For over 10 years, one Palm Springs firm has been elevating the luxury real estate and brokerage game in many playing fields, including new developments, residential properties and leasing, resort real estate and luxury-level vacation rentals. 

The Agency was founded by CEO Mauricio Umansky, who says he saw the need for a boutique luxury real estate firm that had global reach. After launching The Agency in 2011, Umansky and his company sought out to develop innovative approaches to the real estate field by cultivating partnerships between clients and agents. In these partnerships, industry knowledge, expert advice and influential contacts are shared back and forth.

According to The Agency, this approach—meant to allow for competitive edges and better representation for its clients—has been largely successful. In its 11 years of operation, The Agency has established 50 offices throughout the U.S., Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean, with 850 agents working across the entire network. The Agency quickly took the lead in the Los Angeles real estate game after just four years of operation, and saw 13 of its agents ranked in the top 250 U.S. realtors according to total sales volume. 

Mauricio Umansky | The Agency

To date, The Agency has closed over $30 billion worth in real estate sales.

Every prospective buyer and seller’s real estate needs are diverse; so are The Agency’s capabilities. 

Relocation

Whether leaving the country or seeking a new getaway vacation home, locating an international property—or even one outside of the familiar neighborhood—can be daunting. The Agency team connects its relocating clients with an accredited relocation specialist to keep the process smooth. 

Market research

The Research and Planning Group, a department within The Agency, are the go-to experts for insight and understanding of real estate market signs: dynamics, trends and changes. This team is geared to assist developers and investors of residential or mixed-use properties. Through quarterly and annual luxury single-family and condominium market reports, the Research and Planning Group advises on potential new developments in the the markets The Agency works in. 

New developments

The real estate firm involved in a new urban or resort development should be just as spirited and imaginative in making the development happen as its investors are. The Agency’s Development Group is present at every step of the development process: marketing advice, sales expertise, design development, research and planning. 

The Agency foresees upcoming real estate trends in the Valley, as Umansky explained. 

“In the Valley, we’re going to continue to see record-high demand and tight inventory as more and more buyers continue to flock to the area,” he said. “In the past couple of years, especially during the pandemic, buyers have been seeking more outdoor space and close proximity to outdoor recreational activities such as golf, pickleball, and tennis, making gated country club communities more appealing than ever.”

The Agency has offices in Greater Palm Springs, Calabasas, Beverly Hills and more. For a full agent/office list, or to buy, rent, or sell with The Agency, visit theagencyre.com. 

Q & A: A chat with The Agency founder and CEO Mauricio Umansky

What prompted you to start The Agency?

We launched The Agency after seeing a need in the market for a different kind of brokerage model. We set out to create an industry-disrupting, boutique firm with true global reach that was focused on collaboration. When we started the business, the real estate market was still in a recession and the industry had become an archaic business with agents keeping listings to themselves and not sharing information. We wanted to create a community where collaboration was key, and agents would work together to better serve their clients. At The Agency, we offer unique and dynamic offerings including a full-service in-house creative division, which handles branding, marketing, and public relations for our agents, luxury properties, and developments, in addition to harnessing and investing in the latest in technology.  

How does The Agency give back to the community?

The Agency has a long-standing partnership with Giveback Homes—an organization comprised of real estate professionals who help fund and build homes for families and individuals around the globe, from  Oakland, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Chicago, and Houston to villages in Nicaragua. The Agency and Giveback Homes raise funds and hold build days in each of the markets The Agency serves.

What are some upcoming trends in real estate in the Valley?

In the Valley, we’re going to continue to see record-high demand and tight inventory as more and more buyers continue to flock to the area. In the past couple of years, especially during the pandemic, buyers have been seeking more outdoor space and close proximity to outdoor recreational activities such as golf, pickleball, and tennis, making gated country club communities more appealing than ever. 

What advice would you give to new agents in the business?

For new agents entering the business, my biggest piece of advice would be to be bold and dare to fail. Try new things and put yourself out there as much as possible. This is the best way to develop and sharpen your leadership skills and expand your sphere of influence. Be extremely knowledgeable about the market as that is your greatest asset and have discipline in your professional life, which will inspire others around you. Always be willing to learn new things, adapt new skills, and network whenever and wherever possible. 

What has been the biggest game-changer in the industry you have witnessed?

I think the advent of social media has been the biggest game-changer for our industry, especially in the past couple of years as we’ve learned to navigate our business through a global pandemic. More and more buyers are choosing to purchase properties sight unseen through virtual tours and DM’s on social media. It’s certainly pushed the real estate industry to evolve and embrace innovation. 

If you hadn't gone into real estate, what career path would you have taken?

I think if I hadn’t gone into real estate, I would still pursue a career in entrepreneurship. I was raised by entrepreneurs. Both my father and my grandfather sold textiles, and I joined the family business early on in my career prior to transitioning to real estate. Entrepreneurship is in my blood. 

When you aren't working what’s your go-to hobby or passion?

When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and being outdoors as much as possible. I love mountain biking, hiking, and working on my golf game as often as I can.