The Most Bizarre Waste of Time Still trying to wrap my head around the experience I had with “Smart” Realty. My bf and I went to view an apartment in DTLA with the agent, Angela. First red flag: We scheduled our appt for 8AM but received a confirmation text from her that asked if we were still coming to our 10AM appt. So we had to REconfirm…but you know mix ups happen so we weren’t too concerned. Second red flag: When we arrived we were shown two apartments, neither for the actual listing price + photos we saw on the listing. Not a huge jump, but enough to where we gave them the side eye. We ended up loving one of the units and decided to proceed despite the prior inconsistencies. After applying to what we thought was the unit we not only saw but verbally expressed our interest in, it got weirder. She text the both of us saying we were approved for a unit that was about $550 more. When we asked how the price was so different she apologized and said she sent us the wrong application. Again, we asked… HOW?! Her response was that she can’t remember the order in which she shows the units and to give her a brief description. CHILE… Turns out the other unit was rented days before, supposedly the tenant submitted a full application moments after she sent us our application… that. wasn’t.even. for. the. right. unit. LOL!!!! At that point I felt like we were being punkd. She sent us the refunds for our application fee (which I also thought was crazy, but I’ve become immune to outlandish charges in this city) but the damage has been done. What a way to treat a potential tenant/client? She basically told us in so many words that we weren’t important enough to be remembered in her rolodex of other people she only views as dollar signs and bodies to fill spaces. I mean, I get this is a business, but to be treated like we were insignificant was a complete mind 4 letter word. There were a couple red flags to begin with so I wasn’t too surprised when things turned out the way they did. But I see some great reviews on their pages so it’s obvious they can treat some people with decency… but that was FAR from our experience. I really hope no one else ever has to feel that way.

OMA! As in OH MY ALEXIS! This beauty is an incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable agent with integrity. She has the patience of an angel and her negotiation skills are stellar. This is coming from someone who has worked with numerous agents for over 20 years as I am in the industry. It is truly remarkable how much care, concern and compassion she has for her clients. On top of this all...she is very well connected. I gave her a tall order of many factors as I am very picky, so it was over and beyond challenging…plus I had a strict time frame as my son was as starting school. Well she worked her tail off and landed me the best house that exceeded my dreams. There were multiple offers and her master negotiation skills resulted in a major win. My family and I are eternally grateful to her. She has literally changed our lives.

Ok so, I don't normally go out of my way to leave feedback on these sorts of things but if you're in Downtown LA and you're looking for a new place to rent or buy, please please don't hesitate to contact Alex & Alexis (not a typo they're a local couple that help people find lofts). I happen to chance upon one of their listings after an aggravating 2 weeks of hit and miss appointments at rental buildings in the rain and not only did I find exactly what I was looking for, they went out of their way to show me several other options all within walking distance, and all with no to short notice and all of them in my price range. They're well connected in the area and knowledgeable and made the whole process so much easier. Two thumbs up and can't thank you guys enough!!

I recently worked with Alex Caponera. I highly recommend working with him. He knows his stuff and is super honest. We had time to decide so his patient approach to waiting for the best deal was really refreshing. He was able to find us a better apartment for the price than anything I could find on craigslist or any real estate site.

Alex has to be the best leasing agent in all of town!! Not only did he make time for my busy and hectic schedule, he ended up showing me multiple properties that were all exactly what I was looking for and all within reach in affordability. Thank you again for your time and I highly recommend Smart LA Realty and Alex in particular.

Alexis and Alex did an absolutely wonderful job. They showed me a plethora of units that were exactly what I was looking for within my budget. Working with them was an absolute breeze! I highly recommend Smart LA realty. Just moved into my new downtown loft last week and it is incredible. Thank you Alexis and Alex!

Terrible communication, zero professionalism or ethics. Especially Robert McGowan