Fostering a love of architecture and design from a young age, real estate was a natural fit for Mercedes Connor, who moved to Los Angeles at the age of 23. Connor shared some of the things she loves the most about her work through Compass.
Tell me about your childhood. Where were you born and where did you grow up? What were some of your hobbies and interests as a child and teenager?
I was actually born in a very small town called Bat Cave, North Carolina. My parents were living in Spartanburg, South Carolina, but Bat Cave had the closest natural birthing center, so they went there to have my brother and me (Yes, I am a twin. And, yes, my mom is pretty much superhuman to have twins naturally.).
We moved to the Philadelphia suburbs when I was 2, where I loved putting on performances on our makeshift stage in our playroom/basement and made all of my friends in the neighborhood participate.
What was your first job out of college? What led you to choose a career in real estate?
I moved to NYC to study acting, which then brought me out to LA. I stopped acting when I had my son and wanted to do something that I had more control of creating for myself. I have always loved architecture and design, as well as working with people, so real estate felt like a natural fit.
How does your background help you when working with clients to buy or sell a home?
I really love helping people and figuring out what exactly they are looking for and most need in a house. The home buying and selling process is one of life’s major stressors and being able to offer a calm sounding board during that process is very important. Being able to help people see the potential in a property is also something I love doing.
Do you represent homes in all neighborhoods of the Palisades?
Yes. I represent homes in all areas of LA.
Tell me about how you approach new clients who are aiming to buy or sell a home.
I listen to precisely what their wants and needs are, the reasons they are looking to purchase or sell. And then I use the knowledge I have of the market to help guide them to find the best fit for them, be that a buyer for their property or new dream home to call their own.
What are some of the most memorable homes you have sold or helped a client purchase?
Each sale is so unique! The success of helping someone find their forever home or someone find the perfect new owner for their property, and the relationships that are built along the way are each memorable in their own way.
What are some current trends in real estate?
People are focusing on properties that provide more flexibility for the current work at home lifestyle. More outdoor space, spaces that work for home offices, properties that offer more privacy and that “away-from-it-all” feeling.
Have you lived in Pacific Palisades, and if so, what neighborhoods?
I haven’t, but my friends and clients do!
What do you and your family like to do for fun?
My son and I love to have dance parties in our living room, picnics on the beach, and Friday is “pizza and movie night” always.
Having amassed 10 years of experience in the business, Caitlin Colvin has dedicated her time to helping clients with both commercial real estate endeavors and residential purchases. Here she shared her history in the Palisades, as well as Connecticut.
Post: Tell me about your childhood. Where were you born and where did you grow up? What were some of your hobbies and interests as a child and teenager?
Colvin: I grew up in Connecticut and played ice hockey at boarding school. Some of my favorite memories were sailing with my grandfather, Gene. I went to college out here and knew I’d eventually move to LA permanently.
Post: What was your first job out of college? What led you to choose a career in real estate?
Colvin: My first real job was as a realtor in Connecticut. I have always been attracted to real estate. As an entrepreneur in the yacht industry, my grandfather inspired me to pursue my dreams and always incorporate our family values of honesty, hard work and premier service.
Post: How does your background help you when working with clients to buy or sell a home?
Colvin: As a child my family always reinforced strong values and emphasized a strong work ethic. I have a strong background in sales and cultivating successful relationships. I like to get to know my clients so that they can have what’s important to them in a home. And when I help a client sell, I imagine how to maximize their space so that they can prepare the house for sale and get the price they’re looking for.
Post: Do you represent homes in all neighborhoods of the Palisades?
Colvin: Yes, I sell mostly in Palisades and Brentwood. I do sell homes outside these neighborhoods, but I live in Mandeville Canyon and feel most connected to the people and places here.
Post: Tell me about how you approach new clients who are aiming to buy or sell a home.
Colvin: Working with new clients is one of my favorite aspects of real estate. I take a highly personalized approach by asking questions and understanding my clients’ needs. I want to know everything: how big their family is, what their lifestyle is and what is important in their daily routine. Is it an infinity pool, custom kitchen, walking to town or an ocean view? The details are key. After an in-depth initial assessment, we strategize.
Post: What are some of the most memorable homes you have sold or helped a client purchase?
Colvin: I recently sold the Partridge family house. The best thing about it was that my clients’ kids are musicians and they’re really excited to make music in the same space where iconic musicians had been making music. They’re young but they love the sense of history and the updated music studio.
