From LA to NYC: Top Real Estate Agents of 2024
The pros selected for Variety’s Real Estate Elite report handle only the very high-end listings on the coasts and have managed to close record-setting deals despite high interest rates and Los Angeles’ “mansion” tax. “This is a time of opportunity for buyers. ‘Marry the house. Date the rate’…. you can always refinance later,” says Cindy Ambuehl at Christie’s Intl. Real Estate.
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Trends for 2024 include hotel-like amenities. “High-end buyers want the full-service experience, so the more a property features all the amenities they’ve come to expect at the finest hotels, the more likely they are to pay above market,” says Zach Goldsmith of the Agency.
Tal Alexander, Oren Alexander
Official
Brothers Tal and Oren Alexander honed their considerable dealmaking skills representing clients and properties in New York and South Florida and have recently expanded their firm, Official, into additional markets such as Los Angeles, Aspen and the Bahamas. They repped the buyer in the country’s highest-priced residential purchase: the penthouse floors at 220 Central Park South ($239 million). In 2023, the Alexander Team’s annual sales volume topped $705.5 million. The siblings are in the branded condominium market, too, repping 888 Brickell in Miami, Dolce & Gabbana’s first residential tower, and the Rosewood Residences on Miami Beach.
What is the outlook like for 2024? “It has become clear that buyers who had previously put their searches on hold have now reentered the market with force,” says Tal Alexander. Oren Alexander adds his perspective: “In 2024, I expect to see a huge flight to quality while just average properties will sit on the market. I expect to see trophy properties continue to move.”
Josh Altman, Matt Altman, Heather Altman
The Altman Brothers
Douglas Elliman
This powerhouse team — which has expanded to Orange County, San Diego and Arizona — well surpassed $1 billion in annual sales volume. The brokers sold a property in the Pacific Palisades’ Riviera enclave for $49.44 million, set records for Encino’s two highest-priced properties at $20 million and $18.4 million, and broke the record for Encinitas’ highest-priced sale with the “Westworld” mansion. Current listings include “Full House” creator Jeff Franklin’s Cielo Estate at $59.99 million and Sugar Ray Leonard’s Pacific Palisades estate at $39.99 million.
What does the luxury real estate market look like in 2024? “The luxury real estate market will continue to be strong in 2024,” says Josh Altman. “The only difference is buyers will have a lot of options and the best locations will prevail. We also are betting on places like Newport Beach, where our new flagship Orange County office is located, as we feel that is the next major market to go through the roof.”
Erin Boisson Aries
Douglas Elliman N.Y.
Aries, whose 2023 sales hit $250 million, has transacted more than $2.5 billion in properties, ranging from swank Manhattan penthouses to Swiss villas to London trophy assets. Notable power move was the sellout of the Ritz-Carlton Residences New York, with 50% of the 16 furnished penthouse suites sold within her own network, all for the asking or at record price.
What the key to the luxury market? “At the highest end of the market, buyers want a trophy — something exceptional, rare and even iconic.”
Cindy Ambuehl
CEO & Founder, Cindy Ambuehl Group at Christie’s Intl. Real Estate
Ambuehl turned last year’s market challenges — from high interest rates and ever-increasing insurance costs to Los Angeles’ implementation of the “mansion” tax — into opportunities to better connect with her clients. Considering her 2023 yearly sales topped $185 million and lifetime sales top $2 billion, it’s clear that her market insights and dynamic approach are very effective. Ambuehl’s continued support of Giveback Homes includes more than sponsoring builds — she loves wielding power tools, too.
What does the luxury real estate market look like in 2024? “There is resounding optimism and excitement by many who feel 2024 will be a better time to buy or sell a home compared to last year,” Ambuehl say
Santiago Arana
Principal, the Agency
Arana’s roster of prominent clients includes entertainers, athletes and business tycoons, all of whom rely not only on his knowledge of current listings, but also on Arana’s discretion and dedication to preserving their privacy. But his superpower may be his ability to match clients with the perfect properties. In 2023 Arana scored $345 million in sales — one highlight being representing seller Ben Silverman in a deal worth $47.5 million, which boosted his lifetime sales to the $5 billion mark.
