The year’s shortest month wasn’t short on headline-making news. From recognition for shaping the future of the real estate industry to a day-in-the-life diary of an agent, read on for a look at our February highlights from publications at home and abroad.
Global
The Agency Founder & CEO Mauricio Umansky penned an article for Entrepreneur on the key strategies he and The Agency executive team took to expand the business, adding 24 franchises in 2022 alone. “The first focus has always been — and continues to be — our people,” he said. “Who you invite into your circle impacts so much of business, from productivity to morale, culture to reputation. And when it comes to franchising, of course, it’s essential to partner with professionals you align with and respect.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce detailed how The Agency is both leading and disrupting the real estate industry and is well positioned for future growth. “What we’re trying to do is really just create a better experience,” Mauricio Umansky says in the article.
According to Elle France, Netflix’s “Buying Beverly Hills” est très magnifique.The publication recommended fans of the France-based show L’Agence queue up The Agency’s series starring Mauricio Umansky, Farrah Brittany, Alexia Umansky, and other leading agents.
California
Billy Rose was recently featured in a CNBC story highlighting Los Angeles’s 2.0 ultra-luxury condo market, specifically the penthouse at the new Four Seasons Private Residences. Offered at $75M, this residence is more “modern, luxurious and amenity-packed” than anything previously available in the city and builds on the records being broken by other projects, such as The Pendry Residences in West Hollywood. With the final phase now being released and nearly 70% of residences already sold, the opportunity to live within the renowned white-glove hospitality of the world’s foremost luxury collection is going fast. View the listing here.
Nick Sandler and Bennet Hirsch’s Encino listing made the cut for The New York Times column “What You Get” series, this time comparing $3.5M homes throughout California. Nestled in the hills south of Ventura Boulevard, the beautifully renovated Spanish hacienda features four bedrooms, multiple fireplaces, a swimming pool and inviting indoor-outdoor flow. View the listing here.
The Agency Los Altos, which opened in Fall of 2022, was featured in the February issue of Modern Luxury Silicon Valley. In the article on page 114, Mauricio Umansky pointed out that Los Altos represents a pivotal market and that we look forward to continuing to be a part of the community.
Georgia
Cindy “Rodeo” Steedle of The Agency North Atlanta chronicled a day in her life for Curbed’s “Realtor Diaries,” sharing the story behind her signature cowgirl hat, detailing how she markets a property to align with current trends and providing a glimpse into her own personal slice of Georgian paradise overlooking the mountains.
Texas
U.S. News & World Report compiled a story on recent real estate data and insights for the Dallas market, leveraging the expertise of The Agency’s Managing Partner and Principal Broker Damon Williamson.
Arizona
Phoenix Business Journal broke the story that Mauricio Umansky joined Kristin Oas and Wendy Walker in hosting a private viewing of 41851 N 112th Place in Scottsdale. Offered at $13M, the modern masterpiece boasts nearly 7,000 square feet of living space with spectacular desert views, luxe finishes and a custom closet that dreams are made of.
New England
Mansion Global featured Cliff Smith and Todd David Miller’s recent listing. Known as Bluebell Manor, the Georgian-inspired residence in New Canaan, Connecticut, rests on four acres of beautifully manicured gardens and boasts an array of character-rich details, including two fireplaces that were once part of Lady Caroline Astor’s Beechwood mansion in Newport, Rhode Island.
Reporting on the soaring rental housing costs in New England, Boston.com spoke with Eric Rollo, Managing Partner of The Agency Boston, who pointed out the increase in owners converting their properties to short-term rentals, growing student population and redevelopment of existing multi-family properties are putting pressure on the region’s already-limited supply.
New York
StreetEasy named Gina Ko’s listing in Yorkville the most popular sale of the week for February 20. Located on the top floor of a boutique cooperative pre-war walk-up, the residence features ample natural light, two spacious bedrooms, remodeled kitchen, rooftop access and a live-in superintendent.
Brandon Soufer, George Ouzounian and Gina Michelle of The Agency’s Oz Group in California went bi-coastal, gracing the NASDAQ board in New York City’s Times Square.
Nevada
Las Vegas Business Press highlighted the top sales from the previous month. Raiders owner Mark Davis unloaded his Summit Club condo, setting him up for a move to his new estate in Ascaya, represented by The Agency Development Group. The Agency’s Zar Zanganeh was also featured for his sale of the hacienda-style equestrian estate dubbed the House of Roses, for the 25 floral varieties adorning the grounds.
Hawai’i
Modern Luxury Hawaii profiled Mauricio Umansky on page 93 of their February issue, asking about The Agency’s premier brokerage on the islands. “Being born and raised in Maui, I am so excited to introduce the very first Agency office here in Hawai’i,” he explained. The Agency Maui will be led by Managing Partners Gerrit Peerson and Yvienne Peterson.
Dwell offered readers a look inside the clifftop Maui estate listed by Mick St. John and Maggie Salerno. Offered at $12M and extensively renovated by the internationally renowned LM Design Group Inc, the residence features three bedrooms, 180-degree ocean views, a free-form pool and detached cottage. View the full listing here.
Caribbean
Ian Hurdle‘s gorgeous new penthouse listing in the heart of Grace Bay Beach in Turks & Caicos was featured in Robb Report. Hailed as the ultimate “Caribbean escape,” the Tuscan-inspired residence boasts an expansive balcony overlooking white sand beaches and turquoise waters plus its own private gym and sauna. View the listing here.
As reported by Cayman Compass, Fleur Coleman has taken on the role of Broker and Owner of The Agency Cayman Islands, bringing a wealth of experience and local knowledge to a luxury market that reached nearly $1B in sales last year. Fleur will partner with Stefan Cohen, forming a formidable team.
Europe
The Agency’s growth in Europe hit the airwaves this month. CNN Portugal reported on the news of our new office launch in Lisbon, led by Managing Partner, Ayres Neto. The new locale is the firm’s second office in Europe, following The Netherlands, which launched in 2022. Our third office in Europe quickly followed with of our expansion into Mallorca led by Managing Partner, Alby Euesden, as reported by RealTrends. These offices join The Agency’s growing network of more than 75 offices in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe.
