Latest news with #BuyingBeverlyHills
Canberra Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Canberra Times
Why US celebrity real estate agent Mauricio Umansky has his eyes on Australian property
US real estate agent Mauricio Umansky has sold billions in luxury homes, founded a global real estate company, The Agency, and starred in two successful shows Buying Beverly Hills and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. "At my core, I'm a good salesperson because I love being an advisor to my clients," says Mauricio Umansky. Pic: Supplied Selling property is his greatest passion, and ahead of his appearance at the Australian Real Estate Conference (AREC 25), he shared his property journey and why Australian property is on his radar. What drew you to real estate? I actually got my start in the textile business, working with my father. And I learned early on some hard lessons, including the value of a cent and the fundamentals of business-inventory, customer service, supply chains, and even failure. Eventually, I realised I had a passion for something more personal: helping people find their dream homes. When I started taking real estate classes, I fell in love with the industry and its infinite possibilities. At my core, I'm a good salesperson because I love being an advisor to my clients. Whether it be fabric or real estate, I think there are skills and characteristics of a person that earns the trust of a client. This is applicable in other industries; real estate has just been the one in which I've found success. You sell some of the most expensive houses in the world, but what can someone selling a property at a much lower price learn from you? Whether you're selling a $US300,000 condo or a $US30 million estate, selling real estate is all about delivering an exceptional experience. In fact, one of our mottos at The Agency is "luxury is an experience, not a price point." It's about how you show up for your clients. Every home is someone's most valuable asset, and when you approach every transaction with the same level of care, effort, and professionalism, you build a business with longevity. 'People remember how you made them feel, not what you sold' is a motto of Umansky. Pic: SUpplied People remember how you made them feel, not what you sold. It is also important to be a true expert of your market, inventory and region. Knowledge and relationships have been the cornerstone of my business and, regardless of where an agent is at this point, these two factors are essential to growing a business at any level. You've sold some incredible houses, but what has been the most memorable sale for you? One that stands out is the sale of Prince's former home. Walking into that house, you could feel the energy. The acoustics were out of this world, every corner of that property had a story. Selling that home for me was about honouring the legacy of an icon. You are known as a disruptor in the real estate business. What frustrated you most about the traditional model and how did you take a different approach? I wanted to give back to an industry that gave me everything. I started The Agency with a goal for disrupting the industry. We founded The Agency with a key focus on collaboration, transparency, and culture. And to this day, I believe there's always room for innovation, whether that's in marketing, technology, or your team. If we're not evolving, we're falling behind. Disruption is part of our DNA and I feel there is still a lot of room for growth and disruption. This is something I am very passionate about for the greater industry right now. One of Mauricio's current listings is this 11-bed, 18-bath ski chalet is the US resort town of Vail, which has a $US78 million price tag. Pic: Supplied What do you think unsuccessful real estate agents do wrong? They underestimate the hustle. Real estate isn't a part-time job it's a full-time commitment with overtime hours. You have to treat it like a business and invest the time. It's not just about showing homes; it's about building relationships, staying consistent, and doing the work even when no one is watching. You get what you put in. Can you remember the first property that you sold? My first sale was a small condo in the Valley, around $US200,000. I remember that adrenaline rush-it was all so new, but I was hungry. Fast forward to today, I recently sold a $US22.5M property in Brentwood (Los Angeles). At the end of the day, the same principles apply. You need to listen to your client, know your market, and never stop learning. Tell us about your biggest professional setback-and how did you conquer it? Early on, I lost a big listing I thought I had in the bag. I was crushed. But it taught me humility and the importance of over-preparation. I doubled down on my work ethic, studied more, and followed up harder. That setback fueled my drive and helped shape the way I lead today and how I continue to ensure I am a true expert and advisor for the regions I represent. What is your view of the Australian luxury market? Australia is an incredibly exciting market. The luxury real estate scene is growing fast, with international interest surging. I see a strong appetite for lifestyle-driven properties. It reminds me of LA in some ways: beachfront appeal, city-meets-coastal living, and a strong global clientele. There's huge potential for collaboration and expansion. Plus, I'd LOVE to expand our Agency into Australia in the future! Mauricio Umansky will appear as a speaker at the Australian Real Estate Conference (AREC) 25 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on SUnday May 25 and Monday May 26.
