Jacob Realty Inc

Finding an apartment in Boston is impossible, and it seems as though most brokers know this and do their best used-car-dealer impression to sign you to a place in which you are not interested. My experience with Jacob Realty was quite refreshing. Our agent Dave Saggasse was experienced, professional and he worked with us on finding a place that we wanted; didn't show us anything that wouldn't interest us, therefore not wasting our time or his. He genuinely cared about our long term happiness and was almost quicker than I was in saying NO to listings he didn't think would work. Most importantly was that I felt good at the end of the day - not swindled, not anxious, and not feeling like i took our new place just to have something. Long story short - Jacob Realty is the place to go to find great units. The people at Jacob Realty help so much through this process. They are very knowledgeable and willing to be flexible as far as timing goes and working a deal until you get the apartment that you deserve. Dave and his manager Tony went above beyond what was called for to help. They both called the landlord several times and worked out us taking the apartment in the middle of October, which in essence gave us 10 days free of rent. I would recommend them highly.

Posted 02/25/09 | Report Abuse

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After having an agent cancel twice while we were on the way to meet him we finally gave up. The agent responded with a very nasty email saying we were being unreasonable. Snow and car trouble does happen but you probably would have found out about them more than 20 minutes before you were supposed to be somewhere considering you admitted your commute was over 20 minutes.

The agent's boss tried to make things right but we had had enough of getting jerked around by this company.

Posted 06/23/08 | Report Abuse

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Boston has always been one of my favorite cities to visit. Yeah, the people are sometimes mean and the traffic sucks, but the town is full of history and culture and the sports teams rock. So when I had a job offer in Boston, I decided to take it. I had always wanted to live here. The office I was going to work for is located in the prudential building, so I decided I wanted to live in the surrounding neighborhood. Hopefully walking distance to the office. I called Jacob because of their location being so close to the Prudential towers. Their agent, Samantha, seemed to know a lot about the Boston real estate market, specially the Back Bay area. I was very excited to hear that some local celebrities lived in the neighborhood I was interested in!

To make a long story short, it took me sometime to find something I was comfortable with; Samantha had to be patient with me. But I ended up living in a beautiful building called the Greenhouse only a few steps from the office. I love the apartment I live in and I have Samantha to thank for.

Posted 05/01/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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This is probably the worst real estate company in Boston. I agree these reviews are completely false. Our agent there lied about availablility, price, and everything else to try to pressure us into signing an application. Don't fall for it. Don't go there. Steer Clear.

Posted 04/25/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Im glad to see this agency is getting good reviews, they deserve it! A few years back, I wanted to move my hair salon business from Framingham to the heart of the city. Many of the big time commercial brokers shrugged me off because I wasnt looking to spend $10,000 a month on a lease in Boston! I called Matt at Jacob Realty and he was excellent . Matt told me that it is often difficult for small business owners to find commercial spaces in Boston because the big commercial agents aren't interested in smaller commissions. However Matt took charge and said he could help me find a place. Matt told me that he would literally have to go and knock door to door to find me a place. He said a lot of leases you have to find out literally months or years in advance! I was shocked!

Matt took me to several commercial spaces in some of the citys busiest streets, all within my price range! Matt said this one will be available in nine months; this one will be available in six months, etc. Matt's office, Jacob Realty is located on Newbury Street and I must say that while parking was a pain the shops and people were very entertaining to look at. Going to Newbury Street is an adventure in and of itself. Matt was very courteous and patient with me (Im sure he needed all of it to deal with my wants and needs) I wont leave the name of my business here because the purpose of the review is not to advertise my own store, but the location I chose close to Northeastern University is perfect for my salon and weve been very successful there. You might have seen me in the Boston Magazine two months ago. Matt probably doesnt even know it, but Ive sent many referrals his way! Thanks Matt and Jacob, I wish you all the best! Oh ya, even though you told me you were a Giants fan I won't hold it against you :)

