Social Media
Specialties
Buyer's Agent, Listing Agent, Relocation,
Property Management, Residential,
Luxury, Investment Properties, Condominiums, Co-ops
Languages: English, Tagalog (Filipino)
Property Management, Residential,
Luxury, Investment Properties, Condominiums, Co-ops
Languages: English, Tagalog (Filipino)
About JR
I closed my first apartment deal in New York City at 19 years old. Since then, I have helped over 3,000 families and individuals find their home– and I’m confident I can help you find yours too.
Having lived in New York City for over three decades in several neighborhoods, I believe the Big Apple is the greatest city to live, work, play, and grow. With over 25 years of experience, I’ve dedicated my entire professional life to finding the best homes in the tri-state area for local and international clients, multinational corporations, broadway productions and United Nation dignitaries. I’ve closed more than $100M+ in rentals in over 3,000 homes and $300M+ in sales in over 300+ homes.
Selling a mansion to be used as a retreat house to my alma mater, Fordham University, was my most memorable sale to this day. It allowed me to give back to a place that shaped who I am. As a homeowner and investor myself, I understand how people want to be treated; this work philosophy has helped me cultivate and maintain strong relationships with a large diverse client base. With service and hospitality at the heart of my work, my top priority is to ensure finding your home is stress free, smooth, and efficient. Witnessing my clients grow to achieve their real estate goals and dreams is especially rewarding, and I hope to do the same for you.
I currently live by Central Park South with my wife and young daughter. In my leisure time, you will find me hunting for a specialty coffee shop, playing board games, strolling around a museum, enjoying tennis at the US Open, or cheering for my New York Knicks.
Testimonials
★★★★★
Danika G.
Midtown West, NY
JR is simply the best! As a first-time buyer, I felt so supported every step of the way. He gave thoughtful and honest advice tailored to my needs. He was incredibly organized, attentive, and always stayed one step ahead. He always responded right away, followed up proactively, and connected me with great recommendations for an attorney, insurance, etc.
He showed up for every key moment and even sat with me at the closing table to ensure everything went smoothly and that I had all the support I needed. Buying your first apartment can feel overwhelming, but JR made the entire process easy and seamless from start to finish. Truly top-notch service!
★★★★★
Laurie F.
Tribeca, NY
I worked with JR on finding my first home in Manhattan - during a pandemic - and I could not have had a better/more positive experience. I knew next to nothing about home buying and right from the start JR took the time to answer every question I had. He was extremely organized and worked with my budget/location/must-have's/schedule to view apartments. Even after we saw the "One" early on in the process, he still showed me the remaining listings so I could be as confident as possible in my purchase. His negotiating expertise led to an accepted offer pretty quickly at a price I was more than comfortable and happy where I felt I got a good deal. JR also helped me through the mortgage, condo application, and closing process. Even after close, his customer service didn't stop there as he then had recommendations for contractors etc for work I wanted done on the apartment. Overall I would highly recommend JR b/c I really had a wonderful experience from start to finish!
★★★★★
Annika Y.
Upper West Side, NY
As a first-time buyer new to NYC, I honestly don’t know how I would’ve done this without JR and BT NY Realty. JR made the whole process feel manageable and even enjoyable. He went line by line through every document and contract so I actually understood what I was signing, and he was so detail-oriented that he even checked things like whether the cabinet doors had soft-close hinges.
What really set him apart, though, was how much he listened to what I wanted in a home and neighborhood. I told him I wanted to be near a good grocery store, close to gyms I actually like, with easy transit to work, and he matched me with a place that ticked every box. He even pointed out little things I wouldn’t have thought of, like which shops were nearby, what the streets felt like at different times of day, and how the neighborhood might change over the next few years.
On top of that, JR gave me a crash course in NYC real estate: everything from the history of some of the buildings we toured to the quirks of NYC housing policy and trends. As someone brand new to the city, that knowledge was huge in helping me feel at home and confident in my decision.
If you want someone who’s not only professional and thorough but also genuinely invested in making sure you find the right fit, I can’t recommend JR enough.
