About Olivia James

Olivia has always thought of the real estate business as one about people and relationships, not just properties. She treats her clients as she would members of her family – with caring dedication, consistency and responsiveness.

This native of Western New York State was first licensed in Chautauqua County in 2007 and went on to obtain her New York City real estate license in early 2011. Before she became a real estate professional, Olivia bought a mixed-use building in Manhattan to enlarge and convert into condos, allowing her to experience the steps and issues involved as a developer, fueling her passion for real estate.


Olivia has excelled in her field and advanced her knowledge and accomplishments earning such prestigious designations as SRES, GRI, CBR, and Licensed NYS Associate Broker. She has garnered vast knowledge of the entire New York market. Olivia spent 16 years on the Upper West Side of Manhattan where she raised her three children, and later enjoyed a pied-a-terre in Carnegie Hill. She also resided in Fort Greene, Brooklyn for six years, and is now a very contented community member of lovely Prospect Park South.


A graduate of Wells College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Olivia went on to earn her MA and PhD, abd, from New York University, Institute of Fine Arts. Her first job out of college was as an IBM computer programmer, and technology has been part of her life for many decades. As a small business owner for 16 years, Olivia learned how to manage employees, work under regulating federal government agencies and build relationships with customers.

On the personal side, she is married to a professional musician and elder caregiver. Olivia enjoys spending time with her adult children and grandchildren, as well as attending opera, theater, ballet and museums in NYC. She also studied several languages and used to be a dedicated horse woman in jumping and dressage, taken up after the age of 30. Olivia loves to cook and reads regularly, often two or three books at a time.