Buying Beverly Hills is the latest real estate reality show to grace our screens through Netflix, introducing us to a group of agents at The Agency. As with any new reality show, it can be hard to keep track of who’s who at first. And when you do catch on, you want to know more. So whether you’re looking to brush up on the cast before you start watching or decide to go in blind and learn more as you take it all in, we have you covered. Ahead, we laid out everything from each agent’s biggest real estate flex to surprising facts, which we got straight from the stars themselves.
Mauricio Umansky
Naturally, the show centers on the CEO and founder of The Agency: Mauricio Umansky, who started the global brokerage in 2011. Two of his daughters—Farrah Brittany and Alexia Umansky—also work with him at The Agency, and he’s married to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards Umansky.
House Beautiful: What's your favorite part about working at The Agency?
Mauricio Umansky: My favorite part is being able to work with my family—including my immediate family (my father and two daughters) but also the rest of the agents and colleagues I am proud to call my work family.
HB: What is your biggest real estate flex?
MU: I’ve had the opportunity to work with top developers and resort brands, and represent some of the world’s most noteworthy properties, including the Playboy Mansion, the first house in L.A. to sell above the $100 million mark, Walt Disney Estate, and residences owned by Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan, and Prince.
My biggest real estate flex, though, is growing The Agency into an internationally recognized brand while revolutionizing the industry, transforming the way we buy and sell real estate, and fostering fresh talent and growth amongst our agents.
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HB: What's one thing in your home that you can't live without?
MU: I can’t live without my home gym. I believe in starting each day right, both mentally and physically. I make an effort to exercise every morning and following this, I set my intentions to fully maximize the day ahead.
HB: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
MU: I wrote a book, and it will be out in April of 2023! It is called The Real Deal and in it, I share everything about my business, family, and the lessons I’ve learned throughout life. You can pre-order and get more info about it here.
Alexia Umansky
A newer addition to The Agency, agent Alexia Umansky also serves as the marketing specialist on the Umansky team—using her social media knowledge and degree in marketing communication from Emerson University to provide clients with clear information and ensure every property stands out.
HB: What's your favorite part about working at The Agency?
AU: I love having the opportunity to be mentored by one of the most accomplished individuals in real estate: my father, Mauricio. He challenges and encourages me, and I have grown so much in my career since joining the firm.
HB: What is your biggest real estate flex?
AU: This year, I’ve sold five homes for over $5 million.
HB: What's one thing in your home that you can't live without?
AU: I can’t live without my dogs! They make home feel like home.
HB: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
AU: I am a huge animal lover and advocate.
Farrah Brittany
Mauricio Umansky (left) and Farrah Brittany (right).
As one of the founding members of The Agency, Farrah Brittany has worked on tons of multi-million dollar listings, representing both buyers and sellers. She’s often recognized as a leading agent in the biz, having worked on homes across the globe and in L.A.’s most desirable neighborhoods.
HB: What's your favorite part about working at The Agency?
FB: My favorite part of working at The Agency is being able to help our clients through one of the most emotional decisions of their lives. I love being able to advise our clients on every aspect of the process, from start to finish of a transaction. Nothing is more gratifying than helping someone find their dream home.
HB: What is your biggest real estate flex?
FB: I am thorough in my approach. I love interiors and have a keen eye for design and architecture. I put a lot of time and effort into photography, videography, and staging, ensuring the homes I represent are reflective of the type of buyers who will want to purchase them. This edge combined with my deep knowledge and sharp negotiation skills ensure I bring the deal home.
HB: What's one thing in your home that you can't live without?
FB: My fireplace. No matter the season, I always have the fire on.
HB: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
FB: I am one of the founding agents of The Agency and together with my team, we’ve closed more than $4 billion in real estate.
Jon Grauman
An L.A. native, Jon Grauman has 17 years of experience as a real estate agent, developer, and formerly a mortgage broker. He’s worked on homes within a wide range of price points, and his experience in construction and high-end residential development has led him to work on multiple properties across the city. He's also a lsiting agent on the Los Feliz Murder House.
HB: What's your favorite part about working at The Agency?
