Agent Profile

Top Real Estate Agent in New York State (Top 100), REAL Trends | 2019
Top 2 of Halstead Agents Ranked by REAL Trends | 2019
Broker of the Year, Village Office | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018
Broker Specialist of the Year | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018
Development Marketing Broker of the Year | 2011
Producers Council - Top 1% at Halstead

Jay Overbye, a New York City residential marketplace expert, is consistently recognized as one of the top agents at Halstead and in New York City. Since 2004, he has successfully closed over 550 transactions. Though Jay is proud of the awards and recognition he has received, he considers his most notable accomplishments to be the respect and loyalty of the clients he serves.

With neighborhood expertise throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, Jay is especially well-versed in the Upper West Side, Williamsburg, and Lincoln Square. He not only has an expert-level knowledge of these areas, but he also has a genuine fondness for the neighborhoods.

Throughout the city, Jay has found buyers great homes and investments, strategically marketed and sold all types of properties for individual owners, and launched new developments. These include 80 Metropolitan and 58 Metropolitan in Williamsburg, two buildings where Jay directed a sales team as the Exclusive Broker, and where he remains the Broker Specialist.

Jay brings a unique passion and contagious enthusiasm to his work thanks to his intrigue with the city's history and architecture, two factors that originally sparked his passion for New York City real estate. Clients appreciate his integrity, professionalism, and dedication to quality service as much as they do his ability to navigate the real estate process.

Prior to real estate, Jay worked in advertising and public relations for the Cleveland Indians, Young & Rubicam, and Ziff Davis Publishing. He also founded and directed a technology firm in Chicago, growing it into a multimillion-dollar operation before selling in 2002. His extensive business background fuels his effectiveness in real estate.

Jay is an avid American and English history buff and extensive international traveler. His New York City life is dedicated to health and fitness, while partaking in the arts, golf, and supporting his local New York sports teams. He is also a member of the New York Road Runners Club, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Berkshire School Advisory Board.

"Buying and selling in NYC may not be for the faint of heart but having concluded our 3rd transaction with Jay I can say with great confidence that it will always turn out well. Not only is he totally knowledgeable about the market, he always takes his client's best interest into account even if it is against his best interest! Further, Jay never says die, and has come up with the most creative ways to find us what we want even when it doesn't exist. Add to this the fact that Jay has excellent taste and notices all kinds of details and we feel completely at peace no matter what we are going through. I never imagined even a full service broker takes care of as much as he does." R.B. - Buyer

"As out of town buyers we were nervous about apartment hunting in NYC. Jay was very quickly able to understand our preferences and therefore did not waste our time on places that weren’t right for us. He also went out of his way to coordinate all the detailed aspects of getting the deal done, introducing us to trusted professionals in the legal, decorating and construction fields as needed. While we still happily live in the apartment he found us, we actually look forward to our future search with him. How many apartment buyers can say that?" Jeff B. - Buyer and Seller

“Jay’s hands off, pressure free approach and honest opinions and suggestions made buying a no brainer. Jay always made sure to have a constant dialogue about the market and the building and when it came time for me to consider selling, Jay, once again, gave me his honest take on the market, suggesting I hold off and let the market simmer some more. Jay’s suggestion and his eventual ability to sell my condo made me tens of thousands of dollars more in profit. I would not hesitate to recommend Jay.." David K - Buyer and Seller

"Jay Overbye is an absolute professional. He has an outstanding knowledge of the market. In an industry that is frequently characterized by contentious interactions and even histrionics, Jay has the uncanny ability to remain calm and keep all parties focused on the endpoint. He demonstrates expertise at every phase of the transaction, from marketing, to negotiating, and ultimately to getting the deal closed." Dr. Todd K. - Buyer and Seller

"My wife and I have known Jay for over 3 years. His conduct, manner, and ethics have remained consistent; and his business savvy and knowledge of the market is unrivalled. Jay conducted himself in the utmost professional manner, he always went the extra mile, and dedicated time to talk us through our concerns and questions (both of which are very hard to find in this business) We highly recommend Jay and we will undoubtedly use his services again in our near future." Andy D. - Buyer and Seller

"Jay is the first and only person I think of when I have a real estate need. He has supported my individual and business rental needs for almost 10 years. He has always been extremely flexible, helpful, proactive and sensitive in understanding a person's requirements and using his in-depth knowledge of the NYC market to find the perfect place for a person to live. Lisa B. - Human Resources, Leading French Fashion Firm

"We have had the pleasure of working with Jay Overbye as both buyers and sellers. In each instance, Jay was knowledgeable, professional and effective. His knowledge of the real estate market and his ability to intuit trends and understand his clients’ needs make him a stellar agent. We will certainly work with him again on our next real estate venture." Martha and Peter D. -Buyer and Seller

Halstead Manhattan, LLC