Turning Challenges into Opportunities with James Nelson of Avison Young

Get ready, Skyliners! 

This week, we’re thrilled to bring you an episode spotlighting James Nelson, Principal and Head of Tri-State Investment Sales at Avison Young, WSJ bestselling author of The Insider’s Edge to Real Estate Investing, and host of a podcast by the same name. With over 25 years of experience and more than $5 billion in real estate transactions, James is an unparalleled source of expertise. From his early days as an English major at Colgate to becoming one of New York City’s most respected investment brokers, James shares his remarkable and hard-earned lessons, offering actionable and valuable insights for listeners.

Inside the Episode

James takes us behind the scenes of his innovative approach to real estate brokerage, detailing how his shift from a territorial system to specialization by asset class has transformed his team’s success. From multifamily and office properties to retail and development assets, James’s focused expertise delivers results across New York City’s ever-evolving real estate landscape.

Key Highlights

• The State of NYC Real Estate

Explore James’s expert take on current market trends, including:

• Challenges and opportunities in the multifamily market post-2019 rent reforms.
• The resurgence of retail.
• The potential of office-to-residential conversions to address NYC’s housing crisis.

• The Art of Deal-Making 

Learn James’s practical strategies for successful transactions, including: 

• The critical importance of reputation and transparency.
• How being upfront about challenges can lead to stronger outcomes.
• Creative ways to uncover hidden value in properties, through zoning insights and key relationships.

• Lessons for Aspiring Investors: 

James shares must-know advice for beginners, such as:

• Partnering with experienced professionals.
• Accurately assessing risks.
• Building the right team for long-term success.

Why You Should Listen