MANAGING PARTNERS MANAGING PARTNERS MANAGING PARTNERS
Letter From Our Managing Partners
This past year was a monumental change for our San Fernando Valley operations. We proudly welcomed the Chernov Team as partners! We’ve admired and competed with Dennis, Yana and their team over the years all the while wondering what would business be like if we could create “The Dream Team” with them. We believe that their additional voluminous production volume, their deep experience and love for the Valley, their unparalleled marketing expertise and disciplined operations would create dynamic synergies that enable us to better serve our 100+ Valley agents and ultimately provide smarter, superior representation and service to our clients. Dreams do come true—Chernov Team founders Dennis and Yana Chernov share our cultural values of collaboration. They embrace our core principle of putting clients’ needs at the forefront of all that we do. Like the rest of The Agency team, they play hard and work harder. Our 2022 stats exceeded the record-breaking numbers of 2021, with our agents reaching a whopping $1.6 billion in sales. That’s a lot of transactions, many houses and an incredible amount of satisfied clients.
Other milestones included us expanding our Sherman Oaks office to better accommodate our burgeoning agent headcount, adding an exciting new Calabasas office space and continuing to grow the Studio City office and its thriving community.
We see the challenging economic environment of rising interest rates, tumultuous stock market fluctuations and the pending ULA property tax measure as opportunities to offer deeper expertise and more measured counsel in advising clients on how to navigate the purchase or sale of their most expensive and precious asset: their home.
As always, we’re ready to serve and offer the most dedicated partnership and guidance to every client.
YANA CHERNOV DENNIS CHERNOV CRAIG KNIZEK EMIL HARTOONIAN MICHELLE SCHWARTZTHE EXECUTIVE TEAM THE EXECUTIVE TEAM THE EXECUTIVE TEAM
The Agency Executive Team
2022 was quite a year in real estate. On the tails of two unprecedented years in real estate history, the market shifted: Volume dropped while the industry’s cyclical nature and historical seasonality quickly returned. What felt like a jolt was actually the beginning of a rebalancing act.
The Valley offices held strong throughout it all, solidifying their places in the luxury market. NorCal tech professionals migrated to the Valley, and East Coast folks too, drawn to the robust economy, idyllic weather and exceptional lifestyle. Encino came to be the new Beverly Hills, pricing out many buyers, who are moving to Tarzana (which is quickly becoming the new Encino).
Buyers wanted all the bells and whistles, seeking out pickleball courts, subterranean construction, guest homes, multi-use rooms, multiple-car garages, home gyms, movie theaters and wellness centers. Modern farmhouse designs continued to be popular, featuring white palates, minimal aesthetics and open kitchens.
Something held true though; even in the midst of change, real estate continued to be the #1 valuable asset to people—a legacy they can leave behind for generations to come. Our Valley agents continue to be some of the best in the business, bringing their genuine care and unmatched local knowledge to buyers and sellers around the globe.
MAURICIO UMANSKY Founder & CEO BILLY ROSE Founder & Vice Chairman RAINY HAKE AUSTIN PresidentSERVING THE VALLEY AND FAR BEYOND
Go wherever your heart takes you—and we’ll come with.
615 TOTAL SALES IN 2022
In short: We do it all—from Pasadena to Venice, Studio City to Sun Valley (and everywhere in between). The Agency’s Valley team curates a seamless real estate experience across the Greater L.A. area.
AN EVENTFUL YEAR AN EVENTFUL YEAR
The Agency Global Forum
Taking place over three days in California’s scenic Palm Desert, The Agency Global Forum 2022 was an event to remember. The annual sales conference featured expert panels, renowned speakers—including Molly Bloom and Ed Mylett—educational workshops on timely topics and unmissable social events crafted in The Agency’s signature style.
Give Back Homes: Building Dreams in Our Community
The Agency Valley team came together to make an impact in our community along with The Agency’s philanthropic partner, Giveback Homes. Through our contribution, we helped build affordable housing for those in need. This impactful organization directly benefits local communities across the U.S., Canada and abroad — and in our own communities here in The San Frenando Valley.
