Testimonials

Proven Performance, Trusted Results

Testimonials are more than stories—they’re proof points of performance. Real outcomes with measurable impact earned through clear communication, precision planning, and proficient execution. These are the voices of clients who have seen Barclay’s process up close and the results that followed.

“…pairs a sharp, solution-driven mindset with a personable, collaborative spirit.”

Barclay is one of those unique professionals who pairs a sharp, solution-driven mindset with a personable, collaborative spirit. His ability to stay focused on outcomes while operating efficiently across departments made complex marketing initiatives feel seamless. He brings a calm confidence that sets the tone for others and knows how to move a project forward with professionalism and attention to detail.

Kelly Moriwaki

“…navigated complex property operations while maintaining strong relationships.”

I had the pleasure of working with Barclay in the Commercial Property Management department at Chestnut Holdings. His professionalism, expertise, and dedication were consistently impressive. He navigated complex property operations while maintaining strong relationships with tenants, vendors, and colleagues and quickly became a trusted problem-solver on the team.

Chantel Santos

“was able to build high-level relationships and facilitate new opportunities with substantial upside…”

Barclay played a key role on multiple landlord and tenant assignments. He very quickly understands the unique strategies we implement for each project and consistently executes those plans, producing results. He was tasked with soliciting and creating new landlord, developer, and tenant connections, and he was able to build high-level relationships and facilitate new opportunities with substantial upside in each area. In addition, he has delivered in supporting roles on both landlord and tenant representation projects.

Brad Schwarz

“…Barclay’s proactive approach and negotiation skills were the deciding factor in repositioning this property.”

I am pleased to write this recommendation for Barclay Smyly, with whom I had the privilege of working closely at Chestnut Holdings. Throughout our time working together, Barclay consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, a strong work ethic, and remarkable expertise in leasing challenging properties.

One of Barclay’s key strengths is his ability to view challenges as opportunities. He single-handedly carried the entire marketing and leasing of 20 South Broadway in Yonkers, NY—a 140,000+ sq. ft.

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retail, medical, government, and education mixed office building. Ownership’s investments improved the asset, but make no mistake: Barclay’s proactive approach and negotiation skills were the deciding factor in repositioning this property.

Barclay is also a fantastic team player, always willing to offer support, share knowledge, and collaborate to ensure the best outcomes for the team.

Joseph Pascal

“forms lasting and powerful relationships…”

Barclay has a great gift for understanding the needs and desires of his customers and clients. He forms lasting and powerful relationships and uses his knowledge to create solutions tailored to their business real estate needs. I have had the pleasure of knowing, mentoring, and working with Barclay since he started in the real estate industry, and I am continuously impressed by his skills and abilities.

Chris Mitchell

“…welcomed and overcame the many challenges involved in building a profitable book of business…”

I worked with Barclay and saw him entrusted with increasing responsibility in his first few years of commercial retail leasing, learning and growing from a fresh start. He welcomed and overcame the many challenges involved in building a profitable book of business in a very competitive field. I am confident he will continue to exhibit the same hardworking spirit throughout his career.

Brendan Gotch

“Your outstanding record made me very proud to be represented by such a reputable team.”

I want to express my appreciation to Mr. Smyly for the efficient manner in which the lease of my property was handled. Your outstanding record made me very proud to be represented by such a reputable team. Throughout the process, I felt confident in the direction of the negotiations and the quality of the tenants presented, and the outcome has strengthened the long-term value of the asset.

Lotfi Rebbaj

“…diligence and strategic approach increased the income profile of our property...”

After months of marketing and interviewing hundreds of prospective tenants, Barclay delivered a tenant with strong financials and impeccable commercial history. His diligence and strategic approach increased the income profile of our property and meaningfully improved its long-term positioning.

Rudolf Alonzo

“…always acted in a professional manor to keep the processes moving in a positive direction”

I am happy to recommend Mr. Barclay Smyly as an outstanding and diligent agent in representing my commercial spaces at both 718 and 720 10th Avenue, New York NY on my behalf. Mr. Smyly consistently pursued and followed up with potential tenants. He always acted in a professional manner to keep the processes moving in a positive direction. As a result, I have ended up with 2 qualified tenants. I very much appreciated his efforts, which have made my commercial property a profitable success.

