Expectant couple expects keys to new apartment, but gets nothing!
Pregnant family gets run-around from real estate brokers.
Imagine paying a deposit for an apartment and then never getting the apartment or your deposit back, it happens more then you think. The Quintana family was looking for an apartment that they could move into as soon as possible. Joselyn Quintana is eight and a half months pregnant and they wanted to get settled into a new place before the baby arrived.
A woman named Dora, who they thought was a real estate broker with a Century 21 office in Queens, showed them several apartments. When they found an apartment that they liked, they gave Dora a deposit for $1,450.
After handing over their money, they were later told that the building's landlord had suddenly changed his mind and the apartment was no longer available to them. When the Quintana's asked for their deposit back, Dora, the broker, told them to come by the office another day and pick it up. But when the Quintana's called in advance to come get their money, the real estate office denied knowing who they were and denied knowing anything about their money.
Frustrated, they tried calling and talking to Dora, but the office told them she wasn't even a real "real estate broker", just someone's assistant. At this time, the Quintana's were staying with family in Queens, but they couldn't do that for very much longer and their baby was due any day, so they called "Help Me Howard."
Howard went to the Century 21 office in Queens to try to talk to Dora. When she wasn't available, he spoke with the office's supervisors. A week later the Quintana's got their deposit back.
If you are looking for an apartment, be very careful who you deal with!
First make sure a real estate agent is a licensed broker. Their office should have their license prominently displayed or you can get their license number by checking with New York State's Department of State.
If the ad says "For Rent By Owner", make sure you are dealing with the building's real owner and not a scammer. You can confirm the name of a city buildings's owner by going to the city's online city register, where you'll find the list of deeded property owners on an automated city register information system .
If an apartment is advertised as "No Fee", find out exactly what that means. Ask the broker how they are getting paid, sometimes an owner or landlord pays the broker a set fee off the top of the rent, that has been inflated just for that purpose.
Be suspicious if a broker doesn't show you the apartment that you called about. If the one you want is already gone and they're showing you one just like it, be careful. Also don't give in to pushy brokers who pressure you. If you don't feel comfortable about an apartment, walk away. Quality brokers should not be pressuring you into something you don't want or can't afford.
Finally, be VERY careful about what you find on Craig's List. The site is like a giant, anonymous version of your local classifieds. Not everything posted there is what it seems to be and very often it takes some time for scam ads to be identified and removed, so watch out. And NEVER send anyone money via moneygram or mail, without first having seen the apartment in person and getting a signed lease in your hand.
Comments: 16
This is the type of Business I have heard coming out of this specific office in the past. Alot of agents do work in this office with out any type of Licensing whatsoever , David Friedman the "owner" always doesn't have anything to say when situations like this arise or does anything to prevent them happening . I am glad that you helped this family Howard and I hope Century 21 Best goes out of business for their misgivings
With experience in the Real Estate industry, I know the fustration these customers feel. Unluckly I started in that office and learned what not to do in Real Estate, if they are guilty of just trying to keeping a deposit, that is just peanuts. As I progressed in the Real Estate business I have moved into a reputable office. Let your viewers know that "one bad apple does not mean they are all bad". Louie-Remax
Yes, folks please also be aware of a Coldwell Banker office on Northern Blvd in Queens, the manager there also does many scams that Howard should look into. My advise read everything carefully and, ask as many questions as possiable!! I'm still waiting for my check!!!
Yes, folks please also be aware of a Coldwell Banker office on Northern Blvd in Queens, the manager there also does many scams that Howard should look into. My advise read everything carefully and, ask as many questions as possiable!! I'm still waiting for my check!!!
It is unfortunate that some people call themselves "professionals" and all they do is bring shame to their field. As a current agent in this office, it saddens me that a colleague will stoop to this level and try to cheat a family out of their money. Iam certain that this individual is being dealt with, as the rest of us do not approve or condone any of her actions. Today only those still striving during these trying times is thanks to the loyalty and trust we have so carefully instilled over the years in our clients and thus our community. As per the second comment above, regardless of where you are currently employed, you should show some type of loyalty to this office and your mentor as she brought you in and showed you the ropes.
I'm a realtor for the last 14 yrs. and I think it's disgusting what Century21 Best did, it gives reputable realtors a bad name. Just a word of advice to anyone working with a realtor you might not think is on the up & up:
1)always make sure they give you a business card with their name on it(when in doubt ask to see their pocket card, every licensed realtor must carry this card when their working which is provided by the state department and has their license number displayed).
2)you can also verify if their a realtor thru state department or LIBOR(Long Island Board of Realtors, their website is MLSLI.com). You can also make compliants thru that website.
3)The law for apartments rentals is as long as you have not taken possesion of the apartment you're entitled to your real estate fee back within a realsonable time period even if the real estate paperwork says no refunds.