Posted 01/10/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Anyone that has ever purchased a home knows that the first transaction is a very emotional experience. We chose Jacob realty as a buyers agency because of a mix of several factors such as a very informative website, great listings, fantastic Newbury Street location and last but not least talking over the phone with Tony, one of the partners of the office. We decided that they were a good fit for us. I was sincerely surprised to learn that this was only Tonys 5th year in the business, as he excelled in knowledge and professionalism. Moreover, the knowledge that he had made me think he had been doing this all his life; he literally could point to any and every building as we walked around and he would tell you who owned it and the story behind it etc. We were interested in the Back Bay and South End and Tony went out of his way to drive us around the town so that we could see some of the historical landmarks and other Boston neighborhoods simply to compare different look and feel of shops and amenities .

I believe that it is priceless to have an agent that you can truly trust, especially when buying your first home or condo . Tony even told us that we were offering too high of a price when we finally found a condo that we fell in love with. He told us that in the current market conditions, the sellers could be persuaded to accept a lower offer. This is priceless because we all know that agents get paid a commission of the total sale, so in suggesting this, Tony was losing money! Although when the owner of the condo accepted our lower offer, Tony gained lifelong clients and friends!

The reason Im writing this review is because Tony not only sent us a beautiful gift basket after we moved in, he showed us he really cared by actually driving in front of us in his car and we followed him in our car as he pointed out fastest rout for us to get to work from our new home, shaving several minutes off our commute! If anyone could make first time home owner feel at easy, Tony from Jacob realty would be the person to do it!

Posted 01/07/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Prior to finding Jacob, my search for an apartment was hell. Multiple Realtors had taken me to very few properties. I had been exhausted by all the walking around in vain. I spoke with Chris at Jacob and he assured me he'd find me a property. During our search, we had logistic issues due to my wife not being able to fly into Boston with me, she'd have to see the properties I liked at another time. I told Chris that I'd be in on Saturday and he met me that morning with a list of 20 properties.

I was impressed with his willingness to show me all of them. The following weekend we met again and the 5 properties I had liked where shown to my wife. My agent's patience was tested when my wife turned down all 5 of my choices. Instead of being annoyed with the situation,

Chris picked up his phone and began contacting his office and all landlords he knew in the area. In no time we had another list of different choices and we chose a place that same day! As long as I live in Boston, my friends and coworkers will always hear about this office.

Posted 12/04/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I was suppose to meet with one of the agents at an apartment I was interested in. I called her on my way there she didnt pick up. She wasnt there so I called again and she picked up.
Instead of apologizing, she said the place was taken and that I was suppose to call her before I was leaving, as if turning the blame on me for wasting my time in the cold (eventhough I did call and she didnt pick up before). She said she didnt have my phone number. A good agent wouldve asked for my number when we first spoke. A better agent wouldve came to meet me regardless of whether the place was taken or not when she realized she couldnt get in touch with a client.
I shoudlve known it earlier for when we first spoke she didnt seem to want to help out at all. I am very upset with my experience with jacob realty and will never look into it and I discourage you as well.
I dont want anybody to be upset and waste their time like I did.

p.s. I totally agree with the guy who posted below me. its a scam.

Posted 11/28/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Being a busy professional (VP of Marketing) I have very little time to dedicate to my apartment search every time I need to relocate. On my move to Boston, I took a chance and called Chris Parnell at Jacob Realty from an online advertisement I had seen (I think Craigslist). First off, he was able to fit me in the next afternoon (working around my schedule). We toured around for 4 and a half hours and saw every "luxury" property that fit my needs in Downtown and Back Bay. I found the perfect apartment and could not be any more satisfied! He goes beyond any effort I have ever received from a real estate agent. His knowledge of the luxury market is impeccable and extremely helpful (especially being new to the area). I have since recommended him to all my co-workers and will be using him again when I decide on purchasing.

