(Bel Air, Calif.) Over the past few months, Rodeo Realty has expanded the size of its Woodland Hills, Calif. office by 3,000 square feet, secured space for a new office in prime Beverly Hills, and began searching for new branch locations in Brentwood, Calif. and the famed Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. The residential real estate firm has hired more than 100 agents in 2010 alone.
“My company gives agents an edge, by providing them with the technology and marketing tools they need to succeed in this market,” said company founder and president, Syd Leibovitch.
Rodeo’s 3,000 square foot Woodland Hills expansion accommodates 12 new private offices, six cubicles, and space for Rodeo’s affiliate company Encore Escrow. The company plans to increase the branch’s number of producing agents by 25 or more.
Leibovitch secured more than 12,000 square feet of prime Beverly Hills real estate on Cañon Drive to build-out a new office for its existing Beverly Hills operations. Once complete, the branch will house more than 100 agents.
Rodeo is searching for 10,000 square feet of office space in Brentwood, Calif. to service communities such as Santa Monica, Malibu, and West L.A. The company is also actively looking for space on the Sunset Strip. In the past few months, Leibovitch has doubled the size of his Information Technology department, and hired a new regional manager and publicist.
“Becoming a real estate agent means owning your own business, and you have to invest in your business to make it grow,” said Leibovitch. “I try to lead by example and always show that Rodeo Realty is a leader in agent support.”
Syd Leibovitch founded Rodeo Realty in 1986. It’s one of the largest independently owned residential real estate firms in California, with more than 700 agents and 10 offices in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Affiliate companies include: L.A. Mortgage, Encore Escrow and Progressive Title.
Rodeo Realty Expanding in Southern California
(Bel Air, Calif.) Over the past few months, Rodeo Realty has expanded the size of its Woodland Hills, Calif. office by 3,000 square feet, secured space for a new office in prime Beverly Hills, and began searching for new branch locations in Brentwood, Calif. and the famed Sunset Strip. The residential real estate firm has hired more than 100 agents in 2010 alone.
“My company gives agents an edge, by providing them with the technology and marketing tools they need to succeed in this market,” said company founder and president, Syd Leibovitch.
Rodeo’s 3,000 square foot Woodland Hills expansion accommodates 12 new private offices, six cubicles, and space for Rodeo’s affiliate company Encore Escrow. The company plans to increase the branch’s number of producing agents by 25 or more.
Leibovitch secured more than 12,000 square feet of prime Beverly Hills real estate on Cañon Drive to build-out a new office for its existing Beverly Hills operations. Once complete, the branch will house more than 100 agents.
Rodeo is searching for 10,000 square feet of office space in Brentwood, Calif. to service communities such as Santa Monica, Malibu, and West L.A. The company is also actively looking for space on the Sunset Strip. In the past few months, Leibovitch has doubled the size of his Information Technology department, and hired a new regional manager and publicist.
“Becoming a real estate agent means owning your own business, and you have to invest in your business to make it grow,” said Leibovitch. “I try to lead by example and always show that Rodeo Realty is a leader in agent support.”
Syd Leibovitch founded Rodeo Realty in 1986. It’s one of the largest independently owned residential real estate firms in California, with more than 700 agents and 10 offices in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Affiliate companies include: L.A. Mortgage, Encore Escrow and Progressive Title.
Heidi Montag's Lease Listed For Sale
Brian Stevens’ Malibu listing made L.A. Times Hot Properties this week. Here’s some of what reporter Lauren Beale had to say:
Reality TV star and singer Heidi Montag has been hiding out by the beach this summer at a Malibu place she rented for $25,000 a month, according to the Multiple Listing Service. But she moved on in late August, and the gated contemporary is back on the market at $5.5 million.
Yes, that’s Heidi of “The Hills,” as in Heidi and Spencer, as in soon-to-be divorced Heidi. Lost? Backing up, Montag began dating fellow cast member Spencer Pratt while working on “The Hills” (2006-10). The pair eloped to Mexico in 2008 and, just for good measure, got married again stateside last year. In July she filed for divorce.
The acre-plus property where she made her summer home has a saltwater lap pool, tropical landscaping and mature trees. The kitchen has a blue glass sink, an eat-in center island and a skylight; the master suite has a two-sided fireplace, a wet bar, dual closets, a sunken tub and shower for two. There are 6,636 square feet of living space in which to lose oneself. The five-bedroom, six-bathroom house, built in 1972, is also available for lease at $19,500 a month, furnished, with a year lease.
