Power Players of Los Angeles
Myra Nourmand
(The Breadwinner)
Known as the First Lady of Real Estate in Beverly Hills, Myra Nourmand has successfully sold and listed numerous properties ranging from $1 million to $30 million. While working with her husband Stephen and son Michael at Nourmand & Associates, Myra has built up her real estate expertise in the luxury market. Her clientele is mainly composed of the entertainment industry’s moguls. Various television appearances, including The View and the Discovery Channel’s Hollywood Real Estate Homes have allowed Nourmand to gain trust and respect among her high-profile clients.
HL Where are you from? What attracted you to L.A.?
MN I grew up on the East Coast in New Jersey and upstate New York. After spending my high school and college years in Buffalo, New York, I met my husband, got married, and decided to replace the wintry blizzards and snow with warm sunshine all year round. The weather was one of the most important factors that attracted me to L.A., however, the metropolitan lifestyle was also a contributing factor.
HL What attracted you to real estate?
MN My husband Stephen Nourmand, who started the company in 1976 as a high-end luxury real estate boutique. And since he lived and breathed real estate 24/7, it was an easy transition for me to become part and parcel of this family business.
HL Who was your first mentor, and how did he or she influence you?
MN Stephen was my first mentor; he would always say to me, “Myra, you sold me, you can sell the world.”
HL You’ll never be found without your…
MN Cell phone, client list/data base, and a big smile!
HL What were your yearly sales for 2007? Forecast for 2008?
MN In 2007, we hit $75 million. As of the end of April 2008, I have closed over $55 million in sales. My projected 2008 sales will be in excess of $100 million dollars.
HL What is your most memorable deal?
MN My most memorable deal involved a beautiful home in Beverly Hills which I was fortunate enough to sell four different times to four different celebrities in a matter of 10 years, and each time, the ante went up $1 million.
HL Where do you live?
MN Beverly Hills-where else?
HL If money were no object, what property on the market would you recommend in Southern California?
MN I would buy the biggest piece of property in Malibu on the sand, with a beautifully appointed Hamptons traditional-style home with at least 8,000 square feet, where I could go for a special weekend with my family and friends. A house like this would be at least $40 million.
HL What is your formula for keeping your high-end and/or high-profile clients happy?
MN I recently wrote a book, titled From Homemaker to Breadmaker, on how to sell high-end luxury real estate. I have devoted a chapter on exactly how to keep your high-profile and high-end clients happy, it’s called the 4 E’s of Real Estate-Effort, Expertise, Ethics, and Enthusiasm.
HL Tell us one thing most people wouldn’t know about you.
MN That I am a very happy homemaker. I love to cook, entertain, and work in my garden, which is why my book is the perfect vehicle to share my success and know-how with other real estate professionals in the country. In another life, I might have been an interior designer, florist, or a clone of Martha Stewart. I love beauty, architecture, furniture, and gardens; it is an extension of my personality.
HL What is your proudest achievement?
MN My proudest achievement has been the success of my children. My daughter Nicole is a successful pediatrician and has blessed me with two beautiful grandchildren. My son Howard has a post-production company, which continually redefines cutting edge aesthetics for commercial, music video, and film. My son, Michael, who has joined me in our real estate company, was recently appointed the youngest director of the Beverly Hills Board of Realtors and is actively involved in all aspects of real estate, from selling to administration.
HL Where would we find you on a Friday night?
MN Friday night is synonymous with family, friends, fun, and a feast of food.
HL What are your favorite vacation destinations and/or leisure activities?
MN My favorite vacation destinations are Hawaii, Mexico, and Europe. My favorite leisure activities are reading, theater, and concerts.
HL Your forecast for the L.A. real estate market for 2008?
MN The market is correcting itself and prices have leveled off, however, homes that are priced right, i.e. good location, views, great architecture, etc., are still selling at record-breaking prices. Although there are brokers that are languishing in the marketplace, I have never been busier and my volume of sales continues to rise.
HL What are your personal goals for 2008?
MN Making Nourmand & Associates the number one high-end luxury boutique in Southern California and keeping it as a privately held firm.
HL In your opinion, what makes L.A. so special?
MN I love L.A. To me, it encompasses everything one could wish for: fabulous weather, an incredibly diversified mix in its population that adds interest and variety to our city. We are so privileged to have so much culture available to us-the many museums, theaters, Hollywood Bowl, Music Center, and Staples Center. Where else in the United States are you that fortunate to be able to surf in the Pacific Ocean, get in the car, and two hours later ski in the snow!
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May 6th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I had the pleasure of touring the home Christophe recently sold in Holmby Hills and I can tell you that he put a lot of work into making that home look like a castle….even it were a mere “mansion”. His wife Gabrielle is a delight to be around and is quite the social butterfly herself. They are both great people and I’ll definately use Christophe the next time I’m looking to buy or sell on the Westside.
Hopefully I’ll get invited to tour Chirstophe’s next mega deal home. (hint hint)
Cheers!
May 6th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I met Gabrielle and Cristophe at BH Rolls Royce event, which took place at the Holmby Hills mansion. What a gracious couple. Wish you much success in 2008!
