These unstoppable agents continue to dominate southern California’s luxury real estate market. Here, they share the secrets to their lasting success.

Myra Nourmand
The First Lady

Known as the first lady of real estate in southern California, Myra Nourmand specializes in multimillion-dollar estates throughout southern California’s most prestigious neighborhoods. With such an impressive portfolio, it is no wonder that her client list is made up of some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, as some of Hollywood’s biggest names turn to Myra to discretely find them their dream property. Her new book, From Homemaker to Breadwinner, is part memoir, part real estate handbook and all motivation for any reader wanting to learn from the experience of one of the most trusted names in Los Angeles real estate.

Haute Living Where are you from originally?
MN I was born in Germany, and I spent my formative years in New York.

HL How long have you lived in Los Angeles? What neighborhood?
MN I moved to Los Angeles in 1970 and I am proud to call Beverly Hills home.

HL When did you first become interested in a career in real estate? What about it sparked your interest?
MN I have lived and breathed real estate since my husband first opened Nourmand and Associates in 1977. I joined the firm in 1988. I have always loved looking at homes, architecture, and lifestyles. This is an extended
part of who I am.

HL What was the first big sale that you closed in the luxury market?
MN In 1989, in one week, I sold two homes totaling around $14 million, and in those days, these were record-high sales.

HL Who taught you the tricks of the trade in luxury real estate? What are some of the lessons that you learned?
MN My mentor and the person who to this day is responsible for wiping my tears, picking me up, holding me, and pointing me in the right direction is my wonderful husband, Saeed Nourmand.

HL What would be your dream property to list and why?
MN It’s a hard question to answer. There are so many magnificent estates. Just as in nature, how do you define the most beautiful flower? How do you choose the most special property? They each have their own indescribable beauty.

HL What is the secret to succeeding in the Los Angeles
real estate market?
MN The key to succeeding in this market requires being an expert,
knowing your inventory, maintaining great relationships, and knowing the
art of negotiation.

HL What is it about L.A. that is attractive to those seeking a luxury lifestyle?
MN Los Angeles has one of the finest climates. L.A. is the entertainment capital of the world! It is one of the most diverse places in the country with incredible dining, shopping, the finest hotels, and exotic automobiles.

HL What are some annual cultural/social events that would appeal to Haute Living readers?
MN Los Angeles Fashion Week, the Emmy Awards, the Oscars, and the Golden Globes.

HL Where is the first place you would take an
out-of-town visitor and why?
MN Beverly Hills, because it has the best of everything.

HL Where are the best luxury shopping venues in L.A.?
MN Rodeo Drive.

HL The last place you went for fine dining?
MN Madeo.

HL You never leave home without…
MN My phone with its client list!

HL Your favorite Friday night out?
MN Dinner at home with family and friends.

HL Describe Los Angeles in three words:
MN Innovative, diverse, indulgent.

HL If you weren’t in real estate sales, you would be…
MN An interior designer or have the most fabulous high-end boutique in town, or I’d be the Martha Stewart of Beverly Hills.

HL When not selling properties, what is your favorite pastime?
MN Cooking, spending time with my family and friends, and working on charitable organizations.

HL What is something that people would be surprised to
find out about you?
MN That I am a homebody.

HL What are your predictions for the local market in 2010?
MN I see the market starting to trend upward.

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