As a first-time renter and newcomer to NYC, I had such a positive experience with CitiHabitats. After trying and failing for days to find an apartment in my price range using StreetEasy, PadMapper, etc to connect with other brokers, this company was like a breath of fresh air. Extremely professional and organized - really made me feel like I was in good hands. Every step of the process felt transparent and un-scammy. They really worked with me patiently despite my own unique obstacles (paperwork issues, banking troubles, etc. - I was probably not the easiest client and yet they did not bat an eyelash). My initial and primary contact at CitiHabitats was Isaiah Dunn, who was attentive, friendly, professional, and generally made me feel comfortable and taken care of. He expertly took us from place to place and was really consistent about teasing out my specific apartment needs, likes, dislikes etc. to give me the best possible experience. During the whole process, Isaiah kept up a stream of contact with his colleagues back at the office - Louis Tsai and Sabra Nasri - communicating my needs in real time so that they could do research, make calls, etc on my behalf. Louis and Sabra were both incredibly friendly and efficient - they answered all the questions I had and really made me feel like they were on my side, not just trying to sell me the first apartment that came along. If you can afford the brokers fee (~15% of a year’s rent, depending) I would highly recommend CitiHabitats to my friends and family who are apartment hunting in NYC.

As a CA real estate license holder, I thought I could relocate from LA to Manhattan fee-free while still working full-time with nothing but grit, negotiation theory, and a strong internet connection. After meeting two agents in person and developing four non-committal long-distance relationships, I finally encountered Louis, who was the very first to take control of my process, set realistic expectations, and define an agent-client relationship that would yield actual results. One hundred percent remotely, he not only found me the apartment that fit my fantastical criteria and hard limitations, but also negotiated on my behalf what I presumed to be fixed signing and lease terms. He was extremely responsive, even with the three-hour time difference, and was an absolute dream to work with. He's earned my trust and my endorsement 100%.

Both times I've looked for apartments, the first one Louis Tsai showed me was the best, even though I hardly even knew what I wanted the first time. The second time I was interested in a lease break, and an hour after seeing it I was meeting the tenant's agent. Louis is very quick and was good at filtering away all the apartments I probably wouldn't like. I'd definitely recommend calling him as the first step in your search if he's available.

Louis Tsai was incredibly thorough and professional when showing us around. He navigated our indecisiveness and general ignorance of the housing market very well, and made our apartment shopping a very efficient and enjoyable process. Would recommend to anyone looking to rent an apartment in NYC.

Louis is a great agent to work with. He found me exactly what I was looking for in an apartment in just one day! He’s extremely thorough and truly wants to make sure you find the home that’s right for you. I’d absolutely work with Louis again, and highly recommend anyone looking for a new home to reach out to him.