JG: The 3 Cs: culture, camaraderie, and collaboration.
HB: What is your biggest real estate flex?
JG: I sold $750 million in real estate in 2021.
HB: What's one thing in your home that you can't live without?
JG: I can’t live without my wine cellar.
HB: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
JG: I started out my career as a rave promoter before transitioning into real estate.
Ben Belack
Ben Belack is now approaching a decade of selling real estate with six of those years working at The Agency. A self-proclaimed super realtor, his YouTube channel showcases life as a real estate agent, neighborhood tours, and mansion tours throughout Los Angeles. He has a history working in hospitality and uses those skills to service his clients.
HB: What's your favorite part about working at The Agency?
BB: I get to say, “we sold The Playboy Mansion.”
HB: What is your biggest real estate flex?
BB: I’ve represented several billionaires in only a relatively short time in the business.
HB: What's one thing in your home that you can't live without?
BB: My espresso maker.
HB: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
BB: I used to be a certified sommelier at Wolfgang Puck’s flagship Spago.
Brandon Graves
Brandon Graves (left) and Sonika Vaid (right).
Born in Pheonix, Brandon Graves has always been fascinated by real estate. Before professionally jumping into the industry, he studied as a classical musician and dancer, performing as a principal dancer for the NBA and WNBA. He also worked in the private health insurance industry for more than 15 years. He began building his real estate career when he relocated to L.A. in 2010.
HB: What's your favorite part about working at The Agency?
BG: The culture. It’s very inspiring to work closely with such titans within the real estate industry, not only is everyone successful, but they are also willing to share their knowledge.
HB: What is your biggest real estate flex?
BG: My biggest flex is that I am operating in my passion and get to do what I love every day!
HB: What's one thing in your home that you can't live without?
BG: Candles! I keep an array of candles in my home at all times for various moods and occasions.
HB: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
BG: I originally moved to L.A. to pursue professional dance in 2010 and once lived in a house with 12 roommates.
Allie Lutz
After more than 10 years of living in The Bird Streets neighborhood of L.A. and growing up with a competitive family sports background, Allie Lutz (whose father is Bob Lutz, a notable doubles tennis player and U.S. Open champion) has a vast knowledge of real estate in the city and thrives in high-pressure scenarios. She has a variety of celebrity clientele and now lives in the South Bay community.
HB: What's your favorite part about working at The Agency?
AL: Being able to work with people that truly feel like my second family and knowing that I am surrounded by people I can trust. There also aren’t many major brokerages where you can call the founders for full support!
HB: What is your biggest real estate flex?
AL: I’ve been involved in some pretty noteworthy transactions, including the sale of Mariah Carey and James Caan’s house, and just this past year, I scored Margot Robbie’s house for my client. I’ve also managed to secure a $45 million listing and sell over $40 million in real estate while being a full-time mom to three girls under 5! Being a mom is like being a superwoman!
HB: What's one thing in your home that you can't live without?
AL: The people who are in it! As cheesy as that sounds, I feel so fortunate to have three little girls and a loving, supportive husband who keep me inspired. I could not do what I do without the constant love and support!
HB: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
AL: How important my faith is to me! My faith in God has gotten me through some of the toughest times in my life. I’ve also channeled my faith into helping others. My mom and I have taken several trips to Africa and Mexico together where we’ve partnered with orphanages and served those who are less fortunate. It really puts life into perspective and has shaped and molded who I am today!
Sonika Vaid
If you're an avid American Idol watcher, you may recognize Sonika Vaid. The recording artist performed on the show and went on to release her own original music afterwards. At The Agency, she's part of the Grauman Rosenfeld team and has contributed to the team’s $680 million of sales in 2022.
HB: What's your favorite part about working at The Agency?
SV: My favorite part about working at The Agency is being a part of a company and culture that truly treats you like family. I always feel so much love and support from my family at The Agency it makes going to the office something to look forward to. There are definitely no assholes here.
HB: What is your biggest real estate flex?
SV: My biggest real estate flex is being a part of the Grauman Rosenfeld team and contributing to nearly $700 million dollars in sales this year. I love working with such an awesome team of individuals who motivate and inspire me every day.
