Power Players of Los Angeles
Joyce Rey
(Queen of California)
Joyce Rey is the head of the Estates Division of Coldwell Banker Previews International in Los Angeles. Her decades of successful experience with landmark properties allow an intimate understanding of the Los Angeles real estate market and the city as a whole. Here, she speaks of her Southern California background, her professional beginnings, and her varied accomplishments and goals in the Los Angeles real estate market. This high-powered agent shares with Haute Living a touching desire to improve and beautify the city she calls home. This integrity, along with a shrewd understanding of the marketplace, equates to an agent who emphasizes world-class customer service while maintaining top clients and properties with a refreshing straightforwardness.
HL Where are you from? What attracted you to L.A.?
JR I was born in Hollywood, raised in Orange County, and graduated with a master’s degree from the University of Southern California. I fell in love with Los Angeles while I was studying to become a business law teacher in South Central Los Angeles.
HL What attracted you to real estate?
JR My intention was to make a difference in our beautiful city. I was later married to an actor and bought and sold several homes. I loved the process. After that, it looked easy! I left teaching due to my husband’s series of film locations.
HL Who was your first mentor, and how did he or she influence you?
JR My first mentor in life was my father, an incredible attorney. My real estate mentor was Jack Hupp, a former all-American basketball player, author of the Beverly Hills Board of Realtors Code of Ethics, and twice president of the Chamber of Commerce. Jack was extremely dignified, honorable, straightforward, and always had a sense of humor, as well as a positive outlook.
HL You’ll never be found without your…
JR Concern for others and a smile on my face.
HL What were your yearly sales for 2007? Forecast for 2008?
JR My annual sales for 2007 were over $130 million , and I always hope to do better each year. On the personal side, I always try to improve myself as a human being.
HL What is your most memorable deal?
JR Each deal is important, and memorable, but several stand out: my representation of the Mary Pickford estate Pickfair, and the sale of this historic estate to Jerry Bus; my representation of the exquisite Sonny and Cher estate on two occasions, which ultimately represented the highest sale in the United States at the time.
HL Where do you live?
JR I have lived for many years in a beautiful award-winning architectural home in Beverly Hills, originally designed by the architectural firm of Smith and Williams, and recently redesigned by Waldo Fernandez and Mark Rios.
HL If money were no object, what property on the market would you recommend in Southern California?
JR Fleur De Lys, which is one of the most exceptional properties I have seen in my lifetime. It received an award from President Jacques Chirac as one of the finest examples of French architecture in America.
HL What is your formula for keeping your high-profile clients happy?
JR Putting my clients’ best interests first, and providing the best possible service and always enhancing my knowledge of the marketplace.
HL Tell us one thing most people wouldn’t know about you.
JR I am adopted, and some years ago, I appeared on 60 Minutes in search of my roots, and found a great family.
HL What is your proudest achievement?
JR In 1979, I established the first division in America exclusively devoted to estates in excess of $1 million! Also, being a mother and a mentor to a foster child.
HL Where would we find you on a Friday night?
JR Probably something different each Friday night, such as a cultural or sporting event, catching a great film, or a quiet dinner with friends.
HL What are your favorite vacation destinations and/or leisure activities?
JR I love the outdoors, and a brisk walk in the lovely canyons and mountains of West Los Angeles. I adore Kundalini and Iyengar yoga, but don’t have enough opportunity to practice.
Vacations are wonderful getaways to recharge my batteries. I usually plan one or two major holidays each year. Last year, it was a ball at Versailles. New Years, it was a wedding in Brazil and visiting relatives in Buenos Aires. I am now planning a trip with the FAI organization to Italy. I try not to miss the Sun Valley Writers Conference and the Renaissance Weekends. Careyes and San Miguel de Allende are my favorite spots in Mexico, and everyone loves a fabulous weekend in New York, or a quick stop at the Ojai Valley Inn.
HL Your forecast for the L.A. real estate market for 2008?
JR In spite of the turbulent stock market, and the sub-prime mortgage crisis, our high-end real estate market is very active. The local and international demand is strong. In particular, properties in excess of $10 million are selling very well.
HL In your opinion, what makes L.A. so special?
JR There are things that make Los Angeles a special place to live. Everyone loves the climate and the tremendous cultural opportunities. (Our new museums are amazing!) We have sensational sports teams, a fabulous public library, and an exciting and talented entertainment community, the best restaurants, and a wonderful friendly community filled with ethnic 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.