Meet Union Square’s Newest Standout Agent: James Jaquez

This week we spotlight James Jaquez, one of the newest agents to join Brown Harris Stevens’ Union Square Office, coming to BHS from Compass. Known for his heart-led approach and deep experience across both sales and luxury leasing, James brings a relationship-driven perspective to New York City real estate. In his Spotlight interview, he shares why BHS felt like the right home for this next chapter of his business, offers an outlook on the 2026 market, explains what sets him apart, and reflects on the personal values that shape how he shows up for his clients every day.

You recently joined BHS’s Union Square Office after being at Compass and previously Nest Seekers… why did you decide BHS was best for your business?

I joined Brown Harris Stevens because I wanted to be somewhere that truly feels like home. BHS has this genuine sense of community and integrity that you can’t manufacture. It’s a place where people care about their craft, about their clients, and care about each other. After years in fast-paced, high-growth brokerages, I wanted a firm rooted in history, trust, and relationships. BHS gives me the platform to grow my business in a way that feels authentic to who I am, with people I admire and respect.

What is your 2026 NYC Real Estate Market Forecast?

I’m very bullish on the 2026 Real Estate market. My forecast is that it will be a year where people feel more confident making big decisions again. Interest rates are continuing to ease, which will bring a lot of buyers back into the market. Sellers who are realistic and strategic will do very well. Rentals will remain strong, even after the 10%–12% increases that we saw last June after the Fare Act came into effect. This is New York—the energy of the city is like nowhere else.

If you had to come up with something that separates you from the 16,000 other real estate professionals in NYC, what would you say that is?

I’m a storyteller, marketing specialist, and wealth advisor that leads with the heart. I genuinely care about my clients and helping them with every major step in their lives. I’m the person who will pick up the phone at 11 pm if my clients need me. My clients truly feel that I’m on their team, fully, from day one. That trust and competency are what set me apart.

Favorite Dining Spot Downtown? What are you ordering?

My family and I enjoy Delmonico’s, New York’s quintessential steakhouse, which many consider America’s first fine dining restaurant. It was established in 1837, and it’s located in the Financial District. I’m ordering the bone-in ribeye and an Old Fashioned.

You have vast experience in Luxury Leasing over the course of your career—how is the rental market performing right now?

The luxury rental market is still incredibly active. People want great design and a building that feels like a community, not just an address. The best apartments have great light, thoughtful layouts, quality finishes, and are well-priced. That segment of the market remains continuously moving fast. What’s interesting is that a lot of renters are looking for places that feel like home, not just places to live temporarily. The reason is that people are renting for longer periods of time. That emotional element is stronger now than I’ve seen in years.

Share something few know about you.

I’m very introverted outside of work. Real estate pushes me to be “on” constantly, but in my personal time, I love moments with my family, cooking at home, or just going out for a run in either Central Park or Carl Schurz Park.

Share a photo on your camera roll that means a lot to you and share why.

This photo means the world to me; it truly captures my why.

Share a hidden secret in NYC that you swear by that the world should know about.

The Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park—whenever the city feels overwhelming, I go there. It’s quiet, full of greenery, and feels like a private sanctuary. It enables me to think and to tackle any obstacles that I might be facing.

Connect with James at [email protected]