What is the hot trend right now for real estate? “The hottest trend right now, in my opinion, has to do with health and wellness,” Arana says. “Properties that offer complete gyms with full-service amenities such as spas, cold plunge, infrared sauna, high heat sauna, red light therapy and recovery biohacking machines are very, very sought after right now. Adding to those amenities are sports courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, etc.”
Noble Black
Douglas Elliman N.Y.
Having notched $316 million in 2023 sales, Black’s star-studded client roster includes John Legend, Scarlett Johansson, Rob Marshall & John DeLuca, and the Brad Grey estate. Some of his biggest sales include a 520 Park Ave. unit at $73.8 million; a 785 Fifth Ave. unit for $54 million and one at 45 East 22 St. for $52 million. Black and his team represent some of New York’s most acclaimed new development properties, including the Waldorf Astoria Residences and 111 Murray.
What’s a hot trend for 2024? “There continues to be a reawakening of the luxury segment in key markets,” Black says. “Lower interest rates, improved inventory levels and generally strong economic conditions will continue to feed this trend.”
David Parnes, James Harris
Bond Street Partners
Partners, Carolwood Estates
Parnes and Harris recently brought their team’s wealth of experience, and lifetime sales of approximately $3 billion, to Carolwood Estates. Their 2023 annual sales — which tallied around $333 million — came courtesy of a $63.5 million Holmby Hills sale and from representing buyers and sellers of both a $28.75 million property in Beverly Hills and a $21 million Century City penthouse. They also publish a newsletter, host a podcast and are launching an educational course, the 1% Blueprint, the Art of Selling Luxury Real Estate.
Biggest trend right now? “One of the major trends in luxury real estate is the idea of a curated lifestyle,” Parnes says. “We’re witnessing a surge in the popularity of vertical residences like Park Elm at Century Plaza and Pendry Residences in West Hollywood. This trend is primarily driven by the desire for convenience and exclusivity. These residences offer amenities akin to those found in luxury resorts, enabling residents to enjoy a seamless transition between their vacation and home life.”
Carrie Chiang
Corcoran Group
With 2023 sales hitting $350 million (lifetime $6.5 billion), it’s easy to see why Chiang is known as New York’s preeminent power broker, with past and present clients including Barbra Streisand, Jim Carrey, Sean Combs and Derek Jeter. Current listings include 217 West 57th St. (#126) at $75 million; 432 Park Ave. (#71) at $68 million; and 132 East 62nd St., a five-floor townhouse that was once home to Bennett Cerf, the co-founder of Random House, and his wife, Phyllis Cerf Wagner, who co-founded Random House’s children’s’ division, Beginner Books, alongside Ted Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), for $16.5 million.
Key to making a sale: “When you buy or sell in Manhattan, we go wherever the buyer needs to go based on their needs. Some buyers only want downtown, while others won’t go below 57th Street.”
Steven Cohen
Douglas Elliman N.Y.
Cohen specializes in ultra-luxury real estate and high-profile clients, racking up more than $185 million in 2023 sales. He’s logged more than $2.45 billion in lifetime sales, including last year’s $24.95 million off-market deal of Ronald Perelman’s 778 Park Ave. residence to Estée Lauder’s William Lauder.
Real estate predictions for 2024? He expects continued market strength. “Expect more buyer competition, with pockets of real opportunity, most notably in co-op buildings and properties needing extensive renovations.”
Chris Cortazzo
Compass
Malibu native Cortazzo is an expert in everything from surf breaks to quiet cul-de-sacs in the coastal enclave and its highly competitive real estate market. Cortazzo’s career sales top $8 billion; in 2023, his sales volume equaled $478 million. He’s currently co-listing a primo beachfront estate in Paradise Cove at 27930 Pacific Coast Highway ($75 million) and 28034 Sea Lane Dr., a $47.5 million contemporary on the sand with expansive deck and 88 feet of beachfront. He co-listed 22446 Pacific Coast Highway on Carbon Beach, which sold for $40 million in early 2023.
What’s the 2024 market like? “The 2024 Malibu real estate market has begun with exceptional momentum, displaying a threefold increase in strength compared to the same period in 2023. Buyers are prioritizing safety and Malibu locations in their search,” Cortazzo notes.
Fredrik Eklund, John Gomes
Douglas Elliman N.Y.
