Power Players of Los Angeles
Raju Chhabria
($2 Billion Agent)
Over the last two decades, Raju Chhabria Real Estate has been a force to be reckoned with in the Los Angeles real estate market, specifically in the Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, and Torrance communities. His firm holds the impressive records of earning over $2 billion in lifetime sales and more than $100 million in yearly sales since 1997. Raju himself has been ranked Shorewood’s No. 1 agent since 1994, and was ranked No. 26 nationally for 2007 by the Wall Street Journal. Originally from India, his easygoing and always courteous nature proved a great fit for Los Angeles and quickly propelled him to the upper echelons of the industry. Not surprisingly, some of the people he admires are Bill Gates, Tiger Woods, Donald Trump, and Roger Federer. Though they represent a selection from diverse fields- sports, technology, and business-they are all superstars and it is easy to see how Chhabria has followed in their paths.
HL Where are you from? What attracted you to Los Angeles?
RC I am originally from Bangalore, India, and moved to L.A. in 1984. My beautiful wife is originally from Bangalore and moved to L.A. in 1980. She returned to Bangalore for a visit and I ended up deciding to move to L.A. after that.
HL What attracted you to real estate?
RC I arrived in L.A. with $10,000 and the intention to go into the import/export of leather goods. Well, that didn’t work out, so two months later, I was broke. I had studied accounting and law in India but my degree was not accepted in the United States so I decided to get into real estate.
HL Who was your first mentor, and how did he or she influence you?
RC I would say it was the person who taught my certification class. He said if we did one-third of the work he did, we could make a million dollars.
HL You’ll never be found without your…
RC Phone, of course.
HL What were your yearly sales for 2007? What is your forecast for 2008?
RC For 2007, it was $189 million, and for 2008, I project $250 million. I have already sold $130 million so far.
HL What is your most memorable deal?
RC The first house I ever showed. It’s kind of a funny story; we walked in on a couple making love! I had just gotten my license and was so embarrassed. I did, however, manage to find a house for the buyer later that night.
HL Where do you live?
RC Palos Verdes, Los Angeles.
HL If money were no object, what property on the market would you recommend in Southern California?
RC Beachfront property in Manhattan Beach.
HL What is your formula for keeping your high-profile clients happy?
RC Lots of service, attention to detail, to have knowledge of the industry and the properties, and, of course, to always be courteous.
HL Tell us one thing most people wouldn’t know about you.
RC I’m a funny guy.
HL What is your proudest achievement?
RC Coming here from overseas and being one of the most successful brokers in L.A. and in the United States.
HL Where would we find you on a Friday night?
RC Probably at home, watching a Lakers game on TV. I’m a big basketball fan.
HL What are your favorite vacation destinations and/or leisure activities?
RC Hawaii and Europe for vacations. I play tennis twice a week and work out with a trainer twice a week.
HL Your forecast for the L.A. real estate market for 2008?
RC In my area, it will stay stable and strong. Other areas could go soft but the high-end areas will keep selling.
HL What are your personal goals for 2008?
RC I would like to stay healthy and do more charitable work. I’ve started doing some and hope to expand that part of my life this year. Also, to make sure that my two sons continue to be well and happy.
HL In your opinion, what makes L.A. so special?
RC The weather is beautiful. There is plenty of opportunity. There are 500 large companies in the vicinity of my office so there is a lot of business activity. Also, the leisure activities; where I live, I am close to skiing, the mountains for hiking and I can partake in water sports. And then there’s Hollywood for nightlife, where there is all kinds of entertainment. And, above all, people here are nice
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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.