The nadir of their search came when a broker showed them a one-bedroom apartment that was dark and dirty.

A broker showed her two places in an East 84th Street building.

Few outside brokers or buyers showed an interest.

And if two brokers have shown the same space to a tenant, both may have a valid claim on the commission.

The broker would show them places they liked, and then admit that the rent was way over their budget.

If you want a broker to show you homes, find one who has substantial experience and a good reputation in the neighborhood.

They also found that different brokers were showing them the exact same apartments.

A few weeks later, a broker showed them a $2,600 apartment on Second Avenue and East 14th Street.

So when a broker showed her a particularly infamous apartment on Sutton Place a year ago, she didn't flee they way other people had.

A broker they knew showed it to them before the open house.