BHS broker offers to market Madoffs' apartment pro bono
July 20, 2009 12:30PM
John Burger
Since seizing Bernard and Ruth Madoff's apartment at 133 East 64th Street on July 2, federal marshals have been considering brokers' proposals to market the unit. The proceeds of the sale will go to the victims of Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme. Broker John Burger, senior vice president and managing director at Brown Harris Stevens, offered to sell the unit pro bono, foregoing a commission that could be 5 or 6 percent of the unit's sale price. But Burger said he was told government rules prevented the marshals from accepting pro bono offers. Burger said the apartment would go on the market for about $7 million.
[NYT]
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Comments
Anti Trust
In my opinion that offer could violate the Anti Trust laws.
Comment #1 Posted By: Anti Trust 07/20/09
Anonymous
he also offers to represent Michael Vick Pro Bowler
Comment #2 Posted By: Anonymous 07/20/09
Anonymous
Would he be paying for the co-broker commission out of his pocket? It does not make any sense, is this a real article or advertising?
Comment #3 Posted By: Anonymous 07/20/09
Anonymous
What a jerk.
Comment #4 Posted By: Anonymous 07/20/09
Anonymous
"The proceeds of the sale will go to the victims of Madoff's Ponzi scheme". How is that bad? And if he can't do it pro bono, then do it for $1.
Comment #5 Posted By: Anonymous 07/20/09
Anonymous
He should not only cut his personal commission, but also BHS should agree to do the same and then impose to the buyer's broker to give away the commission too....
Comment #6 Posted By: Anonymous 07/20/09
Anonymous
In this down economy, why don't all brokers forego commissions on all sales and rentals?
Comment #7 Posted By: Anonymous 07/20/09
Anonymous
What a tool.
Comment #8 Posted By: Anonymous 07/20/09
Anonymous
#7 you're a focking idiot. Why don't attorneys stop charging too. Hell, let's just ask all the teachers in schools and policemen on the streets to stop reciving salaries, yeah that really solves problems. You're a f0cking moron and even dumber than Burger.
Comment #9 Posted By: Anonymous 07/20/09
Anonymous
Come on, John Burger - Were you really that desperate for publicity?Surely you're aware that there's absolutely no way to make such an arrangement work. Last I checked, you don't own BHS, so it's highly doubtful they would back you up in your charitable intentions...
Comment #10 Posted By: Anonymous 07/20/09
Anonymous
You get what you pay for!
Comment #11 Posted By: Anonymous 07/20/09
Anonymous
john = marketing genius
Comment #12 Posted By: Anonymous 07/20/09
Anonymous
John Burger does not need publicity and I am sure he does not seek it out. He is incredibly consientious and one of the most sucessful brokers in the industry. The fact that he is willing to reach out to the people effected by Madoff's deplorable behavior speaks to John's charachter. The industry would benefit greatly if brokers worked half as hard as John does.
Comment #13 Posted By: Anonymous 07/20/09
Anonymous
it wasn't such a bad idea
Comment #14 Posted By: Anonymous 07/20/09
Anonymous
it;s a good idea. He can meet potential purchasers and sell them a property that he gets his full 6% it's quite clever. Plus the PR
Comment #15 Posted By: Anonymous 07/20/09
Anonymous
Oh John save the day! We know PR has nothing to do with that one. This is not news.
Comment #16 Posted By: Anonymous 07/21/09
Anonymous
Why #6? Because Madoff ripped people off brokers that had nothing to do with his scheme should work for free? Brilliant. Maybe we should decide to cap salaries and bonuses too? Socialist! I applaud John's effort.
Comment #17 Posted By: Anonymous 07/21/09
Anonymous
free advertising for himself. he knows that the gov't can't accept something for nothing. It is only politicians that take something for nothing.
Comment #18 Posted By: Anonymous 07/22/09
Anonymous
John Burger is the lowest kind of creature, He no more want to help Madoff victims that Ruth Madaff. What a major jerk. There are so many people in this city that are in dire straights maybe they should all start calling Brown Harris Stevens and asking for some of their largest!!!!!!
Comment #19 Posted By: Anonymous 07/22/09
Anonymous
good one #18
Comment #20 Posted By: Anonymous 07/23/09