TOP QUALITY APARTMENTS (BRONX) Very Unprofessional & Will Get You Out Of A Quick $200 New York New York

 I have been searching for an apt for the past few months. I came across an ad on craigslist for a one bedroom apt on Fordham road in the Bronx. I contacted the number provided in the post via text as requested. A woman name Maria responded rapidly, I asked what the income requirement was. She then responded $36-$40 annually. I responded telling her that I didn't fit between that range and she asked what my income was. I told her it was 27,000 annually, and she told me it was ok that they can still work with me and that I would just have to pay an extra brokers fee in any area I selected. I then setup an appt to meet with her because she insisted that it was best for me to make one. The day before tha appt she told me she would not be there at the office but that there would be someone their to help me. The day of the appointment I met with a broker whose office was located in the washington heights area. I re explained my situation about having low income and poor credit. Edward the broker told me that it was fine and he had a few owners and apts I can view and that I just needed to pay double brokers fee. He asked me what area I wanted to move, I told him the North East Section of the Bronx. Then he told me that would be hard considering my situation, mind you Maria insisted that area was available. Then he told me there was an apartment near 161st for $1000 that I would like but I wasn't interested being that I told him I didn't want that area as its run down and ghetto. Then he had some agent name Chris who seemed to have no clue about anything that was going on or what apartments he will show me. After vewing two apartments with Chris I was becoming annoyed because the apartments were either dingy or not available for the first of the month like I asked. Then out the blue Chris tells me that Edward does have one last apt he can let me view in the area of my choice. I became excited and it was in the pay range I requested. But before going to review the apartment Chris states he has to make a stop to get the key from another agent in order for us to view the apt. This was strange because when I asked him what we was waiting so long for he tells me the agent whom he just met a day before or day of to give him the key. Okay so we go view the apartment and immediately I started getting skeptical because it appeared that someone was still living in the apartement as the apartment reefed of weed smoke. I then asked Chris what was going on, he said I don't know let me call Edward and let you speak to him as if he couldn't just call him hisself. Then Edward ensures me that the apartment was rented by a couple that was seperating and now moving out. I went for it and told him I wanted the apartment, and asked what was the next step. He told me to come back to the office so I can fill out some paper work and give my documents and leave a deposit (first months rent, first months security + twice brokers fee). My mother didn't like the whole idea to began with and told me not to pay anything until I signed a lease! Me being desperate didn't listen here's what happened next! I went back to the office eager and Edward informed me that I needed to leave the full deposit and that it was no where around that. He said it took 48 hours to see if I was approved for the apartment. I waited until 48 hours and called the office and Stephanie who is very unprofessional answered and told me that Edward was going to meet with the owner with others peoples application and I would know an answer by 3pm. I called back at 3:15pm and Stephanie told he still wan't back at the office and that he should be back in a half hour and not to worry that they will call me with my approval. I heard nothing so I contacted Maria Via text and she seemed surprised and said she will find out whats going on and contact me back. A few mins later she calls me back stating I wasn't approved for the apt I viewed but I was approved for another apt in another location I told Edward I was not interested in! At this point I told Maria I wanted my money back because she couldn't provide me with the amount for the apt or how they figured I qualified for it when I never applied for it. The next day today I call the office to find out if my check was ready for pick up and Stephanie informed that it was I told her a messanger will be picking it up and she said it was fine. The messager gets there and Stephanie tells them the check was not ready for pick-up claiming that the broker had an emergency and left before signing the check. Yeah okay! Then she says that it will be ready by two but how can she predict what time it will be ready if he had a so called emergency !