When I moved back to the city a little over two years ago, I thought I had found the perfect apartment. I called it "My Empire" and loved my newly renovated junior one bedroom with an eat-in kitchen, bathtub, and more closet space than I knew what to do with. Walking distance to work and with every convenience I could think of within a couple blocks, I was so happy with the place and it felt like home instantly. I'm sure I was paying below market value because it was a great size for just me but did not feel cramped when I was no longer alone. Our live-in super took incredible care of the building, was a very nice person, and happened to be a former model. So why would I ever move except if I wanted to buy a place and/or leave NYC???
Well, the building was sold to a new management company which decided that all tenants needed to leave at the end of their respective leases so gut-renovations (as in demolition!) could take place. We were not given much notice and I was in panic mode. Between work, grad school, various social and family fun, self-care, etc., I really did not have much time to look for a new apartment and suddenly realized I needed to leave my apartment in TWO WEEKS! I downloaded the Naked Apartment app on my iPhone (OH BABY!) and saw a posting by Xavier for a place even closer to my office than I am now. I reached out immediately.
My father was a Jesuit so Xavier was a name with significance to him. A family with a son named Xavier moved into one of my family's old homes which seemed like fate at the time, and when I saw that name on the posting, I knew this was going to be good.
I called Xavier on my way to work and within a few hours, he and Kemar had found the next Empire! It even had a few features that were optional to us but much appreciated (ie video intercom), and because I am a student, they were kind enough to give a discount. They also were flexible with my work schedule and just really nice people all around. I was a nervous wreck and my current building is literally a construction site. I was sick a week ago, and decided to take some extra Vitamin C and just go into work because it would be more peaceful.
The hard part is done--I am a minimalist in the truest form as I do not collect things, the men I know tend to have larger wardrobes than I do, and I prioritize art on the walls over furniture. To use my father's words, I prefer to "buy good" and just focus on those items. A friend of mine who is a Zen Buddhist has even marveled over photos of the decor of my current apartment as it seemed aligned to his traditions, although it must be my Scandinavian blood coming through again in my aesthetic taste. Anyway, packing should be a cinch and this Empire is clean (plus they're tearing out the sheet rock anyway). I am beyond relieved that this process was so seamless because even one of my buddies at Dunkin Donuts said I looked uncharacteristically drained. I am so glad I found realtors who made this apartment search so painless. I have encountered other realtors in the past who were aggressive, intentionally took me to apartments that met none of my basic requirements, were insulting, etc.
I was in disbelief when I saw that there really was a real estate agency in NYC with such glowing Yelp reviews but I am proud to give Xavier, Kemar, and DiGiulio Group Real Estate an enthusiastic endorsement too. Thank you so much!!!
I worked with Kemar who was extremely helpful and found me my first NYC apartment. Kemar maintained a lot of patience despite me being very picky. He showed me at least 10 apartments and was honest with me with my expectations and budget. What i wanted for my price range was very hard to find, but Kemar never gave up. He also was extremely helpful during the application process and went to great lengths to make it work. I would 100% recommend Kemar and DiGuilio RE Group !