Lenward L. Holness, Jr.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
My dear brother Christophe is one of the most kind, generous and thoughtful persons I know. I am very proud of the person that he has become as a businessman, husband and brother. I look up to him as a barometer of what is important in life. I am sure 2008 will be one of his best years ever!
May 7th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Christophe truly is a role model for success. Not only is he at the top of his professional game, he’s also one of the most guileless, gregarious, giving and fabulously stylish people I know. A true Renaissance Man, Christophe is rare gem, indeed!
May 7th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
I have known Christophe since 1997 when he listed and sold my house. We have maintained our relationship by reason of friendship, law and real estate. I have been at his wonderful home where I met his wife Gabrielle and her mother shortly before she passed away. I also had the pleasure of meeting their friendly cats and dogs. Christophe and I have shared many delightful times at lunch. Christophe has invited me to all the Covenant House events which Gabreille and he support tirelessly with their time and money. We (Alexandra and I) were also privileged to attend the Rolls-Royce-Champagne event in Holmby Hills. I think that Gabrielle and Christophe are just the best and I only regret that I don’t have a property for him to sell that is really worthy of his time and skill. I look upon Christophe as a kindred soul.
James L. Farley
May 7th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I’ve known Christophe for many years as a technology consultant and he is a consummate professional. His drive and passion for business is a reflection of his élan. He possesses a distinctive and stylish elegance. Christophe has an almost infectious exuberance. It is my hope that one day, he will share his secret on staying and looking young with everyone else!
May 7th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Christophe was my student at King Jr. High School, where I taught art. He was my 7th grade student in a very special class for excelling students. I have never met another student like Chris. He was always interested in the best of life, generous and with a soft heart and an exceptional creative and intelligent brain. I always knew he would become the best and achieve great success. We have remained friends since he was in the 7th grade and I always look forward to hearing from him.
May 7th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Christophe is truly one of the most dedicated, passionate, thoughtful, professional and talented people we know. My wife Tracey and I have worked with Christophe on purchase and sales of many, many properties. It is always a pleasure! His personality, comportment and integrity are immaculate. A true gentleman and a man of esquisite character!
May 7th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
I have met Chritophe while he was on Maui gathering Real Estate information for his clients. I had the pleasure to meet him and show him our beautiful properties. I think that Christophe is a great person who cares a lot for his clients, and has a good heart. I can see that he could be a very successful in business and in life. Congratulation, you deserve all the success.
May 7th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Christophe sold my house and sold me on his elegant, exquisite and enchanting personality; he is my realtor for life! I am elated that Haute Living Magazine is sharing Christophe’s professional genius as a realtor with the world. Bravo!
May 7th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
They say that the most important thing someone can give you is their time - and Christophe fulfills this to the nth degree. When he sold my house in Venice, Ca. Christophe and his office staff were never late with a document, never late on a deadline, always phoned and stayed in touch to keep me apprised of everything that was going on. I never heard him say he was going to be “out of town”, “away for the weekend” - he was available full time. I call this giving quality time to a client - and, of course, the buyer also benefits - a win-win situation. It is not a surprise that he gives “time” to charity - he is just that way.
May 8th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Christophe was referred to me by a good friend - and he sold both of our condo’s in record time. I was very nervous about listing at the price he recommended - but I followed his advice and he got offers bidding up the price to more than I had wanted originally. He knows his market and how to sell real estate!
Later I referred him to others, and in every instance, he was the broker that was chosen. I love being able to help others out - and Christophe did a great job. Selling or buying is such a huge task, it’s important to have someone you can rely on for answers and advice. He and his wife, Gabreille, are a delight - and they make a positive contribution to life and to all the projects they undertake. I’d recommend Christophe in a red hot minute!
May 9th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Christophe is definitely worth all of the accolades bestowed upon him. He is truly a remarkable human being. He was able to locate and respresent me in the purchase of my townhome in record time. There is no market that Christophe cannot master. His professionalism and communication skills are exceptional! He has become not only my realtor for life but also my friend for life. He and his enchanting and beautiful wife, Gabrielle have truly become part of my family (my mom calls them both her children), and they have become a mentor to my daughter Jessica.
Kudos to Haute Living for recognizing a true power player!
May 12th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Christophe is ONE CLASS ACT! I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him since he was twenty-three years old and, even at that youthful age Christophe displayed both a skills set and a work ethic that portended a successful future. I have also had the pleasure of working in conjunction with him and, I was quite impressed with his attention to detail and his genuine concern for his clients that is so often lacking in today’s “virtual” business setting.
Here’s a toast to Christophe’s latest achievement and, to the plethora of those to come.
HIP HIP HOORAY!!
June 12th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I AM TRYING TO PROMOTE SOME PROPERTIES IN MEXICO AT THE MOMENT ARE IN THE STATES DE VERACRUZ, SOUTH BAJA CALIFORNIA AND CANCUN QUINTANA ROO.IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE TO INTEREST IN THIS PROPERTIES PLEASE CNTACT ME.