The Agency Team Unites for Global Clean-Up Day
On August 24, our international teams came together to clean up coastlines, parks, sidewalks, lakes and more, gathering a total of 1,136 pounds of trash collectively. Here in The Valley, our team did our part to contribute to that global change.
AGENCY AWARDS AGENCY AWARDS AGENCY AWARDS
THE AGENCY
CHAIRMAN AWARD WINNERS 2022
Andrea Korchek
Craig Knizek
David Smith
Dennis Chernov
Emil Hartoonian
Gina Michelle
Ingrid Sacerio
Kevin Dees
Michelle Schwartz
Nikki Joel
George Ouzounian
LA MAGAZINE: REAL ESTATE ALL STARS AWARD WINNERS 2022
Amir Jawaherian
Andrea Korchek
Andrew Mortaza
Bryan Castaneda
Camellia Yeroomian
Craig Knizek
Dennis Chernov
Emil Hartoonian
Heather Boyd
Ingrid Sacerio
Michelle Schwartz
Ray Akbari
Sebastian Spader
LABJ’S TOP 100
REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN L.A. COUNTY
Dennis Chernov
Craig Knizek
George Ouzounian & Gina Michelle Team
The Chernov Team
Gina Michelle and George Ouzounian
AGENCY ACCOLADES AGENCY ACCOLADES AGENCY ACCOLADES
Laura Stupsker
DIRECTOR, RESIDENTIAL ESTATES DIVISION
Studio City MVP
Transitioning from television producer to real estate agent isn’t the typical path most brokers follow. For Laura Stupsker, it was only natural. During her 12 years in the entertainment industry, Laura made a hobby out of her lifelong love for beautiful homes and architecture, regularly discovering diamonds in the rough and then successfully renovating them into showpieces. It was this penchant for doing so, along with her attention to detail, that saw Laura assisting many of the people she worked with on shows to find and purchase homes.
Fueled by her love for real estate, Laura finally chose to leave the entertainment industry to pursue real estate full-time. An extremely detail-oriented multi-tasker, Laura makes sure nothing slips through the cracks and takes pride in her ability to facilitate smooth transactions and keep her clients happy.
Laura received her B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley and studied abroad at the University of the Basque Country in San Sebastian, Spain. She speaks fluent Spanish and has worked with Spanish-speaking clients from both Spain and South America.
Laura lives in the Hancock Park area, and many of her clients are focused in Hancock Park, Hollywood Hills and Los Feliz/Silver Lake, in addition to most of Los Angeles from Santa Monica/Venice to Echo Park/Downtown.
Ray Akbari
ESTATE AGENT, BROKER ASSOCIATE Calabasas MVP
Ray Akbari at The Agency Calabasas with over 19 years of real estate expertise and 30 years of experience in sales, encompassing $200 million in real estate sales. A passionate community member of the Los Angeles area, he serves clients in the greater Los Angeles area with most of his transactions in Woodland Hills, West Hills, Encino, Tarzana, and Sherman Oaks areas.
Whether representing buyers or sellers, Ray delivers the same extraordinary experience, tailored to meet their specific needs. His wealth of knowledge includes new development, construction, design, investment properties, and current market trends. Always looking to learn more, Ray is constantly undertaking new educational opportunities to expand his skills and best serve his clients. Patient, detailed oriented, honest, and prompt, he loves to skillfully navigate and leverage the market skillfully in order to achieve outstanding results.
Ray’s goal is to help his clients curate a space that meets their unique needs and desired lifestyle. An excellent negotiator, he carefully listens to his clients’ needs and thoughtfully devises strategies to bring their goals to life. A real estate investor himself, he has first-hand experience with flipping homes. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and information systems from California State University of Northridge and is fluent in both English and Farsi.
Ray is a family man who enjoys hiking, running, and playing volleyball.
Nicole Tekiela
AGENT
Sherman Oaks
Rising Star
Nicole Tekiela is a passionate and design-savvy residential real estate agent who understands both the logistical and emotional side of buying and selling property. Recognizing the significant impact buying and selling real estate has on the lives of her clients, Nicole brings her fighter spirit to every transaction and works tirelessly to make sure she gets the best financial results while making each transaction go smoothly.
