Finding a real estate agent in New York City is easy. Finding one who actually understands why a 19th-century Renaissance Revival loft in NoHo matters more than a cookie-cutter condo? That’s the hard part. Tay Kim at Compass has carved out a very specific, almost cult-like niche in the NYC market by doing exactly that.
Honestly, most people looking up Tay Kim are doing it because they’ve seen the aesthetic perfection of @TheCreativesAgent on Instagram. It’s a vibe. But there is a lot more to her business than just high-res photos of exposed brick and Philip Johnson fireplaces.
The Reality of Working with Tay Kim at Compass
If you’re expecting a corporate suit, you’ve got the wrong person. Tay Kim (whose licensed name is actually Taehee Kim) operates within The Creatives Agent team at Compass. This isn’t just a catchy brand name. The team specifically targets the "intersecting worlds" of art, fashion, media, and architecture.
Basically, she isn’t just selling square footage. She’s selling a lifestyle to people who actually care about the history of a building. Think 515 Broadway—the old St. Nicholas Hotel from 1853. You don’t sell a place like that by listing the number of bathrooms. You sell it by understanding that it used to be a hallmark of luxury that rivaled Paris when New York was still figuring itself out.
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Why the "Creative" Label Matters
A lot of agents claim to be "design-focused." Tay actually has the background to back it up. Before real estate, she spent time in graphic design, fashion merchandising, and interior design.
This isn't just fluff. When you're trying to move a $12 million co-listing or a $2.5 million loft in NoHo, that eye for staging and "market aesthetics" is the difference between a listing sitting for six months and a bidding war. She’s been a New York resident since 2005, living everywhere from Nolita and the Upper West Side to her current home in Bed-Stuy. She knows the city's bones.
Breaking Down the Stats (2025-2026 Data)
Let’s look at the actual numbers because "vibes" don't close deals. According to recent market data from late 2025 and early 2026, Tay has managed a significant volume of high-end transactions.
- Average Sale Price: Usually hovers around the $2.5 million mark.
- Total Career Sales: Over 34 recorded transactions with a total value exceeding $30 million.
- Neighborhood Specialization: While she’s all over Manhattan, she has a surprising stronghold in Brooklyn's historic districts like Prospect Park South and Ditmas Park.
She’s particularly known for handling historic Victorian single-family homes. It's a weird pivot from SoHo lofts, but it makes sense when you realize both require a deep appreciation for "authentic" architecture.
The Negotiator vs. The Artist
There’s a misconception that creative agents are "soft" on the business side. Kinda the opposite here. Tay is often described by clients as having a "cut-to-the-chase" approach.
She's fluent in Korean, which has allowed her to bridge the gap for international investors and the Korean-American community in NYC. It gives her a reach that a lot of Manhattan-centric agents simply don't have. She isn't just picking out paint colors; she’s navigating the nightmare that is the NYC co-op board approval process.
Notable Recent Listings and Sales
If you've been tracking her lately, a few properties stand out. She was involved with The Wolfhouse by Philip Johnson in Newburgh—a mid-century masterpiece with glass walls and that iconic brick fireplace.
- 21 Bond Street: A classic NoHo full-floor loft that looks like it belongs in a cinema.
- 374 14th Street: A Brooklyn listing that showcased her ability to move property in more residential, family-oriented neighborhoods.
- 207 West 21st Street: A Unit 3F sale in Manhattan that closed recently, proving she’s still very active in the Chelsea/Flatiron corridor.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often assume she only works with "famous" creatives. While her team, @TheCreativesAgent, definitely caters to "esteemed individuals" in the arts, a huge chunk of her business is actually landlord representation and residential portfolio management.
She handles the boring stuff too. The rentals, the property management, the "how do I make this investment work" side of things. It’s not all glamour and art galleries.
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The Challenges of the 2026 Market
Look, the NYC market in 2026 isn't exactly a walk in the park. Interest rates have been a roller coaster, and the "flight to quality" is real. Buyers are picky. They don't just want a "luxury" apartment; they want something with a soul. This plays into Tay’s strengths, but it also means the stakes are higher for every listing.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re considering reaching out to Tay Kim at Compass, you need to be prepared for an agent who is very direct. She isn't going to sugarcoat a property's flaws.
- For Buyers: If you’re looking for a generic new-build condo with zero personality, she might not be your best fit. But if you’re hunting for a "trophy" property with historical significance, check her current listings on the Compass platform or StreetEasy.
- For Sellers: Make sure your property has a story. Tay and her team are experts at "positioning the next chapter." If your home is architecturally unique, leverage her team's Instagram reach (@TheCreativesAgent) which has a massive following in the design world.
- Check the License: Her license is currently active through April 2026 under the name Taehee Kim. You can verify this through the NYS Department of State if you're the type who likes to double-check the paperwork.
The best way to engage is usually a direct inquiry via her Compass profile or Instagram. She tends to work with clients who view their home as their "biggest investment" both financially and aesthetically. Don't go in expecting a standard sales pitch; expect a conversation about light, history, and ROI.