Realtor: Is a Big Party a Savvy Way to Sell a Home? In Calabasas, Yes!

Friday, August 19, 2016

Is a Big Party a Savvy Way to Sell a Home? In Calabasas, Yes!

The Agency

How does an agent market a $15 million estate so it stands out from other properties in the area? When you live in the greater Los Angeles area, where multimillion-dollar mansions are everywhere, an agent may need to do something off the charts to grab attention.

With this in mind, The Agency’s Emil Hartoonian, James Harris, and David Parnes recently executed a cool concept: throwing an over-the-top party to introduce this nearly 15,000-square-foot, Mediterranean-style estate in Calabasas to the market.

If you recognize the latter two agents’ names, you’ve likely seen them on Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles.” They’re the two Brits who work together to master the market. If you’re wondering where you’ve heard of The Agency, you might have heard it mentioned on Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Agency founder Mauricio Umansky is married to “Real Housewives” star Kyle Richards. All of these real estate personalities attended the party in full force.

Mauricio Umansky, Kyle Richards, and mermaid

The Agency

An estimated 350 people attended the “Midsummer Night’s Dream”–themed party, and they witnessed a vision of the lavish party possibilities. Partygoers were greeted in the grand entryway by a lovely forest fairy. In the great hall, they were treated to delicacies set on a buffet table with a human centerpiece. The party then flowed out to a massive terrace and garden, with ample entertaining facilities, including a double-sided infinity pool inhabited by a mermaid.

Fairy-tale entryway

The Agency

“By creating elements that a buyer has dreamed, we can personify what living in that home and hosting an event can be,” says Hartoonian. Most of the guests were unfamiliar with this exclusive enclave in Calabasas, and were impressed by the grand luxury, privacy, and security the double-gated community has to offer.

Buffet with live centerpiece

The Agency

Custom-built in 2008, the host residence features eight bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. With more than 3,000 square feet of covered patio space and 15,000 square feet of interior space, the property offers more than 18,000 square feet of sumptuous living.

But it’s the spectacular sunset views, framed by strategically placed beams of light, that were breathtaking. “The views had views! I could actually see the stars, which is rare in L.A.,” said Barclay Burns, an educational tech entrepreneur who came to the event from Salt Lake City.

The home has other impressive features, including gold-plated finishes, a nearly 1-ton chandelier, a paneled study, custom millwork, and an attached casita with full kitchen facilities, a pizza oven, and catering accommodations.

Located behind double gates in The Oaks of Calabasas, all this luxury is safe, secure, and far from the madding crowd. Celebrities such as Will and Jada Smith, Michael Jackson’s kids, Britney Spears, Keyshawn Johnson, and Kourtney Kardashian have all called Calabasas home. Among the area’s main attractions for fortunate families are excellent schools, both public and private. In fact, the main reason the owners are parting with their dream house is that their children have left the nest.

One of the agents deemed the party initiative a smashing success. Hartoonian pledged to redefine how to market exclusive properties.

“As the global economy evolves, so will the flavor of buyers looking for a particular lifestyle,” he says. “We have to keep ahead of that initiative.”

And best of all? “We had a handful of prospects present during the event and are scheduled for private showings as a result,” he adds. Party on!