Dear Ms. Demeanor: Can we go against the building broker?

By Jamie Lauren Sutton | June 13, 2012 - 3:45PM

Dear Ms. Demeanor,

We live in a wonderful co-op on York Avenue and we have outgrown our apartment. We bought it with the help of a broker who both lives in the building and has an exclusive on every unit for sale.

Presently she is listing two other units in our line. Our thought is that her impetus to sell our unit is compromised by this excess supply and her monopoly. We are planning to use another broker. Thoughts? Comments? Questions?

Signed,

Seller in a Buyer's Market

Dear Seller,

I paraphase the Godfather when I say the following: Never, never go against the building broker. If you think she wouldn't be terribly motivated to sell your place if she had the listing, she may very well get spiteful if she doesn't have it.

In my view, your only options are to use her or tell her the other broker is your cousin.

However, you can express your concerns to her and be hopeful that her inside track will help more than hurt. Trust me: She wants ALL the units to sell, as long as she sells them.

Toe the party line,

Ms. Demeanor

Ms. Demeanor is channeled by a longtime Manhattan vertical dweller and real-estate voyeur who writes under the pen name Jamie Lauren Sutton. She is here to commiserate, calm and correct. Please email your quandaries to [email protected] and put "Dear Ms. Demeanor" in the subject line.

See all of Ms. Demeanor's advice here.

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