Season 2 of Buying Beverly Hills is out! From seasoned real estate moguls to ambitious newcomers, each personality brings a unique flair to the table. We caught up with the show’s dynamic cast to give you an exclusive glimpse into their lives, sales and highlights from the season. Read on for the insider’s scoop.
Mauricio Umansky
Founder & CEO of The Agency
What is your favorite scene in BBH Season 2?
Not necessarily a scene, but my favorite part of BBH Season 2 is watching my daughters’ interviews. I love seeing the way they banter and interact with each other. It’s a great snapshot into some of our family dynamics.
What can viewers look forward to and what do you hope they will take away from this season?
Viewers can look forward to seeing some highs and lows of the real estate market and our personal lives. I think it’s relatable and hope that viewers can see a way of dealing with difficult things in life elegantly and also be motivated by the lessons we learn in real estate and business.
What’s your favorite room in your home?
My favorite room in my home is my office/library. We call it my man cave because it was designed to suit my personality and I spend a lot of my time there.
What do you do to help stay centered during busy or stressful times?
I meditate (you’ll see some of this on the show!) and exercise regularly.
Tell us about your most memorable listing or transaction experience.
I get asked this a lot and my answer has yet to change: the Playboy Mansion is my most memorable listing and transaction. It is just hard to beat it as a professional milestone and as a great story to tell.
What is the best real estate advice you have received or shared with clients in the market to buy or sell their home?
Don’t be greedy.
What advice do you have for new agents entering the Beverly Hills market?
Knowledge is your greatest power. Learn the intricacies of your market and make every effort to connect with others in the industry. Relationships are everything in real estate but none of it matters without the market knowledge.
Alexia Umansky
The Umansky Team
What is your favorite scene in BBH Season 2? What can viewers look forward to and what do you hope they will take away from this season?
There are many incredible scenes in the show that cater to different needs. The real estate scenes are honest, educational, and thrilling. We showcase both the enjoyable and luxurious aspects, as well as the challenges of dealing with a constantly changing market. The personal scenes, though they may be difficult and emotional, demonstrate humanity and communication among real people. Whether you’re seeking insights into being an agent, navigating family dynamics, or addressing personal issues, I believe there’s something valuable for everyone to learn.
Do you have a favorite property that was featured in this season of the show?
My favorite property from Season 2 of Buying Beverly Hills is definitely Rustic Valley Ranch. I’ve visited this property numerous times during my youth, spending unforgettable days with friends riding ATVs and singing by the fire pit while roasting marshmallows. It holds a special nostalgic place in my heart. Moreover, the vast acres of land are filled with stunning beauty; it feels truly magical. Being only an hour’s drive away, having this serene oasis to disconnect mentally and physically is an amazing opportunity.
What do you do to help stay centered during busy or stressful times?
Whenever I am stressed or overwhelmed, I usually clear my schedule so I can spend my nights at home eating healthy food, drinking tea (or… wine), and doing the things that make me feel good. When I am stressed out, I just want to be at home in my sweatpants with my dogs and the people I love.
Tell us about your most memorable listing or transaction experience.
My first real listing was my family home in Bel Air. Anyone who watched Season 1 of Buying Beverly Hills saw how much I cared for it, and how scared I was to be representing my first listing. I wanted to prove myself so badly. Once I got a little more comfortable, I was able to have an amazing open house where I had a pet adoption available. Puppies in the foyer, kittens in the bedrooms… It was a good deed and extremely enjoyable. Your first listing is something you don’t forget, especially when it’s your family home filled with so many memories
Farrah Brittany
The Umansky Team
What is your favorite scene in BBH Season 2? What can viewers look forward to and what do you hope they will take away from this season?
