I had an excellent experience through Sovereign Associates - specifically through Greg and Andrew. I found Greg's posting on Naked Apartments and instantly wanted to apply for very simple reasons: their post was organized, thorough and displayed sound grammar. (I realize I will probably jinx myself and make an error in my syntax after having said that.) I have always lived in the South (TN, NC, KY) and was a little nervous about the move to NYC. I did a ton of research online and composed a packet of everything my roommate and I needed. For the first two weeks, every appointment with a broker or landlord was met with red flags: insufficient information, poor photos, a lack of full disclosure through misrepresented assets of an apartment, people taking a long time to get back, bait-and-switch rents. Greg (though nobody's perfect) made NO mistakes in our interactions. He was so punctual and quick, but was also patient with all of my questions. The apartment was a no fee apartment too, so I wasn't paying his fee directly - and he still helped me. The one problem with out apartment is that one bedroom is tiny...but Greg led with that.
I could give you a 1,000 more examples of how good the experience was.
His son Andrew was present at the lease signing as well and made me feel super comfortable about everything. I love my apartment, I love my neighborhood and I have a huge amount of respect for my owner. My super is punctual in repairs and very nice as well!
Here is the bottom line - I rented an apartment through Greg and I wish I would have started there. It would have saved me a ton of time. Can't say enough obviously. Call Greg.