Photos courtesy of Caitlin Colvin
I have to say that selling houses during the pandemic has been much more intense. I honestly can’t believe a recent sale of mine even closed. There was so much back and forth between the agents and the clients were so patient with us, but the pandemic has been such a shift in the market. Many things feel new and unexpected, so you need to be prepared for anything.
Post: What are some current trends in real estate?
Colvin: I partner with a full-service concierge company who provides no cash out of pocket home renovations and staging. This is a huge benefit to my clients so they can prepare their home for sale with less hassle.
Now more than ever your home is your sanctuary. We see clients buying more space at home to curate office spaces instead of leasing commercial space. Inventory is incredibly low and home prices are still rising. Buyers are looking for homes with outdoor space and privacy.
Post: Have you lived in Pacific Palisades, and if so, what neighborhood?
Colvin: Yes, living and working in the Palisades is a dream come true. I’ve lived in Marquez Knolls. I love the community, it was so nice to be able to walk the children to Marquez Elementary and stop at Ronny’s after school. My office is across the street from the Village, so it’s a great place for my children to grab an ice cream and say hi.
Post: What do you and your family like to do for fun?
Colvin: We all enjoy the outdoors, so we try every amazing hike that the Santa Monica Mountains has to offer. My son, Austin, is 13 and he’s taken up surfing so we go to the beach a lot. Everyone in my family loves to ski so we make use of our Ikon passes whenever we can.
My son Greyson is 7, and he’s very loving and social, so we also spend time at Palisades Village meeting up with friends. We love to eat at The Draycott and Blue Ribbon while the kids play on the green.
British-born and with plenty fond memories of Pacific Palisades, Rebecca Garrett is now helping clients find their dream home in Mammoth Lakes, June Lake and Crowley Lake with Mammoth Realty Group.
Tell us a bit about your childhood — where did you grow up? Any hobbies or interests?
Photos courtesy of Rebecca Garrett
Garrett: My family moved to the Palisades from London in 1973 when my father took the position of Deputy Director of the J Paul Getty Museum. My father had been Getty’s architectural consultant on the building of The Villa and during that time Getty’s health had declined. The Villa was due to open in January of 1974 and Getty asked my father if he would move to Los Angeles and run the museum for two years while he recovered. Getty’s health never improved and sadly he passed away in 1976 at which point the board asked my father to become Director. I had been attending the Lycée on Marquez and then moved to St. Matthew’s. Some of my fondest memories are from St. Matthew’s but also Junior Lifeguards, AYSO soccer, Palisades Little League, the Hobby Shop on Via, St Matthew’s Day Camp and the beach. Having spent the first eight years of my life in London, Pacific Palisades with the sun, the ocean and the backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains seemed like heaven.
What was your first job?
Garrett: I was a runner at Mort’s on Swarthmore.
What inspired you to enter the world of real estate?
Garrett: It was 1994 and I was one of the managers at Toscana in Brentwood. I was looking for a change and Fran Flanagan, the mother of one of my best friends, was managing the Jon Douglas office around the corner from Toscana. Fran planted the seed and I got my license and went to work in her office. A few years later I moved to John Aaroe in the Brentwood Gardens building before joining Sotheby’s in the Palisades. In 2007, I moved to Mammoth and I am currently with Mammoth Realty Group.
What elements of your past have helped you in real estate?
Garrett: I feel that being the daughter of an architect has been very helpful. I traveled a lot with my father and he would always talk about the architecture of the countries and cities we visited. This love of architecture sunk in. I spent a number of years as an architectural photographer and that taught me a lot about space and light.
Do you represent homes in any areas other than Mammoth?
Garrett: Yes, in addition to Mammoth I represent clients and properties in June Lake and Crowley Lake.
Tell us about one of your favorite current listings.
Garrett: Inventory is really low at the moment, 14 houses and 26 condos, and any new listing that is properly priced is selling quickly.
What advice do you have for first-time Mammoth home buyers?
Garrett: There have been lots of new buyers in the last nine months because of the pandemic and the fact that Mammoth is a lovely place to be if you have to stay-at-home. If you are planning on getting a loan it is wise to have that lined up before starting to look at property. A few things I encourage clients to take into consideration when purchasing are getting to know the different neighborhoods, where the closest shuttle stop is, how much sun the property gets and will you have any natural light if there is 15 feet of snow on the ground. I would be happy to help with any of these or the myriad other things one should take into consideration when buying property in the Eastern Sierra.
What are some of the current trends in real estate?
Garrett: Until March of 2019 the majority of buyers were looking for an investment, AirBnB type, property but since the start of the Coronavirus we have seen a shift. Since March of last year most buyers are looking for a place for themselves, somewhere where they and their family can escape from the city. This has meant a drop in inventory and a steady rise in prices.
