Power Players of Los Angeles
Christophe Choo
(The International Broker)
BlackBerry-clad power broker Christophe Choo wrangled the highest sale price for a home in the history of Holmby Hills this year at $22 million. Naturally, he credits constant communication and honesty for his astonishing successes. The half-Korean, half-French Christophe possesses a riveting enthusiasm for Los Angeles and its blend of cultures and varied terrain; it’s no wonder he has mastered the way to sell some of the priciest real estate around. Despite his recent and overall success on the real estate front, this mogul is down-to-earth, finds inspiration in generosity, and describes his favorite Friday nights as those in his pajamas.
HL Where are you from? What attracted you to L.A.?
CC I am one of those rare individuals who was actually born and raised in Los Angeles, however, being half French and half Korean, I spent a portion of my youth living in Europe and Asia. Since L.A. is so international and such a wonderful and beautiful place to live, I figured why live anywhere else?
HL What attracted you to real estate?
CC I was 19 and modeling in Europe and Asia, yet I have always loved great architecture, magnificent homes, landscape design, and beauty in general. My wife suggested I go into real estate. I thought, “What a great business; I can combine all of the things I love and have unlimited money-making potential.”
HL Who was your first mentor, and how did he or she influence you?
CC I have no particular mentor. I have always studied and tried to follow the examples of people and cultures I respect and admire. There are so many. I simply try to incorporate the best traits of anyone I meet and make it a part of who I am.
HL You’ll never be found without your…
CC BlackBerry. I must admit I am part of today’s world of instant information, and aim to continuously provide my clients with immediate service.
HL What were your yearly sales for 2007? Forecast for 2008?
CC 2007 was one of my best years ever, including an estate I sold for $22 million, the highest sale price for a home in the history of Holmby Hills. I project 2008 will be an even better year.
HL What is your most memorable deal?
CC The one I just sold in Holmby Hills. Not only did my wife and I have the privilege of living there for 6 months, but we did a number of incredible events to market the home to high-end buyers by partnering with Rolls-Royce, Robb Report, Tallarico Jewelers from Rodeo Drive, Fortis Vineyards, and Zino Platinum, the world’s finest cigars.
HL Where do you live?
CC We live in an area just adjacent to Beverly Hills called Beverlywood, one of the few Home Owners Association’s communities in Los Angeles.
HL If money were no object, what property on the market would you recommend in Southern California?
CC The two finest properties on the market today are just around the corner from the one I recently sold. They are asking $89 million and $125 million, and should be the properties of choice for buyers with unlimited money.
HL What is your formula for keeping your high-profile clients happy?
CC Constant communication, honesty, and really caring about their needs. I always try to put myself in my client’s place, and treat them as I would like to be treated.
HL Tell us one thing most people wouldn’t know about you.
CC I love life’s simple pleasures, sitting in the garden enjoying the trees, flowers, birds singing, the wonderful sky, and California sunshine. I am grateful for every moment and truly enjoy my life.
HL What is your proudest achievement?
CC Being kind, loving, and generous. I am on the board of Covenant House California, a shelter for homeless youth; I love spending time with the kids and encouraging them to be their best and to realize that anything is possible if they choose it to be.
HL Where would we find you on a Friday night?
CC Surprisingly, I love to be home on Friday nights, unless we have a specific event to attend. I like nothing better than spending the evening at home in my pajamas with my wife, two dogs, and two cats.
HL What are your favorite vacation destinations and/or leisure activities?
CC Just about anywhere in the French or Italian Riviera. I love Antibes, Nice, Saint-Tropez, Monte Carlo, Portofino, and the Amalfi Coast. These are truly some of the most beautiful and special places in the world with incredible food, scenery, and shopping-also a great place to relax and make new friends and clients.
HL What is your forecast for the L.A. real estate market for 2008?
CC The high-end market over $10 million is still very healthy and we are not seeing much change. The other price ranges are experiencing some challenging times.
HL What are your personal goals for 2008?
CC To make a lot of money, donate a lot of money, help as many people as I can, and work on my spiritual nature.
HL In your opinion, what makes L.A. so special?
CC L.A. is one of the most unique and special places in the world. We have the best weather anywhere, an incredible blend of cultures, which translates into incredible restaurants and unbelievable shopping where you can buy almost anything. L.A. has just about everything you could want: beaches, mountains, and the desert, all within a short drive. One of the things I especially love, unlike New York, Paris, London, Hong Kong, and many other cities, is that you can go to a fabulous party with movie stars, celebrities, business magnates, and the likes in Beverly Hills and be back home in 5 minutes to a peaceful and secluded residential area. Where else can you have such wonderful diversity?
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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.