Johnny Lal is a leading real estate expert with nearly 30 years of experience in sales and rentals. His success has stemmed from his incomparable knowledge of Manhattan buildings, boards and management companies, particularly below 34th Street, as well as his exemplary sales, service and negotiating skills. Johnny enjoys a constant stream of new and repeat clients, and draws on a vast network who enthusiastically refer him business.
Since joining Citi Habitats in 1988, this real estate veteran has consistently been ranked among the company's top sales and rental agents, with an impressive track record for: completing over 150 transactions per year, closing an outstanding 35 sales in one month, and closing over 5,000 sales and rental transactions in his tenure with the company. His accomplishments have inspired all who know him, and his straightforward, client-focused approach proves to be a winning formula.
Specializing in Manhattan co-ops, condos, townhouses and new developments, Johnny has an intimate knowledge of the city's trendiest neighborhoods and buildings and shows over 300 apartments a month. He doesn't give up until he finds clients the right home, and stays in touch with clients even long after the deal is done via emails, market updates and phone calls. This personalized attention has earned him countless recommendations which account for over 80% of his business.
One of his proudest moments was helping a family find their dream home, an $8.2 million dollar loft in TriBeCa. This is a testament to his sales skills, and his ability to build lasting relationships – as these same clients first rented a home from Johnny, and then returned to him when the time came to buy.
Johnny specializes in the best sales values in Manhattan. He is known for finding the best deals out there and sends new opportunities regularly to all his clients. "These values are so good they are normally underpriced by 20/30%, and I always offer them to my clients first. I only present properties I would consider for my own investments, and would never sell an apartment I would not buy myself."
Johnny has also sold and listed apartments for his managing directors and family members. He has created new records for selling highest price per square foot in any building he has listed in. "I learn the building inside out then market it fully. Maximum marketing and maximum showing always equals maximum price!" His trusted relationships with downtown's largest and most exclusive landlords, management companies and developers enable him to offer clients superb listings, up-to-the-minute information, and insight in some of most sought-after addresses in Manhattan.
Originally from India, Johnny has lived in Manhattan for most of his life, and speaks fluent Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu as well as English.
Time on RentHop: 7 Years 8 Months