Celebrity and luxury-driven, the team of Eklund and Gomes, who have offices in New York, California, Texas and Florida, have brought in an average of $4 billion annually in transactions over the last four years. The duo recently represented the buyer of a $100 million penthouse at Central Park Tower. Eklund moved to Miami Beach to sell the Shore Club Residences, which set records in South Florida with two-thirds sold in just a few months completely off-market, with an average price point of $20 million, or more than $5,000 per square-foot. The team is also selling Shell Bay, like Shore Club developed by Witkoff, a 150-acre golf-resort.
What does the real estate market look like in 2024? “We’re expecting an increase in price and demand, limited supply and an increase in off- market properties.”
Drew Fenton
CEO and co-founder, Carolwood Estates
While his annual sales volume hit $350 million in 2023, much of Fenton’s $7 billion career sales volume has come from specializing in legacy properties. Current listings include the former Conrad Hilton estate Casa Encantada, which at $195 million is the most expensive home currently for sale in the U.S.; the Manor, the former estate of Aaron and Candy Spelling, now priced at $155 million; Cher’s Pacific Coast Highway estate, at $75 million; and architect Harry Gesner’s iconic Wave House for $49.5 million.
What does the luxury real estate market look like in 2024? “The market is heating up and we think 2024 will be a banner year,” Fenton says. “Catering kitchens are very much in demand.”
Josh Flagg
Douglas Elliman
Despite last year’s challenging real estate market, Flagg lifted his overall career sales well past the $3 billion mark. His current listings include Pasadena’s largest single-family home, 2 Oak Knoll Terrace, listed at $36.5 million, and one of Beverly Hills’ great estates, 9463 Sunset Blvd., listed for $28.9 million. An original star of Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing,” last year Flagg also founded Estate Media along with media entrepreneur Griff O’Brien and Andrew Shanfeld, delivering content over several platforms to 25-plus million viewers.
What is the hot trend right now for real estate? “Biggest trends right now are the usual suspects — home theater, the home gym,” Flagg says. “But then we have a new contender … her name is Pickle Ball!”
Sally Forster Jones
The Sally Forster Jones Group, Compass
Contributing to a lifetime sales volume of more than $10 billion, Forster Jones and her firm garnered $234 million in residential sales in 2023. The real estate pro is now representing the Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills, 17 estate-like luxury homes in the heart of Beverly Hills, as well as the final phase of the 22-story Beverly West building adjacent to the Los Angeles Country Club.
What’s the market look like in 2024? “Following some years of uncertainty, ultra-high-net-worth buyers are once again feeling ready to commit to those purchases that fulfill their desire to have the rare and the exceptional,” finds Forster Jones. “This year’s outlook for the luxury real estate market is quite strong. High-profile buyers are seeking special, unique properties that cannot be replaced.”
Cathy Franklin
Corcoran Group
Franklin’s 2023 sales hit $491 million, fueled by such deals as 109 East 79th St., which sold for nearly $30 million; and a penthouse in that same building for $35 million. Current listings include penthouses at 150 E. 78th St. ($35 million) and 1295 Madison ($21.5 million). Franklin’s 1806 Hudson Valley farm is the home of Hillrock Estate Distillery, which produces artisanal whiskey.
Trends for 2024? “My clients demand properties with elements that are exceptional or one-of-a-kind. From eye-catching features like large private terraces to custom millwork finishes, today’s Manhattan luxury buyer appreciates both grand spaces and thoughtful details.”
Tomer Fridman
The Fridman Group Intl., Compass
Fridman’s Rolodex of celebrity clients is lengthy: over the years, his real estate deals have involved Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Eva Chow and Rod Stewart; the latter’s three-acre, Richard Landry-designed Beverly Park Terrace estate is listed at $74 million. Overall, his career volume of sales has reached a stratospheric $6.5 billion. Along with his team’s recent expansion into Texas and New York real estate, Fridman and Compass’ Sally Forster Jones represent the Rosewood Residences in Beverly Hills, where he’s seen a growing interest in five-star living that’s coupled with outstanding service and design.
Trends for 2024? “Not only in Los Angeles but across the nation, luxury-branded residences have elevated their standing as pedigree destinations for affluent clientele seeking alternatives to traditional estates,” Fridman says.