Rodeo Realty Presents Rick DeLuca Seminar
What a great turnout for the Rick DeLuca seminar this morning at the Arclight Cinema Sherman Oaks! Syd Leibovitch and Rodeo Realty hosted DeLuca’s two hour seminar titled “90 Days to Success.” More than 200 agents attended.
DeLuca is a real estate veteran who averaged more than 200 sales per year for six years. The guy knows this business. He shared a wealth of practical tips and systems that real estate agents, and any business person for that matter, can use to ensure success.
A few subjects he discussed include: trust; the importance of agent’s database and communicating with target clients; hosting client gatherings; becoming a student of the real estate industry by knowing market statistics; creating new habits; self promotion and day-to-day organization; customer service; and being in the right place at the right time.
One of the most important ingredients for success, according to DeLuca, is self discipline.
This only brushes the surface of what amounts to nothing less than a great seminar. Thanks to Rick DeLuca, Syd Leibovitch, organizers of the event and everybody who attended!
Greg Germann Leases Home in Santa Monica
Lauren Beale of the L.A. Times included one of Ian L. Brooks’ listings in Hot Properties last week. Here’s what she had to say:
Actor Greg Germann, who starred on “Ally McBeal,” has leased a home in Santa Monica that had been listed for sale at $1.7 million. The lease price was not available.
The Cape Cod-inspired house includes high ceilings, skylights, balconies, terraces and a master bedroom with coved ceilings, a fireplace and dual closets. There are four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
Germann, 52, played Richard Fish in “Ally McBeal” from 1997 to 2002 and starred on “In Case of Emergency” (2007). Since then he has appeared on “Medium” (2010), “Ghost Whisperer” (2009), “CSI: NY” (2009) and other shows, as well as in the Broadway play ” Boeing-Boeing.”
Ian L. Brooks of Rodeo Realty was the listing agent and handled the lease transaction.
Home Once Owned by Elton John, Joan Collins and Christine McVie
This gated and private East Coast traditional view estate is located in the star-studded Crest Streets of Beverly Hills. Not surprisingly, the home has a long list of former celebrity owners including: Christine McVie of the rock band Fleetwood Mac, Joan Collins, and Elton John.
The estate is on more than ¾ acres of lush, park-like grounds. A large motor court entry leads to a majestic home that features flagstone exterior and slate roof.
Interiors are elegant and comfortable, with wood floors and wonderful spaces for entertaining. The living room features a marble fireplace and French doors that lead to a covered patio overlooking the landscaped grounds and breathtaking city, mountain and ocean views.
The formal dining room also features French doors that open to a fragrant rose garden. The centerpiece of the home is a gourmet kitchen with center island, breakfast area, pine cabinets, exposed beam ceiling and top of the line commercial stainless steel appliances. An adjacent family/media room with oversized fireplace and built-in bookcase plus separate den/office with fireplace are also featured.
The master suite offers tranquil city and ocean views, an oversized fireplace and a gorgeous master bath with dual sinks, spa tub and steam shower with ocean view. Three additional bedroom suites complete the interiors. The lush and verdant grounds include several flat grassy areas, a swimmers pool, sun deck and pond with shady gazebo.
Joe Babajian of Rodeo Realty and Judy Cycon of Prudential California Realty are co-listing the property. The price is $7.45 million. For more information visit: http://www.lloydcrestestate.com/.
Ben Salem and Cash for Keys Transactions
Ben Salem of Rodeo Realty’s Sherman Oaks office just returned from the 2010 CoreLogic® Vendor/Broker Conference in Orlando (formerly First American) called “Insights for Success,” where he was asked to lead an educational panel on REO evictions and best practices. Here’s what Salem had to say about the experience and another upcoming speaking engagement:
“This was an amazingly insightful conference, packed with three days of educational tracks covering a wide range of vital issues involving BPOs, REO servicing, and field services. I know attendees, myself included, took away some valuable ideas and advice on what to expect from our clients and how to employ best practices in evictions. Of course it also gave us all an opportunity to network with our industry colleagues.
My panel, titled “Evictions—Avoid Costly Delays and Penalties,” allowed me the opportunity to share my experience and ideas on how to negotiate a successful cash for keys with compassion, while avoiding delays and other costly issues that can impact a servicers’ bottom line. We had a fantastic turnout.
Through a comprehensive overview of the evictions process my goal was to offer REO agents a unique perspective on how to handle this most delicate aspect of any foreclosure and effectively complete cash for keys transactions. We focused on borrowers rights; the difference between personal property and debris; techniques for occupancy determination; and how to break the ice with occupants.