Good luck!
Hey there......
The last 2 post had been written by Dave Friedman's assistants and Manager....they really take care of him......Frances and Jericka....do you really think DAVE will defend you the same way you do???
Howard this is the beginning of the Iceberg...believe me ...this broker is the worst....is avoiding taxes of all his illegal transactions by purchasing homes through phantoms companies (created by him under somebody else's names) buying properties in auctions...then selling them with huge profits....and finally paying generous commisions to those who put their names in these "companies"
Why don't you interview Maria Anwar now Remax's real estate agent to discover more fraudulent actions?.....they left her facing up all the taxes by herself during all those fake transactions, and when she complaint they fired her.....nowadays she is quite since they promised her they will take care of these "bills"
Just go to their website Century 21 Best and PLEASE PLEASE check all of the agents and you will figure out 4 agents working without license......it is incredible, they have business cards, banners, advertising in their magazines and more....the REALTORS ASSOCIATION MUST TAKE A LOOK ON THIS.....
You have a lot of work to do HOWARD...as i said....THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE ICEBERG...
I will keep you informed....
Ok, so one fraudelent person does not make a whole gropu of people the same!!! If that was the case then we wouldn't have a NYPD. Many cops make the department look like a gang of murderers but yet people still rely on them for safety in the streets, that is because the group itself still provides the service. As far as involving the other two ladies in the mix -i'm referring to the managers and assistants- tha's just a desperate attempt to keep on trashing the office. That person or people just wish that they had someone as loyal as they are to hheir boss. so leave them alone! Last but not least if you were part of any fraudulent involvement either now or in the past then you need to come clean first before you mention other people dirty laundry, just because you couldn't cut as a top agent doesn't mean you should trash the place taught you the ropes.
Ok, so one fraudelent person does not make a whole gropu of people the same!!! If that was the case then we wouldn't have a NYPD. Many cops make the department look like a gang of murderers but yet people still rely on them for safety in the streets, that is because the group itself still provides the service. As far as involving the other two ladies in the mix -i'm referring to the managers and assistants- tha's just a desperate attempt to keep on trashing the office. That person or people just wish that they had someone as loyal as they are to hheir boss. so leave them alone! Last but not least if you were part of any fraudulent involvement either now or in the past then you need to come clean first before you mention other people dirty laundry, just because you couldn't cut as a top agent doesn't mean you should trash the place taught you the ropes.
Be careful with Century 21 Best agents !!!
They are performing illegal transaction charging you for "helping you" when it comes to adjust your mortgage with the bank....and this is a completely free procedure !!!!!......
Howard investigate please !!!!
This office should be closed as soon as possible!!!....please let State Department or any organism encharged about this..
Adrian Carrera....is that you or RICHARD GAMBINO????.....OR MAYBE CAROL GAMBINO???......you too guys are DAVE FRIEDMAN favorites.....of course...always kissing FRIEDMAN A--...in order to get the money !!!
Aren't you involved with him in fraudulent creation of fake companies to by properties from auctions????
Howard check them out !!!
I have gotten a receipt (looks like a 99 cents receipt) from an agent who is going to find an apartment for me ...... isn't the receipt supposed to say Century 21 Best...?
Let me see how my transaction goes....I will tell you the name of the agent...it is a beautiful latin lady....with a nice 4 x 4....
This office has serious problems Howard.....who said agents must be loyal to the broker who taught them the art of the real estate???
What kind of broker is that who is teaching all fraudulent staff and only cares about money??....
Howard Close that office please and send to jail both owners!!!
Stop haiting,go and do something productive with your life.
Well, In order to stop of these illegal transactions, I am conducting a emergency meeting at the Jewish Center next coming Tuesday May 12th at 9:30 am. everyone is invited .. 37 avenue corner with 77 street...
I will ask all those agents working for me without license, to leave the company...I have already taken their pictures out from the website (but still a couple of them are there)....
Also I will recognice in public my relationship with Martha Mendoza who became my lover for the last 3 years....who also helped me to take care of my daughter when my wife was on vacation...
........and will sign some checks ...to pay back all money or commission stolen to the people who worked for me very hard...
I will declare myself guilty !!!
Howard send your cameras please !!!
In regards to the post made by chenyoutsen , Maria Anwary was not fired in fact they would not even release her licence until her attourney asked them to . .. She left on her own accord the second she found out Mr. David was using her name for various mortgages and tax evasions....
Shame On you David Friedman and Shame on the Agents who blindly follow your way of Business
i myself got ripped off by century 21 best located on broadway and 76 st in jackson heights your right a lot of their realtors have these official looking business cards BUT ARE NOT EVEN LICENSED AS IS THE CASE WITH THIS WOMEN NAMED PAOLA