by Barbara Ballinger & Margaret Crane
In recent years real estate has become more specialized, in terms of trends, prices, and neighborhood characteristics, from architectural styles to area-sourced building materials, to a connection with native plantings and topography, and this includes amenities—such as pools in warm climates and fireplaces in those regions where temperatures dip. With greater niche-segmentation has come specialization of Realtors® who often limit their focus on, perhaps, starter homes, senior citizen communities or high-end luxury properties.
Mica Rabineau, a salesman with Nourmand & Associates, a family-owned and operated luxury real estate boutique in Los Angeles, has focused on the luxury niche for his 12 years in business and has sold more than $150 million, primarily in the West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and West Los Angeles neighborhoods. His clients have included mostly actors, musicians, and high-profile entertainment industry professionals. Prices in these areas have been trending up for the last six to seven years, he says, and a true luxury home now hovers at a starting price of about $2 million and goes up from there, all the way to $250 million!
For Rabineau, this market appeals because it represents the best homes in the finest areas. "Nobody wants to sell $500,000 condos their entire life since there is just not much excitement around these listings long-term," he says. But to get the higher-end listings to market requires having all the photos just right--good lighting and angles, writing the best targeted descriptions, preparing advertising, and showing the homes discreetly since some homeowners don't want their identities revealed. "It’s just a totally different ball game in the L.A. market since there's so much money with a lot of competition in what's now a very hot market," he says.
While luxury was once defined by older homes in decades past – many luxury homes in his target areas now include new modern architectural houses in such areas as Hancock Park, known for being the original old Hollywood and part of the city of Los Angeles. Most of his luxury listings, however, are located in more suburban areas where more land is available since an acre or more is often desired for privacy and the hottest outdoor amenities. This is tough to find in the city limits except at exorbitant prices or if a teardown can be done. Rules have become restrictive regarding what can be torn down and what may be built in its place, due to the "McMansion policies" in several areas to curtail building "anything, everywhere," Rabineau says. "Ranch" areas in more distant locales such as Hidden Hills have also gained in popularity because they offer more land and greater privacy. The prices are also half the cost of those in the city and suburbs, The downside: a longer 25-minute-plus drive to downtown L.A.
Two of Rabineau's active listings reflect these trends, and what most appeals now to L.A. buyers entering this price range. Despite differences in style, size, and amenities, all reflect move-in condition, a must for buyers these days since people are busy working and want turn-key properties that involve little or no remodeling, says Rabineau. Technology is another essential so homeowners can utilize the latest in gadgets and systems in their homes, with access from smart phones or pads to control their lights, heating & air conditioning, garage door, alarm system, etc. Not seeing neighbors has also become more sought after for privacy and quiet. And lastly, investors are actively entering this market to be able to buy and lease out listings for those eager to live in them but not commit to ownership.
Rabineau is marketing properties with full-page color ads in the MLS, runs ads in the Los Angeles Times newspaper, delivers brochures and flyers to neighbors and area businesses, and uses technology to email, text and cycle ads on social media to reach other Realtors® with potential buyers. Recently he has begun to use a drone to video his listings because the Internet has become such a powerful tool for potential buyers to gain a close-up view of a home, inside and outside. Drone videos are so clear that people feel like they are strolling through the home in person rather than touring the home from afar.