There was nothing nearly as scary in October as how much The Agency accomplished. Treat yourself to some of the top stories.
National
As reported in Architectural Digest, Santiago Arana and Mauricio Umansky have been tapped to exclusively represent the first ten luxury residences of Njord. Billed as the world’s largest private residence yacht, Njord boasts a spa, wellness center, retail, a night club, helicopter hangar and dive center across 948 impeccably designed feet.
The Agency CEO and Founder Mauricio Umansky spoke with Brad Inman at Inman Connect about the current headwinds in the market, noting that transactions are down as much as 50% in some regions. But for brokers and agents with strategic growth initiatives and unique value propositions, the challenges can become opportunities.
Canada
Congratulations are in order for Managing Partners Katia Bailey and Steve Bailey. Under their management, The Agency Oakville was named Best Real Estate Office according to the Oakville Beaver’s Readers Choice Awards 2022.
Journal de Montreal covered The Agency’s recent expansion to Quebec. According to Mauricio Umansky, Montreal was a logical next step for the business as it is a “world-class city.” Managing Partner John Faratro will ensure to bring The Agency’s signature red carpet service to more clients in Canada.
The Toronto Sun reported on The Agency Toronto’s recent Giveback Homes Build Day. Managing Partners Peter and Paige Torkan recruited dozens of volunteers, including Mauricio Umansky, and contributed $30,000 towards the Habitat for Humanity initiative in lieu of a grand opening party for the new office. “Since we are realtors, what’s better than helping families in need of a roof over their heads?” said Paige.
Denver
Jared Blank and Kacey Bingham recently listed the Denver metro area’s most expensive listing, and CNBC got the exclusive. Located in the affluent Cherry Hills Village enclave and asking just under $28.9M, the Clearview Farm estate features five bedrooms and eight bathrooms that blend sustainable design, luxury materials, state-of-the-art technology and traditional craftsmanship techniques.
Northern California
The Real Deal reported on the recent expansion of The Agency in Silicon Valley. Five new agents have joined The Agency Los Altos, including Elizabeth Thompson, Shilpa Merchant, Nisha Sharma, Suzanne O’Brien and Vicki Ferrando.
Southern California
Emil Hartoonian’s latest listing made headlines on Dirt. Owned by Tommy Lee and nestled in a gated community above the Calabasas Country Club, the home boasts eclectic style and finishings and a recording studio worthy of rock and roll royalty.
Father-son partners Michael and Phillip Caruso of The Agency Orange County appeared in Riviera Magazine‘s new issue for a feature on Modern Men. As they approach $1B in sales, Michael noted their dedication to service: “We love what we do and take pride in adding insight and value to every transaction we facilitate.”
Jon Grauman and Adam Rosenfeld’s 1200 Bel Air listing made the cover of Mansion Global. The feature story discussed the growing popularity of extravagant homes for entertaining that feature everything from outdoor home theaters to custom billiards rooms.
Mike Schwartz now leads The Agency’s 63rd location in La Jolla, San Diego, as reported by Inman. “At The Agency, we are currently hyper-focused on advancing our service and solutions for agents,” said Mauricio Umansky. “Mike will be an incredible asset to our team as we continue to innovate and cultivate a seamless, fully-integrated agent experience in prime San Diego.”
Utah
Managing Partner and Utah native David Ellis now leads The Agency’s new office in St. George. “St. George’s real estate market offers a perfect synergy with The Agency’s groundbreaking offerings, collaborative approach and global brand,” David said. Read the full story from Inman.
Michigan
Jill Laskey and Ashley Crain have listed Utah Jazz player Kelly Olynyk’s lakefront home, as reported in the New York Post. The contemporary masterpiece dazzles with its custom matte porcelain floors, grand gallery-like foyer, Val Design gourmet kitchen and louvered roof backyard pergola. View the listing here.
D.C. Metro
Alex Martinez and Nurit Coombe, Managing Partners of The Agency D.C. Metro, were both recognized in Potomac Living Magazine for making their office the #1 Boutique Real Estate Brokerage. See more on page 22. Their team was also recognized for leading the Best Real Estate Team according to Washington Parent Picks.
Arizona
Mauricio Umansky was featured in Modern Luxury’s “Men of Style” spread, where he detailed his penchant for elevated casual fashion, his love of linen and Miami Vice, and how his family influences his sartorial choices. “Sometimes I walk into a room with something I bought and they are very honest about how they feel,” he noted.
Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Review Journal reported on Ascaya’s recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Family Park, which features multiple play structures, a splash pad, putting greens, grills and picnic tables. Represented by The Agency Development Group, the exclusive luxury community includes 300 mountainside homesites.
New York
Every agent has a horror story or two, and what better month to share them? In a The Wall Street Journal interview, The Agency’s Chris Toland recounted the time he got locked inside a Brooklyn home that he was showing to clients.
Bahamas
Managing Partner Danny Lowe’s two Harbour Island listings, La Palmeraie 1 and La Palmeraie 2, were highlighted in a Caribbean Journal piece on The Agency’s expansion to The Bahamas.