What do you do for fun when you are not working?
Garrett: There is so much fun to be had in the Eastern Sierra. I love to ski (alpine, x-country and backcountry) and snowshoe in the winter but I have come to love the summer activities even more. I moved to Mammoth for skiing but the summers have captured my heart. Once the snow melts, I get out on my road and mountain bikes, hike almost daily, paddleboard and backpack. There is also incredible fishing and Mammoth has two golf courses. There really are not enough hours in the day for all the fun!
If you have any questions about real estate in Mammoth please give me a call (310) 795-9161. To see all of the current listings in Mammoth, June and Crowley visit www.RebeccaGarrett.com
Mark Douglas has sold luxury real estate on the Westside since 1990. An agent with Douglas Elliman, find out here how he’s built a successful career and reputation over the past 30 years.
Tell us a bit about your childhood—where did you grow up? Any hobbies or interests?
Douglas: I was fortunate to grow up here on the Westside. My early years were spent in Westwood and Brentwood. I used to play all over the UCLA campus as a kid sneaking into Pauley Pavilion to watch practice and popping to Westwood Village for the Arcade.
Later on, Barrington Park became my safe haven and favorite place to go every day. Life-long friendships were created during those years. I spent all my hours there playing sports and waiting for the ice cream man.
My parents’ best friends during the ’70s lived in Pacific Palisades on Ocampo Drive, and we would come visit on the weekends. The Hacienda, the Bay, the park and The Hot Dog Show were all on the list.
I went to Palisades High School and then University of Colorado at Boulder.
We purchased our first home in 1996 right behind the park on Alma Real Drive and haven’t left! I truly loved coaching my kids at the park in all the different sports. Unbelievable memories and friendships and future clients were created on those fields. The ability for my family to walk and bike around town was priceless during those years.
What was your first job?
Douglas: My first job (other than lemonade stands) was being the gopher for my father’s Beverly Hills office. I was 11 years old and rode the RTD 76 from Brentwood to Beverly Hills. I’d get off and skateboard down to the office in town on Canon Drive.
I would do odd jobs like the mail, dropping checks off at banks and pretty much anything Stella wanted me to do. The individual agents in that office back then were legendary, many of which went on to establish their own real estate companies. Making $100 for the whole week was an amazing feeling!
What inspired you to enter the world of real estate?
Douglas: I was introduced to real estate at an early age. My father started a company in 1971 (Jon Douglas Company) and it became very much part of our family over the years. Managers and agents were always visiting the house and around during the holidays.
I ended up getting my license when I was 20 during my college years at Boulder, assuming it might be my path. My mom, Sue Ellen, who has been a top agent her entire career, wanted me to be a coach. I should have listened to her!
How does your experience help you when working with clients today?
Douglas: With about 30 years of experience, I have been fortunate to witness many different angles of real estate. I’m interacting daily with buyers, sellers, agents, inspectors, lenders, escrow companies, etc. It can be like the Wild Wild West during certain years around here and you better be prepared.
Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with the other agents in the area is super important. Being patient and really listening to my clients is the key.
I was groomed to always “do the right thing” and offer them the absolute, honest truth and advice when we approach a property with concerns. My ultimate goal is to make sure they understand the facts and are comfortable with their choice moving forward.
What areas do you represent clients in?
Douglas: I have been lucky to represent clients in all the Westside niches like the Palisades, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Westwood, Bel Air, Malibu, Westchester, Culver City and Manhattan Beach. I’ve been lucky to have sold mobile homes, condos, townhomes, land and several single-family homes over the years.
Tell us about one of your favorite current listings.
Douglas: My favorite listing is 16224 Shadow Mountain Drive in Pacific Palisades. It’s located behind private gates, and offers that sense of security and the ability to have it all within minutes of the Village.
Photos courtesy of Mark Douglas
The lots are large and have beautiful views of the mountains and ocean and wintertime sunsets. This residence offers six beds, eight baths, and is ready for your personal touches and memories to be made.
The fabulous backyard includes a pool, spa, outdoor cabana, kitchen/barbecue, fire pit, wine cellar and putting green. It is off market for the holidays but can be purchased. Asking price is $11.5 million.
What are some of the effects that the coronavirus pandemic has had on local real estate?
Douglas: The coronavirus seems to have made people aware of “just how important our homes are to us” with school and work often taking place at home now. The market has been very active in certain price ranges throughout the Palisades and other Westside neighborhoods. The showings are more limited, but private, and one could argue more effective than an actual open house scenario.
