Like many, I abhor the Boston housing market. And I find the brokerage system to be borderline criminal, so I'm not often warm towards realtors. But Orit Aviv was different, and tremendously helpful. She did not push an apartment, and seemed honest about its ups and downs. Those are not givens, and good signs-- but where she really impressed me was putting together the paperwork that same day and pushing the deal through. It made the hassle factor for me significantly, significantly less. If I'm ever looking in Boston again, I'd call Orit rather than look through listings. Really that good.

  After the huge storm and flood in the first week of the year, I unexpectedly found myself without a car or a safe and stable place to live. I had not been planning on moving, and I was super overwhelmed as I started to look through Craigslist. Luckily, the second apartment I saw was shown to me by Orit from Harvard Realty, and I quickly knew it was a great apartment in a perfect neighborhood for me. In less than four days, I went from anxiously apartment hunting to signing a lease. Orit was shocked and very understanding when I explained my situation, and worked with me to get everything settled ASAP.

  I can only say amazing things about David and his team! Professional and get the job done!! David has found amazing tenants for my units for the past 3 years and any time there was an issue, all calls or emails were answered promptly - Professional and a pleasure to work with! They take the stress out of the hands of the landlord and even make the moving or changing of tenants process an easy one! I recommend Harvard Ave Realty for landlords and tenants!!!!

  I had a great experience working with David. He was on time for my appointment and even stayed a little later than he normally does to show me a place and accommodate my schedule. He was honest about both apartments that he showed me, both the positive and potential downside, but I loved one and ended up signing a lease that night. I was lucky because the building works exclusively with him. He wasn't pushy like most other realtors that I've dealt with. It was a really pleasant process, and I will be recommending him to anyone that needs a realtor.

  My two roommates and I had a great experience with Maurika. Seems like the one-star reviews concern other realtors, so I'd recommend asking for her when you call! My two roommates and I got a really cute and affordable 2-bed with a roof deck through Harvard Ave.

Maurika was very flexible with timing, and organized both a viewing and a lease signing after work hours, making it really convenient for us. She put us in contact with the current tenants, and we were able to negotiate over taking some of their furniture. She also helped us negotiate with the landlord about having an extra roommate when he originally only wanted to rent to two people. Additionally, she gave us her phone number and was happy to take calls outside of work hours. Maurika was able to meet us right at the apartment to get the keys instead of the office.

The only issues we had were that we only got one set of keys, which was inconvenient, and we weren't entirely solid about move-in time until the day before. It was a Sept. 1 move, though, so that's how those things go. Anyway, that's why Harvard Ave is 4, not 5, stars.

Overall a great experience! Would definitely work with Maurika again for housing in Brookline/Allston.