Winter is here, but The Agency is as hot as ever, making headlines around the globe. From thoughtful podcast conversations and insights on PropTech to features on cozy colonial estates in Connecticut, our executive leaders and agents were making waves in the press. Scroll on for some of the hottest headlines from the past month.
RAINY HAKE AUSTIN & MAURICIO UMANSKY—The top executive leaders of The Agency penned an insightful piece for Real Trends with a very hot take: No algorithm will replace human touch in real estate. Looking at Zillow’s recent iBuyer exit, they unpack the shortcomings of the PropTech industry as well as the traditional brokerage model. “Rather than being a disruptor, brokerages and PropTech should come together to enable agents to provide a higher level of service and customized experience for the client,” they claim. “We’d call that a win-win on all sides of the table.”
MAURICIO UMANSKY, RAINY HAKE AUSTIN, BILLY ROSE & SANTIAGO ARANA—Los Angeles Business Journal put the spotlight on The Agency’s leadership team, unpacking the story of how they grew a boutique Beverly Hills brokerage into an international powerhouse in over 50 markets with bold plans for expansion. “We want to be in luxury locations where our clients are likely to be,” Billy explains. “We want to be in places where there is movement, there’s mobility, there’s luxury.”
MAURICIO UMANSKY—The Agency CEO and founder sat down with Craig Siegel on his podcast The CLS Experience, pulling back the curtain on his decision to disrupt the real estate industry, his strategies for building a household brand, balancing business while nurturing his marriage and the health battles that have made him the tenacious and humble leader he is today.
KACEY BINGHAM & JARED BLANK—Denver Business Journal sat down with the Managing Partners behind The Agency Denver to discuss their decision to open The Agency’s 25th franchise location and the exciting future in store for the location.
DON MASTROIANNI & MICHAEL SMITH—In a recent Authority Magazine feature, Alexandra Spirier interviewed the Managing Partners of The Agency North Shore—New York on their storied careers and business ethos. What it really comes down to: “Be transparent and ethical in all you do.”
TASO TSAKOS—Mansion Global asked Taso, Managing Partner of The Agency East Bay, how raising the conforming loan limit backed by Freddie Mac and Freddie Mae could affect the real estate industry. “I think that it’s going to open up more opportunities for buyers that have been shut out,” he’s quoted. “It’s going to benefit home sellers, as well, because…if you have more buyers, then you’re going to create more demand, which benefits sellers and it stays a seller’s market.”
MICHAEL CARUSO & PHILLIP CARUSO—Both agents were featured in the December 2021 issue of Orange Coast Magazine on their prestigious list of 2021 Real Estate All-Stars. Based on a survey commissioned by Professional Research services, those selected had an annual sales volume in the top 1% of all agents in the county.
JIM CAVANAUGH—In a Mansion Global story on Homes Fit for Fashionistas, Jim describes the enviable custom closet at one of his listings in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale. “The upper cabinets are motorized, allowing for convenient access to the entire wardrobe. The closet also has multiple drawers for extra storage and a dressing area with a full-length mirror. The vanity even has its own TV in the custom-lit mirror and a Kallista makeup sink.”
ALEX MARTINEZ—Managing Partner and Co-founder of The Agency D.C. Metro Alex Martinez was given a spotlight in Modern Luxury’s Modern Men 2021 list. He spoke about finding his niche in the real estate industry helping families with one of the biggest investments of their lives and drew attention to the office’s recent philanthropic efforts in partnership with Giveback Homes and Habitat for Humanity.
NURIT COOMBE — Managing Partner of The Agency D.C. Metro, Nurit Coombe is quoted in The Washington Post on the things to think about when asked to housesit. Our homes are one of our most valuable assets, which is why it’s important to have someone trustworthy take care of them while we’re away.
JAMES HARRIS & DAVID PARNES—Dynamic real estate duo James Harris and David Parnes gave Realtor.com the inside scoop on one of their historic listings in Beverly Hills. The mansion, which was recently sold, was once the property of Paramount Pictures and had ties to the story that inspired the film Troop Beverly Hills.
MAURICIO UMANSKY & THE AGENCY DEVELOPMENT GROUP—The Hollywood Reporter profiled Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud on his plans to open his first West Coast restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Residences in Beverly Hills. Mauricio Umansky and The Agency Development Group have been tapped to represent the project, which includes 54 elegant residences designed by 1508 London and equipped with five-star services and amenities.
GUS RUELAS, ANTHONY GUTHMILLER & MAURICIO UMANSKY—Dirt gave readers a look into 1100 Paso Alto Road, a stunning midcentury estate in Pasadena designed by A. Quincy Jones. Originally owned by heiress Adelaide Hixon, the property is on the market for the very first time since it was built in the 1950s.
GIDEON LANG-LADDIE—Cottages & Gardens highlighted Gideon Lang-Laddie’s listing, The Riverside Apartment. This posh pad boasts spectacular views of the Tower Bridge, an onyx bar, 10-seat home theater and custom windows by Chiswick Stain Glass.
CLIFF SMITH & TODD DAVID MILLER—The Georgian Colonial at 573 Cascade Road in New Canaan would make the perfect backdrop for an epic holiday—at least according to Cottages & Gardens. Their recent feature on the estate highlighted its warm wood details, English gardens, modern upgrades and charming New England setting.
