I can't say enough good things about Benjamin Realty. I found them by answering an ad they had…read moreplaced on Craigslist for an apartment. Benjamin called me back (by calling me back, he was already a step ahead of many of the brokers I contacted) and we made an appointment to meet at their office.
As a side note, parking is pretty convenient - plenty of meters out front or on the nearest side street, and free on the block behind the office.
When I arrived, Benjamin greeted me and we chatted for a moment, and then he indicated that Jason would be taking me to see a couple of places. I had indicated that I was on a tight schedule in regards to finding a place, and they told me they would find me something that day.
Jason was friendly, warm, professional, humorous, and unbelievably helpful. I was fairly clear in my own mind what I wanted in an apartment, but, being new to New York and knowing absolutely nothing about Queens, was open in regards to what neighborhood I ended up in as well as some other factors. I have no idea how many apartments we looked at, but it seemed like a lot. Jason was respectful in regards to what I was looking for in an apartment - he even thanked me when I nixed a place based on the creepy hallway (I would have looked at it, but he was having trouble getting a hold of the super). And they were good on their promise - the last place they showed me, I liked, and I came back two days later to put in an application.
Fortunately, I did not get accepted to that apartment. Jason asked whether I'd want to see studios and I said that I really didn't, but he encouraged me to take a look at this one place and he would check to see if he had anything else available. When I arrived for our second appointment, I said that I REALLY didn't want to see the studio but he encouraged me to do so anyway. I have had many great experiences with salespeople who encourage me to try something slightly different than what I was originally looking for - if they are really great at their job, they really do know what they are talking about! We arrived at the studio - in yet another neighborhood - and it had been listed incorrectly - it was a one bedroom! And it was more perfect than I could have hoped for. I applied for it right away and was accepted.
Throughout the process, both Benjamin and Jason were professional, friendly and helpful. They were also great at following up, keeping their promises, and being on time. They have fee and no-fee apartments - mine had a fee, and it was worth every penny!