Around the globe, our agents are helping their communities, connecting with clients in creative ways, teaming up with their colleagues to give back—all while moving real estate forward. Here’s a rundown of regional happenings from The Agency’s global team.
Aspen – Lisa Hatem, co-founder of The Agency Aspen, spoke with Mansion Global about what she looks for in a new residence (good energy), what amenities she seeks out most (storage and natural light) and her favorite part of her current home—“It’s not one specific thing,” she notes. “It’s the feeling of home, love and family.”
Tapping into their artistic side, the Aspen team recently partnered with Sinclair Building Architectural Design to create printable sketches of The Ranch at Snowmass Creek, which can serve as a coloring project for kids and adults alike. To receive an email with the downloadable sketches, direct message the Aspen office via their Instagram account, @theagencyaspen.
British Columbia – The agents at our Vancouver Island office are speeding through sales— Jason Binab and Sarah Binab took over a listing at 5051 Cordova Bay Road (which was listed for $2.8 million), and sold it after four days on the market.
Southern California – Ben Belack, The Agency’s resident Instagram and video enthusiast was tapped by The Wall Street Journal to share his insight on virtual home tours. “People are consuming real estate on their cell phone. I shifted to video a while ago. I received two sight-unseen offers last year on a $6 million house from the property video only, which is crazy,” Ben says, and touts the convenience of video tours at this moment. “We can send (clients) a quick tour or a walk-through. We’ll do like a live open house, on whatever we think the most relevant platform is. You just want a quick couple bullets, just like a movie trailer. It doesn’t show the entire movie, it’s just meant to get us there.”
A devoted Giveback Homes volunteer for the past six years, Kathrin Nicholson continues to contribute a portion of her commission to the organization with every escrow close; at this time her contributions are helping fuel Giveback’s response to COVID-19.
Continuing to serve her clients, Denise Snanoudj has achieved the #2 and #4 top sales in Encino for the month of March, closing 5317 Andasol Ave. and 4535 Encino Ave.
In an effort to support parents who are homeschooling their children during this time, Holly Hatch has been crafting videos on her YouTube channel and sharing quick tips ranging from snack ideas to educational Netflix shows and ideas for helping kids stay connected with their peers.
Los Cabos – Prior to the region’s more stringent social distancing protocols, Janet Jensen of The Agency Los Cabos helped host Baja S.A.F.E’s 13th annual charity benefit. Baja S.A.F.E. is a non-profit local Humane Society that rescues and cares for abandoned animals in the area. In between playing sets with the live band on her trombone, Janet MC-ed the event, which was attended by several members of The Agency Los Cabos and raised much more than its projected goal.
Northern California – Marin-based, top-producer Tracy McLaughlin’s first book, Real Estate Rescue – How America Leaves Billions Behind in Residential Real Estate and How to Maximize Your Home’s Value, is now available for preorder. Due out May 12, the new book taps into Tracy’s decades of real estate expertise and offers salient advice to buyers, sellers and investors across all regions and markets.
Brad Gothberg has been helping find foster homes for the dogs and cats at Contra Costa Animal Control, which, in the wake of the pandemic, is faced with a volunteer shortage that impacts the daily care of its animals. “Contra Costa Animal Control has found many volunteers to foster most of the dogs at the shelter until the regular volunteers can come back and take care of them during the week,” says Brad. “But we are still looking for foster homes for the new dogs that are coming in or still need a home.” If you are interested in fostering an animal, contact Contra Costa Animal Control.
Palm Springs – As news broke of Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s relocation to Los Angeles, we couldn’t help but daydream about properties that were inspired by royalty. One that comes to mind is 11 Clancy Lane South, an estate in Rancho Mirage represented by Richard Bartholomew that has grabbed the attention of Palm Springs Life magazine. A replica of an authentic Moroccan palace, the house was built by the same artisans and craftsmen who built King Hassan of Morocco’s palaces and the Moroccan Pavilion in New York’s Metropolitan Museum.
Park City – Charlie Taylor, co-managing partner of The Agency Park City spoke with CSQ Magazine about the region’s best features and what kind of buyer chooses to put down roots in town. “Park City is an amazing place to live or have a second residence,” Charlie told the magazine. “Most people who live here share a common bond of a love for the outdoors and an active lifestyle.” Since opening in 2018, The Agency Park City has quickly become a go-to resource for local residents and out-of-towners seeking the active mountain lifestyle. “While the area’s inventory remains low, demand continues to be high. I’m especially proud of our team’s first-class marketing tactics, which have turned heads among clients and local brokerages,” notes co-managing partner, Mike Mazzone.
Arizona – In an effort to raise community morale, The Agency in Arizona’s managing partners Jack Luciano and Raul Siquieros participated in a Chalk Your Walk event the weekend of March 20—they wrote inspirational messages in chalk on their driveways and neighborhood sidewalks and posted the cheery results on their Instagram, @luxrealestateagents. Additionally, Raul, who serves on the board of Xico Inc., recently held a fundraiser to benefit Latinx and Indigenous artists, for which Mauricio Umansky and The Agency were proud contributors.
South Florida – Uri Redler of The Agency in South Florida continues a strong selling streak in the region, closing on two residences on one Fort Lauderdale street—925 NE 6th Street and 929 NE 6th Street—and snagging a new listing at 700 NE 25th Street #803 in Miami.
Turks & Caicos – The Agency team in Turks & Caicos are keeping our wanderlust alive through their social channels, posting dreamy photos of crystal blue waters, white sand beaches and of course, amazing homes like the new to market Santosha villa on Anguilla’s Long Bay. For a daily dose of sun-soaked beauty, follow their feed at @theagencyturksandcaicos.
Around the country, our agents have been sharing stellar videos of their latest listings. Michael Grady and Mauricio Umansky’s listing at 17 Galleon Street is captured elegantly on film, available here. And Michelle Long will soon be hosting live Instagram events for her listing at 4470-4472 24th Street in Noe Valley, where she’ll walk buyers through the property and allow them to ask questions in an interactive format.
To stream even more virtual tours, see our article, Going Virtual—Fantastic Homes You Can Tour Right Now.