What do you do for fun when you are not working?
Douglas: I’m a homebody for sure but I enjoy being outdoors. I love playing basketball, football and volleyball with any kids that are willing. I love the hot sand and jumping into our amazing ocean. I can easily be convinced to go to Lake Tahoe, Mammoth, Idaho, Colorado and Mexico.
I love walking our dog Ivy and having my wife Joan and three kids (Matt 23, Lauren 21, Caroline 19) all home together again.
What a blessing to live in the Palisades, where the Land meets the Sea.
Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Simon Beardmore brings with him an appreciation for architecture, design and style. Now, through Compass, Beardmore is in the business of building relationships with clients.
Tell us a bit about your childhood—where did you grow up?
Beardmore: I grew up on the north shore of Sydney, Australia, in a suburb called Mosman. I also lived in Majorca, London, Milan and Paris before living in the U.S. and becoming a citizen.
What was your first job?
Photos courtesy of Christen Carter
Beardmore: My first job was a lawn mowing business. I had a gasoline lawnmower that I bought second hand and would push from house to house. It kept breaking down and cost me the profits, but it was my first experience with landscape design and maintenance.
What inspired you to enter the world of real estate?
Beardmore: Both of my parents had a very different but strong sense of what makes a home; my father from an architectural standpoint and my mother from an art and interior design standpoint. The result was my early interest in all aspects, and I started investing in houses as soon as I could, both abroad and here in the U.S.
I built homes, designed homes and as a result, understand and appreciate many details. My interest in sales started two decades ago, when I was drawn to the unique and individual challenges of residential clients in buying and selling homes.
Do you represent homes in all neighborhoods of the Palisades?
Beardmore: Yes, I serve all areas of the Palisades and also Los Angeles. My philosophy is growing with my clients and their changing needs. Because of this, I’ve had clients who started further east and moved west and vice versa. I’m in the business of relationships and move with my clients.
Tell us about one of your favorite current listings.
Beardmore: I love my listing on the Napoli rim of the Riviera with Canyon; a beautiful traditional family home with ocean, and golf course views, in a storybook neighborhood.
What advice do you have for first-time home buyers?
Beardmore: My advice for first-time buyers is always location—you can change the house, the neighborhood is permanent.
Also, don’t underestimate the value of the agent, there are so many nuances of home buying during the process that are equally as critical as they are on the selling side.
I especially enjoy working with first-time buyers, it’s the beginning of the relationship.
What are some of the effects that the coronavirus pandemic has had on local real estate?
Beardmore: The coronavirus has re-defined the utilization value of the home. Everyone is looking at their home as a multi-purpose hub, but also as a sanctuary and it needs to function on every level.
On a practical level, the process of buying and selling homes has become much more streamlined because only serious, qualified parties are involved and transactions are more efficient.
What do you do for fun when you are not working?
Beardmore: My work and home life has been blurred the last eight months, so it’s been even more family time than usual. I love to cook family dinners, and I’ve enjoyed playing tennis with my son and surfing almost every morning with my daughters.
After growing up in the Palisades, Brett Duffy now brings decades of experience to the community through the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices office.
Post: What neighborhood of the Palisades did you grow up in and what was your childhood like?
Duffy: Most of my childhood was spent between the Palisades and Malibu. We lived on Tramonto Drive, and I have fond memories of spending time in the Village, going to movies at the Bay Theater and having lunch at the Hotdog Show. We would go to the beach at Castellammare and Tower 15.
Post: Where did you go to school and what did you study?
Duffy: I attended several private schools on the Westside for elementary and middle school, and then went to boarding school in New Hampshire and Connecticut for grades eight through 12.
With a desire to head back west for college, I stumbled upon the University of Colorado at Boulder, which had a mixture of East Coast meets West Coast and winters that weren’t as harsh as back east because of the more than 300 days of sunshine per year.
With the majority of out-of-state students coming from California, I felt right at home. I studied English, communications and film studies.
Post: What led to a career in real estate?
Duffy: I come from a family of real estate investors—both commercial and residential—so you can say I was introduced to real estate at a very young age. I got my start in real estate after college, working for eight years in commercial property management and leasing. That experience taught me so much about landlord/tenant relations and solving problems.
I then transitioned into residential and have been in the same office at Berkshire Hathaway for 22 years all with the same manager, John Closson, handling sales in the Palisades and adjacent communities.
Post: How many years of experience do you have and how does it help when working with clients?