One of my favorite niche scenes from the show is the candid moment that the producers caught where my mom is riding her bike back to the house in Aspen with her shopping bags in tow. The juxtaposition of the bike-riding and the Hermes bags is just too good and makes me laugh every time. I think viewers can look forward to some incredible properties, organic family dynamics and relationships, a lot of funny moments, as well as many teaching moments whether you’re in the real estate business, or just someone interested in how the business works in general.
Do you have a favorite property that was featured in this season of the show?
I would have to say 755 Sarbonne, one of the properties that Mauricio and I have for sale currently. It has all of the ingredients of a trophy property in one of my favorite zip codes in Los Angeles-Bel Air. It is so tastefully done and grand and yet still gives the feeling of being a home.
What do you do to help stay centered during busy or stressful times?
I do my best to try to get a least 8 hours of sleep, especially during high stress times. And fitting in exercise—whether at the gym, playing tennis, or taking a dance class.
Tell us about your most memorable listing or transaction experience.
Mauricio and I recently double-ended one of the record-breaking sales in the Beverly Hills flats last year for almost $35M. It’s a transaction I am very proud of because it’s a great example of what we do best- matchmaking for our clients. The property was not on the market, but we knew it would be perfect for my buyers so we picked up the phone and got to work. It was a complex deal, but we love a good challenge… Mauricio and I ended up each representing one side of the deal, and both of our clients walked away extremely happy!
What is the best real estate advice you have received or shared with clients in the market to buy or sell their home?
That “now” is always the time to buy. Some buyers become very fixated on waiting for the “perfect” time to buy, but timing the buy is far less important than timing the sale of a property. Even if you purchase in a high market, you can refinance, or aim to hold the property long enough to where it appreciates and you have more equity in the home—you have options. Unfortunately a lot of time people end up losing far more money and opportunities by waiting to buy something at the “perfect” time, even though that’s exactly what they’re trying to avoid by waiting.
What advice do you have for new agents entering the Beverly Hills market?
There is so much competition out there and everyone wants to be selling in the notorious 90210-—the only way to stand out is to KNOW YOUR STUFF, period. Know the streets like the back of your hand, including the nuances of different pockets and streets within Beverly Hills. Know who owns what and who has bought/sold which properties and for how much—and study the comps so that you can articulate and speak on the area. You should also take the time to understand the various taxes and policies that are in effect across the city, right now, as they are fluid and always changing- that way you can educate potential sellers and buyers and be able to provide value.
Sophia Umansky
The Umansky Team
What is your favorite scene in BBH Season 2? What can viewers look forward to and what do you hope they will take away from this season?
My favorite scene in BBH Season 2 is definitely when Ben’s mom calls him and asks him to babysit the birds. Viewers have a lot of funny moments to look forward to this season.
Do you have a favorite property that was featured in this season of the show?
My favorite property that was featured in the show was Bel Air Road. The architecture is so impressive. I mean, the staircase itself is worth $1.5 million. And the views—that house is just truly breathtaking.
What’s your favorite room in your home? (And why?)
My favorite room in my home is my living room because I love to just cozy up on the couch with a blanket, turn on the first place, and watch movies. It’s also connected to the kitchen so I can easily get snacks.
What do you do to help stay centered during busy or stressful times?
Whenever I’m overwhelmed or stressed, I like to sit outside in the sun and read a book. If it’s a gloomy day, I like to get cozy on the couch and watch a movie. I just like to do anything that makes me happy so I can clear my head. Being in therapy has also really helped manage my stress and anxiety.
What is the best real estate advice you have received or shared with clients in the market to buy or sell their home?
Tactical empathy—it’s a way of framing conversations with clients so they always feel like they’re driving the conversation. Understanding your clients mindsets and feelings is what builds trust.
What sets the Beverly Hills market apart from other luxury markets in the country? How has it evolved in the last four years?
Beverly Hills is iconic. Enough said.
What advice do you have for new agents entering the Beverly Hills market?
As a new addition to the company and The Umansky team, I have learned how valuable being on a team can be. As a soon to be agent, it’s nice having the support, accountability, and companionship that comes with being on a team.