Carl Gambino
Compass
The Gambino Group notched more than $375 million in 2023 sales across major markets including New York, Los Angeles and Miami. Recent sales include Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s $15 million waterfront Miami manse; a $24.5 million Pacific Palisades estate; and a $23 million West Village townhouse. Gambino represented seller Mark Wahlberg on the sale of Wahlberg’s massive Beverly Park mansion, for $55 million. He’s co-listing (with Compass’ Tomer Fridman) Eva Chow’s $65 million, 30,000-square-foot Holmby Hills architectural compound.
What trends are in store for 2024? “In today’s real estate landscape, security and uniqueness stand out as two of the hottest trends,” observes Gambino. “As such, in the ultra-high-end market, secure compound-style properties with multiple structures are often the most desirable and consistently break records for price per-square-foot.”
Ginger Glass
Compass
Two of 2023’s most high-profile celebrity real estate deals were concluded by Glass: the $60.8 million purchase of a five-acre compound above Beverly Hills by Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck (Glass repped the sellers) and the sale of Mark Wahlberg’s Beverly Park estate ($55 million) in a deal where Glass represented the buyers. A broker and licensed attorney, Glass is the exclusive outside agent for the Madison Club in La Quinta, closing record-breaking deals in the desert enclave.
What are some trends for 2024? “Instead of more talk about indoor-outdoor flow, more developers and homeowners are bringing the outdoors in from full-size trees in the homes, indoor sports to pools and tropical wellness centers.”
Steve Gold
Corcoran Group
Formerly of Bravo TV’s “Million Dollar Listing,” Gold, whose 2023 sales hit $316 million ($2.4 billion lifetime), focuses on luxury properties throughout celeb-heavy downtown Manhattan, playing a key role in many high-profile new developments, including Jean Nouvel’s 40 Mercer, Zaha Hadid’s 520 W. 28th and the Superior Ink building in the West Village. Gold, with Corcoran Sunshine and fellow broker Deborah Kern, is selling the striking One High Line at 500 W. 18th St., designed by architect Bjarke Ingels.
Trends for 2024? “The market for downtown trophy properties is particularly active. Scarcity is what motivates luxury buyers. They want something no one else has.”
Zach Goldsmith
The Agency
Goldsmith’s notable 2023 sales include three Beverly Hills estates for $25 million, $23 million and $14 million; he also sold a Sierra Towers penthouse for $10 million, reportedly to Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom. Goldsmith gives back by supporting the Stephen S. Wise Temple, Children’s Hospital L.A., and the Floor Dance Academy Scholarship Fund.
What is the hot real estate trend? “A lot of what we’re seeing as of late, especially with high-end new development, is delivering the final product with hotel-like amenities and finishes,” Goldsmith says.
Deborah Grubman
Corcoran Group
Grubman hit $180 million in 2023, and in May 2023, she represented Rupert Murdoch in his $35.2 million purchase of Central Park South co-op (150 Central Park South). Current listings include 20-22 Bank St., two adjacent townhouses priced at $37.5 million; and 15 Bank St., built in 1910, at $30 million. High-profile clients include Hugh Jackman, David Geffen and Luciano Pavarotti.
What does the market look like in 2024? “Inventory is tight, and housing prices do not appear to be going down. As a result, I’m feeling quite optimistic about the luxury market in 2024.”
Clayton Orrigo, Stephen Ferrara
The Hudson Advisory Team
Compass
Orrigo and Ferrara, Hudson Advisory founders, led their team to a sales volume of $1.15 billion (closed & in-contract) in 2023. Other high-profile deals include 443 Greenwich St. for $36 million, 452 Greenwich St. for $24.5 million and 58 Bank St. at $23.5 million. Keeping their focus downtown, Hudson recently purchased office space at 160 Leroy in the West Village, with plans to open this year.
What is a trend for the new year? ”2024 will be a significant year for trophy properties over $10 million, with Manhattan already witnessing record-breaking sales and setting a trend for comparable assets. These properties, including townhomes, are some of Manhattan’s finest privately owned residences and remain highly sought-after investments. We anticipate the exceptionally high demand to continue,” Ferrara and Orrigo said.
Frances Katzen
Founder, Katzen Team, Douglas Elliman N.Y.
