Luxe Living

Remember the super-sized sale of the iconic Spelling Manor in Beverly Hills in 2011? It took a super star agent to get that deal done, and we have the woman responsible for brokering the deal on Trulia Luxe Living today! Coldwell Banker Previews International agent Sally Forster Jones specializes in  luxury real estate across the greater Los Angeles area, and has achieved more than $1.5 billion in real estate sales over the past decade. When it comes to the big deals and even bigger homes, Sally seems to be the go-to agent.

Over the past thirty years, Sally has become one of the top real estate agents in Southern California with Coldwell Banker Previews International agent. Her reputation for professionalism, expertise, and successful execution has enabled Sally to develop a vast network of valuable industry contacts that has proven to be indispensable.

Let’s spend a little time getting to know Sally a little better!

How did you get your start in real estate?

When I first became interested in real estate, the market was on an upswing and I began purchasing income and rental properties as investments.  I quickly realized that I had a passion for the real estate business and I have been doing it ever since.

What sale or career milestone are you most proud of?

My career milestone is the listing and sale of the Spelling Manor in Holmby Hills, which is the highest brokered residential sale to-date in Los Angeles history and one of the highest in the country.

What is your dream home location?

I would love a beach house on the coast of Malibu.  The sandy beaches and ocean views are incredibly peaceful, and yet it’s just a quick drive to the hustle and bustle of the city.

What kind of car do you drive?



Right now I am driving a Porsche Panamera which I love!

iPhone, Android or BlackBerry?

I am currently transitioning from BlackBerry to iPhone.  So much of my business is done on-the-go and both phones have great advantages, so right now I am still using both.

What site/app do you check first when you wake up?



The first thing I check when I wake up is my e-mails.  I receive hundreds and hundreds of emails daily so staying on top of them and checking in with clients is the first priority! It is so important to stay constantly connected and in communication.
 
What was the last book you read? 



I just finished Silver Linings Playbook.  I saw the movie and loved it and heard that the book was a great read as well.
 
Name your favorite guilty pleasure.

My favorite guilty pleasure is rocky road ice cream.  There is nothing better on a hot Southern California day!
 
What’s one thing someone would never guess just by looking at you? 



I am really a thrill seeker and am always looking for the next adventure.  I have been white water rafting, zip lining, I love skiing black diamond trails and I hope to try sky diving someday soon!

Take a peek at some of Sally Forster Jones’ listings!

• $43,000,000 – N Kanan Dume Road, Malibu, CA
• $24,950,000 - South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
• $13,900,000 – Evans Road, Pacific Palisades, CA
• $6,100,000 – Woodacre Road, Santa Monica, CA
• $5,495,000 – Estrondo Drive, Encino, CA

 

In Los Angeles, the residential real estate is one-of-a-kind, so it’s no surprise that Josh Altman, one of the best real estate agents in the area, is exactly that: a shining star in a land of glamorous Hollywood celebrities and big time business moguls.

You likely recognize Josh Altman as one of the stars of Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles.” On TV, he wheels and deals and closes big time real estate transactions. Off camera, he’s passionate about giving back to his community, and in his free time, you’ll find him spending time with his family and two rescue dogs, Diego and Lucky.

Fascinated by the man you see on TV? Let’s learn a little more about Josh Altman:

How did you get your start in real estate?
My brother and I bought our first condo together in 2002. We had bought it to live in and got such a good deal that once we moved in and fixed it up a little (just cosmetic things–small touch-ups, nicer furniture), as kind of a joke, we put it on the market. We bought for $400k and sold it for $600k. After that I quit my job and never looked back.

What sale or career milestone are you most proud of?
There have been a lot of milestones and every year is different. The one I’m most proud of is the one I just did. I closed a sale for $20,100,000 in South Beverly Park, a gated community in Beverly Hills. It was the biggest sale of my career (so far) and the biggest sale ever in South Beverly Park.

What is your dream home location?
A beautiful home in the mountains of Aspen, Colorado.

What kind of car do you drive?
I’m currently driving a Fisker Karma. I collect cars, so I also love my 1964 Shelby Cobra and my 1967 Chevelle.

iPhone, Android, or BlackBerry?
iPhone and Blackberry.

What site/app do you check first when you wake up?
The first thing I check every morning is the MLS. Then I love the Real Estalker and Curbed.

What was the last book you read?
“The Wolf of Wall Street” by Jordan Belfort. It’s basically the true story of the movie “Boiler Room.”

Name your favorite guilty pleasure?
Skiing and hanging out with my dogs.

What’s one thing someone would never guess just by looking at you?
I’m a lot nicer than people think.

We had a blast talking with Josh, so we can vouch for that!

Take a peek at some of Josh Altman’s Listings!

• $15,995,000 – Potrero Road, Thousand Oaks, CA
• $9,350,000 –  Caminito Pacifica Trail, San Diego, CA 
• $2,399,000 – North Knoll Drive, Los Angeles, CA

 

 

To become one of the top agents in the real estate business, it takes a ton of hard work and dedication. Success is equal parts hustle, sweat, creativity and relationship building. Whether you yourself are an agent, or just a real estate aficionado, we can all learn a thing or two from these top luxury agents.

So, without further ado, we present the first of an ongoing series detailing the secrets to success and fun facts about the top luxury real estate agents in the country! First up: Howard Margolis of Prudential Douglas Elliman in New York City.

How did you get your start in real estate?

I was working in my family business, which was a 100 year old, fourth generation company in New York.  My father and his brothers decided to sell the company.  I woke-up one day after a life, up until then, of being a privileged son to find myself jobless, and it was shocking. After a few weeks of soul searching, I ran into the owner of a real estate relocation company.

I had no information about the real estate business, but it sounded very interesting.

Within two weeks, I put my first real estate transaction together.  That was over twenty years ago.  Last year I sold the highest priced apartment in New York City.  It’s been a great adventure and journey.

What sale or career milestone are you most proud of?

Over the years in real estate, I’ve done many things:  worked in corporate real estate relocation, managed the largest grossing real estate sales office in the country and sold some of the largest development projects in the country.  My biggest triumph is putting together an amazing team of people to work with. I enjoy every day with them.  They’re smart, dedicated and we keep each other focused on our job – which is giving the best service to all of our clients.

What is your dream home location?

I have to say that New York City is an amazing place to live.  Even after twenty years in the business, I still walk into some of the most spectacular apartments and get surprised at the scale and scope of renovations in Manhattan and Brooklyn.  You just have no idea what people can create behind those brick walls.  My dream home is a penthouse on Central Park South.  The views looking North over the park with the buildings on Fifth avenue and Central Park West flanking each other is a total New York experience.

What kind of car do you drive?

I’ve been driving BMWs for the past fifteen years.  I’m currently driving the 740iL.  It’s great for long drives to the country and my clients are extremely comfortable.

iPhone, Android or BlackBerry?

iPhone, iPad, Mac!

What site/app do you check first when you wake up?

I can’t pick just one! I look at the NY Times app, HuffingtonPost, The Real Deal, Curbed, Facebook and Streeteasy

What was the last book you read?

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

Name your favorite guilty pleasure.

Eating at some the most amazing restaurants in the world around NYC!

Take a peek at some of Howard’s listings!

55 Central Park West Penthouse, New York, New York – Listed for $35,000,000

101 West 67th Street, New York, New York – Listed for $27,500,000

128 Central Park South Penthouse, New York, New York – Listed for $11,995,000

112 West 56th Street, New York, New York – Listed for $1,624,800