Astor Realty Inc at 31-85 32nd Street, Astoria, Queens, New York.

Not recommended. Broker is sensitive, pushy and overwhelming. Everything was going great until I calmly questioned why I had to pay a security deposit prior to lease signing. I wasn't making any accusations, but I wanted a reason. Broker claims this is standard although I've never encountered this. Doing some simple research online, several brokers say this is uncommon and should be avoided. But let's use logic for a moment - Should you give someone a check without signing a contract? Should you hand over $1800 without any assurance your money will be used as intended or returned if the terms are not met? Never. Even "holding deposits" are questionable. But a full month's rent as a security deposit given BEFORE a lease signing - unnecessary. Backed out because another apartment presented itself with standard payment process (everything at lease signing, contracts for the low good faith deposit) - simple and fair.