I would totally recommend Dan Patzelt, or as my roommates and I call him, realtor Dan.  He was extremely helpful in our apartment hunt process and definitely gave us the insider tips to truly find what we all wanted.  The best part was that he was very accommodating, being able to meet with us and answer our questions quickly and efficiently.

I do not know about havard ave realty as a whole, but I can tell you choosing realtor Dan will not be a mistake.

  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.

  I'm a little confused and disappointed that others on this page have given Harvard Ave Realty such poor reviews. In my experience this agency is as good as it gets. I came to Boston University last summer to take some summer classes - also Boston has been on my list of places to visit for some time. Harvard Ave Realty was incredibly helpful and accommodating in my search for a short term rental for the summer. What I appreciated the most was that this whole process was entirely last minute and yet they still managed to help me find a great apartment close to campus - and within my budget! I would highly recommend Harvard Ave Realty to anyone searching for an apartment in the Boston area. 5 stars!

  I had the opportunity to work with Orit and I had a great experience. I can't say enough good things about Orit that haven't been said before -- the reviews are great because Orit is great! Next time I move, she will be the first agent I call.

  I really wish I could give this place less than one star. I just saw an ad posted yesterday for what was described as a studio in Brighton for $875 or something. I called the number and the guy who answered, who did not give his name, rudely informed me that the apartment was actually a shared two bedroom looking for a roommate, and that it was already taken. He asked what I'm looking for, and I said I'd prefer a one bedroom or studio since we're a couple with a dog. He then laughed out loud and smugly said "I'm sure I'm not the only person to tell you this, but you're going to have to realllly lower your expectations if you think you're going to find a place, ha!" Really?! What an unprofessional, derogatory response. If he hadn't responded in such an obnoxious way, I would have told him that my budget is far higher than $800 something/month, and maybe he could have found me something that met my apparently laughable criteria. Rather than explain that, I told him I wouldn't be giving my business to such a huge douche and hung up on him. He then called me back from his cell phone to say that he didn't mean to be rude and made some attempts to secure my business. I asked if I could talk to his manager, to which he replied "uh... I actually am the manager" (which I highly, highly doubt). I told him not to laugh at potential clients and hung up again.

Don't give these assholes your business. Not only do they routinely engage in false advertising, their uppity agents laugh at customers seeking their business. I don't think it gets much worse than these guys.