HB: What's one thing in your home that you can't live without?
SV: One thing in my home I can’t live without would be my piano. I classically trained till I was 13, and then learned to play by ear to accompany myself when I perform.
HB: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
SV: People may be surprised to know that I am also a recording artist and songwriter! I placed fifth on season 15 of American Idol and having that platform to share my music with is one of my favorite things in the world. In between selling houses, I’ve been in the studio working on new music and I can’t wait for everyone to hear!
Santiago Arana
Santiago Arana, Ben Belack, and Joey Ben-Zvi.
Santiago Arana has been with The Agency since 2014, joining as principal and partner specializing in high-end residential real estate and new construction. As a managing partner, he also heads up the company's westside expansion of the Brentwood and Pacific Palisades offices.
HB: What's your favorite part about working at The Agency?
SA: The potential for growth, no matter where you are in your career.
HB: What is your biggest real estate flex?
SA: I am proud to share that I am ranked #3 agent in California and #10 in the entire nation based on the WSJ’s RealTrends rankings, having sold over $581 million in real estate last year. I also recently launched The Agency’s new office in Miami’s Bal Harbour neighborhood.
HB: What's one thing in your home that you can't live without?
SA: My home’s outdoor spaces. Whether meditating in the morning as the sun rises or hosting family and friends in the evening, I can’t live without this space.
HB: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
SA: I’m originally from Bolivia. When I came to America, I worked as a busboy while taking a course to learn English. Fast forward to today, I’m proud to say I‘ve achieved the American dream.
Melissa Platt
Allie Lutz, Melissa Platt, and Santiago Arana.
On top of her more than a decade of real estate experience, Melissa Platt has a passion for architecture and specializes in providing moving services for professional athletes—meaning she tackles every detail from the decor to making sure the refrigerator is stocked. She's originally from Plano, Texas, and serves clients in California and her home state.
HB: What's your favorite part about working at The Agency?
MP: The Agency just has a vibe that is unmatched. The energy is electric, and the collaboration within our team is something that you don’t find everywhere. We really work together to help each other succeed.
HB: What is your biggest real estate flex?
MP: I would have to say the first deal I did was for NBA player, Chandler Parsons. I represented him in finding a stunning mansion in Bel Air, California for $12.5 million.
HB: What's one thing in your home that you can't live without?
MP: My bocce ball court or my golden retriever, King.
HB: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
MP: I am quick on my feet and witty. I love art and interior design. I love the design process and being able to see a vision come to life. Since I am back and forth between L.A. and Dallas, I get my fill within those high-end residential markets.
Joey Ben-Zvi
After a close mentiorship from the Umansky team, agent Joey Ben-Zvi launched the Ben-Zvi Piller Group with agent Brandon Piller at The Agency. An L.A. native, he focuses on the group's marketing efforts and relationship mangement, working with everyone from small business owners to celebrities.
HB: What's your favorite part about working at The Agency?
JBZ: Doing deals and working closely with the agents I’ve looked up to is my favorite part of working at The Agency. Each deal I’ve done with another Agency agent I look up to has taught me something new, valuable, and useful that I’ve been able to apply to my current deals and even to my life.
HB: What is your biggest real estate flex?
JBZ: My biggest real estate flex is exceeding the expectations of clients and peers alike by selling properties for unprecedented numbers.
HB: What's one thing in your home that you can't live without?
JBZ: I can’t live without my Kobe Bryant shrine. I grew up a devout Kobe fan. I have a signed jersey, signed shoes, and some framed posters. I’ve always looked up to Kobe’s ability to work so hard that when it’s game time, the play looks effortless. As I’ve grown older, it’s become much more of a focus to integrate the Kobe shrine a bit more subtly into the feng shui of my place… still a work in progress.
HB: What would we be surprised to learn about you?
JBZ: People might not know I used to be a big science and math geek. I own a patent that I presented in front of NASA for an adjunct modality/add-on to current prosthetic technology that replaces visual feedback with haptic feedback… but that’s a story for another time.
Love knowing what your favorite stars are up to? Same. Let’s keep up with them together.
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