From our agents weighing in on a suddenly changed real estate landscape to our exquisite residences capturing the spotlight, here is a look at what made headlines in April at The Agency.
MAURICIO UMANSKY – As Founder and CEO of TheAgency, Mauricio has been consulted by some of the nation’s most influential publications for his input on the changing face of the industry. Worth magazine featured an article penned by him, How This Real Estate Company Transformed Its Business Overnight, which maps how The Agency transitioned to offer clients virtual services, but how there is “truly nothing that can replace a dedicated real estate professional guiding you through the process.” Inman also featured a piece by Mauricio, “3 Ways to Up Your Instagram Game During Quarantine,” providing insight on creating a thoughtful, targeted social media strategy for maximum engagement and impact.
BILLY ROSE – Founder and President Billy Rose provided his input to Forbes in the article, What Will America’s Housing Marketing Look Like After The Coronavirus Pandemic Ends. Billy believes we’ll see a return to buyers insisting on seeing the property before they close. “While there is definitely a material increase in virtual and Facetime tours, our housing stock in L.A. is incredibly diverse, and it’s extremely difficult if not impossible to truly get a sense of a property without actually being there.”
CHARLIE TAYLOR – Co-Managing Director of The Agency Park City, Charlie Taylor, spoke to The Wall Street Journal for the recent article, In These Gated Communities, Security Personnel Act more like Concierges, about life within the gates of Park City’s Glenwild. He was joined by his clients, Michael and Caitlin Malone, who spoke about the security staff they say feels more like part of the family. The Malones told the WSJ that Glenwild’s team of former police officers once came to the rescue when they couldn’t find their Bernadoodle, Princess Leia.
JAMES HARRIS – Mansion Global recently spotlighted the rise of virtual tours and social media strategy being employed by real estate agents across the industry. James told the publication he’s stepped it up on social media. “I’m doing at least [one Instagram Live] a day, checking in with the phone staring right at me, answering questions from new agents, about the economy, about interest rates, and I’m bringing on people from around the world for interviews. Connecting people through social right now is important.”
2377 REFUGIO ROAD – The owner of this 106-acre coastal ranch estate, named “Three Hawks Ranch,” spoke to The Toronto Star about how his family is taking refuge on the property outside Santa Barbara. Michael Kong says the estate has always been the family’s escape from city life, located two hours north of L.A. King, his wife and three daughters have retreated to the property to swim, soak up the sunshine and fresh air, noting “no one has to worry about what they touch.” Represented by Billy Rose, the compound features a pool, cabana, luxury camping yurts, two barns and 5 kilometers of trails for hiking and ATVing.
4616 DUNDEE DRIVE – The Richard Neutra-designed “Lovell Health House” in Los Feliz was recently featured in DIGS Magazine’s as an Architectural Icon. Created in the late 1920s for prominent naturopathic doctor, Phill Lovell, the modern, six-bedroom house is on the market for the first time in 60 years. “Not only is the Lovell House located in the highly sought-after neighborhood, tucked away on a private cul-de-sac, it is considered to be one of the most iconic homes in L.A. by the famed Richard Neutra,” says Marci Kays, who represents the property with Jonathan Mogharrabi.
568 CHAUTAUQUA BLVD & 29917 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY – Cottages & Gardens recently featured both properties in a recent article about homes on the market bursting with interior design inspiration. Represented by Santiago Arana, 568 Chautauqua Blvd was designed for “effortless indoor/outdoor living” and “optimal entertaining,” the article notes. Represented by Angel Kou and Blair Chang, 29917 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu strikes a balance between rustic and contemporary, with a natural feel “that allows ocean views to shine.”
ONE&ONLY MANDARINA PRIVATE HOMES – Iconic Life recently featured the “dream homes” at Mandarina, calling the sustainably minded luxury development a “tour de force, defining what it means to live beautifully on the Mexican Coast.” The homes are among the first One&Only branded residences in the world, offering residents the amenities of the new One&Only Mandarina opening in the fall. “When driving up to Mandarina, you are met with a wealth of biodiversity teeming among the flatlands and volcanic-formed mountains all flanked by a nearly one-mile stretch of private beach.”
16258 SHADOW MOUNTAIN | 18 DOVETAIL LANE & THE BEVERLY HOUSE – Robb Report recently featured all three properties in its round-up of homes with magnificent libraries. Shadow Mountain, represented by Blair Chang, was mentioned for its front and center, book club-friendly design; Dovetail, represented by Gus Ruelas, for it’s old-world inspired, Tudor-style library; and The Beverly House, represented by Mauricio Umansky and Santiago Arana, for being a “true sanctuary for bibliophiles.”
166 GROVERTON PLACE – In its recent article on available homes where literary greats once lived, Galerie featured this Italianate Bel-Air mansion and former home of Judith Krantz. Represented by Jonathan Ruiz, Stefan Pommepuy and Mauricio Umansky, the 8,451-square-foot estate belonged to the late author for nearly 33 years.
950 KENFIELD AVENUE – The Los Angeles Times named this Brentwood mansion its Home of the Week, showcasing its designer details and illuminated waterfall in the dining room. Represented by Santiago Arana, this newly completed, 9,300-square-foot home features six bedrooms, nine baths, Fleetwood sliding doors, marble slabs, floating glass staircase, movie theater, wine room, gym and rooftop deck.
