From emerging trends to market updates, stunning new properties to must-hear agent stories, here is a look at what made headlines in August at The Agency.
THE HUNTLEY & SKYE CURSON – As Worth Media’s lead real estate contributor, The Agency Founder and CEO Mauricio Umansky recently penned the article, Rooftop Retreats Heat Up Los Angeles Real Estate Market. Mauricio writes, “One trend we have recently seen making a splash in the market is the increase in townhome products and the rise of the fully amenitized rooftop deck.” Mauricio highlights The Huntley, a collection of five townhomes in the Melrose District, featuring private, 800-square-foot rooftop terraces with hot tubs, outdoor showers and Hollywood Hills views—amenities that listing agents David Parnes and James Harris say will be the biggest draw for buyers. Also featured is Skye Curson, a collection of five townhomes steps from Sunset Boulevard, represented by Michael Druker and David Melaugh. Rooftop decks are wired for water, electric and gas, with ample space for lounging and dining against a backdrop of the Hollywood Hills.
2304 DONELLA CIRCLE – Making a splash upon its market debut is Farah Levi’s new Bel Air listing, a modern marvel offering Lake Como-style views, situated above the Stone Canyon Reservoir. The brand new eight-bedroom home was featured in Mansion Global and Livabl, which notes, “Retractable glass walls and frameless balustrades optimize sweeping lake, mountain and city views while promoting seamless indoor/outdoor living,” among its many spectacular amenities.
MAURICIO UMANSKY – Mauricio joined Barron’s Live to give an update on the state of the West Coast real estate market. “Real estate is on fire in Los Angeles, and it’s on fire across the board in terms of pricing, from $1 million dollars to $30 million dollars,” Mauricio says. “Now the ‘Bu (Malibu) has become a super hot market, still part of Los Angeles, you can call it the suburbs of Los Angeles. We can put Malibu into both worlds there. And you’re also seeing that second home, the vacation home, really become important in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Montecito, Santa Barbara… I think people in Los Angeles and on the West Coast want a drive-to destination, and that’s happening across the board.” Listen to the full interview here.
20724 N. 112TH STREET – Situated in the Upper Canyon of Scottsdale’s Silverleaf neighborhood, this newly built contemporary home, represented by Siena Dorsey, is a spectacular desert oasis with more than 12,000 square feet of living space. Mansion Global spotlighted the home, noting it as one of the most expensive listings in the city with five bedrooms, five baths, a sleek kitchen and dazzling pool terrace. “The lower level of the house is dedicated to entertaining, offering a walk-in glass wine cellar, a half basketball court, a media/game room and a separate home theater,” writes Mansion Global.
THE BEVERLY HOUSE – The lavish Beverly Hills mansion, represented by Mauricio Umansky and Santiago Arana, has made another Hollywood appearance, this time in Beyonce’s latest visual album Black is King, which was released on Disney+. As CNBC recently reported, Beyonce can be seen swimming with the synchronized swimmers in the Olympic-sized pool, while her husband Jay-Z performs in the home’s library and bedrooms. CNBC has also taken viewers inside the former estate of William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies, which has appeared in movies The Godfather and The Bodyguard.
STEVE MCALEER – The Agency South Florida’s Steve McAleer recently shared a personal story with The Wall Street Journal, which captures real estate agents’ experiences from “the trenches.” When asked if he ever had to clean up a home before a showing, Steve explained he had walked through a Fort Lauderdale condo with the owner to point out what needed to be cleaned up and placed in storage. The owner told Steve the work was done, so Steve set up a photo shoot. “I got there half an hour before the photographer, and my mouth dropped,” Steve says. There were papers and workout equipment everywhere, a bike in the hallway, groceries all over the counter. He had 30 minutes to whip the place into shape, moving furniture, equipment and hiding food in the oven. “I’m glad I didn’t wear a dress shirt that day. I didn’t have to go to the gym either. Those weights were heavy.”
JAMES HARRIS – The Agency’s James Harris, star of Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, is hitting the airwaves with his newest venture, the original, unscripted podcast—Positively Chaotic with James Harris. People Magazine had the exclusive on the show’s debut, including a clip where James’ mum had some choice (and hilarious) words about his behavior as a child. The first weekly episode dropped on Tuesday, August 25, with James welcoming star Kelly Rowland. Read more about the podcast here.
7820 ELECTRA DRIVE – Fox Business featured the Hollywood Hills home of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave and her husband, a modern architectural estate situated above the Sunset Strip. The listing is held by Farrah Brittany and Mauricio Umansky, daughter and husband of fellow Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards. The spectacular residence features expansive terraces that span the width of the home, emphasizing the views across Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean. The entertaining terrace extends over the hillside, floating above the canyon and city below, featuring a pool, heated spa, dining patio, lounge and BBQ kitchen.