Duffy: With 30 years of experience and my background in property management, leasing and residential sales, I have seen it all and have sold everything from a mobile home to an $18 million Malibu beach home. My experience has taught me to be patient, to listen and to always represent my client’s interest to the best of my ability.
Post: What neighborhood of the Palisades do you live in now and why do you love it?
Duffy: My family has lived in the Highlands Summit for the past 18 years. We love the ocean and mountain views, and the peace and tranquility that the Highlands offers. I know this sounds cliché but when I am home, I feel like I am on vacation. The amenities are amazing, from the Summit Club to the numerous hiking and biking trails.
Post: What advice do you have for first-time homebuyers?
Duffy: Always a good idea to get pre-approved, so you know what you can afford. Be patient, the journey to finding your dream home can be a long and bumpy road, but if you stay the course and work with a seasoned real estate professional, your dream of home ownership can and will become a reality.
Post: What neighborhood do you recommend for a family to purchase in?
Duffy: It’s important to find out a client’s true wish list and come up with a list of homes that checks off as many boxes as possible.
One family may want to live in the Alphabet Streets and be able to easily access the Village. Another family may prefer the peace and tranquility of the Highlands. Other families may prefer to live West of Temescal in the El Medio Bluffs or Marquez Knolls for easy access in and out of the Palisades, while others may prefer the Huntington or Riviera.
My job as a real estate professional is to educate my clients with all the information needed for them to make the best informed decision for themselves.
Post: How has the pandemic affected real estate in Pacific Palisades?
Duffy: Regardless of what is happening with the economy, stock market or even a global pandemic, people still want to buy and sell real estate for a variety of reasons.
When the governor and mayor issued the stay at home orders and non-essential businesses were being shut down during the early stages of the pandemic, there was a real concern about the real estate market.
Thankfully, we were deemed an essential business early on and, as long as we followed government-mandated showing requirements and practiced best practice real estate guidelines, we were able to conduct real estate activities with the exception, of course, of Tuesday Broker’s Caravans and Sunday public open houses.
After the stay at home orders were amended, we experienced a real surge in real estate activity with a lot of pent up buyer demand. With the low inventory and historically low interest rates, the market remains active but properties that are not priced correctly out of the gate are taking longer to sell.
I feel that, when the dust settles, the Palisades real estate market will be stronger than ever. This is one of the greatest communities in the country and we are all so fortunate to be able to live here.
Post: What do you do for fun when you are not working?
Duffy: My wife and I raised two great kids who are now in college. Growing up in the Palisades they were able to participate in so many fun activities that were available to us, from Y Princesses and Guides, Riviera Cotillion, Fancy Feet Dance Studio, Gerry Blanks Martial Arts, flag football, basketball, tennis, volleyball and PPBA at Palisades Park.
I enjoyed my years coaching basketball and baseball at Palisades Park, and we always made time for family beach days at Tower 15, ski trips to Mammoth Mountain and watching our beloved Lakers play at the Staples Center.
Now that we are officially empty nesters, my wife and I are enjoying hiking, cooking together, reading and catching up on movies. Lastly, I enjoy surfing and surf travel, which I have done for the past 41 years.
A familiar face who spent 20 years in the entertainment industry as a prominent actress and model, Cindy Ambuehl now leverages her natural ability to connect with people as a full-time agent helping clients buy and sell the most luxurious properties the greater Los Angeles area has to offer.
Tell us a bit about your childhood—where did you grow up? Any hobbies or interests?
Ambuehl: I grew up in Orange County and had an amazing childhood with my parents and my sister. We were a very close-knit family. I was a super tomboy, and used to barrel race horses and play football in the streets with the neighbor boys. I was involved with every club in high school. Cheerleading, songleading, etc. I volunteered a lot of time reading to underprivileged children and tutoring them in math.
What was your first job?
Ambuehl: Mr. T’s! It was our local version of Tastee Freeze. I started working when I was 14 years old. I was so tall that they didn’t even ask me what my age was, they just gave me the job. Best part was eating as much ice cream as I wanted.
What inspired you to enter the world of real estate?
Ambuehl: I always had a love for real estate and did it as a hobby throughout my 22-year acting career. I used to take my studio bonuses and buy duplexes and apartment buildings in Orange County. I also bought a couple properties in Yorba Linda. I always enjoyed it.
How has your time in the entertainment industry helped you in real estate?
