buyer beware!

​If you're looking for an apartment in New York, your likely first stop is StreetEasy. And while there, you've undoubtedly used the "Contact Agent" button to reach out to the listing agent for more information on your dream property. But be careful! On March 1, StreetEasy introduced a new program called "premier agent" that allows agents to pay for buyer inquiries to be directed to them instead of the listing agent. So when you hit that "Send Message" button, thinking you're corresponding with the agent responsible for the listing -- who knows the property inside and out -- you're actually sending the message to a randomly assigned agent who has paid to receive your inquiry. He may know nothing about the property!

So How Do I Reach The Listing Agent?
Lucky for you, I've laid it all out in step-by-step pictures:

• Step 1: In the Contact Agent section, instead of clicking on the ​misleading "Learn More" button, instead click on the "Listing Agent" button.
• Step 2: Now click on the agent's name
• Step 3: Finally, you're taken to the agent's page, where you can directly send them a message. PHEW!

While I encourage every buyer to be represented in a transaction (and I am happy to represent you of course!), this feature is NOT in your best interest. Make no mistake, this is all about the $$: this feature already brings in $600M annually to StreetEasy's parent company, Zillow. 

​You should be able to pick your agent, someone with whom you have a personal connection and trust, instead of having a random agent assigned to you who has "paid to play."