Zach Goldsmith
Director, Estate Division
Do you have a favorite property that was featured in this season of the show?
I had two favorite properties featured in Season 2. One is the classic Mediterranean in Bel-Air on Nimes which was completely reimagined by a good friend of mine using products and materials imported from all over Europe including pieces from over two centuries ago. The other property I’m always obsessed with is the Paul Williams (architect) in Beverly Hills on Palm Drive. Reminiscent of the Beverly Hills hotel with its bungalows and meandering pathways.
What’s your favorite room in your home?
The kitchen. First of all, I love food and eat too much. Secondly, it’s open to the breakfast room and two outdoor areas with tons of trees and natural light so I end up working from my built-in breakfast table most mornings (like an indoor-outdoor booth in a restaurant).
What do you do to help stay centered during busy or stressful times?
Golf. Being out there on the course, walking in nature, often alone takes everything down a few notches and gives me a different perspective. I also like going down to the desert (Palm Springs/La Quinta) to golf because there is a very special calmness there that you don’t find anywhere else.
What is the best real estate advice you have received or shared with clients in the market to buy or sell their home?
The best advice I’ve ever received is pretty simple. It’s much better to build bridges instead of burning them. If you’re in this business long enough, you’ll come across the same heavy hitters time and time again. The better the relationships the more business you will do, the better off you’ll be to serve your clients. The same goes for clients as well. Even if you feel you got screwed by a client, what better way to respond than with appreciation for the experience. Guarantee it will come back to you.
Jon Grauman
Principal, Grauman Rosenfeld Group
What is your favorite scene in BBH Season 2? What can viewers look forward to and what do you hope they will take away from this season?
The boat scene in Miami was a really fun scene, with the captivating setting and tense character dynamics. Viewers can anticipate a deeper exploration of the high-stakes real estate industry in Season 2, where they’ll see the intricacies of negotiations, client relationships, and the hustle of Beverly Hills real estate.
What do you do to help stay centered during busy or stressful times?
Rising early allows me to carve out time for reflection, setting intentions, and grounding myself before the chaos ensues. By establishing a sense of centeredness from the outset, I find myself able to navigate the inevitable storms that may arise throughout the day. This practice not only helps me maintain a sense of balance amidst the busyness but also fosters resilience and clarity of mind to tackle challenges head-on.
What is the best real estate advice you have received or shared with clients in the market to buy or sell their home?
The best real estate advice I’ve both received and shared with clients is to always remember that it is a home first and an investment second. Buying a home is more than just an investment; it’s a sanctuary where memories are made and cherished. Amidst the excitement of buying or selling, it’s crucial to prioritize finding a place that feels like home for you and your family. While financial considerations are important, they should never overshadow the emotional significance of finding the right space to create lasting memories and build a life.
What sets the Beverly Hills market apart from other luxury markets in the country? How has it evolved in the last four years?
Beverly Hills stands out as a premier luxury market, attracting the world’s wealthiest individuals like Jeff Bezos and Bernard Arnault. Over the past four years, its allure has remained strong, driven by enduring desirability and a prestigious lifestyle. Despite economic fluctuations, demand for exclusive properties in Beverly Hills continues to thrive. Southern California’s enviable weather further enhances its appeal, making Beverly Hills a symbol of opulence and aspiration, drawing buyers from around the globe to experience unparalleled luxury living.
What advice do you have for new agents entering the Beverly Hills market?
For new agents entering the Beverly Hills market, my advice is to join a team or find a mentor. Starting small allows you to learn the intricacies of the market while gaining invaluable experience and guidance from seasoned professionals. By immersing yourself in the industry and surrounding yourself with knowledgeable mentors, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and grow, laying a solid foundation for a successful career in this market.
Ben Belack
Director, Residential Estates
What is your favorite scene in BBH Season 2? What can viewers look forward to and what do you hope they will take away from this season?
