Barbara Corcoran

Should I rent out or sell my home in Astoria?

Monday, July 14th 2008, 12:08 PM

Taverna Kyclades restaurant in Astoria Durand for News/Freelance NYDN

Taverna Kyclades restaurant in Astoria

Q When renting in the city, is it better to deal with the real estate agent or the building owner?

A Either is fine, but as renting is so popular, most building owners use agents to rent their properties. This equates to additional fees for the tenant, usually about 12% to 15% of the first year's rent.

If you're determined to avoid these fees, try looking online. Web sites like Craigslist and rent-direct.com advertise many "no fee" small owner properties direct to the tenant.

Send your questions to askbarbara@nydailynews.com

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How to decode real estate ad for a weekend home

  • "Usable land" means no trees.

  • "Country living" means too far from everywhere.

  • "Beach-front steal" means no hurricane insurance available at any price.

  • "Must see inside" means the outside is ugly.

  • "No pictures" means it's not worth looking at.

  • "Just available" means previous owner just died on the premises - hope you don't mind!