Preston NY

I work in the Flatiron District, so I stopped by Preston and was lucky enough to meet Julia, one of their brokers. She was really patient, showing me multiple listings in different neighborhoods (including this INCREDIBLE old school building converted into loft-​style apartments downtown) and helped me with all my paperwork and credit checks. She was flexible with viewing times and meetings and I am REALLY happy with my place!

Dave Shapiro is the best! He is very patient and knowledgeable. He’s a true New Yorker, so don’t be put off by his efficient way of doing business — give him a second and you’ll see he truly cares and wants to find the best for you.
I was surprised about his honesty and insight into the properties, he is very honest and won’t hold back. He’ll give you his opinion and patiently show you properties. They can show you most anything anyone else can (except some exclusives) of which they have several too.
They will fairly work with you and let you know when they can negotiate fees and when they can’t. I found my apt in 1 hour, but still looked at a few places to make sure I was making the right decision.
Dave and Preston are also there to support you after you’re move — even if it’s just for a drink.

There is nothing wrong with Preston, except that they work with Bernic Enterprises, a Management Company who is less then honest. They charged me $ 1300.00 for «repainting» when I moved out, despite a verbal agreement not to do so and despite the fact that I had been there over three years and he was obligated by law to repaint any way. He also let painters into my apartment BEFORE I moved out, and they ripped my belongings off the wall, and threw them in a trash pile. The painters also stole by suitcases of clothes and destroyed my furniture. Bernic did not even apologize for the mixup.
Feel free to google Bernic Enterprises if you want other horror stories from other renters. It’s not just me.
So, please use Preston, unless you are renting from 135 Charles St, 121 E 12^th St, 1315 First Ave, 206 East 26^th St or 221 East 21^st St. Then steer very clear because you will regret it.

Preston was the broker for an apartment we saw online and liked. Got to the apartment and Mark Davis was overseeing the open house. Knew the basics about the apartment, but specific questions were dodged in favor of general or intuitive answers.
Mark was knowledgeable about the application process, I’ll give him that. He took our calls and answered our questions regarding paperwork and last minute concerns pretty well. But he (or Preston NY) needs to be more clear about what paperwork is required, and request that paperwork specifically.
After we paid him more than anyone doing that job ever deserves, his incentive to answer emails (one which concerned a rebate he owed us) was completely washed away. How do they not realize they are alienating a potential chunk of their future customers?
Disappointed. Confirmed the «brokers suck» mindset.

When I moved to NYC, my work put me in touch with Preston (specifically Thomas Walker) to help me find a place, and thank god because only after living here for a while do I realize how screwed I would have been without him! He spent two days dragging my brother and I all over the place, and I thought he did a really brilliant job. I had NO IDEA what I was doing; didn’t know any neighborhoods or anything, and had a pretty limited budget, but he showed us a variety of places within my price range – all different types, layouts, neighborhoods – so I really felt like I had a better grasp of what I was getting myself into. I found him to be honest and approachable – he definitely called out another broker for trying to bullshit me at one point, which was pretty awesome, and managed to negotiate a discount on the rent of the place I eventually chose. Plus he was extremely punctual, which goes a long way with me.
In addition, he did a great job handling the long-​distance aspect of it (I was in DC at the time). All the paperwork and keys and such were handled promptly via fax, email, and FedEx, and he even had to deal with my mom because I was going to be out of the country shortly before the move and wasn’t around to handle some of the paperwork. I have been living in the apartment he found for me for almost two years now and could not be happier – I hear horror stories from my friends about their landlords and such and feel like I won the lottery having him show me this place.

My experience at JM Preston (on 21^st St) was horrific. We really liked the apartment, and were ready to move forward, but the broker we worked with made everything difficult. He would not return calls or texts. We put down a deposit and held the apartment. When we had the lease signing, our broker happened to have another new renter in the office signing paper at the same time. The broker was completely distracted and not really present with us — not something that makes a person feel good handing over more than an $ 8000 broker fee. At the same meeting, the firm owner suggested that we be good tenants, because it would be good for his special relationship with the building owner and that if we were noisy the super would make our life difficult. thanks for that info… idiot. After signing and paying, the broker was still practically unreachable to set up move in details. What a frustrating experience. Don’t use JM Preston if you have any other option.