I was moved most by the familial challenges the Umansky family shared with all of us. This season was a wild ride to film, but I was never present for any of the private things. We learned when the show came out. Mauricio, Kyle, and the girls are so brave to share, such a highly charged moment with all of us. I was truly on the edge of my seat for all of it. As far as takeaways go, I think our show is the most grounded of any of the other real estate shows on TV. Sure we’ve got some drama, every family does. However, our show is really about the climb.
Do you have a favorite property that was featured in this season of the show?
For me, it’s Maravilla. Aside from loving Tyler getting the win, one she worked tirelessly for, what they didn’t include in the show was that I door-knocked this property early on in my career and I ended up not getting the listing. Years later, Tyler was prospecting the neighborhood, leveraging a recent sale of mine nearby, and she was able to get us an appointment. It was really cool to see someone I work with and route for get a win that I was initially unable to get myself. I’m so fulfilled when my team members succeed.
What’s your favorite room in your home? (And why?)
That’s easy. My office/gym. It’s where my best work gets done.
What do you do to help stay centered during busy or stressful times?
I get back to my morning routine. That means going to bed early, getting up early, getting the heart rate going, saying some affirmations, journaling some gratitudes, and reading 10 pages in a book. That’s all before I look at my phone. Then, I do the hardest thing first, and I don’t check email or social media until 10 AM. When I’m not militant about this routine, my mindset suffers.
Tell us about your most memorable listing or transaction experience.
How much time do you have? I have WILD stories.
What is the best real estate advice you have received or shared with clients in the market to buy or sell their home?
Most of the time, things tend to work themselves out by slowing down the communication and sitting on your hands.
What advice do you have for new agents entering the Beverly Hills market?
Micro speed, macro patience. Consistency is king.
Adam Rosenfeld
Principal, Grauman Rosenfeld Group
What is your favorite scene in BBH Season 2? What can viewers look forward to and what do you hope they will take away from this season?
My favorite scene for me was every scene we filmed in Miami. It’s my hometown and I relish every opportunity to go. That was a proud moment for me. I hope people watch the show and understand that we are regular people who are incredibly fortunate to be in the situation we’re in. We work hard, we play hard, and we don’t take any of it for granted.
What do you do to help stay centered during busy or stressful times?
I talk to Jon at least 5 times a day on average. We bounce ideas off each other, talk through stressful situations and negotiations, enjoy the ups and navigate the downs together. Having a partner as solid as Jon keeps me centered at all times.
What is the best real estate advice you have received or shared with clients in the market to buy or sell their home?
I always tell clients it’s a marathon. Sometimes it takes longer than we’d like, but patience is virtuous. We control the controllables, but ultimately there’s a lot out of our hands. To me, it’s a business of relationships, guidance and advising. I’m never selling anything other than my authentic self.
What advice do you have for new agents entering the Beverly Hills market?
Add value. Be an enthusiast about your career and craft. There are 30,000 agents in greater Los Angeles. Everyone knows at least one broker and everyone can search Zillow. Step your game up, because if you don’t someone else will eat your lunch.
Brandon Graves
Agent
What is your favorite scene in BBH Season 2?
My favorite scene is Melissa and myself dishing in the furniture store about Ben Belack and “unfollow-gate.”
Do you have a favorite property that was featured in this season of the show?
I loved having the closing with my first-time buyer clients highlighted which you will see in episode 10. Once we opened escrow, they jetted off to Italy on a pre-planned vacation so we spent many nights on the phone after midnight while we strategized and navigated the transaction.
What do you do to help stay centered during busy or stressful times?
Music is a great escape for me and helps me to both reset and break up my day.
What is the best real estate advice you have received or shared with clients in the market to buy or sell their home?
Date the interest rate, marry the house!
What advice do you have for new agents entering the Beverly Hills market?
