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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