Courier-Mail
06-05-2025
- Business
- Courier-Mail
Celebrity real estate mogul's Aussie housing crisis fix
An international real estate mogul has weighed in on the debate over solutions to Australia's housing crisis, slamming a 'mansion tax' and calling for interest rates to be slashed. Speaking from Los Angeles ahead of his visit Downunder to headline this year's Australasian Real Estate Conference (AREC), Mauricio Umansky also said government incentives for private sector developers would help boost housing supply. 'Governments need to subsidise the private sector,' he said. 'In LA, for example, the government is wanting to control housing for the homeless because they don't want the private sector to make money off it. RELATED: AREC: Top agents line-up revealed 'The government is more worried about the private sector profiting from the homeless than giving them housing.' The founder and CEO of The Agency — a billion-dollar real estate brokerage based in the United States — will speak to thousands of real estate professionals at the two-day conference, from May 25 to 26. Umansky's visit Downunder comes during a 'perfect storm' of housing unaffordability — high mortgage rates, high prices, and low supply, which he says is being felt all over the world. MORE: Big Aus bank's massive rate cut call after Labor win Sonia Kruger sells luxury Sydney home for $19m 'I think governments need to lower interest rates, period,' he said. 'If you lower interest rates, you end up with higher supply and unlock inventory owned by people who are holding on to their properties. 'Two things will occur — lower interest rates will make (housing) more affordable, and higher inventory will lower prices.' But while policymakers in Australia have floated similar ideas to Los Angeles' 'mansion tax', in a bid to tackle housing affordability, Umansky says that's not the answer. '(The mansion tax) has reduced transactions so much,' he said. 'We're ending up with a much lower amount of … revenue. Instead of raising revenue, it is lowering it. It's an absolute disaster.' The reality TV star said he was 'super excited' to visit the Gold Coast and share his strategies on high-end deal-making, branding in a digital age, and the evolving expectations of property buyers and sellers at AREC. 'I've been to Sydney, but not the Gold Coast,' he said. 'I've heard it's very California-esque. I think it's an exciting market.' Renowned for his role on Netflix's Buying Beverly Hills and frequent appearances on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Umansky has built a formidable reputation in luxury real estate, with clients ranging from celebrities to Fortune 500 executives — and even Hugh Hefner. He cites selling the Playboy mansion for $100m in 2016 as his most defining deal to date. While he has no plans to expand The Agency downunder just yet, he hasn't written off a Buying Sydney spin-off. 'I wouldn't say no,' he said. 'I'm giving you a one-year plan right now, so in the next year, no.' Umansky's personal life has been a hot topic in the tabloids in recent months — being snapped in public with a number of women since his high-profile split from 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star Kyle Richards, but he doesn't let the gossip get to him. 'I ignore the drama of the TV world and basically concentrate on my job,' Umansky said. 'There are so many phallacies out there. Unfortunately tabloids and magazines only sell on stories that are destroying people.' But maintaining a global brand digitally and running his own social media accounts are important to him. 'I definitely use (Instagram) — it's my voice. I just ignore the noise. It's a wonderful thing (for agents to use) to grow your persona and brand. 'When you're talking about how do I deal with TV and the tabloids and the BS, Instagram is where I get to have my say.' The 54-year-old has been hitting the gym to get his shoulder strength back more than two months after breaking his clavicle in an Aspen skiing accident. 'I love sports,' he said. 'Skiing is my favourite thing to do, but I'd love to learn how to surf. Teach me how to surf!' And, if you're wondering what the secret is to his stamina: 'I sleep with the drapes open, so I wake up with the sun. I've never put on an alarm clock, even for an airplane.' In a statement, AREC founder John McGrath said Umansky's attendance reflected the event's growing global appeal. 'Mauricio is a powerhouse in the industry — not just for the deals he's done, but for how he's transformed real estate into a lifestyle brand,' McGrath said. 'He's redefining what it means to be a modern agent, and we're thrilled to bring his insights to the Australian and New Zealand markets.' Alongside Umansky, this year's AREC lineup includes a mix of local and international speakers including US presidential candidate, Kamala Harris. Now in its 26th year, AREC continues to draw real estate professionals from across Australasia, offering sessions on sales tactics, marketing innovation, prop tech trends, and personal development.