★★★★★
Judy O.
Phoenix, AZ
I had the best experience in successfully selling our NYC family-owned condo through JR Rivera and their very efficient BT team. Everything went very smoothly. JR made sure you get the best price for your real estate and they go out of their way to provide an A+ service. They were very detail-oriented in the entire sale process from marketing your apartment from the photo shoots, open houses, advertising, advice on how to get the best value of your property. Really very impressed and delighted with the entire BT team for representing us.
As a side note, I originally had an agent from ***** representing us before I was introduced to JR. My experience with ***** agent was horrible. He took very lousy pictures of the condo and did not do a good job marketing the property. I eventually had to pull it out of
the market. Fortunately, I met JR and that made ALL the difference!!! Thanks so much again to JR and the entire BT team. You are the BEST!
★★★★★
Albert M.
New Hyde Park, NY
I met JR seven years ago during the closing our a property we purchased in the City. Since that time, i have had the opportunity of building a relationship with him as a Real Estate Broker and as a friend. As a broker he genuinely represents the best interests of his
clients. On a personal level, he gives sound advice that speaks of his experience in the real estate field. When we decided to put our property in the market, he diligently went through the process and our property was under contract in less than a week.
★★★★★
Carmen S.
Midtown East, NY
As an incoming international student in the US, I was initially apprehensive when looking for apartments in New York City. However, with the help of JR Rivera and his team, I was able to find a new home that ticked everything I wanted and more! He helped me through every step of the process - from finding prospective apartments to rent, submitting an application to condominium management, and moving in! Would highly recommend JR Rivera and the BT NY Realty! They really do care for their clients and are a pleasure to work with!
★★★★★
Micaela P.
Barcelona, Spain
It was nerve-wracking trying to find an apartment for my daughter in NYC in less than a month and during summer at that! So many other students were coming in grabbing up apartments and the remote workers were returning to the city too. Thanks to JR for managing to find us a great deal in such a competitive market!! He found a spacious, brand new apartment in a great location at a very reasonable price point!! He led us thru the application process and guided us thru the lease contract up to the
signing process. Definitely recommending JR and his team.
★★★★★
Chuqiao Z.
Midtown, NY
I contacted JR through StreetEasy, and he helped me find my first apartment in NYC in a prime location, with excellent amenities, and for a great value. Below are a few highlights:
1. Everything is clear and straightforward from the beginning to the end. There's no hidden fee or any "surprise" element. JR's team will not induce you to sign a deal by showing you an artificially low net rent and then surprise you with a higher number on the actual lease
agreement.
2. JR is always ready and available to answer your questions. If your application is subject to any third party's review (e.g., the board of a condo), JR will review all your documents before submission so that you don't need to worry about not getting the approval.
3. If you are looking at multiple apartments and trying to decide which one is the best, JR will give you his honest and professional opinions based on your needs and many other factors. I strongly recommend anyone moving to Manhattan to work with JR and his team.
★★★★★
Jocelyn K.
Upper East Side, NY
I have worked with JR and BT NY Realty for many years now. They helped me rent out my apartment many times in Manhattan seamlessly. The process is always professional and organized. Beyond rentals, JR and the BT team have also guided me with buying and selling in NYC. Each experience has been well managed. I know I can trust them as a partner with any future opportunities!
★★★★★
Ronald F.
Upper East Side,, NY
Over the years JR Rivera and his staff have consistently provided me with the very highest level of service in obtaining rental tenants. Their diligence, commitment and attention to detail is second to none and I will continue to use their services as needed in the future.
★★★★★
George M.
Midtown East, NY
Our go to and trusted realtor in renting our apartments in Manhattan for more than 15 years. Working with JR and his team is always a totally great experience. Very attentive to our needs, extremely efficient and very nice people to deal with. Highly recommended.
★★★★★
John K.