My best advice is to study the market, assist a top-performing agent, and learn the ropes of the business. We assist our clients with buying and selling the biggest asset in their lives so it is imperative that you know exactly what you are doing and if not ask a ton of questions.
Tyler Hill
Ben Belack Group
What is your favorite scene in BBH Season 2? What can viewers look forward to and what do you hope they will take away from this season?
I love that we got to see Ben sell Sierra Mar at the very end of the season after losing the listing. This was a 100% real storyline! I also love that the viewers get to see me sell Maravilla after all of the ups and downs. I’m so glad the real buyer and agent agreed to be featured in the show
What’s your favorite room in your home?
My daughter’s nursery is my favorite room. I really went all out with the wallpaper, sconces, window treatments, etc. I went with a Beverly Hills Hotel-inspired tropical vibe. It’s also super organized as if Marie Kondo got her hands on it.
What do you do to help stay centered during busy or stressful times?
I’m an insane list-maker. I also live by my calendar. To de-stress, I make sure I go on regular runs to burn off steam.
What is the best real estate advice you have received or shared with clients in the market to buy or sell their home?
For buyers: Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start looking at homes online or in person. You need to have a realistic idea of the budget and you can’t submit offers without being pre-approved.
For sellers: For the most part, painting and staging your home will immensely boost your return.
What sets the Beverly Hills market apart from other luxury markets in the country?
It’s an iconic brand that is largely insulated from macro market conditions.
What advice do you have for new agents entering the Beverly Hills market?
Don’t be intimidated by the amount of competition. There is enough business to go around. Focus on your niche and what you bring to the table and the right clients will gravitate towards you.
Michelle Schwartz
Managing Partner, Sherman Oaks, Studio City & Calabasas
What is your favorite scene in BBH Season 2? What can viewers look forward to and what do you hope they will take away from this season?
My favorite scene is when Alexia is talking in her confessional about how it felt that I was following her… her analogy about feeling like you’re being followed by a cop on the freeway made me spit my drink out—it was hilarious and so accurate. I mainly hope that viewers understand that while I was harsh and intense, my love for this company and the passion I have for my career make for a strong ally for my clients.
Do you have a favorite property that was featured in this season of the show?
Obviously, my and Mauricio’s listing in Encino.
What’s your favorite room in your home?
As a mom, the kitchen is my happy place. I custom-built my entire kitchen with my dream appliances in 2021. I love to cook, it’s my therapy, and I often host friends and family dinners and events with anywhere from 10 to 100 people. The kitchen is the heart of my home.
What is the best real estate advice you have received or shared with clients in the market to buy or sell their home?
I always position my relationships with clients as that of a lifelong real estate advisor. I find myself giving feedback on a property to my buyers where I tell them not to buy a particular home; when I’m pressed as to why, I respond with, “This is not a home I want to sell in five to seven years.” Again, my intentions are always to be a family’s realtor for life.
What sets the Beverly Hills market apart from other luxury markets in the country? How has it evolved in the last four years?
Beverly Hills is the most iconic name and city in the world. It is a melting pot of wealth and luxury among countless cultures. Around the globe, people are obsessed with Beverly Hills and the way of life here—it is aspirational on all levels. As someone who was born and raised in Beverly Hills, I know first-hand the interest and excitement people have when they learn that’s where I was raised, they are simply fascinated. In the last 4 years, COVID changed the international influx of buyers, mainly from Russia, China and the Middle East. Movement within Los Angeles has increased tremendously. Additionally, we have seen an uptick in East Coast buyers moving to L.A.
What advice do you have for new agents entering the Beverly Hills market?
My advice for new agents is the same, regardless of the market they want to work in. This is not a sales business, this is a relationship and customer service-based business—focus on one client at a time and understand that there is no chasing. You cannot make anyone do anything and you are not in control. be patient, empathetic and understanding. Always remember that this is the most important transaction and process your client is going through at the moment – meet them there.
