Market Conditions, Seller Mistakes, & the Importance of Compelling Video

03/05/18 • 34 min

In this interview, we tap Ben Belack, Director of Residential Estates, at The Agency in Beverly Hills.
In only 6 years and maintaining a boutique feel and size, The Agency has disrupted the traditional brokerage model, having sold $12 billion year-to-date, with $2.8 billion in 2017 alone. Recent sales include The Playboy Mansion and the famed Owlwood Estate.
Ben Belack and I talk about “hot markets” and whether it’s a good time to sell your home.
With Ben’s insight, you’ll learn the top characteristics to look for in an agent and a few mistakes that sellers often make.
His advice for sellers that want the highest price per square foot is simple: “if you want retail price, you need retail packaging.”
Stressing the importance of creating compelling video content, Ben and I have a conversation about the editing decisions involved: what kind of music to choose, what features to highlight, and what can be left out.
In the end, you’ll hear some advice on the best practices and strategies for negotiating the final sale once offers start coming in.
***ABOUT THIS WEEK'S GUEST***
A man with his finger on the pulse of the market, Ben Belack has participated in over $200 million in estate transactions.
Ben works for The Agency, a full service, luxury real estate brokerage representing clients worldwide.
Prior to moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in residential real estate, Ben graduated from San Diego State University, receiving national honor society recognition.
Ben’s unique value is rooted in a long history as a service professional. He grew up working in hospitality, ultimately culminating as a sommelier in the highest level of multiple Michelin starred restaurants. This occupational trajectory formed an innate and unrivaled approach to service, which segued perfectly to the luxury real estate sector.
Broad anticipation, empathy, unyielding focus on detail, and deliberate and intentional action shape the client service experience in every transaction Ben undertakes.
***GET IN TOUCH WITH BEN AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AGENCY BY VISITING***
Website: theagencyre.com/agent/ben-belack
***ABOUT THE SHOW***
Welcome to Luxury Real Estate Talk, where you get expert advice on buying and selling Luxury Real Estate.
Learn from the best and brightest real estate agents, brokers, and other professionals, as they share real-life stories about the art and business of listing, marketing, selling, and buying high-end homes.
Through casual but insightful conversations, the Talk’s host Rob Jensen will help you master your understanding of the luxury real estate market.
Rob is the President and Owner/Broker of the Rob Jensen Company, which specializes in working with buyers and sellers in guard gated communities in Summerlin, Las Vegas, and Henderson, Nevada.
Rob's 15+ years of local industry expertise have made him a sought after real estate expert source with the media. He’s served as a guest commentator for numerous national broadcast television networks including MSNBC and BRAVO. He has also provided content and commentary to The Wall Street Journal, Forbes.com, BusinessWeek.com, the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Real Estate Executive magazine, Growing Wealth magazine, and the Los Angeles Times, among others. Additionally, Rob has penned a recurring monthly real estate column for the Las Vegas Business Press.

Next Episode

Zillow, Home Staging, & “Doing Your Homework”

An insightful conversation with Jamie Tian, the number one top producing agent at Rodeo Realty’s Sunset Strip Office.
Rodeo Realty is a residential real estate firm that has more than 1,200 licensed agents and brokers and 12 offices throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
In this episode, Jamie and I discuss first steps for homeowners trying to sell, including tips for choosing an agent.
Should you trust Zillow reviews? What about Zillow’s estimated home valuations (Zestimates?) In our talk, we answer these questions and more.
With Jamie’s insight, you’ll learn about the impact of home staging, and a few tips for people that might be emotionally or financially hesitant to stage their home.
Stressing the importance of “doing your homework,” we also talk about interviewing your agent, choosing your neighborhood, and loan pre-approval.
Whether you’re a buyer or seller, Jamie knows what mistakes you might be making and how to avoid them.
***ABOUT THIS WEEK'S GUEST***
Jamie Tian was named as one of the top 1% of agents nationwide by Trulia and Zillow based on her client testimonials and sales volume and was featured in Top Agent Magazine. She was also recently awarded the distinction of "30 Under 30" by the National Association of REALTORS and "A-List Top Producer" by the Asian Real Estate Association of America.
Jamie specializes in properties throughout Los Angeles, including Bel Air, Beverly Hills, DTLA, Hollywood Hills, West Hollywood, West LA, Westwood, and the Sunset Strip. She takes pride in her discretion while providing the finest service to clients—ranging from first-time homebuyers to A-list celebrities.
While studying Environmental Science and Environmental Systems and Society at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Jamie's passion for local real estate and sustainable architecture led her to enter the real estate market.
Jamie is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and is a member of the Beverly Hills/Greater Los Angeles Association of REALTORS, California Association of REALTORS, as well as the National Association of REALTORS.
An active member of the community, Jamie led and organized the "Sage Hill Conservation Project" to preserve the last remaining patch of wildlife in the community of Westwood on Sunset Blvd and Bellagio Dr. in the northwest corner of UCLA's campus.
***GET IN TOUCH WITH JAMIE***
Phone: 310-717-1321
Email: [email protected]
Website: JamieTian.com
Instagram: @JamieTian
***ABOUT THE SHOW***
Welcome to Luxury Real Estate Talk, where you get expert advice on buying and selling Luxury Real Estate.
Learn from the best and brightest real estate agents, brokers, and other professionals, as they share real-life stories about the art and business of listing, marketing, selling, and buying high-end homes.
Through casual but insightful conversations, the Talk’s host Rob Jensen will help you master your understanding of the luxury real estate market.
Rob is the President and Owner/Broker of the Rob Jensen Company, which specializes in working with buyers and sellers in guard gated communities in Summerlin, Las Vegas, and Henderson, Nevada.
Rob's 15+ years of local industry expertise have made him a sought after real estate expert source with the media. He’s served as a guest commentator for numerous national broadcast television networks including MSNBC and BRAVO. He has also provided content and commentary to The Wall Street Journal, Forbes.com, BusinessWeek.com, the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Real Estate Executive magazine, Growing Wealth magazine, and the Los Angeles Times, among others. Additionally, Rob has penned a recurring monthly real estate column for the Las Vegas Business Press.