New to the {RC} Team – Hi, I’m Naomi!
Sep 01, 2022 brooklyn,brooklyn real estate,brooklyn realty,Brooklyn Renters,brooklyn renters agent,renting in brooklyn
Hey there! I’m Naomi and I am thrilled to be a new member of the {RC} team, a journey that has literally been years in the making. I specialize in guiding renters through the Brooklyn rental market to find their slice of heaven in NYC and bringing some calm, kindness and understanding to what can be a (famously) stressful process. Before joining Realty Collective, I was named a Top 25 Brooklyn Rental Agent at Corcoran in April 2022 and was one of the only agents to make the list that worked exclusively with renters. I love creating a genuine connection with my clients and introducing them to the hidden gems that every neighborhood has to offer. Now, I’d like to introduce myself to you with some fun facts!
- I am an actor (proud member of Actor’s Equity Association), teaching artist, and help run an all-female identifying production company called Don, Pat & Tom. I received my BFA in Acting from Boston University and Certificate in Classical Acting from the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art. Learn more over at www.naomilindh.com.
- I am a life-long thrift shopper and collector of vintage clothing, art and housewares. My favorite local shops include: Dobbin Street Co-Op (Greenpoint & Williamsburg), Stella Dallas & 10 ft Single (Williamsburg), Yesterday’s News (Carroll Gardens), Su’juk (Clinton Hill), Housing Works (Park Slope), Awesome Home (PLG) and an honorable mention to my favorite former East Village haunt, Obscura Antiques & Oddities (now online only).
- Baking for friends and family is my love language. Fan favorites include my Key Lime Pie, Cream Currant Scones, and Double Ginger Sticky-Toffee Pudding.
- I listen to music constantly and love creating seasonal playlists. If you’re looking forward to autumn in New York like I am, listen here.
- I’m a new home owner! I bought a fixer-upper apartment in a great co-op building in Kensington last year, with Victoria’s help no less, and am in the process of renovating. It’s a daunting task but I’m so excited to make it my own!
Some of my favorite tips for renters:
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- Don’t listen to the haters and have an open mind about neighborhoods you’re less familiar with that are near your desired areas. Listen, everyone and their mom wants to live in Park Slope – it’s beautiful, convenient, near the park…and incredibly competitive with nearly every rental transaction ending in a bidding war. Going above what you’re comfortable paying isn’t an option for everyone so keep your options open. Priced out of Park Slope – how about Greenwood? No vacancies in Prospect Heights – have you spent time in Crown Heights? Grab a coffee and explore a new neighborhood, you might be pleasantly surprised to find that the area your friend said to avoid because they “went there once 8 years ago and the vibe felt off” has just as much to offer as Williamsburg.
- Be organized and compile your application materials ahead of time. The market moves so quickly, don’t miss out on the perfect apartment because you are waiting for HR to draft an employment letter. Feel free to add a personal touch like writing an introductory letter to the landlord or creating a resume for your dog with a picture and all of their training info – it sounds silly but I have had multiple clients do this and were approved immediately!
- Keep Calm and Carry On – if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. Depending on the apartment, landlords are splitting hairs when it comes to selecting a tenant from a pile of qualified applications. Don’t get too discouraged if you don’t make it to approval, you never know what might happen and your apartment is still out there.
- If you love an apartment that has a busy open house with a ton of interest, offer a minimum of $100 over asking for non-stabilized units if your financial situation allows. Is this fair to renters? In my opinion, a resounding NO. Is this the new normal in the New York rental market? Unfortunately, yes. Some landlords just want to find the right fit but for most, money talks. If you want to seal the deal, bidding over is one of the most useful tools at your disposal to stay competitive in a rental application process.
- Just like human beings, there is no such thing as a perfect apartment. Have clarity on your must-haves/deal breakers and if an apartment you like ticks enough boxes, apply!
- Co-ops and condos are fantastic rental options and worth the longer application process. If you’re not in a rush and can wait a few weeks for full approval, don’t write those listings off!
- Work with a tenant agent – it’s typically not an additional fee, really! If you are going to pay a 15% broker fee on a unit anyway, then you might as well have someone on your team who has your best interests in mind and will go to bat for you to ease the stress of the rental process…and find you off-market listings, schedule showings, compile your application, negotiate on your behalf, provide neighborhood tours, take you to their favorite cafe, and become your new best friend, among other services.
I am incredibly grateful to be part of a community minded, female-led firm and am forever indebted to Victoria for her guidance throughout my entire real estate career thus far. If you or someone you know is looking to rent or become a first-time homeowner in New York, please reach out with any questions, I would love to help!
All my best, Naomi