Before venturing into real estate, Nicole founded Tekiela Cosmetics, a successful beauty boutique in Los Angeles, with hundreds of repeat clients over 10 years. This invaluable experience has made her no stranger to responsibility and efficiency; she is exceptionally qualified to intimately personalize her approach to every client’s unique and specific needs.
Nicole is a mother to a young son and a wife to a successful film producer. Her network of friends and clients ranges from small business owners and celebrities to hardworking families following their dreams of building a successful life in Los Angeles and beyond.
Steven Ejiofor AGENT
Sherman Oaks
Rising Star
Born in Los Angeles, Steven attended seminary school in Nigeria, returned to California, and earned his B.S. in Finance from CSUN. After a successful near-decadelong career with giants AIG and State Farm, Steven leaped forth to pursue his true passion for real estate. He has excelled with the Chernov Team since 2019, uncovering buyer and seller aspirations and helping them reach victorious outcomes. He feels the utmost pride in handing over the keys to a new home and in the difference this makes in a family’s life, as well as the community. The thought that “home is not a place, it’s a feeling” rings true to Steven—if his clients don’t feel “it,” they move on to the next property.
Steven cheers for the Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers, Rams, Kings, Galaxy and every L.A. team—this love for athletics and devotion to fitness are the source of his unmistakable vivaciousness and industrious character.
Jennifer Tisdale AGENT
Studio City Rookie of the Year
Jennifer Tisdale joins The Agency Studio City with over a decade of experience in construction and development to assist clients throughout Los Angeles, focusing on Toluca Lake, Studio City and Hollywood Hills. Trustworthy, professional and diligent, she prides herself on providing an elite level of service rooted in patience and accessibility. “My clients know that I’m easy to talk to, even when the conversations are hard,” Jennifer says.
Having worked as a project manager for a general contractor specializing in custom renovations and new home construction, Jennifer gained invaluable insight into the process and costs as well as design trends, making her an advantageous ally for clients wanting to create their dream home or prepare a property for sale. This period of her career also provided her with a wealth of contacts for buyers wanting to renovate or build from the ground up.
Originally from New Jersey, Jennifer has lived in Los Angeles for most of her life, and has called Toluca Lake home for the last 15 years. She moved with her family to work in entertainment, acting and eventually transitioning behind the camera to run a production company. Between her time in production and construction, Jennifer gained a nuanced understanding of contracts, negotiation tactics and the importance of discretion. As an agent, she loves that she gets to leverage her experience while nurturing relationships with clients, which has always been her true passion.
In her time outside the world of real estate, Jennifer loves spending time with her family, especially her daughter and new niece. Whenever she gets the chance, she enjoys exploring local restaurants with friends, live music, Orange Theory and a good HGTV marathon. She also supports St. Jude, No Kid Hungry and the North Hollywood Interfaith Pantry.
Barrington Malcom AGENT
Sherman Oaks Rookie of the Year
Real estate can often feel intimidating and tumultuous, but Barrington Malcolm leverages years of experience, perseverance and strategic know-how to successfully manage transactions, habitually over-delivering for clients to help them achieve their homeownership dreams. Taking time to cater to his clients’ needs during the search process, he prides himself on being a powerful ally and the type of agent that everyone wants to work with.
Barrington comes from a family deeply embedded in the real estate industry. Surrounded by developments, investments and distressed properties, he nurtured a strong work ethic and fresh perspective for what’s possible through real estate.
When he isn’t assisting clients in their home searches, Barrington spends every free moment with his young son. He balances intense workouts with ice cream, his favorite dessert, and enjoys traveling to spend time with friends and family. Renowned in his circle for his sense of humor, he brings laughter to every interaction, turning stressful situations into moments of joy.