Ambuehl: “You’re only as good as your next job.” I hate to say that, but in the entertainment industry, you have to stay relevant and keep auditioning for that next role. You also have to be okay with the ups and downs. In both industries (entertainment and real estate), there are times when you are working around the clock, day in and day out, and there are other times when things have slowed down, and you are waiting for the next big season. The entertainment industry taught me to ride out those lows. Like a plane, we are built to withstand the turbulence …
Do you represent homes in all neighborhoods of the Palisades?
Ambuehl: Yes, every neighborhood has something special to offer and I enjoy sharing it.
Tell us about one of your favorite current listings.
Ambuehl: How can I only choose one?! I have so many favorites right now. 12760 S Bristol Circle: A serene and sensational new build. 2383 Mandeville Canyon: a truly magical compound. 701 Rochedale Way: an incredible home with even more incredible views.
808 San Vicente Blvd.: an entertainer’s dream home in prime Santa Monica. 159 Fraser Ave.: a wonderfully charming craftsman beach home.
What advice do you have for first-time home buyers?
Ambuehl: The same advice I give any buyer: Be smart, don’t be house poor, but definitely extend if you plan to be there for a long time. Really think about your plan and the location fitting your lifestyle. Is this a long term or short term home for you? All of that makes a difference in your purchase, because we truly believe in selling a lifestyle and experience. First time home buyers are usually younger, and I always ask them where they see themselves in five years. Sometimes having that long term vision in mind can change the direction of their decisions.
What are some of the current trends in real estate?
Ambuehl: People are steering away from the McMansions with little yards and looking more toward a home with modest square footage and extensive outdoor space. I think quarantine taught us that outdoor space in your home is extremely important.
What do you do for fun when you are not working?
Ambuehl: When I’m not working, 99.9% of my time is spent with my husband and our six boys. That’s my happy place and that’s when I feel like all the hard work is worth it. It’s always for them. We have a lot of fun, and we all really enjoy our time together. We laugh so much. My family is everything to me. Happy squad!
Liz Jones joined her mother Fran Flanagan as a partner of Fran Flanagan Group about a year and a half ago, but her experience in the world of real estate began when she was in a car seat. The Palisadian-Post checked in with the two to see what it’s like working together and where they go from here.
Post: Fran, your daughter recently joined your team—could you tell us a bit about that experience?
Fran: There are stories in every family that you tell over and over and over again, and the one in our family is how Liz started looking at open houses when she was in a car seat. She grew up in the Palisades but she also grew up in real estate. So by the time she converted to—or I convinced her to come and work with me—she already had a lot of the vocabulary, a lot of the instincts that have made her so good.
When Liz joined, we used that as an opportunity to really reboot. We became Fran Flanagan Group, hired a new social media consultant, a terrific back office assistant and a third agent, Jill Newhouse Calcaterra, a long-time trusted family friend, who extended our coverage to Brentwood. We packed our bags and moved to Compass, and have never looked back.
I’ve trained a million agents and Liz just has it, she’s a natural. Very few new agents actually make it in the business. Liz has the work habits, she has the discipline, she’s got the sensibility. People are drawn to her, I’m proud of that. We work hard and we’re doing very well.
Post: Liz, what led you to a career in real estate? What has it been like to work alongside your mother?
Liz: I’m so lucky to have grown up in the real estate community because of my mom managing the local offices. I knew—and I know—a lot of the big agents, so I already have a comfort level with so many agents because I’ve known them my whole life.
I spent the past two decades working in entertainment marketing, running digital marketing at studios. I love entertainment and I loved what I was doing, but I was just ready for a change and this was something always in the back of my head—my mom’s been trying to get me to work with her forever and it just finally made sense.
My girls are currently in 11th grade and eighth grade—I wanted to be more focused on our community and closer to home. I still work 24/7 but I’m at least able to do a lot of it on my own schedule, allowing me flexibility to attend volleyball games at Pali or other events at my daughters’ schools.
Post: Do you both represent homes in all neighborhoods of the Palisades?
Liz: Yes of course! We know this area so well—like the back of our hands—we know everything about it. It’s really easy for us in Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Santa Monica, we know these areas front and back. I grew up in Rustic Canyon, lived up Mandeville Canyon in high school and went to Brentwood School, spent many years living in Santa Monica before I married and moved with my husband to our current home in the Palisades.
Post: What piece of advice would you give to someone buying a home for the first time?
Fran: Get your ducks in a row. A lot of work happens before you even get started. Get pre-qualified, get your credit rating up, get your taxes filed. Do the work that you need to do to get ready to go because when you see the house you want, you have to be unfettered, you have to be ready to go.