Daily Telegraph
06-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
Celebrity real estate mogul's Aussie housing crisis fix
An international real estate mogul has weighed in on the debate over solutions to Australia's housing crisis, slamming a 'mansion tax' and calling for interest rates to be slashed. Speaking from Los Angeles ahead of his visit Downunder to headline this year's Australasian Real Estate Conference (AREC), Mauricio Umansky also said government incentives for private sector developers would help boost housing supply. 'Governments need to subsidise the private sector,' he said. 'In LA, for example, the government is wanting to control housing for the homeless because they don't want the private sector to make money off it. RELATED: AREC: Top agents line-up revealed 'The government is more worried about the private sector profiting from the homeless than giving them housing.' The founder and CEO of The Agency — a billion-dollar real estate brokerage based in the United States — will speak to thousands of real estate professionals at the two-day conference, from May 25 to 26. Umansky's visit Downunder comes during a 'perfect storm' of housing unaffordability — high mortgage rates, high prices, and low supply, which he says is being felt all over the world. MORE: Big Aus bank's massive rate cut call after Labor win Sonia Kruger sells luxury Sydney home for $19m 'I think governments need to lower interest rates, period,' he said. 'If you lower interest rates, you end up with higher supply and unlock inventory owned by people who are holding on to their properties. 'Two things will occur — lower interest rates will make (housing) more affordable, and higher inventory will lower prices.' But while policymakers in Australia have floated similar ideas to Los Angeles' 'mansion tax', in a bid to tackle housing affordability, Umansky says that's not the answer. '(The mansion tax) has reduced transactions so much,' he said. 'We're ending up with a much lower amount of … revenue. Instead of raising revenue, it is lowering it. It's an absolute disaster.' The reality TV star said he was 'super excited' to visit the Gold Coast and share his strategies on high-end deal-making, branding in a digital age, and the evolving expectations of property buyers and sellers at AREC. 'I've been to Sydney, but not the Gold Coast,' he said. 'I've heard it's very California-esque. I think it's an exciting market.' Renowned for his role on Netflix's Buying Beverly Hills and frequent appearances on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Umansky has built a formidable reputation in luxury real estate, with clients ranging from celebrities to Fortune 500 executives — and even Hugh Hefner. He cites selling the Playboy mansion for $100m in 2016 as his most defining deal to date. While he has no plans to expand The Agency downunder just yet, he hasn't written off a Buying Sydney spin-off. 'I wouldn't say no,' he said. 'I'm giving you a one-year plan right now, so in the next year, no.' Umansky's personal life has been a hot topic in the tabloids in recent months — being snapped in public with a number of women since his high-profile split from 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star Kyle Richards, but he doesn't let the gossip get to him. 'I ignore the drama of the TV world and basically concentrate on my job,' Umansky said. 'There are so many phallacies out there. Unfortunately tabloids and magazines only sell on stories that are destroying people.' But maintaining a global brand digitally and running his own social media accounts are important to him. 'I definitely use (Instagram) — it's my voice. I just ignore the noise. It's a wonderful thing (for agents to use) to grow your persona and brand. 'When you're talking about how do I deal with TV and the tabloids and the BS, Instagram is where I get to have my say.' The 54-year-old has been hitting the gym to get his shoulder strength back more than two months after breaking his clavicle in an Aspen skiing accident. 'I love sports,' he said. 'Skiing is my favourite thing to do, but I'd love to learn how to surf. Teach me how to surf!' And, if you're wondering what the secret is to his stamina: 'I sleep with the drapes open, so I wake up with the sun. I've never put on an alarm clock, even for an airplane.' In a statement, AREC founder John McGrath said Umansky's attendance reflected the event's growing global appeal. 'Mauricio is a powerhouse in the industry — not just for the deals he's done, but for how he's transformed real estate into a lifestyle brand,' McGrath said. 'He's redefining what it means to be a modern agent, and we're thrilled to bring his insights to the Australian and New Zealand markets.' Alongside Umansky, this year's AREC lineup includes a mix of local and international speakers including US presidential candidate, Kamala Harris. Now in its 26th year, AREC continues to draw real estate professionals from across Australasia, offering sessions on sales tactics, marketing innovation, prop tech trends, and personal development.