The founder and leader of the Katzen team hit $165 million in sales for 2023, while her overall sales reached $3.5 billion. She sold some of New York City’s most prized new development projects, including the Charles, 35XV, Chelsea Modern, 34 Greene St., 60 White and 64 East 1st, with clients such as B.J Novak, Michael Strahan and Annie Leibovitz. She is also working on such projects as the MoMA building at 53 West 53rd. Katzen has a regular spot on the “Today” show, Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg Radio and Bloomberg News.
Hot trends for 2024? She’s noticing a cleaner-aesthetic shift with buyers. “Home is no longer about the flashiest, or most decorated, but rather a thoughtful floor plan melded with natural elements.”
Marci Kays, Jonathan Mogharrabi
Estates directors, Carolwood Estates
Newly partnered up, the experienced duo closed 2023 with a sales volume of $150 million and career sales volume of $500 million. They represented Brad Pitt in selling his historic Briarcliff Manor for $45 million, the top sale for Los Feliz to date, and helped the actor purchase the midcentury modern Steel House for $8.3 million. Their current inventory includes the 1920s Spanish Colonial William C. Hay residence by noted architect Charles H. Kyson, listed at $9.95 million.
What is the hot trend right now? “Our luxury homebuyers want more outdoor entertaining space than ever before and are after high-end amenities like at home spas, gyms, and areas focused on health and wellness,” Mogharrabi says.
Deborah Kern
Corcoran Group
After $500 million in 2023 sales, and with her lifetime cume approaching $6 billion, Kern’s notable recent deals include a unit in 220 Central Park South for $75 million, with the same buyer also closing on a staff apartment for $5 million, with Kern representing the buyer; and an off-market deal in the same building for $75 million. Kern (along with Elliman’s Michael Lorber) had the listing. Last October, Kern listed and sold celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz’s apartment at 88 Central Park West for $10.65 million.
How do you approach your clients? “The New York buyer is very smart, and often highly analytical, and with that, they expect and appreciate good value.”
Aaron Kirman
AKG, Christie’s Intl. Real Estate
Boutique brokerage Christie’s Intl. Real Estate came roaring back to life in Los Angeles after a seven-year hiatus under its new CEO Kirman, with close to $2 billion in sales in 2023. Notable showbiz clients included Ariana Grande and Bad Bunny. Christie’s reputation for iconic listings continued with the sale of architect John Lautner’s Garcia House on Mulholland Drive, Joshua Tree’s Invisible House (listed at $18 million) and a contemporary compound on Stradella Court, listed for $150 million.
What are the 2024 trends? Kirman sees the market already trending positively in 2024. “There’s a visible resurgence of interest, activity and transactions across various price segments, with a notable emphasis on the ultra-luxury market,” he finds.
David Kramer
Hilton & Hyland
Kramer is consistently one of the top-producing agents on Los Angeles’ Westside. Now the president of Hilton & Hyland, Kramer currently reps almost $400 million in inventory from Bel-Air Road (a $29.95 million Italian-style manse) to a sprawling equestrian estate in San Diego County’s Rancho Santa Fe (listed at $98.5 million). Estates in Brentwood and Beverly Park are also on his docket. Among his bold-faced clients is DJ and producer Zedd and other industry notables.
What does the 2024 market look like? “Through the first quarter of 2024, we have already seen a dramatic uptick in activities, with buyers looking to get back into the market at nearly every price point, whether an $8 million modern in Venice or an $89 million custom estate,” finds Kramer. “We’re expecting a better year all-around.”
Brett Lawyer
Estates director, Carolwood Estates
Lawyer has built a career selling noteworthy estates — including homes once owned by Cecil B. DeMille and Jackie Collins — resulting in a career sales volume topping $1 billion and a 2023 sales volume of $188 million. His current inventory includes the 20,000-sq.ft. Cockerham Estate for $38 million; Madonna’s former Hollywood Hills estate, the historic Castillo del Lago, with an asking price of $18.9 million; and Patrick Swayze’s former ranch, at $4.5 million. In 2023, Lawyer represented celebrity buyers including Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck.
What does the luxury real estate market look like in 2024? “Our local market slowed toward the last quarter of 2023, yet there was also a lack of great inventory,” Lawyer says. “Improvement regarding interest rates is encouraging for the 2024 forecast. I currently have significant buyers searching and some very exciting listings coming soon as well.”
Michael Lorber, Alexander Boriskin
Douglas Elliman N.Y.
