James Nelson brings to every real estate transaction he works on the determination to win, the tenacity and hard work to succeed, and the confidence that comes from years of experience in the field. At Massey Knakal Realty Services since 1998 and a partner since 2004, James has been involved in the sale of more than 200 properties and loans with an aggregate value of over $1.3 billion. He has won numerous awards and been recognized for his well earned success both inside Massey Knakal, as well as by his peers in the real estate community. In April, he was included by The Real Deal as one of the Top 35 and Under NYC Real Estate Players and was recently ranked as the #1 Top NYC Deal Maker by LoopNet, an on-line Commercial Real Estate Publication.
His market knowledge extends across a wide range of properties including townhouses, apartment buildings, retail stores, and development sites. James thrives on challenge. He recently brokered the sale of a $33 million residential conversion in the West Village. Creativity, patience, and attention to detail paid off as the contract, signed in 2007 finally closed in 2011.
He credits his success to a work ethic ingrained in him since his days as captain of his college swim team and more recently as a triathlete. Never giving up with a finish line clearly in his sights, James has been his firm’s top producer for 4 of the past 5 years, surpassed only by the founding partners. His access to the largest audience of qualified bidders enabled him to successfully close on the $34 million Bleeker Street retail portfolio, garnering the third highest price per square foot ever paid in the U.S. at that time.
Although James represents sellers, his sense of fair game, transparency, and integrity guide him to create win/win situations for both buyers and sellers. His depth of knowledge, extensive buyer outreach, and honest feedback result in properly priced properties, widest exposure to qualified, motivated buyers, an extensive inventory, the highest closing prices and timely results.
James works with a dedicated team of seven associates who help support his business. The most senior include David Fowler, Caroline Hannigan, Mitchell Levine and Matt Nickerson.
His noteworthy sales have included: 102-08 West 57th Street to Hilton Land Vacations for $63,000,000; 625 Broadway for $60,900,000; The Portman Portfolio for $55,000,000; the 99 year land lease of 10-12 Bond Street valued at over $60,000,000; the Bleecker Street Retail Portfolio for $34,000,000; and the former VillageCare Nursing Home for slightly over $33,000,000.
His client list includes The Archdiocese of New York, Bank of America, Beck Street Capital, The Lefrak Organization, Related Companies, Time Equities, US Bank, Village Care of New York, Wells Fargo, The Witkoff Group, Zeckendorf Development, as well as many private individuals.
James’ involvement in the real estate community extends beyond the walls of Massey Knakal. He has taught as an adjunct professor and is currently a guest lecturer at New York University’s Continuing Education program. He is a member, panelist, and instructor for the Real Estate Board of New York. He has been quoted and has been a source for articles on real estate in the New York Times, New York Post, New York Magazine, Real Estate Weekly and Mann Report. He is a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association of New York, NAOIP, National Realty Club, and the Young Real Estate Professionals.
The need to give back to the community and to those who need a helping hand was an early call for James. In 2004, he joined the Board of Directors of The Catalog for Giving, moving onto the Executive Committee as Vice President of the Development Committee in 2005. The Catalog for Giving is a NYC non-profit that provides funding to 10 local charities devoted to at-risk youths through a variety of programs that include education, mentorship, extra-curricular activities, and the opportunity to expand their horizons beyond their immediate neighborhoods. James has also been honored by the Varardi Ovarian Initiative for Cancer Education (VOICE) as their corporate honoree.
James graduated from St. Andrew's Boarding School in Middletown, DE in 1994 and Colgate University in 1998 where he received a degree in English. Originally from Bethesda, MD, he and his wife, Allison, live in Old Greenwich, CT with their sons, Luke, Austin and Trevor. He can be reached in the Manhattan office at 212.696.2500 x7710.