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The Agency’s Hot August Headlines

by | Aug 29, 2023

Our world-class team of agents has continued to rack up well-deserved moments in the sun this summer. From continued industry disruption and ultra-luxe listings to inspiring personal stories and hot takes on the state of the market, take a look at the previous months’ highlights. 

Global 

Inman ran a story on The Agency’s decision to add New American Funding as a preferred mortgage lender partner to offer clients conventional, jumbo and non-QM loans. “Expanding our core real estate services with like-minded partners empowers our agents to provide their clients with best-in-class service and guidance throughout the transaction process,” commented EVP of Affiliated Businesses Burke Smith

Miss Inman Connect Las Vegas and Inman Luxury Connect earlier this month? This recap on the Inman site covered a range of key takeaways and highlighted many of The Agency’s own. Among the big topics were the trend of top agents migrating back to their original brokerages—like Selling Sunset star Vanessa Villela, who returned to The Agency after two years away. In a session called “Strategies for Finding Listing Inventory When There Is None,” Jon Grauman expounded on inventory being “the central issue” of the real estate industry right now, and why he’s relationships over deals.

The Agency’s COO, Shane Farkas joined an Inman panel on how AI can supercharge agents’ brands, sharing pro tips on how companies can wield artificial intelligence and market data to help agents stand out in a competitive market.

U.S. News & World Report spoke with Jamie Camp about the strategy behind lowering a home’s price to sell. “In this market,” she explains,” we are seeing changes week to week. One day a home will have multiple offers and sell $100K over asking and the next week a comparable home will not have any interest at the same starting price.”

Jon Grauman spoke at Inman Luxury Connect in Las Vegas about the significance of building relationships with other agents to secure listings. Read all about it here

Architecture Director William Baker was featured in The Wall Street Journal, telling the story about how an iconic 1966 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 with a storied past found its way into his collection of classic cars.

The Agency’s VP of Franchise Sales West Ricardo Beer was named to Marquis Who’s Who, an online network of respected professionals from around the world. Congrats, Ricardo! 

California

Mauricio Umansky spoke with Bloomberg about the impact that higher interest rates and Los Angeles’s new “mansion tax” are having on the luxury market. 

U.S. News & World Report recognized Santiago Arana as one of the top agents in Los Angeles, noting his impressive $2.5 billion sales portfolio, unparalleled experience and international connections.

U.S. News & World Report also spoke with Jamie Camp about the strategy behind lowering a home’s price to sell. “In this market,” she explains,” we are seeing changes week to week. One day a home will have multiple offers and sell $100K over asking and the next week a comparable home will not have any interest at the same starting price.”

The Real Deal broke the news that Jason Bergman joined The Agency. Drawn to the boutique approach, he looks forward to up-leveling his business while continuing to focus on Pasadena, Glendale and Highland Park.

Kris Everett of Bond Street Partners joined the panel of REALTOR® Resiliency: Finding Success in a Challenging Market, hosted by the California Association of REALTORS®, where he spoke about the importance of mindfulness and remaining present. Read the recap here, or watch the recording here

The Agency dominated the pages of Modern Luxury in an article showcasing the ultimate listings for resort-style living. Among the properties featured were Eric Haskell listing Montecito listing on at 1741 Glen Oaks Drive, Farrah Brittany and Freddy Thomas’s Rolling Hills listing at 30 Portuguese Bend RoadJames Harris and Mary Hellmund Bel Air listing at 320 St Pierre Road and a Malibu mansion represented by Mauricio Umansky and Sandro Dazzan

Top-ranked agent Zac Mostame was profiled in the same issue of Modern Luxury, which heralded him as a next-generation leader in the industry. 

Eric Haskell and Blake Varga’s Montecito listing was dubbed one of “The Most Magnificent Mansions on the Market Right Now” by Country & Town House. The Spanish Hedgerow home was stunningly redone by late celebrity designer Paul Fortune and resides on over an acre of serene landscaping by Elizabeth Low. Explore the property here.  