San Francisco, CA
After having several conversations with multiple brokers, I decided to hire JR and his team to rent my apartment out. JR demonstrated that he was highly knowledgeable about my building and provided a marketing strategy that suited my timeline and needs. Within two weeks during the low season of November 2020 and in the midst of the pandemic and oversupply of units in my building, JR was able to find an excellent tenant for an extended lease at a great rental rate. JR and his team were extremely proactive, responsive, and professional throughout the entire process, which they made as simple and easy for me as possible.
Selling a mansion to be used as a retreat house to my alma mater, Fordham University, was my most memorable sale to this day. It allowed me to give back to a place that shaped who I am. As a homeowner and investor myself, I understand how people want to be treated; this work philosophy has helped me cultivate and maintain strong relationships with a large diverse client base. With service and hospitality at the heart of my work, my top priority is to ensure finding your home is stress free, smooth, and efficient. Witnessing my clients grow to achieve their real estate goals and dreams is especially rewarding, and I hope to do the same for you.
I currently live by Central Park South with my wife and young daughter. In my leisure time, you will find me hunting for a specialty coffee shop, playing board games, strolling around a museum, enjoying tennis at the US Open, or cheering for my New York Knicks.
Testimonials
★★★★★
Danika G.
Midtown West, NY
JR is simply the best! As a first-time buyer, I felt so supported every step of the way. He gave thoughtful and honest advice tailored to my needs. He was incredibly organized, attentive, and always stayed one step ahead. He always responded right away, followed up proactively, and connected me with great recommendations for an attorney, insurance, etc.
He showed up for every key moment and even sat with me at the closing table to ensure everything went smoothly and that I had all the support I needed. Buying your first apartment can feel overwhelming, but JR made the entire process easy and seamless from start to finish. Truly top-notch service!
★★★★★
Laurie F.
Tribeca, NY
I worked with JR on finding my first home in Manhattan - during a pandemic - and I could not have had a better/more positive experience. I knew next to nothing about home buying and right from the start JR took the time to answer every question I had. He was extremely organized and worked with my budget/location/must-have's/schedule to view apartments. Even after we saw the "One" early on in the process, he still showed me the remaining listings so I could be as confident as possible in my purchase. His negotiating expertise led to an accepted offer pretty quickly at a price I was more than comfortable and happy where I felt I got a good deal. JR also helped me through the mortgage, condo application, and closing process. Even after close, his customer service didn't stop there as he then had recommendations for contractors etc for work I wanted done on the apartment. Overall I would highly recommend JR b/c I really had a wonderful experience from start to finish!
★★★★★
Annika Y.
Upper West Side, NY
As a first-time buyer new to NYC, I honestly don’t know how I would’ve done this without JR and BT NY Realty. JR made the whole process feel manageable and even enjoyable. He went line by line through every document and contract so I actually understood what I was signing, and he was so detail-oriented that he even checked things like whether the cabinet doors had soft-close hinges.
What really set him apart, though, was how much he listened to what I wanted in a home and neighborhood. I told him I wanted to be near a good grocery store, close to gyms I actually like, with easy transit to work, and he matched me with a place that ticked every box. He even pointed out little things I wouldn’t have thought of, like which shops were nearby, what the streets felt like at different times of day, and how the neighborhood might change over the next few years.
On top of that, JR gave me a crash course in NYC real estate: everything from the history of some of the buildings we toured to the quirks of NYC housing policy and trends. As someone brand new to the city, that knowledge was huge in helping me feel at home and confident in my decision.
If you want someone who’s not only professional and thorough but also genuinely invested in making sure you find the right fit, I can’t recommend JR enough.
★★★★★
Judy O.
Phoenix, AZ
I had the best experience in successfully selling our NYC family-owned condo through JR Rivera and their very efficient BT team. Everything went very smoothly. JR made sure you get the best price for your real estate and they go out of their way to provide an A+ service. They were very detail-oriented in the entire sale process from marketing your apartment from the photo shoots, open houses, advertising, advice on how to get the best value of your property. Really very impressed and delighted with the entire BT team for representing us.
