THIRD EDITION January 2025

Jeremy Hu
Luxury Real Estate Agent

Trust: The Key to Jeremy Hu’s Success in NYC’s Luxury Real Estate
In many Asian societies, trust is the bedrock of personal and business relationships, fostering long-term connections, collective harmony, and respect. Jeremy Hu, a standout luxury realtor in New York City, personifies this value. “Trust is number one in any industry, in any deal-making,” Jeremy asserts.
Jeremy’s multicultural background has significantly shaped his career. Born in Taiwan, he moved to Singapore at 14, then attended a boarding school in England. He graduated from Central St. Martins College of Arts and Design in London, focusing on advertising and graphic design. During his time in London, Jeremy’s modeling career took off after being discovered for a Pepsi TV commercial. He appeared in numerous TV commercials, print ads, music videos, and runway shows, including modeling women’s clothing for Alexander McQueen. “I had an absolutely exhilarating time, feeling inspired by the incredible people I met, the stunning places I explored, and the unforgettable, vibrant parties I attended. It was a truly uplifting and memorable experience,” Jeremy recalls.
Modeling women’s wear on the runway was a unique experience for Jeremy. “I was confused,” he admits about being asked to wear a dress. His slender figure and long hair made him ideal for the role. Unlike today’s generation, which has more outlets for expressing diverse gender identities, Jeremy felt more constrained by traditional expectations. “I think that’s great,” he says of the younger generation’s freedom. Despite societal constraints, Jeremy grew up feeling authentically himself, nurtured by loving parents and a talent for socializing.
A summer visit to New York City during his time in London marked a turning point for Jeremy. “The moment I arrived, I knew this is my home,” he recalls. Despite his parents’ preference for him to return to Taiwan, Jeremy was determined to move to NYC. After graduating from college, he was eager to start his professional life in the big city. Although working in London was challenging for a foreign graduate, the opportunities in NYC suited his educational background perfectly.
Jeremy’s early career in New York began with an internship at an advertising company representing brands like Calvin Klein. This led to a work visa sponsorship. Simultaneously, he helped establish a new fashion store in the Lower East Side, making the neighborhood trendy. “I didn’t sleep much having two jobs, but the excitement kept me going,” Jeremy recalls.
Jeremy's keen creative eye, artistic background, and extensive training allowed him to excel in his early career endeavors. He thrived in the advertising industry for many years, utilizing his experiences and connections from his time in London and his modeling profession. Moreover, he successfully operated his own art gallery as a dealer before making a transition into real estate.
Today, Jeremy is synonymous with luxury real estate in NYC. His personable nature, practical mindset, and positive approach—key characteristics of his Asian background—have earned him the trust of his clients. He is a founding member of LEVEN Real Estate, where he and his team of experienced agents focus on the ultra-luxury market while catering to a wide range of clients. His dedication and hard work have resulted in several record-breaking deals. The diverse team at his company, fluent in over 17 languages, has successfully served clients from more than 51 countries. Fluent in Mandarin and deeply understanding Asian societies and business practices, Jeremy has carved out a niche by expanding his services to potential Asian clients. Many of his clients are parents of foreign students attending NYC universities, finding it more suitable to buy than rent. Jeremy returns to Taiwan annually, maintaining his cultural roots and personal connections.
One memorable real estate experience stands out to Jeremy. “Whatever you think, we are fine. We trust you, we listen to you,” a high-profile client once told him. This trust motivates Jeremy to deliver his work with ease and professionalism. When asked about challenges in his field, Jeremy responds, “I don’t see any challenge as a challenge because I will try to look at the brighter side. It is not something I would even consider dwelling on.” For him, focusing on solutions rather than problems is key.
Describing the NYC luxury real estate market as vibrant and highly desirable, Jeremy notes, “The city boasts an incredible lifestyle with world-class entertainment, dining, education, and being the financial capital of the world. The whole package itself is enticing.”
Despite his success in the complex world of luxury real estate and a hectic NYC lifestyle, Jeremy remains warm and grounded, truly loving what he does. His morning meditation routine provides balance, and he enjoys spending time with friends in the city. “Everything I do is very much tied to the business. I do not have much distinction between personal and professional life.” Jeremy’s lifestyle and outlook are exceptional, finding harmony between loving what he does and using his calm nature to set his own standards in dealing with people in such a demanding city.
Reflecting on his journey and offering insights for the younger generation, Jeremy’s advice is clear: “Dream big. Have the biggest ambition possible because the journey to get there requires the same time and energy as a smaller goal. If you aim high, you can achieve anything below that easily. When there’s no choice, you need to act as if your life depends on it. That gives you the urgency and motivation to succeed.”
Photo credit: Provided by Jeremy Hu