WINNING NUMBERS WINNING NUMBERS
The Valley
$2,250,291 (+12.36%)
Average Sales Price
$16,424,564 (+12.95%)
Average Sales Per Agent
665 (-4.66%)
Number of Sides
$1,543,909,021 (+11.09%)
Overall Sales Volume
AGENCY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AGENCY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
AGENCY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
HIGHEST SALE
HISTORY
IN
OF ENCINO (NORTH OF VENTURA BLVD)
Craig Knizek OFF-MARKET SOLD FOR $10,972,500 (2/1/22)
2ND HIGHEST SALE IN PACIFIC PALISADES
Michelle Schwartz
14984 CORONA DEL MAR SOLD FOR $33,946,945 (4/14/22)
HIGHEST SALE IN STUDIO CITY FOR 2022
HIGHEST SALE IN SHERMAN OAKS FOR 2022
Craig Knizek 15321 KINGSWOOD PLACE SOLD FOR $8,500,000 (7/1/22)
HIGHEST SALE IN TOLUCA LAKE FOR 2022
Craig Knizek, Kevin Dees 10250 MOORPARK SOLD FOR $8,000,000 (8/5/22)
CHERNOV TEAM GARNERED $376,265,974 IN SALES OVER 148 TRANSACTIONS
Farrah Brittany, Maurcio Umansky, Peter Mac 3500 & 3506 BERRY DRIVE SOLD FOR $10,710,000 (4/12/22)
4TH HIGHEST SALE IN HIDDEN HILLS FOR 2022
Sandro Dazzan (Malibu Office)
24051 LONG VALLEY SOLD FOR $17,100,000 (4/18/22)
2ND, 3RD and 4TH HIGHEST SALES IN TARZANA FOR 2022
Nicole Tekiela
4653 VANALDEN | SOLD FOR $6,807,000 (5/12/22)
Craig Knizek 4760 AMIGO | SOLD FOR $6,150,000 (2/4/22)
Dennis Chernov, Steven Ejiofor
4940 BREWSTER | SOLD FOR $6,150,000
THE AGENCY EDGE THE AGENCY EDGE THE AGENCY EDGE
SALES BY VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD
THE VALLEY - THE AGENCY AVERAGE PRICE ADVANTAGE BY NEIGHBORHOOD
IN THEIR WORDS IN THEIR WORDS IN THEIR WORDS
Adrienne Herkes AGENT Studio City
How would you describe your style as an agent?
Transparent and communicative. My goal is always to understand my clients end goal and work strategically to get us there. I pride myself on being open and honest always.
How did you push yourself in 2022 as an agent?
Throughout 2022 I pushed myself to find my own voice and find opportunities to get in front of people, no matter how intimidating it might have been. I continue to push myself to do more, be better and not be afraid to take risks.
What’s the best part of your job?
I am so fortunate to be able to assist people with major life transitions. From first time home buyers coming from a condo, to empty nesters looking to downsize, and all the stages in between, I am so fulfilled with all of the connections I get to make with people on a daily basis.
Beach, desert or mountains and why?
I’m a beach girl through and through! The ocean is such a magical and healing force for me - whether I’m swimming in it, laying on it and watching the sunset, or eating fresh fish that came from it - you just can’t go wrong!
Debra Jaffe AGENT
Sherman OaksHow did you push yourself in 2022 as an agent?
A family I’ve been working with decided to sell their L.A. home. Seems easy but the clients are international and live abroad in four different cities. Navigating the transaction was complex given their various time zones and locations across several continents – imagine signing notarized sales documents at the US Consulate. It was both challenging and thrilling to see a successful close of escrow!
What are you most excited about in 2023?
Forecasts include increased inventory and lower interest rates, all good for the real estate market. I’m excited to help my clients with what is likely the largest transaction of their lives and am grateful to be their representative.
How would you describe your style as an agent?
I’m white-glove and service-oriented all the way. Having been an educator in my earlier career, I apply teaching skills to help educate my buyers and sellers regarding the contract and inspections throughout their transactions. Knowledge is powerful and I still love to teach!
What’s the best part of your job?
I love meeting new people every day. You never know who is going to walk in the door of an open house and each day is a different experience. There is nothing ordinary about the real estate market.
Freddy Thomas AGENT Calabasas
How would you describe your style as an agent?