There’s a ton of information on the internet but a good agent turns it into knowledge—we help buyers develop the confidence they need to go quickly and easily into their next home.
Post: What neighborhood would you suggest for first-time parents to buy a home?
Liz: For first time parents, I’m partial to anywhere that you can walk into town and to our amazing park, whether that be the Alphabets or the Huntington or down Via. When you have babies, you just want to take that stroller out the door and have access to our community. And here in the Palisades, we have the best community.
Post: What neighborhood do you live in and why?
Fran: I live in the Riviera. I have a beautiful old house and I’ve lived in it for a long time and I just love it. It is filled with early California art, books and all things for entertaining. Over the years, we have hosted a ton of parties, large and small, and my home is the centerpiece for family celebrations and holidays.
Liz bought her house on Hartzell, which is right in the Village, right in the Alphabets, in 2001 and she’s still there, so that says a lot. Her home is the Fourth of July party house.
Liz: The Alphabets have been our home for over 20 years. We love it because we can walk right out our door and into town. Our neighborhood is very central—easy access to all sides of the Palisades. Plus when the kids were little, we could walk to the park, and now that the kids are older they can walk into town and meet their friends at Garden Cafe or the Caruso Village.
Post: What is next? How will the coronavirus shape real estate to come?
Liz: We were just looking at the way certain search trends have changed while people have been sheltering in place. Searches for pools have tripled since we’ve all been home. Searches for outdoor space have doubled. Buyers are searching for homes with more square footage. We’re looking at homes in a completely different way than we did three months ago.
Fran: I just want to say that one of the things that a 40-year career does for you is it gives perspective. Experience teaches that a cycle is a cycle. You have to learn data, sales, days on market so that you know when it changes.
A good agent knows the market so well that you can see when values are particularly good for certain homes and lean your buyers in that direction. A good agent knows the market so well that you can help your sellers price aggressively to effect a sale.
Circling back to your original question about the current coronavirus situation, we need to remember that we have endured many other challenging times before in real estate. We’ve had earthquakes—how do you sell a house the day after an earthquake? We had the 1987 drop in the stock market and the aftermath. We had the financial crisis of 2008, we had 9/11—none quite as difficult as the current situation, but still feeling like the end of the world at that time. A crisis shakes things up for sure, but nevertheless I am optimistic and confident that our Palisades market will retain its desirability and value moving forward.
Post: Tell us a bit about what you do outside of work.
Liz: Currently quarantining at home with my family. I have a junior at Pali High and an eighth grader at St. Matthew’s. I am currently transitioning to become the president of the Westside Chapter of National Charity League Inc.—working alongside moms and daughters across the Westside of LA serving our community philanthropy partners and teaching our daughters leadership skills. My husband and I are both active members at St. Matthew’s Church, and we can usually be found on the sidelines of a volleyball game somewhere across Los Angeles with both of our daughters.
Fran: I’m a trustee at St. John’s and I am very committed to that. I also am a real theatre person and an opera person. I do a lot of that and look forward to being able to start going again.
One of the top-producing agents on the Westside of Los Angeles, Dan Urbach brings boundless energy, passion and enthusiasm, as well as more than 25 years of real estate experience to his diverse clientele. He loves working with people and it shows in the lifelong relationships he builds with his clients and colleagues alike. Dan specializes in estates, homes and luxury condos.
Post: Tell me a bit about your background—where did you grow up?
Dan Urbach: I was very fortunate to have grown up in Malibu on Point Dume. In the ’70s, it was a very different Point Dume than today. The homes were mostly small, ranch-style homes on large lots with very few fences. There were lots of trails, and our local Mayfair Market had a hitching post to tie off horses.
To me, Malibu was a giant playground with the ocean on one side and the Santa Monica Mountains on the other. I took full advantage—surfing, skateboarding and biking almost every day.
Post: How did you get into a career in real estate?
Dan Urbach: Immediately after college, I started working in the entertainment industry as a production assistant and then production coordinator on television shows.
To be honest, I never enjoyed working in the entertainment industry. It was the mid-1980s and I had friends who were becoming very successful in real estate, as the market was soaring. I took the real estate license exam while still working in entertainment in 1990.
My timing couldn’t have been worse, as the real estate market promptly began a nosedive that lasted for the next six years. I stuck to it, persevered, and slowly built a loyal clientele and a successful business. My focus immediately went to the Westside and the neighborhoods that I knew best.
Post: How does your background help you when working with clients to buy or sell a home?
Dan Urbach: For the past 25 years, I have developed deep roots in the neighborhood as both a resident and within the agent community. These cultivated relationships enable me to be a trusted source of information for my clients and a respected broker in the community that other agents would like to work with.