News.com.au
05-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Celebrity real estate mogul's Aussie housing crisis fix
An international real estate mogul has weighed in on the debate over solutions to Australia's housing crisis, slamming a 'mansion tax' and calling for interest rates to be slashed. Speaking from Los Angeles ahead of his visit Downunder to headline this year's Australasian Real Estate Conference (AREC), Mauricio Umansky also said government incentives for private sector developers would help boost housing supply. 'Governments need to subsidise the private sector,' he said. 'In LA, for example, the government is wanting to control housing for the homeless because they don't want the private sector to make money off it. 'The government is more worried about the private sector profiting from the homeless than giving them housing.' The founder and CEO of The Agency — a billion-dollar real estate brokerage based in the United States — will speak to thousands of real estate professionals at the two-day conference, from May 25 to 26. Umansky's visit Downunder comes during a 'perfect storm' of housing unaffordability — high mortgage rates, high prices, and low supply, which he says is being felt all over the world. 'I think governments need to lower interest rates, period,' he said. 'If you lower interest rates, you end up with higher supply and unlock inventory owned by people who are holding on to their properties. 'Two things will occur — lower interest rates will make (housing) more affordable, and higher inventory will lower prices.' But while policymakers in Australia have floated similar ideas to Los Angeles' 'mansion tax', in a bid to tackle housing affordability, Umansky says that's not the answer. '(The mansion tax) has reduced transactions so much,' he said. 'We're ending up with a much lower amount of … revenue. Instead of raising revenue, it is lowering it. It's an absolute disaster.' The reality TV star said he was 'super excited' to visit the Gold Coast and share his strategies on high-end deal-making, branding in a digital age, and the evolving expectations of property buyers and sellers at AREC. 'I've been to Sydney, but not the Gold Coast,' he said. 'I've heard it's very California-esque. I think it's an exciting market.' Renowned for his role on Netflix's Buying Beverly Hills and frequent appearances on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Umansky has built a formidable reputation in luxury real estate, with clients ranging from celebrities to Fortune 500 executives — and even Hugh Hefner. He cites selling the Playboy mansion for $100m in 2016 as his most defining deal to date. While he has no plans to expand The Agency downunder just yet, he hasn't written off a Buying Sydney spin-off. 'I wouldn't say no,' he said. 'I'm giving you a one-year plan right now, so in the next year, no.' Umansky's personal life has been a hot topic in the tabloids in recent months — being snapped in public with a number of women since his high-profile split from 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star Kyle Richards, but he doesn't let the gossip get to him. 'I ignore the drama of the TV world and basically concentrate on my job,' Umansky said. 'There are so many phallacies out there. Unfortunately tabloids and magazines only sell on stories that are destroying people.' But maintaining a global brand digitally and running his own social media accounts are important to him. 'I definitely use (Instagram) — it's my voice. I just ignore the noise. It's a wonderful thing (for agents to use) to grow your persona and brand. 'When you're talking about how do I deal with TV and the tabloids and the BS, Instagram is where I get to have my say.' The 54-year-old has been hitting the gym to get his shoulder strength back more than two months after breaking his clavicle in an Aspen skiing accident. 'I love sports,' he said. 'Skiing is my favourite thing to do, but I'd love to learn how to surf. Teach me how to surf!' And, if you're wondering what the secret is to his stamina: 'I sleep with the drapes open, so I wake up with the sun. I've never put on an alarm clock, even for an airplane.' In a statement, AREC founder John McGrath said Umansky's attendance reflected the event's growing global appeal. 'Mauricio is a powerhouse in the industry — not just for the deals he's done, but for how he's transformed real estate into a lifestyle brand,' McGrath said. 'He's redefining what it means to be a modern agent, and we're thrilled to bring his insights to the Australian and New Zealand markets.' Alongside Umansky, this year's AREC lineup includes a mix of local and international speakers including US presidential candidate, Kamala Harris. Now in its 26th year, AREC continues to draw real estate professionals from across Australasia, offering sessions on sales tactics, marketing innovation, prop tech trends, and personal development.
Fox News
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Kyle Richards' daughter Sophia, 25, is going 'bald' after taking weight-loss drug
Sophia Umansky has experienced a "dramatic hair loss situation" and the daughter of "Real Housewives" star Kyle Richards believes it is a byproduct of shedding pounds after taking a popular weight-loss drug. Sophia, 25, revealed she has been taking the prescription drug Mounjaro for about four months. Mounjaro is a brand of Tirzepatide, an FDA-approved drug originally created to treat Type 2 diabetes but has also been found to aid in weight loss. In the past three to four weeks, the daughter of Richards and Mauricio Umansky explained, she had noticed a "dramatic" change in her hair. "I am very lucky that I have so much hair, because at the rate that I've been losing hair, I'm gonna be bald in about a week," Sophia began in a video shared to TikTok. "I'm just going to show you a quick little video of what my hair loss looks like, and this is every day," Sophia said. "And you're not even seeing the half of it." The TV personality shared clips of hair that had fallen out before, during and after showering. Sophia explained that even running her fingers through her hair pulls out "piles" of her long locks. Sophia noted that she does not think her hair loss is a "direct" result of the prescription medication, but rather a side effect from "rapid" weight loss. "I think it's a direct result of rapid weight loss because of the medication, and not eating enough vitamins, protein, all that kind of stuff," she explained. "I feel like at the beginning of starting this medication, I was just making sure I was eating enough. I wasn't really thinking about eating enough protein, enough vitamins, all that kind of stuff. So, I think because of that, I have started losing hair." Now, Sophia revealed plans to focus on her nutrition as she works to stop her hair-loss. The "Buying Beverly Hills" star shared she's eating more protein, taking more vitamins, using new hair products and adding a collagen supplement to her diet. The 25-year-old ended her video by praising the weight-loss drug. "If anyone has any questions about my experience on Mounjaro, I'd be happy to answer them," Sophia noted. "I'm very open about it, and I think it's great."
