get past the lobby.

Today I hear back from the company who will show us some places tomorrow. If I sign a lease with the company rep tomorrow, will I have to pay a fee?

Read your copy of the agreement that you signed. That will tell you a lot — then find out from your agent if the management company where you are going to rent will pay her commission. The answer will probably be a yes and everyone will be happy. If they don’t cooperate with Brokers then you will need to comply with the agreement that you signed.