I would describe my style as insightful with an authentic approach and a passion for architecture/design. Every client has unique needs. I take the time to understand those and work closely to create a tailored experience that aligns with their goals.
Who was a memorable client from this last year?
Kate Somerville!
Why was their home sale/purchase special to you?
It was truly a full circle moment. Many years ago I handled Celebrity Relations for her namesake skincare brand. To then have the opportunity to spend time with her and her beautiful family while selling their Santa Barbara home was such a rewarding experience.
Have you visited any Agency offices outside of LA last year? If so, which and what were your thoughts?
I have a family tradition of going to The Lodge at Pebble Beach over the holidays. Last November, I got to stop by our Carmel-by-the-Sea office. Carmel is so charming and our cottage office with its window boxes fits in perfectly. I would love to have a home there some day!
How would you describe your style as an agent?
I like to consider myself very hands-on, I like to really get to know my clients and put in the work to help them get the job done. Nothing is more rewarding than sifting through a sea of homes that aren’t the one, in order to get to the one. The excitement is next level. When it comes to selling, I focus on procedures, systems and high-end marketing to ensure my clients get the necessary love, attention and care for their project needs. I guess you can say I’m systematic, hands-on and personal. My team and I are so much more, too, but this is a start!
How did you push yourself in 2022 as an agent?
2022 was a year where I learned to better manage my life and my business. Life throws a thousand and one things your way and it’s your job to maneuver through the obstacles. There will always be challenges, so in order to stay consistent, I’ve learned that the little things always need to be done consistently. Details are something that I focused on in 2022 and will continue to prioritize in 2023 and onward. There will always be something trying to take up your time and it’s up to you to prioritize well and stay the course.
Hovik Pakhanyan AGENT Sherman Oaks
What’s the best part of your job?
I love meeting new people. I get to talk to so many cool, interesting and enjoyable individuals. I’m extremely social, so to meet new people from all sorts of walks of life is very interesting. The same goes for all the agents we work with, it’s vital to maintain relationships with your colleagues and I love being able to work with similar but so different people. There is always an adventure or a story to be gleaned out of every connection, and I’m here for it.
Who was a memorable client from this last year? Why was their home sale/purchase special to you?
One of my most memorable clients was one of my best friends. It might sound cliché, but nothing gives you the warm fuzzy feeling like the satisfaction of buying your first house— or, in this case, selling a house for one of the closest people in your life. It’s a cool thing to see a friend grow up and check off some of these bucket list items in their lives—and to be a part of it makes it even cooler. I’m thankful he trusted me to help him every step of the way.
Jay Ravnikar ESTATES AGENT Calabasas
What was a real estate highlight for you in 2022?
The real estate highlight for me in 2022 was transacting the largest sale of my career at $10.7 million in The Flats of Beverly Hills.
How would you describe your style as an agent?
There is an emotional response every buyer has when they walk into a home and realize it’s “the one.” It’s human nature for emotions to cloud your judgment. I enjoy being able to bring research, data & analytics into the equation; information that is essential in making an informed, educated purchase.
Who helped you make 2022 great? Give a shoutout!
Angel Kou from our Beverly Hills office was an instrumental part of what made 2022 great for me. His insight and knowledge of the Westside allowed me to bring so much more value to my clients in a market that I was previously less familiar with.
Have you visited any Agency offices outside of LA last year? If so, which and what were your thoughts?
We visited The Agency’s office in Maui which opened in the spring of 2022. It’s located right next to The Grand Wailea and a short distance from the Four Seasons if you’re ever on that side of Maui.
Derick Vallance
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER Staff
What’s the vibe in your office?
I’m fortunate enough to work in three offices and the vibe is success in all of them! Everyone is cheering for each other, and the staff makes it welcoming.
How did the agents make your year great?
Watching agents execute their game plan. It’s amazing to see them level up.
What was one the best moments of your year at work?
Easy, my first day at The Agency.
What’s your 9am beverage of choice? What’s your 9pm beverage of choice?
9am: Half English breakfast/half pomegranate blueberry tea latte. 9pm: Trilogy Kombucha.
Lisa Neri
REGIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGER Staff
What’s the best part of your job?