In the same piece, Country & Town House highlighted Feroz Taj, Jon Grauman and Adam Rosenfeld’s listing in Venice, noting its prime location, striking contemporary design and rooftop deck with panoramic views of the ocean and city. View the full listing here.     

When a property as spectacular as the “Allure” estate hits the market, you can bet Mansion Global will provide a look inside. Listed by Santiago Arana, this newly constructed Brentwood residence has been carved into the mountainside. Developer Ray Nosrati saw the project as “an opportunity to push the boundaries of luxury and design in Los Angeles.” View the photos and learn more in the full piece here.

Managing Partner Emil Hartoonian shared a story of one of the most over-the-top open houses he ever hosted with The Wall Street Journal: a magical 300-guest soirée inspired by Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream worthy of the extravagant $18M European-inspired estate. 

For a segment of The American Dream TV’s recent episode “Driven by Innovation,” Amir Jawaherian spoke with Ferris Rezvani of Rezvani Motors in Irvine about his passion for design, entrepreneurship and pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. 

Fred Dapp and Christian Name’s Hollywood Hills listing gained the attention of Robb Report, which noted its custom Saint Laurent-inspired walk-in closet, marble-swathed interiors and panoramic views. 

Represented by David Parnes and James Harris, The Pendry Residences West Hollywood were recognized by Robb Report among the best developments in L.A. that are “ushering in a new era of elevated luxury living” with sumptuous residences enhanced by high-touch white-glove services. Learn more and see inside the residences here

 

Florida 

Daniel Tzinker’s Golden Beach listing was featured in Patch, which dubbed the estate offered at $18M  “an entertainer’s dream.” 

 

Idaho  

As reported in Real Estate News, our Boise office has added a new dynamic duo: Kerri O’Hara and Jessica Doss. With their combined local knowledge, relocation expertise and commitment to white-glove service, we’re thrilled to welcome them to The Agency.  

 

Kentucky 

The Agency has expanded its presence in the Midwest and launched the first franchise office in Kentucky, as reported in The Business Journals. Located in Louisville, the office will be led by Jason Farabee, an industry veteran and one of the top agents in the state. 

New York 

The New York Times highlighted several properties on the market in Manhattan and Queens, including an Astoria brick house listed by Ben Falchi and Peta Couzens. Offered at $1.1M, the two-bedroom corner home features front and rear courtyards, a newer roof, a finished basement ready for laundry plus a detached two-car garage. View the listing here.

Real Estate News reported that veteran broker Mike Fabbri has joined our New York City office, a career move that “aligns perfectly with [his] entrepreneurial spirit.” 

Rising real estate star Tyler Whitman was nominated for the Media Maverick Award as part of The Hollywood Reporter’s 2023 New York Power Broker Awards.  

 

Tennessee 

Real Estate News reported that Nashville native and luxury specialist Grant Sory has joined The Agency alongside five other agents from Mode Properties. With our global reach, cutting-edge technology and dedicated PR team, he looks forward to expanding his business throughout Tennessee and into Florida. 

 

Canada 

Our Toronto West Managing Director Matt Lionetti was recognized in an MSN article for his unconventional virtual marketing tactics, the most recent of which had him recreating Tony Hawk Pro Skater in a video for Instagram. Watch and learn here.  

Alexandra Axsen of The Agency Kelowna in British Columbia was profiled by Inman in a Broker Spotlight. Read the interview to learn the most valuable lessons she’s taken from her nearly two decades in the industry — including why location, location, location is a fallacy. 

 

Mexico 

Eric Iloski and Janet Jensen Los Cabos listing earned a feature in Modern Luxury’s piece on hot homes for resort-style living. The Rosewood branded residence boasts two primary suites, dazzling views of the Sea of Cortez and access to the resort and all its concierge services. Browse the residence’s photos here.

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