Today, there are more than 28,000 residential real estate agents and brokers doing business in Manhattan. Because of the record breaking run-up in sales prices over the last several years, the field has attracted an increasing number of newcomers. Many will not stay the distance.
If you’re a buyer, a seller, or a developer, how do you choose from among the vast numbers of professionals? What makes a good broker? And why hire a broker at all when the Internet provides access to a global marketplace for available inventory?
What’s most important to the success of a renovation project? I asked a handful of property owners who have renovated multiple times, an architect, a space designer, and a contractor. All agreed: do your homework, plan thoroughly, and respect timing.
Do your homework
Before you begin, talk to as many as you can who have been through the process. Get lots of recommendations, ask dozens of questions and take notes. Interview your primary professionals carefully, examine past performance, and check references. When evaluating bids, consider reputation and experience as much as you consider price. When checking references, ask how each responded when problems surfaced during and after the job.