Next month I’ll be speaking at the Five Star Default Servicing Conference and Expo (Sept. 21) in Dallas. I will be presenting another educational session on the do’s and don’ts when negotiating cash for keys transactions and dealing with not-so-welcome occupants. Former first lady Laura Bush will serve as one of several distinguished keynote speakers, and I can’t tell you how excited I am about this upcoming industry event!
Ben Salem Properties and the Elite REO Team continue to think outside the box when it comes to innovative ways to help our clients manage and move their properties in the most efficient amount of time with the least amount of complications and for the best price possible.
Educating other REO agents on how to provide compassionate relocation assistance to struggling homeowners as we serve our clients goals is part of our commitment to excellence and to our community.”
Marketing Celebrity Homes
Talk to Todd Jones of Rodeo Realty’s Studio City office if you’ve ever questioned whether or not to promote the fact that one of your real estate listings, or purchases, involves celebrities.
Jones is currently representing soap opera star Katherine Kelly Lang, and husband Alex D’Andrea, in the sale of their home in Sherman Oaks. The 5 bedroom, 3 bath, 3,410 square foot abode is listed at $1.449 million.
The house was featured last week in the Los Angeles Times, and Curbed LA blogged about the listing and posted a direct link to Jones’ web site. The property was also featured on news sites throughout the United States.
Note: All of this press was garnered without revealing the property address. The celebrity couple still lives in the home and requested the address remain confidential. News outlets are generally cooperative with privacy matters like this.
Jones used Google Analytics to track the amount of visitors to his web site. All of the press led to 550 more hits than usual. He said the Curbed LA mention probably contributed the most since it provided a direct link to his site. Jones’ name also appeared on the Web and in the Saturday print edition of the L.A. Times.
He said the publicity keeps the seller happy, because he’s able to show another one of Rodeo Realty’s strengths and capabilities. Follow-up from the exposure –meaning whether or not it leads to showings and an eventual sale- will also be a good indicator of whether the home is priced right.
Public relations is just one element of Jones’ overall marketing strategy for this home. The fact that he had a web site for the property gave readers a place to “land” and a way for him to track the numbers. Jones’ name appearing in the news is also a plus for landing clients in the future.
Of course, as real estate agents you need to respect the privacy and wishes of celebrity clients. And if confidentiality agreements are in place, you cannot break those agreements. But if celebrity clients are open to using their names to help sell the home, it can give your marketing efforts a significant boost.
Eric Billingsley, Publicist, Rodeo Realty
Katherine Kelly Lang Selling Home in Sherman Oaks
Soap star Katherine Kelly Lang, who has played Brooke Logan Forrester on CBS’s the “Bold and the Beautiful” since 1987, and husband, entertainment industry executive Alex D’Andrea, have listed their Sherman Oaks home.
The South of the Blvd. abode blends warmth, charm and impeccable designer interiors. It has 3,410 square feet of living space, 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. Soaring ceilings, wood floors, fireplace, and a 7’ built-in wine rack are just a few of the home’s perks.
The generous master suite includes a spa tub, separate shower and walk-in closet. The backyard boasts a basketball goal, lush landscaping, viewing area, and even a putting green.
Lang and D’Andrea’s home is situated in the Dixie Canyon Elementary boundaries and close to many prestigious private schools. The house is priced at $1.449 million and Todd Jones of Rodeo Realty is the listing agent.
For more information visit: www.toddjoneshomes.com/dixiecanyon.aspx
Kenny Roger's Former Home On the Market
Lauren Case and Stefani Porter of Rodeo’s Woodland Hills office are co-listing the former home of country music icon Kenny Rogers. The 3,147 square foot Spanish Hacienda hideaway is on more than an acre of land in the Mulholland Scenic Corridor. Apparently Kenny Rogers was the home’s first owner back in the late 1970s.
Designed for indoor/outdoor living, the home has numerous French doors opening to pergola covered patios featuring a built-in BBQ grill, a large swimmer’s pool and spa, a putting green, flat lawns and mature landscaping.
Close to hiking, bike trails and urban areas, the multi-level 4 bedroom, 3 bath residence has sweeping mountain views from bedroom verandas, custom plaster walls, carved wood & iron entry door, tall ceilings, wood beams, skylights, and imported French stone & tile accents.
The chef’s kitchen has a large custom built eat-in granite table large enough to seat six with wood cabinetry and wine rack beneath, granite counters, Sub Zero fridge, and Viking range with grill. For more information contact Lauren at (818) 974-8722 or Stefani at (818) 999-2030. You can also visit the listings section of http://www.laurencase.com/.