James Nelson serves as Principal and Head of Avison Young’s Tri-State Investment Sales group based in New York City. Throughout his illustrious 25-year career, James has facilitated the sale of over 500 properties and loans, amassing an impressive total valuation exceeding $5 billion. Since the inception of James’ sales team in 2018, their impressive performance has culminated in closing over 150 sales valued over $2.5 billion.
Beyond his brokerage success, James is also an experienced investor, having launched two real estate funds with an impressive aggregate capitalization surpassing $350 million.
He is an active contributor to the commercial real estate community and regularly imparts valuable industry lessons on his podcast, “The Insider’s Edge to Real Estate Investing” (available on Apple podcasts). His recent book, The Insider’s Edge to Real Estate Investing (available on his website and on Amazon) is a Wall Street Journal bestseller. James also guest lectures on real estate at prominent institutions such as Columbia, Fordham, NYU, Wharton, and his alma mater, Colgate.
James has been recognized as one of Avison Young’s top sales professionals, included in Commercial Observer’s Power 100 and CoStar Power Broker, and awarded the Edward S. Gordan Deal of the Year award presented by REBNY. James has worked with notable clients such as The Archdiocese of New York, Breaking Ground, The Carlyle Group, JP Morgan Chase, Salvation Army, and Vornado, among others.
The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss highlights the stories, successes, and struggles behind major commercial real estate investors. Each episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at commercial real estate leaders and their unique edge.
Hosted by Aaron Y. Strauss, Managing Partner at A.Y. Strauss
Aaron Y. Strauss is one of the leading legal advisors in the commercial real estate industry, providing insight and guidance for billions worth of transactions during his career. As our firm’s founder and managing partner, he has positioned A.Y. Strauss as one of the region’s most respected law firms for commercial real estate owners, lenders and sponsors, serving the needs of our clients with the utmost in care, integrity and transparency.