From announcing our new president to providing expert market updates and debuting spectacular new homes, here is a look at what made headlines in October at The Agency.
RAINY HAKE AUSTIN – The Agency’s announcement welcoming new President Rainy Hake Austin to the executive team made waves in the real estate world. Inman got the exclusive on the news, noting Rainy will take over the role as President, while Billy Rose moves into the role of Vice Chair. Rainy joins The Agency from Compass, where she was head of operations west and before that, she was executive vice president of the esteemed Northern California luxury brokerage, Alain Pinel Realtors.
MAURICIO UMANSKY – The founder and CEO of The Agency discussed the future of the U.S. housing market with Barron’s in the market brief, The Next Big Housing Trend. In the video, Mauricio discusses the scarcity of inventory in the market, the latest pricing trends and how low interest rates are making it easier to own than rent. He also touches on when may be the best time to buy if the market and home prices continue to rise. Watch the 3-minute interview here.
4200 CLEAR VALLEY – Dirt.com marked the debut of this midcentury view estate in prime Royal Oaks, Encino owned by powerhouse showbiz couple Rachel and Terence Winter. Represented by Denise Snanoudj, the mid-1960s home has been extensively updated, featuring five bedrooms, a curved rock accent wall, teak bar, exposed beam, vaulting kitchen ceilings and walls of glass framing the views. Mr. Winter wrote and produced dozens of episodes of “The Sopranos,” created and wrote “Boardwalk Empire,” and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for “Wolf of Wall Street,” while Mrs. Winter was among producers nominated for a Best Picture Oscar for “Dallas Buyers Club.”
5644 N. COUNTY ROAD 100 – Mansion Global spotlighted this spectacular 37.5-acre equestrian estate surrounded by the Rocky Mountains in Carbondale, Colorado, located 30 minutes from Aspen. Represented by Heather Sinclair, the property boasts a three-bedroom ranch house, barn with 41 horse stalls, heated indoor arena and another outdoor arena. “It’s the ultimate Colorado getaway,” Heather told Mansion Global of the estate, which is covered in aspen and fir trees. “The big views of Mount Sopris don’t exist with a lot of properties here.” Watch a video of the estate below.
160 PINEHURST DRIVE – The Toronto Star featured this state-of-the-art Ontario residence in the piece, Inside the dream home: $5.9-million Oakville residence will channel Miami-style luxury. The article notes the home’s heated driveway and floors, smart home tech, which includes temperature control that adjusts itself according to the seven-day weather forecast, and a highly timely innovation—a mudroom with a UV closet that disinfects outdoor clothing in 15 minutes. Represented by Steve Bailey and Peter Torkan, the home is situated in a prestigious enclave bordering Lake Ontario and is unsurpassed “from a design and tech perspective,” Steve tells The Star.
232 CARROLL CANAL – DIGS recently featured this stunning, brownstone-inspired Venice home in the piece Defying Convention at 232 Carroll Canal, noting how the light brick cladding and steel-frame windows capture the sunlight reflecting off the aquatic waterways. Represented by James Harris, David Parnes and Fred Dapp, the five-bedroom home boasts bright, airy interiors, a blend of modern features and timeless details, and a rooftop terrace with sweeping views. “The amount of entertaining space is incredible,” David tells DIGS. “With a two-level rooftop deck, you can entertain, host events and enjoy the sunset by the fire pit every night.”
JEFF KOHL – The Agency’s Director of Architectural Properties, Desert Communities, Jeff weighed in on the state of the Palm Springs market in The Wall Street Journal’s article about one of Richard Neutra’s most recognizable projects hitting the market for $25 million. Jeff noted that the Palm Springs market “has exploded,” as buyers from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego flock to the desert to escape the city and play golf and tennis. Sales in Q3 skyrocketed by 70% compared with the same quarter last year, while the median price increased over 14% in the same period. Read more about the Palm Springs market here.
2020 GEORGINA AVENUE & 316 21ST STREET – When Jerome Dahan, founder of jeans brand Citizens of Humanity placed, not one but two of his Santa Monica homes on the market, Women’s Wear Daily took note in the article, The Homes that Jeans Bought. Situated in the coveted Gillette Regent Square neighborhood, 2020 Georgina Avenue, represented by Cooper Mount, is an extraordinary, Zen-inspired estate encompassing 3 homesites, including a 4-bedroom main residence, 2-story guest house and separate cottage. The cottage, 316 21st Street, may also be purchased separately, featuring 3 bedrooms, a dedicated entrance, open chef’s kitchen and garage, currently serving as a game room.
4445 DEERHAVEN CT – Fox Business featured the Westlake Village, California estate of Mӧtley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx, nestled behind guard gates at the North Ranch Country Club Estates. Represented by Emil Hartoonian, the five-bedroom residence features a grand entry gallery that opens to a stately library/game room, private office, theater, lounge and remarkable grounds. Featuring the home among its Luxury Properties, Fox Business noted the high ceilings throughout, expansive kitchen and ground-floor primary suite with private living room, two fireplaces and spa-like bath.