Designing the Future: My Path from Family Homes to New York City Real Estate

Team Member Spotlight: James Mooney III

Real estate has been more than just a career path for me—it’s been a lifelong passion, deeply rooted in the experiences and influences of my childhood. Growing up, I was immersed in the world of property development as my family built several homes from the ground up. We didn’t just own properties; we brought them to life, meticulously managing buildings in New York City and homes across different states. My family also specialized in designing interiors, transforming these houses into spaces that told unique stories. This early exposure to both the technical and artistic aspects of real estate ignited a fascination that would shape my future. The idea that architecture, design, and location could blend together to create something extraordinary fascinated me and laid the foundation for my enduring love of real estate.

As a child, I often found myself captivated by platforms like Zillow, spending hours exploring different listings, analyzing property values, and diving deep into the pulse of neighborhoods. While my friends were playing outside, I was obsessed with understanding what made certain properties more valuable and what trends were emerging in various markets. I became particularly interested in the nuances of neighborhoods—their unique characters, the subtle factors that influenced market dynamics, and how the right property could dramatically shift the potential of an area. This curiosity about real market value, combined with my natural inclination to understand people’s needs, sparked my desire to pursue real estate. I didn’t just want to buy and sell properties; I wanted to understand the very essence of what made each neighborhood unique and how I could help others navigate these intricate landscapes.

During high school, my passion for real estate led me to an internship as an assistant to a local broker, providing me with firsthand exposure to the industry. This experience was a true eye-opener—it was where theory met practice, and I began to understand the real-world application of everything I had been reading and researching. I learned how to work with clients, how to market properties, and, most importantly, how to listen and understand the needs and dreams of buyers and sellers alike. The satisfaction of seeing a client fall in love with a home, or helping a seller achieve a top sale price, gave me an unparalleled sense of fulfillment. This experience reinforced my conviction that real estate was not just a profession but a way to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, guiding them through one of the most significant decisions they would ever make.

My academic journey at Cornell University was the perfect complement to my childhood exposure to real estate. As a graduate in May 2024 of the Nolan School of Hotel Administration with a minor in real estate, I focused my studies on real estate and commercial real estate, with a particular interest in the complexities of financing, property valuation, and the broader economic

trends that shape the industry. I was given the opportunity to design an entirely new neighborhood concept that integrated residential properties with commercial spaces, a project that was as much about innovation as it was about practicality. The experience allowed me to think beyond traditional real estate models and explore the exciting possibilities of mixed-use developments that could redefine how we live, work, and play. It was a pivotal moment in my education, reinforcing my belief in the power of real estate to not only provide homes but to create thriving communities.

In addition to my academic work, I had the privilege of interning with Compass and the Kelly Robinson Team during my senior year at Cornell. Working in New York City’s real estate market was an exhilarating experience, offering me a firsthand look at one of the most competitive and fast-paced markets in the world. The intricacies of the city’s diverse neighborhoods, the high stakes of luxury properties, and the dynamic nature of urban real estate only fueled my excitement for the field. Through this internship, I gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of the market and how to effectively serve clients, tailoring each approach to meet their unique needs.

Now, as I embark on my professional journey in New York City, I am eager to bring my fresh perspective, energy, and deep understanding of both residential and commercial real estate to new clients. I have a deep appreciation for the blend of natural beauty and architectural design, and I look forward to using this appreciation to help clients make informed, strategic decisions in a dynamic and ever-evolving real estate landscape.