Henry Todaro

“…exemplified a great deal of professionalism and attention to detail…”

I am writing to express my appreciation for the outstanding commercial real estate consulting services provided by Mr. Smyly that enabled us to rent our commercial property located at 744 9th Avenue. Mr. Smyly exemplified a great deal of professionalism and attention to detail regarding his analyses and communication during the transaction process. The new tenant of our property is not just a financially responsible individual, but also a famous Japanese restaurant entrepreneur who has made a significant impact on the local community. We are very thankful for Mr. Smyly’s services and look forward to working together for many years to come.

Jung Chun

“…went above and beyond anyone’s expectations…”

Your dedication, patience, and determination were evident from our first interaction. You treated the search as if it were for your own family, going above and beyond expectations and staying fully engaged until the right outcome was secured.

Rick & Paula Kerins

“…delivered a solution that exceeded what we thought was possible in the market..”

In a compressed timeframe, you navigated a challenging search with calm, clarity, and fierce advocacy on our behalf. You negotiated the right terms, reduced our stress, and delivered a solution that exceeded what we thought was possible in the market.

Matt Larsen

“You can tell that he genuinely cares about his clientele and treats you more like family than just a dollar sign.”

I am writing to say that Barclay is the best. He helped me find the perfect apartment without A) showing me listings that didn’t match the criteria I was looking for or B) being pushy in the least. You can tell that he genuinely cares about his clientele and treats you more like family than just a dollar sign. He was wonderful to work with, and I would recommend Barclay without any hesitation.

Stefanie Gordon

“[Barclay] did not stop working after the signature of the contract.”

I am really happy that I found in Barclay a trusted broker and adviser for the real estate market in New York. I truly appreciate that he listened to my needs and requirements and showed me exactly the apartments I was looking for. Moreover, he did not stop working after the signature of the contract and continued to be a very helpful contact during the relocation. I am very thankful to Barclay for helping me find my new home in New York City.

Andreas Pyrcek

“Barclay went above and beyond in helping me… makes you feel more like a friend, not just another client…”

Barclay went above and beyond in helping me find my apartment. You can tell that he really cares about you finding the right place, and he makes you feel more like a friend, not just another client. I would recommend him in a heartbeat to anyone looking to rent in Manhattan. He is truly dedicated to what he does, and that dedication shows through in his service. He also showed me where you really do get the best sandwiches in New York.

Jay Patel

“…I never felt pressured or doubted his genuine honesty.”

In Manhattan, where it costs at least $60 a day to simply shrivel into the fetal position on your bed, you need a grounded broker to find your own piece of the island. Barclay’s approachable demeanor encourages you to better express the sort of shelter you seek.

When working with Barclay, I never felt pressured or doubted his genuine honesty. He’ll design a well-orchestrated schedule of listings so you can educate yourself on the relevant NYC housing market. Thus, when you finally find a place, you’ll know that you’ve made an informed decision.

Wayne Hwang

“[Barclay] was friendly, patient, diligent, and professional.”

We moved to New York City from California, and Barclay did a wonderful job finding us an apartment that not only suited us but was also pet friendly. As one can imagine, finding an apartment in New York is tough, but finding an apartment that will take a dog is even tougher. Barclay worked very hard to identify a very nice apartment for us here in New York City. He was friendly, patient, diligent, and professional. He truly showed he cared, and we really appreciated this.

Art Jalandoni

“Barclay was a very responsive and knowledgeable salesperson…”

Barclay was a very responsive and knowledgeable salesperson. I told him what I wanted, where I wanted to be, and how much I was willing to pay. He immediately understood and showed me places that fit the bill. He definitely knows what he is doing, and I will recommend him to anyone who is looking for a great place to call home.

Billy Joseph

“…the next time I need to move Barclay will be the first call I make.”

