a day in the life of a nyc realtor

My first walk-in.  

A couple comes into my office a week ago while I am on floor duty.  They are looking for an apartment;  their request is specific, and their timing tight.  They need a two-bedroom apartment, in a rental building, zoned for a specific elementary school.  They must have a signed lease by February 13.

I do an analysis.

Step One: 
Find all the rental buildings in the general area (about 50).

Step Two:
Cross check the buildings and eliminate those that don't specifically say they are zoned for a certain elementary school (about 20).

Step Three:
Check and double check the websites of each building to see if any apartments are available that come close to meeting the couple's criteria (about 6).

Step Four:
Call or see the remaining six.  

• Eliminate the one that won't be ready until March.  
• Eliminate the one where the owner has decided to rent it to a relative.
• Eliminate the one near Madison that turns out to be in a crumbling building with no doorman, and boxes and strollers in the hallway. 
• Eliminate the two that are priced 50% higher than the couple's budget.

Step Five:
Stop over to see the one remaining, only to be told by the super that the tenants are still there, but in the process of moving out.

Step Six:
Tell the client about the apartment.

Step Seven
Call the managing agent, who has already gotten some calls, as the apartment is in a desirable building with almost no turnover, in a great neighborhood, and little inventory.  She tells me it won't be available to see for a week, as workers will be painting the apartment and re-doing the floors. I politely plead and she agrees to let me see the apartment today, as the the work will begin on Thursday.

I am excited.  I think I've done everything right.  We are to meet at ten.

Late yesterday I get an email from the client.

Hi Lynn,
Hope you are well! Wanted to cancel tomorrow's appointment as we have found  something we like.Thank you for your help.
Warm regards

Today I see the apartment anyway.  It's perfect.  Gorgeous wooden floors. Beautiful crown moldings throughout. Fireplace. Walk-in closet. Foyer. Washer-dryer in apartment. Stainless steel appliances.  Fantastic pre-war full-service building.

I think the client should still see the apartment.  If for no other reason but to have a basis for comparison.  But my calls and emails go unanswered.

This is a very very tough business.  And can be so disappointing, even when all the stars seem to be aligned.