There is a rental scam being perpetrated on Craigslist.The perpetrator goes by the name Mary at mary_hartkins5@yahoo.com. The scammer clones (copies and pastes) somebody else’ s listing for sale with their pictures, without their knowledge,permission or authority. The scammer then puts the for sale listing up for rent at a very low price under mary_hartkins5@yahoo.com. The scammer does not provide a phone #, just the above e-mail address. When a unsuspecting victim inquires they receive the following e-mail;
I just joined my husband whom has been on a ship building contract with nigerdock plc.Nigeria  www.nigerdock..com.I flew down to the country with our 4 year old daughter and we are going to be here till his project is concluded so we want the place occupied asap.

We initially anted to sell but we later changed our minds and wanting to rent now and looking for someone to move in asap,the place was newly renovated and is sparkling clean.

For now we are looking at a 1 or 2 year lease or rather lets know how long you wish to stay,just get back to me so i can know your plans and intentions as we want someone whom will take absolute care of the apartment.

Mary.

The next step Mary will ask the victim to wire her a deposit, and or rent. The victim has now been scammed. Unfortunately, craigslist has been slow to remove the fraudulent posting. SO BEWARE!

It was with great concern that I read the latest issue of my favorite periodical The Real Deal (Vol.7 No.6) The disturbing news articles outlined the closure of 2 well known NYC real estate firm’s here; JC DeNiro, and Coldwell Banker Hunt Kennedy. I agree with Publisher Amir Korangy’s sentiment that the summer of 2009 may be a time to fight on and figure out how to work with the hand the market has dealt us.

A Boutique Agency (such as Clove Lake Realty) could be described as a firm that has between 5 and 30 agents. Recently a number of small firms have gone out of business, and some large firms have changed their names (unable to pay their franchise fees) and downsized. But there are some smaller firms that are still surviving, and in some cases even thriving in the current market, namely Clove Lake Realty. The reason is their reputation, history, and established client base. That combined with advances in technology, marketing strategy, low overhead, and a personalized managerial style allow this small firm an advantage over larger franchises. In uncertain markets clients and customers lean toward well established firms that have survived tough times. Most sellers are looking for a firm that demonstrates stability and a hands on broker. Sales agents are jumping ship at many big companies where there is a lot of dead weight, anonymity, and your on your own attitude. They find solace at boutique companies due to more personalized training, guidance, and broker access. Buyers and sellers also realize boutique agencies provide the same access to peruse everything that’s on the market. I hope this blog will assist you when deciding to choose a real estate agency to represent you, or associate yourself with as an agent. Remember Clove Lake Realty Inc. is licensed by the NY State Department of State. Visit us on the web at www.clovelake.com or our office 1267 Clove Rd. S.I., N.Y. 10301, 718-556-7797