Aside from working with some of the most successful real estate professionals in the industry, what brings me a great level of fulfillment is being part of the integral elements that keep the business of office administration and transaction management progressing. Overseeing multiple offices in my region and being able to help make our process efficient gives back to the production of the agents and their sense of loyalty to the company which brings me great happiness.
What’s the vibe in your office?
Our office enjoys an incredible vibe full of collaboration, fun, respect and love. We consistently have music playing in the background, TVs looping our property videos or Buying Beverly Hills, and agents coming and going regularly. The vibe in our office is hands down amazing!
How did the agents make your year great?
The camaraderie we have built with agents truly contributed to having a great year. While making sure their transaction business is handled efficiently and helping contribute to their livelihood, agents have reciprocated so much respect and love which has truly connected my desire to keep fulfilling the efficiency that keeps our offices moving so well. We are truly blessed to have that wonderful bond with the majority of the agents.
What’s your 9am beverage of choice? What’s your 9pm beverage of choice?
9am: Coffee. 9pm: Espresso martini.
Jaliya Quinones
AGENT EXPERIENCE MANAGER Staff
What’s the vibe in your office?
The atmosphere in the three offices are all unique in their own way, but each office is collaborative and knows how to have good fun when it’s time.
How did the agents make your year great?
The agents’ warm smiles and positive attitudes continue to make me feel valued and appreciated everyday.
How did you level-up your skills this past year?
One way I leveled up my skills this year was by taking necessary courses to add/edit and cancel SRAR listings instead of having to email and wait for their support team to handle it. I’m now able to process cancellations quicker. On the final test I was humbled and asked a few agents for help! I loved that they never hesitated to help me out and it turned into a group effort. #AllForOne&OneForAll!!
What’s your 9am beverage of choice? What’s your 9pm beverage of choice?
Some kind of green juice with too much ginger in it. And some kind of juice with too much tequila in it.
Julia Kasheta
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Staff
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is truly seeing the agents daily. I love how my dog Willow has become a part of the office and if she doesn’t come to work with me everyone asks where she is! I love being able to help agents, whether it is answering their questions, printing materials, or ordering their favorite snacks in the office.
What’s the vibe in your office?
The vibe in the Studio City office is elite. It is an office full of good energy and light! We are a chill office where everyone is welcome! I try to offer as much support to the agents as possible and I think that goes a long way!
What was one the best moments of your year at work?
My best moments of this year was when I passed my real estate license exam and was showered in love and congratulations from all my agents and colleagues.
What’s your 9am beverage of choice? What’s your 9pm beverage of choice?
My favorite 9am drink is either a honey citrus mint tea from Starbucks or an iced matcha latte with oat milk, sweetened, and cinnamon from Alfred’s and aperol spritz at 9pm.
THEAGENCYRE.COM
The Agency Red Paper 2021 | The Valley Edition (this “Report”), and the information contained in it, including without limitation all text, data, graphs, and charts (collectively, the “Information”) is the property of The Agency Holdco, Inc. or its subsidiaries (collectively, “The Agency”), and is provided for informational purposes only. The Information may not be modified, reverse-engineered, or reproduced, in whole or in part without prior written permission of The Agency. The Agency reserves all rights in the Information and the Report. This Report contains general information about The Agency and its franchisees and its and their undertakings from time to time, including without limitation information related to the real estate markets in which it and they do business and the real estate industry generally. The data, estimates, and views expressed in this Report are based upon past or current market conditions and/or data and information provided by public sources, unless otherwise identified in the Report. Although every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the data contained in this Report, The Agency makes no warranty or representation, either expressed or implied, with respect to quality, performance, or fitness for a particular purpose. Certain information set forth in this Report contains forward-looking statements that are based on The Agency’s and its franchisee’s current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs, and which may prove to be incorrect. Some of the forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “predict”, “intend”, “will”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “should” and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance of the real estate market. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. As such, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statement. The information contained in this Report should not be relied on for, investment, tax, legal or financial advice. Any reliance placed on this Report is done entirely at the risk of the person placing such reliance. In no event will The Agency or its franchisees be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use this Report.