Posted 06/06/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I am relocating to Boston, and contacted Jacob Reality after finding them on the web. The first real estate agent that I contacted cancelled our first appointment last minute, and rescheduled for the next day. I waited where we were supposed to meet for 45 minutes before I had to contact the office to get in touch with her because she would not answer her cell phone. After an hour she finally called me back, and informed me that she needed to reschedule again. I decided to contact the office to try and find someone else who could help me. The person who I spoke with was very apologetic, and stated that he would make up for what happened, and help me find a place. The following weekend I met with him, and he was extremely rude, confrontational, and argumentative. He even offered the apartment that I was viewing to a current tenant, so that they could upgrade. It was the most disappointing and unprofessional experience that I have ever had, and after viewing 3 apartments I decided that enough of my time had been wasted and left. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND JACOB REALTY TO ANYONE!

Posted 05/07/07 | Report Abuse

2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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I was very impressed with Jacob Realtys entire setup, from their website to their agents to the apartments I was shown. Everything went so smoothly it was a miracle! Ive had some bad experiences with some other agencies, so I can say with confidence that Jacob is one of the best around. Their website, www.jacobrealty.com, has an absolutely huge database with what seems like billions of listings everywhere in and around Boston. The agent we worked withChriswas fabulous, taking the time to help us find the perfect place and really made my roommates and I feel like like top priority with the undivided attention we were given. VERY highly recommended!

Posted 03/20/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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I have used Jacob Realty twice recently. Both times were to purchase homes. Rick, my realtor, was fantastic. He made the process simple, stress-free and efficient. As I client, my needs and wants were listened to and followed. Overall, my experience was a great one and I would refer Jacob Realty to anyone. Rick and his team went above and beyond and I am very thankful.

Posted 02/17/06 | Report Abuse

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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I tried 5 other realties which led to nothing but frustration. Then a friend recommended Jacob Realty. The agents there listened to what I wanted from the start and were honest about prices. The whole process was quick and uncomplicated. Now I have a great place, in a convenient location, in a fantastic building, at a fair price! They even helped me find local companies for my cable, internet, and phone services. This is the company to go to if you're looking for a place in the Boston area.

PROS: Friendly & smart staff, central boston location
CONS:

Posted 02/16/06 | Report Abuse

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Jacob Realty was very helpful in my apartment hunt. They have TONS of listings in the back bay, fenway/ kenmore, symphony hall areas. Our agent, Jennifer, was very informative and patient with us in making the right decision. She spent time and effort before we met picking out places that fit all or most of our criteria. There were several other agencies that we were with before that wasted our time showing us stuff that did not apply- (There is nothing more annoying than going out to see places that are really not in your price range or are too far away!) Overall, our experience was enjoyable, and we would use them again in the future! If you are looking for a place, and need help, stop in to Jacob and ask for her help!

PROS: knowledgeable, helpful, and very friendly.
CONS:

Posted 02/09/06 | Report Abuse

0 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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I was very satisfied with the service I recieved from Jacob Realty. They listened to what requirements I was looking for in an apartment and showed me places that fit in my criteria. I would recommend their service to others.

Posted 02/09/06 | Report Abuse

1 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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My boyfriend and I were on a search for apartments when we inquired with Jacob Realty. They lied to us about having apartments that met our criteria, so we agreed to meet with them to look at a few places. After looking at 5 places that were either too small, too expensive, or didnt allow pets (which was one of my requirements), it became obvious to us that they didnt know what they were doing. The realtors that bought us out were high-pressure sales people, yet they clearly didnt understand their customers. After they wasted 2 hours of our time, my boyfriend and I lied to them and said we were going to dinner just to get away from them and their sales pitch trying to sell us on horrible apartments. I would never use these people again.

PROS: None
CONS: Horrible Sales People, Don't listen to customers, liars

Posted 11/14/05 | Report Abuse

2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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