Rapid Realty Harlem

Rapid Realty is anything but Rapid.
Plainly put my experience was terrible. Here’s the story:
New to the city I began my search for apartments via Craigslist. Found a listing that made no mention of its association with a reality company and visited it through a showing agent. I was promised that if I left a deposit I’d be able to move in the coming Monday. I left the deposit with an employee who didn’t appear trained and just stumbled around the contract that he asked me to sign. This is where I should have known. After that I didn’t hear back from my showing agent or the broker until I initiated the conversation. Customer service was nonexistent, leaving you feeling like you’re the pest. Monday came and went and I was left securing temporary places to stay while my showing agent and the broker kept assuring me that the apartment would finally open up. After a week of this limbo I finally asked for my deposit back. I had to pick it up in some far away office in Jamaica Queens. And when I finally arrived the office the broker wasn’t even there. After waiting for half an hour he showed up had me sign another poorly written contract/​waiver and left. Thank god the check went through and I was done with this terrible, disorganized and inefficient company.
After all of this I did some research and spoke to a few employees and this is what I dug up:
— The company is franchised. Each office works independently. Which means when working with rapid realty, you’re gambling with your time and deposit. Some brokers, showing agents, listings may be solid, but I know personally and after reading many of the reviews here, there are a significant amount that just don’t work. Are they fraudulent? I can’t say for sure but during my entire experience I felt I was being scammed.
— I looked up the company via glassdoor (where employees review the company) and not even those working there felt confident about what was going on. Some even went so far to say that the company was «disorganized, didn’t police company policies, lacked proper structure, and participated in shady practices by top producers which were often overlooked.» Maybe just one disgruntled employee, right? There are eight reviews that read like this. See for yourself at
— I looked into the mentions that they claim on their website (Huffington post etc.). Most read like filler blog posts that sound like paid advertisements.
— I’m sure some great people work here, but the company is so disorganized and inefficient that your wellbeing is not a priority.
I regret wasting time and money on this establishment. Do yourself a favor and steer clear of this embarrassment of a company.
Edit: During this transaction I worked with both the Park slope and Harlem office.

I was in dire straits when I walked into Rapid Realty to meet Keith Lewis to look at apartments. I needed some TLC! I was immediately welcomed by the kind and professional staff and was relieved at how caring they all were. Keith was patient and truly concerned that I find the right apartment. That day Keith found the PERFECT place for me! My paperwork was processed and explained to me by Clark LeMelle, who was amazing. Then LaRae Marshall saw that my paperwork got to the management company and took all of my frantic phone calls without breaking a sweat. I literally will recommend this office to everyone I know. Each time I walked in the door, I was greeted with smiles and warmth. This real estate office dispels all the ugly rumors about greedy agents in New York City!
Kudos to all of you. And THANK YOU!!!

I have been working with Callista and it has been a great experience! She has gone above and beyond in helping me find an apartment to fit my needs and my budget. She has kept me informed on every step in the process and answered even my silliest questions. I would definitely recommend her– and Rapid Realty– to anyone looking for their new home!

my agent was Albert, A very nice guy who work his ass of for me, but it seemed like there was a breakdown in our communication. i would ask questions and nobody would know the answer to them. i foolishly thought an agency would know things like the floor plan or what the fee’s are and not surprise me every day with a new bit of important knowledge. however they were good about finding out the information by the next day you just have to ask all the right questions. i was bad about that since this was the first apartment i’ve rented.
rapid realty does live up to their name, i was able to get into an apartment in under a week. but it was painful at times. You have to be active in the whole process it is you who’s trying to move into the apartment. ask the right question double check everything and you should be fine.