Lorber and Boriskin snared $246 million in 2023 sales, bringing their lifetime cume above $2 billion. Recent New York sales include units in 220 Central Park South, 432 Park Ave., Central Park Tower at 217 W 57th St. and the Westbury, 15 East 69th St.
What’s the market like right now? “We continue to see a very healthy number of signed contracts week after week. Buyers feel very confident putting their money into New York City luxury real estate.”
Linda May
Estates director, Carolwood Estates
Founder, Linda May Properties Group
May has amassed more than $4 billion in career sales, earning her reputation as an expert in L.A.’s historic, pedigreed, architectural estates. Her 2023 sales volume hit $262 million as she represented both sides in several prominent sales, including two Beverly Hills estates at $42.5 million each, and a Holmby Hills estate for $34.5 million. Among her current listings is 38 Beverly Park, asking price $47.5 million. May serves as a board member at the Wallis Center for Performing Arts, the L.A. Philharmonic, and A Place Called Home.
What does the luxury real estate market look like in 2024? “We are seeing an increase in luxury inventory coming on the market, and more showings along with them. There is a lot of discussion between luxury brokers and deals being made off-market,” May says.
Tyrone McKillen
Official
McKillen, whose diverse background in real estate includes international development and new luxury property construction, joined the Alexander brothers at Official in 2023 as the founding broker for California. His yearly sales volume in 2023 exceeded $239 million; some of his current listings range from the Scott Gillen-developed and -designed Cantilever House in Malibu’s elite Case residential community (listed at close to $70 million) to a co-listing of the Mockingbird Estate (at $39.95 million) in the famed Bird streets above Sunset Strip.
Market predictions for 2024? “The general sentiment will improve throughout 2024, as rates decrease, activity will increase,” says McKillen, adding, “well-designed product in good locations will continue to trade and set records.”
Jade Mills
International luxury ambassador, Coldwell Banker Realty Beverly Hills
Billed as the $8 Billion Woman, Mills’ well-earned reputation comes not only from matching high-end Los Angeles and Beverly Hills luxury properties with the right buyers, but also by knowing what today’s buyers are looking for and making sellers feel confident that they’re delivering all of those features and more. Mills recently sold 55 Beverly Park in Beverly Hills, which had a list price of $48.5 million. Her current listings include 1028 Ridgedale Dr., Beverly Hills, listed at $85 million.
What does the luxury real estate market look like in 2024? “On or around Jan. 15, 2024, the real estate market took off. I think it’s going to be an amazing 2024 with buyers and sellers feeling confident about the market and buyers no longer standing on the sidelines waiting to buy,” Mills says.
Lauren Muss
Douglas Elliman N.Y.
New York native Muss has been in the business since 1994, achieving more than $6.5 billion in sales. Last year, she netted $148 million, bolstered by high-profile deals for 1110 Park, Maisonette ($6.7 million), and a unit in 923 Fifth ($9.75 million). Top current listings include 14 E. 81st St., at $19.9 million.
What are some shifts in the market? “Sales have picked up only because listing inventory has declined, forcing many older properties to go into contract, which is good. Families are scaling up, and empty nesters are scaling down.”
Jason Oppenheim
The Oppenheim Group
Two hit Netflix series, “Selling Sunset” and “Selling the OC,” center on the Realtors of the Oppenheim Group, a thriving real-estate concern with offices in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, San Diego and Cabo San Lucas. President-CEO Oppenheim and his team have logged $475 million volume in the last 12 months and sport more than $500 million in active listings. Oppenheim has listed an architectural home in Manhattan Beach for $30 million and an estate on Doheny Drive at $28 million, in addition to the most expensive sale in Corona Del Mar at $25 million.
What is the biggest trend right now in SoCal real estate? “Overpriced listings.”
Holly Parker
Douglas Elliman N.Y.
With more than $360 million in 2023 sales, Parker achieved the highest volume in sales for Douglas Elliman New Development and set records for some of Manhattan’s most expensive properties. Biggest sales include 220 Central Park South, Villa 8 ($80 million); units in 111 West 57th St. ($52 million and $47.2 million) and 217 West 57th St. ($24.5 million).
Hot trends for 2024? “With the slowdown of new construction, buyers are moving toward standout collector homes that have character, storied pasts and reflect a piece of the Manhattan fabric.”
