If you’ve watched the Netflix series Buying Beverly Hills, you’re probably ready to geek out on some fun facts and tidbits about the talented cast members, The Agency’s own agents. Here it is: the insider scoop.
Mauricio Umansky, Founder & CEO of The Agency
Q: What’s one thing in your home that you can’t live without?
A: I can’t live without my home gym. I believe in starting each day right—both mentally and physically. I make an effort to exercise every morning and following this, I set my intentions to fully maximize the day ahead.
Q: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
A: I wrote a book and it will be out in April of 2023! It is called The Real Deal and in it, I share everything about my business, family and the lessons I’ve learned throughout his life. You can pre-order and get more info about it here.
Alexia Umansky
Q: What’s your favorite part about working at The Agency?
A: I love having the opportunity to be mentored by one of the most accomplished individuals in real estate—my father, Mauricio. He challenges and encourages me and I have grown so much in my career since joining the firm.
Q: What’s one thing in your home that you can’t live without?
A: I can’t live without my dogs! They make home feel like home.
Farrah Brittany
Q: What is your biggest real estate flex?
A: I am thorough in my approach. I love interiors and have a keen eye for design and architecture. I put a lot of time and effort into photography, videography, and staging, ensuring the homes I represent are reflective of the type of buyers who will want to purchase them. This edge combined with my deep knowledge and sharp negotiation skills ensure I bring the deal home.
Q: What’s one thing in your home that you can’t live without?
My fireplace. No matter the season, I always have the fire on.
Jon Grauman
Q: What’s your favorite part about working at The Agency?
A: The 3 C’s… culture, camaraderie and collaboration.
Q: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
A: I started out my career as a rave promoter before transitioning into real estate.
Ben Belack
Q: What’s one thing in your home that you can’t live without?
A: My espresso maker.
Q: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
A: I used to be a certified sommelier at Wolfgang Puck’s flagship Spago.
Brandon Graves
Q: What’s your favorite part about working at The Agency?
A: The culture. It’s very inspiring to work closely with such titans within the real estate industry, not only is everyone successful, but they are also willing to share their knowledge.
Q: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
A: I originally moved to L.A. to pursue professional dance in 2010 and once lived in a house with 12 roommates.
Allie Lutz
Q: What is your biggest real estate flex?
A: I’ve been involved in some pretty noteworthy transactions, including the sale of Mariah Carey and James Caan’s house and just this past year, I scored Margot Robbie’s house for my client. I’ve also managed to secure a $45M listing and sell over $40M in real estate while being a full-time mom to 3 girls under 5! Being a mom is like being superwoman!
Q: What’s one thing in your home that you can’t live without?
A: The people who are in it! As cheesy as that sounds, I feel so fortunate to have 3 little girls and a loving, supportive husband that keeps me inspired. I could not do what I do without the constant love and support!
Sonika Vaid
Q: What’s one thing in your home that you can’t live without?
A: One thing in my home I can’t live without would be my piano. I classically trained till I was 13, and then learned to play by ear to accompany myself when I perform.
Q: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
A: People may be surprised to know that I am also a recording artist and songwriter! I placed 5th on season 15 of American Idol and having that platform to share my music with is one of my favorite things in the world. In between selling houses, I’ve been in the studio working on new music and I can’t wait for everyone to hear!
Santiago Arana
Q: What’s one thing in your home that you can’t live without?
A: My home’s outdoor spaces. Whether meditating in the morning as the sun rises or to host family and friends in the evening, I can’t live without this space.
Q: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
A: Originally from Bolivia, when I came to America I worked as a busboy while taking a course to learn English. Fast forward to today, I’m proud to say I‘ve achieved the American dream.
Melissa Platt
A: What’s your favorite part about working at The Agency?
A: The Agency just has a vibe that is unmatched. The energy is electric, and the collaboration within our team is something that you don’t find everywhere. We really work together to help each other succeed.
Q: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
A: I am quick on my feet and witty. I love art and interior design. I love the design process and being able to see a vision come to life. Since I am back and forth between L.A. and Dallas, I get my fill within those high-end residential markets.
Joey Ben-Zvi
Q: What’s one thing in your home that you can’t live without?
A: I can’t live without my Kobe Bryant shrine. I grew up a devout Kobe fan. I have a signed jersey, signed shoes, and some framed posters. I’ve always looked up to Kobe’s ability to work so hard that when it’s game time, the play looks effortless. As I’ve grown older, it’s become much more of a focus to integrate the Kobe shrine a bit more subtly into the feng shui of my place… still a work in progress.
Q: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
A: People might not know I used to be a big science and math geek. I own a patent that I presented in front of NASA for an adjunct modality/add-on to current prosthetic technology that replaces visual feedback with haptic feedback… but that’s a story for another time.
Learn more about the cast here.
