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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April 30, 2008Estate of the Day: St Barts