As a side note, I originally had an agent from ***** representing us before I was introduced to JR. My experience with ***** agent was horrible. He took very lousy pictures of the condo and did not do a good job marketing the property. I eventually had to pull it out of
the market. Fortunately, I met JR and that made ALL the difference!!! Thanks so much again to JR and the entire BT team. You are the BEST!
★★★★★
Albert M.
New Hyde Park, NY
I met JR seven years ago during the closing our a property we purchased in the City. Since that time, i have had the opportunity of building a relationship with him as a Real Estate Broker and as a friend. As a broker he genuinely represents the best interests of his
clients. On a personal level, he gives sound advice that speaks of his experience in the real estate field. When we decided to put our property in the market, he diligently went through the process and our property was under contract in less than a week.
★★★★★
Carmen S.
Midtown East, NY
As an incoming international student in the US, I was initially apprehensive when looking for apartments in New York City. However, with the help of JR Rivera and his team, I was able to find a new home that ticked everything I wanted and more! He helped me through every step of the process - from finding prospective apartments to rent, submitting an application to condominium management, and moving in! Would highly recommend JR Rivera and the BT NY Realty! They really do care for their clients and are a pleasure to work with!
★★★★★
Micaela P.
Barcelona, Spain
It was nerve-wracking trying to find an apartment for my daughter in NYC in less than a month and during summer at that! So many other students were coming in grabbing up apartments and the remote workers were returning to the city too. Thanks to JR for managing to find us a great deal in such a competitive market!! He found a spacious, brand new apartment in a great location at a very reasonable price point!! He led us thru the application process and guided us thru the lease contract up to the
signing process. Definitely recommending JR and his team.
★★★★★
Chuqiao Z.
Midtown, NY
I contacted JR through StreetEasy, and he helped me find my first apartment in NYC in a prime location, with excellent amenities, and for a great value. Below are a few highlights:
1. Everything is clear and straightforward from the beginning to the end. There's no hidden fee or any "surprise" element. JR's team will not induce you to sign a deal by showing you an artificially low net rent and then surprise you with a higher number on the actual lease
agreement.
2. JR is always ready and available to answer your questions. If your application is subject to any third party's review (e.g., the board of a condo), JR will review all your documents before submission so that you don't need to worry about not getting the approval.
3. If you are looking at multiple apartments and trying to decide which one is the best, JR will give you his honest and professional opinions based on your needs and many other factors. I strongly recommend anyone moving to Manhattan to work with JR and his team.
★★★★★
Jocelyn K.
Upper East Side, NY
I have worked with JR and BT NY Realty for many years now. They helped me rent out my apartment many times in Manhattan seamlessly. The process is always professional and organized. Beyond rentals, JR and the BT team have also guided me with buying and selling in NYC. Each experience has been well managed. I know I can trust them as a partner with any future opportunities!
★★★★★
Ronald F.
Upper East Side,, NY
Over the years JR Rivera and his staff have consistently provided me with the very highest level of service in obtaining rental tenants. Their diligence, commitment and attention to detail is second to none and I will continue to use their services as needed in the future.
★★★★★
George M.
Midtown East, NY
Our go to and trusted realtor in renting our apartments in Manhattan for more than 15 years. Working with JR and his team is always a totally great experience. Very attentive to our needs, extremely efficient and very nice people to deal with. Highly recommended.
★★★★★
John K.
San Francisco, CA
After having several conversations with multiple brokers, I decided to hire JR and his team to rent my apartment out. JR demonstrated that he was highly knowledgeable about my building and provided a marketing strategy that suited my timeline and needs. Within two weeks during the low season of November 2020 and in the midst of the pandemic and oversupply of units in my building, JR was able to find an excellent tenant for an extended lease at a great rental rate. JR and his team were extremely proactive, responsive, and professional throughout the entire process, which they made as simple and easy for me as possible.
JR Rivera’s Transactions
Past Sales
Listing Courtesy of Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Listing Courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing LLC
Listing Courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing LLC
Listing Courtesy of BT NY REALTY LLC
Listing Courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing LLC
Listing Courtesy of BT NY REALTY LLC
Past Rentals