In addition, it is imperative to listen and understand my client’s needs and motivations from the start on either side of the sale.
Post: What are some of the most memorable homes you have sold or helped a client purchase?
Dan Urbach: My clients had just relocated to California from England and found what they immediately knew was their dream home at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the Will Rogers neighborhood. Of course, it was many other buyers’ dream home too.
The property received four offers, three of which were well above our offer. The listing agent accepted the highest offer, put the other two offers into the first and second back-up positions and asked if we would like to be in third back-up position.
I counseled my buyers that while the chances were slim, it couldn’t hurt. Unbelievably, the initial buyer and both back-up offers fell apart and my clients successfully closed.
Post: What advice do you have for someone buying their first home?
Dan Urbach: Take the time to meet with two to three agents that are experts in the neighborhoods that interest you. It is extremely important to work with an agent you really connect with and trust.
Get pre-qualified for financing before you begin your search. Be willing to make some compromises. And most importantly, make it a fun and rewarding process.
Post: What made you move to Compass?
Dan Urbach: Compass offers agents unparalleled marketing, global reach and services that have never been seen in the industry before—it comes down to how I can best perform for my clients. With that being said, the move was a tough choice after having such a phenomenal experience running The Agency’s Pacific Palisades office.
Compass is building a modern and unique real estate platform based on technology and client service to make the search and sell experience intelligent and seamless. As an example, their Compass Concierge service covered the up-front costs of staging, painting and other preparatory services before launching my latest listing in the Palisades. The result, 17790 Calle de Palermo, went into escrow in less than one week on the market with multiple offers well over the asking price.
Post: What do you attribute your success to?
Dan Urbach: Hard work, truly caring and loving what I do. Not to mention the amazing team that works with me: my longtime associate, Candace Fengler, our Marketing Director Sam Green, as well as agents Billy Tobenkin and Lydia Yun, play an integral in our success.
Jean Pierre Provo, who recently joined the Rodeo Realty team in Pacific Palisades, was born in France and chose to make Los Angeles his home 25 years ago. His passion for architecture, combined with intensive UCLA real estate training, has established him as a Realtor with integrity and the skills necessary to guide and provide first-rate service. He is a quintessential Frenchman who embraces people.
He has built a wealth of clients, solidified by repeat business, which includes entertainment clients, foreign dignitaries and senior officers of major international organizations.
Post: Tell me about your childhood. Where were you born and where did you grow up? What were some of your hobbies and interests as a child and teenager?
Provo: I was born and grew up in France near Calais, which is where one can take the ferry to England. My family now resides in my hometown and in Provence in southern France. Since I was little, I was always interested into photography and have kept up this passion.
Post: Where did you go to college and what did you study?
Provo: I studied in France, printing and photography.
Post: What was your first job out of college? What led you to choose a career in real estate?
Provo: Working in New York City as a manager at a Michelin two-and-a-half stars restaurant with chef Rocco Despirito. Through my photographic interests, architecture and interior design led me to become involved in looking at real estate.
Post: How does your background help you when working with clients to buy or sell a home?
Provo: I believe that my knowledge of European architecture and design lends itself offering a different perspective for clients. I can point out how one could enhance a particular area. A garden or a room can take a much different view if done in a unique way. Offering ideas to clients serves them
Post: Do you represent homes in all neighborhoods of the Palisades?
Provo: Yes, and in Los Angeles in general.
Post: You have been with the team for a couple of weeks. What are you looking most forward to accomplishing in this position?
Provo: I am here to grow our business and ensure that the company’s best interests are represented.
Post: What are some of the most memorable homes you have sold or helped a client purchase?
Provo: A past client asked me to help their friend in selling their home in an area that was previously called “Ghost Town”—that was, Venice, California. At that time it was one of the most difficult areas to sell. In that case, I succeeded after many agents failed.
I sold a beautiful 1950s midcentury modern home to CEO of Cirque du Soleil in Trousdale Estate/Beverly Hills.
Post: What are some current trends in real estate?
Provo: In the last six months, the housing market has softened. Better homes will command market prices, however, particularly sellers of homes that are not in top shape will need to readjust their expectations.
Post: What do you and your family like to do for fun?
Provo: I’m a single father who is crazy in love with my 15-year-old son Maël. Very often we surf in Malibu. We are part of the Malibu Surf Association and Club. We are involved with the Mighty Under Dogs also called MUD, a nonprofit organization surf therapy for children in need.
