2 Email Templates To Get Replies From NYC Real-Estate Agents 

Don’t make these common mistakes if you want to try and get a response from NYC real-estate agents every time!

Renting in New York City can be frustrating to say the least. Getting the attention of NYC real-estate agents can be even more of a challenge. They get inundated with requests and emails from renters eager to rent the spaces they represent. So how can you get an agent’s attention and ensure that they reply to you every time?

Well here’s a few things you should STOP saying: Is this still available? When can I see it? Can you send me a video tour? Is the rent negotiable?

While all of these questions seem like perfectly logical things to ask a NYC real-estate agents – you’re likely going to be ignored. Why? Because agents need to prioritize who they respond to and will likely only engage with tenants who they think are serious. Agents will want to know who you are, when your move-in date is, what your financial profile looks like and how many occupants you’re applying with. Most agents will not agree to show you an apartment without having a good sense that you’re eligible for the unit.

So what should you do instead? Here are 2 email/message templates you can use to do your outreach to NYC real-estate agents:

1. You have a strong financial profile and are eligible for the apartment.

Hi Agent, 

I am very interested in apartment ## that you posted at {building address}. If it’s still available, I’d like to schedule a viewing some time this week. My availability is [insert availability - for example; M-F after 4pm]. 

I am looking to move-in with my {1/2/3+} housemates on {insert date}. Our gross household income is approx. $XXXXXX and our credit scores are xxx+.  

We have our application together and are ready to proceed quickly if we like the space. [insert any questions you may have about the unit here - for example; Can you share more information about the condo board approval process, can you share a video tour etc.] 

I can be reached by email or phone number [insert contact info]. 

Thanks, 
Renter

2. You do not meet the income or credit requirements for the apartment.

Hi Agent, 

I am very interested in apartment ## that you posted at {building address}. If it’s still available, I’d like to schedule a viewing some time this week. My availability is [insert availability - for example; M-F after 4pm]. 

I am looking to move-in with my {1/2/3+} housemates on {insert date}. Our gross household income is approx. $XXXXXX and our credit scores are xxx+. We understand that we are shy of the income/credit requirements but we will be applying with a guarantor who makes 80x the rent and has strong US credit. [If you can, share a reason about why you don’t meet the requirements - for example; we are a group of new grads who will be starting our jobs in the coming months or we are new to the US and don’t have any credit history as of yet]. 

We have our application together and are ready to proceed quickly if we like the space. [insert any questions you may have about the unit here]. 

I can be reached by email or phone number [insert contact info]. 

Thanks, 
Renter

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If you are searching remotely, simply let the agent know and ask to set up a virtual tour. This is a good way to verify that the apartment exists and is not a scam. Check our other post on how to avoid rental scams in NYC.

This may seem like a lot of effort, but the more intentional you are in your agent outreach, the more successful you’ll be with your apartment hunt. Agents prioritize working with the tenants who are organized and ready to move forward.

If you have questions about the building or landlord you’re considering, check openigloo for reviews and anonymously ask other renters questions. This can be a great way to learn about things you may not be comfortable asking the broker about!