Joyce Rey
Coldwell Banker
Rey has been making high-profile deals with celebrities and entertainment industry movers and shakers since the 1970s. Recent sales include 211 Alma Real Dr. in Pacific Palisades — the listing was the first $20 million-plus sale of 2024 in the Westside, selling at around 10 a.m. on Jan. 2, the first business day of the year. Another top listing is 277 St. Pierre Rd. in Bel-Air for $44.9 million. “There is also a strengthening demand for beautiful, well-located smaller homes,” Rey notes. “This is largely because luxury buyers typically own multiple homes around the world and want to minimize management responsibilities for large properties.”
Biggest trend right now? “The focus on amenities that promote wellness to enhance the homeowners’ quality of life. Newly constructed luxury properties are being built with spaces that function as retreats such as yoga studios, meditation rooms, and gyms that include spa features.”
Marc Shevin, Sara Shevin, Hanna Shevin
The Shevin Team
Douglas Elliman
This father-and-daughters team with 50-plus years’ worth of combined experience has amassed more than $3 billion in residential real estate sales, many in the Hidden Hills and Calabasas markets. Their reputation for integrity, loyalty and professionalism is well-earned. In 2023 they closed over $200 million in sales and broke their own record for Hidden Hills’ highest sale price with a $28.15 million sale. The Shevins’ numerous current Hidden Hills listings range anywhere from $15.99 million to $39.95 million.
What does the luxury real estate market look like in 2024? “We anticipate that 2024 will be another strong year for Hidden Hills and Calabasas real estate,” Mark Shevin says. “Our clients continue to move here for the relaxed lifestyle, guard- gated developments, great schools, new custom homes being built and comparative values that drive our market.”
F. Ron Smith, David Berg
Smith & Berg Partners
Compass
Discretion and confidentiality are key business principles for longtime real-estate partners Smith and Berg. The hyper-productive team at Smith & Berg Partners has brokered $6.5 billon in volume since first launching. Notable listings with showbiz pedigree include a $27 million, 7.5-acre estate within Bella Vista Estates at 2505 Summitridge Dr. and a Spanish Revival-style estate at 211 S. Muirfield in Hancock Park listed at $23 million. Howard Hughes was once an owner.
Trends for 2024? “The high-end market continues to flourish and impress with second and even third ‘getaway homes’ continuing their popularity. Everything from a pied-à-terre in Los Angeles to a luxurious mountain retreat in Deer Valley, Utah, or a beach-focused home in Montecito, this market is so popular, we even dedicate a monthly blog to the trend,” advises the team.
Mauricio Umansky, Farrah Brittany, Alexia Umansky
The Umansky Team
The Agency
Boasting annual sales of nearly $227 million in 2023 and lifetime sales exceeding $5 billion, the Umansky team keeps setting records. In 2023, that included the biggest high-rise sale in Westwood/Century City, the two highest sales in Bel-Air/Holmby Hills and L.A.’s highest price-per-square-foot condo sale — $4,005 per square-feet — for a unit at Pendry Estates Residences. Mauricio also supports the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and the National Breast Cancer Assn., serving as a board member for Giveback Homes. The team is also featured on hit Netflix series “Buying Beverly Hills,” with the second season streaming March 22.
What is the hot trend right now? “There has been a notable surge in interest for multigenerational homes, coupled with a growing desire for outdoor amenities and living spaces, as individuals prioritize their lifestyles in the post-pandemic era,” Mauricio Umansky says. “The ongoing trend towards remote and hybrid work has resulted in a significant uptick in property acquisitions in second- home markets. The popularity of Golden Visas is facilitating access to markets that were once considered out of reach. Within the luxury sector, there is a consistent preference for turnkey, amenity-rich properties, and the allure of branded residences has reached an unprecedented pinnacle.”
Branden and Rayni Williams
The Beverly Hills Estates
The power couple of luxury residential real estate, the pair logged total sales in 2023 of $2.3 billion. The pair made some major moves in 2023, from opening a satellite office in Ventura County’s bucolic Ojai (a favorite getaway for creative types) to investing in property tech app Pascal and the tech platform True Parity, intended to add transparency, “making the process more efficient and tailored to individual requirements,” per Branden Williams.
What’s the 2024 market look like? Rayni Williams expects 2024’s market to be healthier as real estate gains momentum from rising consumer confidence.
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