By
Stephanie Wilson on
January 12th, 2010
Russ Filice
The Visionary
Russ Filice, a realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty, is one of Los Angeles’ most celebrated real estate agents. His successes have been vast; for years, Russ has been the No. 1 earning realtor at the prestigious Sunset Strip office, with career sales totaling in excess of $1 billion. The media often turns to Russ as a trusted source, and he has been named one of the “Top 100 Realtors in America” by the Wall Street Journal. With a degree in accounting and a work history that includes the successful launch of a line of sportswear, Russ has always had an eye for real estate. It was his vision that turned the Sierra Towers in West Hollywood from an unfashionable high-rise to a world-renowned luxury building with units priced upwards of $5 million. His success as a high-rise specialist didn’t go unnoticed, and after a worldwide search, the development team of the new W Hollywood Residences chose Russ as the director of residential sales for their $350 million development on the iconic corner of Hollywood and Vine.
Haute Living Where are you from originally?
Russ Filice I was born and raised Silicon Valley.
HL How long have you lived in Los Angeles? What neighborhood do you live in?
RF I moved to L.A. in 2001. I currently live at the Sierra Towers in West Hollywood, but am looking forward to moving into the new W Hollywood Residences when it opens in early 2010. Many people have asked why I would leave such a glamorous and famous Los Angeles address for a more urban one. See for yourself: www.WHollywoodResidences.com.
HL When did you first become interested in a career in real estate? What about it sparked your interest?
RF I have always been interested in residential real estate. I received my real estate license at the age of 18 while attending Santa Clara University as a way to earn money for school. I never lived in a nice home growing up, so other people’s homes and the way others lived intrigued me to no end. This translated into a drive to help people buy and sell some of the most amazing properties imaginable.
HL What was the first big sale that you closed in the luxury market?
RF In the early years of my career in Silicon Valley, I sold an estate that was listed for $2.5 million. This was in the late 70s when only one other residence was listed above $2 million. Back then, I had never been in a home worth so much money. Interestingly enough, last year I closed the largest sale in Los Angeles. That property was listed at $50 million. How times have changed!
HL Who taught you the tricks of the trade in luxury real estate? What are some of the lessons that you learned?
RF Although I had mentors and have worked with some of the best in the business, much of my career success has largely been based on intuition and instincts, and a personal obsession with marketing. I am a self-proclaimed workaholic and residential real estate is my passion. There is no doubt I’m doing what I was meant to do.
HL What would be your dream property to list and why?
RF I love extremely contemporary properties. Quality is important. I also have a special affinity to high-rise living, because I find views to be inspirational. Homes without spectacular views are rarely a turn-on for me.
HL What is the secret to succeeding in the Los Angeles real estate market?
RF Without a doubt, my success in the L.A. market (I knew no one in L.A. when I moved here in 2001) has been due to my specialization in high-rise properties. Last year, the Wall Street Journal and Lore Magazine ranked me as one of the Top 100 Realtors in America. No one has sold more high-rise condominiums in southern California than I have in the last several years. I am very proud of that accomplishment. Realtors without a niche are like doctors without a specialty, they are a dime a dozen. When you control your niche, you control your destiny.
HL What is it about L.A. that is attractive to those seeking a luxury lifestyle?
RF Los Angeles has always been the land of excess. From clothes to cars to homes, every brand-driven luxury product has a place in the aspirations of Angelenos.
HL What are some annual cultural/social events that would appeal to Haute Living readers?
RF Any of the unlimited number of red carpet events that one could attend in L.A. almost nightly.
HL Where is the first place you would take an out-of-town visitor and why?
RF The Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theater for sure. These places are iconic worldwide. They never fail to please and excite visitors.
HL Where are the best luxury shopping venues in L.A.?
RF I like Neiman Marcus and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, although I must confess, I am not really a shopper.
HL The last place you went for fine dining?
RF Mr Chow in Beverly Hills.
HL You never leave home without…
RF My BlackBerry.
HL Your favorite Friday night out?
RF My favorite Friday night out is a Friday night at home with my dogs, without exception!
HL Describe Los Angeles in three words:
RF Bustling, intoxicating, motivating
HL If you weren’t in real estate sales, you would be…
RF A photographer. I am fascinated by a photographer’s ability to tell a story without speaking.
HL When not selling properties, what is your favorite pastime?
RF I love to travel. When not traveling, I am a voracious reader.
HL What is something that people would be surprised to find out about you?
RF That I strongly dislike garlic. No vampire jokes, please!
HL What are your predictions for the local market in 2010?
RF Without a doubt, 2010 will be the beginning of a slow recovery in residential real estate. If you didn’t buy in 2009, you most likely have missed the bottom.
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