From New Canaan to Calgary, Maui to Punta Mita, and Turks & Caicos to Los Angeles, our team made major headlines around the globe this month. See what The New York Times, The Calgary Herald, Mansion Global, Inman and more had to say about our agents, new offices and amazing new listings.
MAURICIO UMANSKY—New Canaan Darien + Rowayton Magazine caught up with Mauricio Umansky to discuss The Agency’s east coast expansion and the launch of the new franchise office in New Canaan, Connecticut. “The Agency has continued its growth trajectory with the debut of multiple new franchise locations this year, with our expansion on the east coast as a top priority. Introducing and expanding our brand’s presence with our existing offices inland in synergistic regions including Boston, Montreal, Las Vegas, Maui, Denver, Seattle and the Cayman Islands is paramount to us,” Mauricio told the magazine.
KRISTINE SEMRAU—The Calgary Herald recently called upon Kristine Semrau for her expert commentary as the paper looked at how the pandemic has created changes as to where older Canadians want to live. “Still the lock-and-leave lifestyle (of condominiums) is appealing to many older buyers with properties in Palm Springs and other destinations,” Kristine told the newspaper.
ALEJANDRO ALDRETE—Mansion Global shone the spotlight on Punta Mita and caught up with Alejandro Aldrete for an update on the real estate market in the beautiful Mexican destination. He shared that sales have been “out of control since last summer,” and added that inventory levels are very low because everything is being bought and that the “market is as hot as it’s ever been.”
DAVID PARNES & JAMES HARRIS—Mansion Global also featured another new Agency listing with some serious Hollywood history. Represented by David Parnes and James Harris, The Fries Estate was once owned by Paramount Pictures, and more recently by the late television producer Charles Fries. This stunning property truly captures the essence of quintessential Beverly Hills.
RICARDO BEER—The Los Angeles Business Journal and The Los Angeles Times highlighted Ricardo Beer’s recent promotion to Vice President of Franchise Sales West. Ricardo has held several positions within The Agency for the past nine years, and most recently served as Director of Franchise Operations. In his new role, he will work closely with the franchise team in growing the firm’s network of partners around the world.
IAN HURDLE—Ian Hurdle nabbed some amazing headlines this month in The New York Times and also Mansion Global. Taking a look at house hunting in Turks & Caicos, Ian gave the Times the update on the market, which has been sizzling since travelers were able to visit the island’s beautiful shores. Meanwhile, Ian’s stunning listing on Sapodilla Bay was named “Listing of the Day” by Mansion Global. The incredible “La Koubba” is an 8,000-square-foot, Moroccan-style masterpiece with gated entry offering peace and privacy, a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
RITA WHITNEY—The New York Times also featured Rita Whitney’s stunning Pasadena listing in an article showcasing homes on the market in California for $2.7 million. The magnificent Cape-Cod-style home has provided the backdrop for numerous movie and commercial shoots and boasts four bedrooms and four bathrooms across a light-filled two-story floor plan.
YVIENNE & GERRIT PETERSON—Aloha Maui! Inman got the scoop on The Agency’s new franchise office to be helmed by Yvienne & Gerrit Peterson. The Agency’s Founder and CEO, Mauricio Umansky noted, “Maui is one of the country’s premier luxury real estate destinations for both local and second home buyers. Expanding our footprint on the island is an exciting next chapter for The Agency. We are thrilled to be partnering with such accomplished agents as Yvienne and Gerrit Peterson on this venture as we continue to grow The Agency brand around the world.”
MAURICIO UMANSKY+ THE AGENCY NEW DEVELOPMENT GROUP—Exciting news this month via The Real Deal with the unveiling of the Mandarin Oriental Residences in Los Angeles. The project will be Mandarin Oriental’s first residential development on the west coast and will include a pool and fitness center, other hotel amenities, as well as a restaurant from Daniel Boulud. Mauricio Umansky, The Agency Development Group, and Penelope Stipanovich are marketing and selling the residences.
CRAIG KNIZEK—Country & Town House highlighted Craig Knizek’s iconic mid-century trophy compound listing, which has an exciting celebrity tie. The publication notes, “It won’t fly you to the moon, and it’s not in New York, New York. But this sprawling LA mansion—once the home of music legend Frank Sinatra—has just been brought to the market for a whopping $21.5 million. Known as ‘Byrdview’, the mid-century home has been one of Hollywood’s most iconic addresses since it was first built in 1949.”