Santiago Arana
Principal
What can viewers look forward to and what do you hope they will take away from this season?
The takeaway for viewers this season is that there are real transactions happening and they can look forward to seeing a lot more beautiful homes.
What do you do to help stay centered during busy or stressful times?
My morning routine is NON-negotiable and helps in times of stress. That consists of waking up at 4:30 am every day to meditate for an hour, followed by a cold plunge and the gym. I also don’t look at my phone until after I am finished at the gym.
Tell us about your most memorable listing or transaction experience.
One of my most memorable listings is one I had a listing in Malibu that was listed for $25,000,000. Mauricio brought Lady Gaga to see the house and she bought it that afternoon which, at the time, became a record sale in Malibu.
What is the best real estate advice you have received or shared with clients in the market to buy or sell their home?
The best advice I would give to my clients who are buying is not to overthink it. Buying properties in California always pays off, it’s a fantastic investment.
What advice do you have for new agents entering the Beverly Hills market?
If you’re entering into the real estate business, my advice is to be committed. Remember that it’s not a sprint, it is a marathon. Be patient, work on gaining market share and plan to work alongside some of the most competitive brokers in the country.
Melissa Platt
Agent
What is your favorite scene in BBH Season 2? What can viewers look forward to and what do you hope they will take away from this season?
My favorite scene is in Malibu when I was showing my client and friend, Mandana. The scene was light and hilarious, especially when she bumped her head! It was a huge bummer that the deal fell through, but that’s reality! Then the scene turned into a serious conversation with me and Farrah, I hate to ever make someone upset, especially my best friend, so I’m happy and relieved that was all cleared up.
Also when Sophia says everything that scares her…hysterical. She is the best addition to the cast.
What do you do to help stay centered during busy or stressful times?
Going on walks with my golden retriever, King, to clear my head and get fresh air. Also, my therapist is gold.
Tell us about your most memorable listing or transaction experience.
I’m a huge fan of the NBA. My first lease transaction was representing John Wall, and my first sale transaction was representing Chandler Parsons.
What is the best real estate advice you have received or shared with clients in the market to buy or sell their home?
Always let your clients express themselves first. Let them decide their own direction. You can always offer your opinion if asked, but always let them express themselves. Being a listener is your most important job.
What advice do you have for new agents entering the Beverly Hills market?
Be on a team that specializes in the Beverly Hills market. That’s how you learn the ropes.
Joey Ben-Zvi
Agent, BZP Group
What is your favorite scene in BBH Season 2? What can viewers look forward to and what do you hope they will take away from this season?
My favorite scene was getting to tour Santiago’s Brentwood listing alongside other powerhouse agents (including Ben). Viewers can look forward to a lot of sexy real estate – I hope people take away that while we might be on a show doing silly things for entertainment, we are truly real estate professionals who put in hard work.
2 Do you have a favorite property that was featured in this season of the show?
My favorite property on the show has to be Rustic Valley Farms – what a special property that the show was able to capture.
What’s your favorite room in your home?
My favorite room is definitely my living room. Nothing better than my couch and nice ambient lighting (never use the big lights!).
What do you do to help stay centered during busy or stressful times?
I run… and usually don’t stop. If you have any other suggestions, please do reach out.
Tell us about your most memorable listing or transaction experience.
If I had to choose just one, it would be selling a gorgeous mansion in Brentwood Park after we initially lost the house to another buyer. We stayed patient and snuck back into the game for an incredible deal. It was originally listed at $16,000,000 and we closed it for my buyers at $11,600,000.
What is the best real estate advice you have received or shared with clients in the market to buy or sell their home?
Buy low, sell high.
What advice do you have for new agents entering the Beverly Hills market?
Buckle up and get ready to put the work in. While these properties might “sell themselves” the clientele are savvy with high expectations. The market is very competitive. Make sure you bring value and know what you’re doing and saying.
