An Interview with Mauricio Umansky:
Luxury Real Estate & The Agency Mallorca
From its early beginnings in 2011 in Beverly Hills up until today as a global brokerage, The Agency has become a billion-dollar real estate brokerage firm with more than 95 offices and over 2,000 agents worldwide. This Summer, Mauricio Umansky, The Agency’s co-founder, CEO, and star of the Netflix series Buying Beverly Hills visited Mallorca to check out the new office The Agency opened on the island earlier this year. Mauricio Umansky is very well-known for his appearances in both Buying Beverly Hills and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills where he shows how he has built a real estate empire while being very familiar, outgoing, fun and charismatic!
Could you please tell us why you decided to open the first The Agency franchise in Spain on the island of Mallorca?
The decision to open the first The Agency franchise in Mallorca was driven by the island’s growing popularity among luxury real estate investors and the opportunity to expand The Agency’s international presence. Mallorca has become a sought-after destination for high-net-worth individuals, and we are strategic in growing into luxury markets like Mallorca.
How did you and Alby Eusden, now Managing Partner of The Agency Mallorca connect?
At The Agency, we seek out partners who share our vision and culture of collaboration. Alby reached out to our team and expressed the desire to be a pioneer and bring The Agency’s white glove service and innovative marketing to Spain. Given Alby is one of the most respected real estate professionals in Mallorca, we knew he would be an incredible steward of our unique brand and culture and aid us in our expansion in Europe.
Could you share some insights into the initial perception you have of the real estate market in the Balearic Islands?
The real estate market in the Balearic Islands offers significant potential for luxury investment opportunities especially as it continues to draw in international buyers to enjoy its natural beauty, Mediterranean climate, and one-of-a-kind lifestyle.
Is Mallorca different from how you imagined it would be, and if so, in which ways?
Mallorca is truly an incredible place. I have been fortunate enough to visit the region previously and was lucky to return to the island this summer. During my most recent trip, I was blown away by the incredible properties throughout the island – with world-class architecture, design and views. I can’t wait to return.
Have you noticed an increase of interest in The US on this top Spanish destination?
We’ve certainly seen an uptick in U.S. buyers looking for luxury properties in Spain, particularly in the Balearic Islands. We’re seeing many US citizens purchasing property in Europe due to the current interest rates, limited inventory and high pricing. The value of property in Europe paired with the lifestyle has certainly increased the demand.
The partnership between The Agency and Lionsgate Capital is a great alliance in Mallorca. How do you see financing and Lionsgate Capital can benefit your clients buying luxury properties in Spain?
Not only will Lionsgate Capital’s partnership with The Agency Mallorca increase the level of advisorship and services we offer our clients throughout the entire home-buying process, but our clients will also have access to Lionsgate Capital’s tailored financial solutions for luxury property purchases, making investing in the Spanish market a seamless process.
In what ways do you think Alby Eusden and his team can make a difference in the saturated real estate market in Mallorca?
Alby Eusden and his team have long been recognized as leaders in the competitive world of Mallorca real estate. The Agency Mallorca continues to raise the bar for service and expertise, now with the power of an international brand and global network.
How are the expansion plans of The Agency looking in Spain, after starting off in Mallorca?
We have plans to expand into other key markets in Spain and Europe in the coming months. We look forward to sharing more on this soon!
Could you briefly tell us the main similarities and differences between the Beverly Hills market and Mallorca?
Both Mallorca and Beverly Hills are two of the most sought-after destinations in the world. In terms of real estate, they both share ultra-high-net-worth clients and high-end properties. While our clients both spend time in both areas, they offer different lifestyles given their geographical location and being in different continents.
What would you say is the unique selling point of The Agency and what makes it so different from the competitors?
The Agency’s unique differentiator from other real estate brokerages is its truly global network. We also focus on an agent and client first approach, where service is paramount in all things we do.
The Agency is known for its solid values, and you can often see each realtor from the brand wearing corporate merch even during their holidays, how have you created and steadily maintained the company’s culture while expanding so fast?
While our growth has been tremendous, we are very strategic in the markets we enter and who we partner with. At the end of the day, our people are who we are at our core. Maintaining our company’s culture during our growth involves strong leadership and a clear vision. We are committed to partnering with like-minded partners who share our values and high standards for excellence.
Privacy is a significant concern for many high-profile clients. How compatible is it for The Agency to maintain discretion and confidentiality with their clients when having a popular show on Netflix?
Maintaining discretion and confidentiality with our clients is part of the reason we’ve had success over the past decade. While our show Buying Beverly Hills on Netflix provides a look into The Agency, our agents and business, privacy and discretion are a key part of the client-agent relationships we’ve developed over the years.
Luxury real estate can be an investment in more ways than just a property; it’s an investment in a lifestyle. How does The Agency help clients, particularly those in the public eye, find properties that align with their unique lifestyles and aspirations?
The Agency specializes in being hyperlocal experts in the markets they serve. Our agents guide clients through every step of a home buying process, from the search to the closing and help them find properties aligned with their lifestyles and aspirations by understanding their specific preferences, needs, and desires. We pride ourselves on providing tailored recommendations and advising them through this important investment.
How would you describe your Netflix TV Show, Buying Beverly Hills, to someone who has never heard of The Agency before?
Buying Beverly Hills is a real estate series that follows top agents and clients within The Agency in Beverly Hills, California. Myself, my daughters Farrah Brittany and Alexia Umansky, and the talented group of agents highlight the high-stakes world of luxury real estate in Los Angeles. Season two is coming to Netflix soon!
What is your favourite Sunday plan independent of where you are at each week?
With my extremely busy and demanding schedule, Sunday is a day I try to devote to rejuvenation and family. My perfect Sunday involves waking up early to exercise and setting my intentions for the day. Following this, I love spending time with my family – whether we are grilling and hanging by the pool or going on a hike with our dogs – these moments of togetherness serve as the ultimate source of rejuvenation for me.
Interview by Juanita Casanas
Co-founder and President of Lionsgate Capital
Juanita’s goal at Lionsgate Capital is to create unparalleled solutions for the most demanding clients and create value through service, making Lionsgate Capital the major player for financing in the Balearic Islands and mainland Spain.