Recently, I was offered a new job in lower Manhattan and had to move quickly from the Upper East Side after only living in Manhattan for six months. As a novice, I tried looking at apartments on my own with no luck. I decided to work with an agent, and luckily Barclay responded almost instantly.

We spent the entire day, around my schedule, seeing apartments that I would never have come across on my own and that matched my exact specifications. I could tell that he did a lot of research before our time together, and it really paid off. He answered all of my questions and made me feel like I was his only customer. Although I ended up going with another apartment, the next time I need to move Barclay will be the first call I make.

Aleeza Roth

“Barclay was referred by my HR director… Barclay is truly amazing.”

I really want to take the time to express how thankful my family and I are for Barclay’s assistance in finding an apartment for me. I took a job in the city and started without even having an apartment squared away—thankfully, Barclay was referred by my HR director.

He was very attentive and understood the urgency of finding an apartment. During our first search, he was well prepared, with information on the nearest subways, shopping areas, and how long my commute would be to work. He showed several places, and all of them fit my criteria. Thanks to him, I was able to find a place that same day.

Even weeks after contracts were signed and the deal was closed, I had an issue with my building, and he stepped up—making phone calls and getting me in touch with all the contacts I needed to make sure I was satisfied and happy with my apartment. My mother and I were so relieved and put at ease with his help. Barclay is truly amazing.

Jamila Madyun

“It really didn’t feel like I was with a real estate agent, but like I was with a friend.”

I am writing to express my gratitude and appreciation for the work Barclay Smyly did in finding me an apartment in NYC. I moved to New York in February from Virginia. Even though I wasn’t in the state yet, Barclay learned my needs and wants in an apartment and sent me a number of options that met my criteria.

When I had narrowed them down and came to the city, Barclay was extremely organized and had the day fully planned for touring apartments. At each stop, he explained its proximity to my job and school and shared insights about the area. It genuinely felt like I was working with a friend, not just an agent.

Barclay’s caring attitude and commitment to his clients became even more evident when an apartment I really liked was no longer available. He seemed more disappointed than I was — but that only made him work harder. We ultimately found a place I love and am proud to call home. The first piece of mail I received at my new address was a handwritten note from Barclay congratulating me on my new place — a thoughtful gesture I’ll never forget.

Arielle McCollum

“I haven’t felt this satisfied with service from any other realtor so far in my life.”

My apartment was flooded during Sandy, and I needed a place urgently. Nobody came close to the openness and sincerity that I felt with Barclay. He secured an apartment for us in 48 hours — partly luck, but mostly his savvy questions and ability to narrow down our needs and budget.

I never felt pressured or rushed. I even asked to see apartments beyond my range, and he still complied without hesitation. I haven’t felt this satisfied with service from any other realtor. I’ve been misled in the past, so I wouldn’t bother writing this if Barclay didn’t provide a truly sophisticated experience — a combination of care, intelligence, real-estate expertise, and a warm, human approach that makes you feel valued.

When I move again, I will contact him — though I suspect he’ll reach out first.

Asaar Mairaj

“I would definitely work with Barclay again and have already recommended him to friends.”

I recently had to move within a very short time frame. I really appreciated that Barclay showed me only apartments that fit my criteria. By day two, I had submitted an application on an apartment. Barclay was extremely helpful and did everything he could to expedite the process. After move-in, he followed up to make sure everything went smoothly. He was highly professional throughout. I would definitely work with Barclay again and have already recommended him to friends.

Beth Parise

“…genuinely cares about clients…”

I had a great experience with Barclay Smyly. He genuinely cares about his clients and finding them the best apartment possible. He is very knowledgeable about the NYC apartment landscape. I highly recommend him.

Rachel Katz

“I would highly recommend working with Barclay.”

Barclay is a true professional. He was thorough in his search for apartments that matched my criteria, scheduled viewings efficiently, and had the patience and flexibility to adjust as I learned more about different neighborhoods and housing options. I would highly recommend working with Barclay.

Janet Strackhouse