Real Estate Power Players

Olivia Hsu Decker
The Social Phenom

Olivia Hsu Decker of Decker Bullock Sotheby’s International Realty has served as an Haute Ambassador for international events and travel since we launched our San Francisco edition one year ago. One of the city’s driving social forces, Olivia is highly active in philanthropic endeavors as well, and her client base is representative of her social stature—she has repped the who’s who of the Bay Area. Olivia specializes in the sale and marketing of homes in excess of $5 million, and her current portfolio includes some of the region’s finest properties, including a $48 million Belevedere landmark estate.

Haute Living Where are you from originally?
Olivia Hsu Decker I was born in Shanghai, China, and lived in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan before immigrating to San Francisco.

HL How long have you lived in San Francisco? What neighborhood?
OD I came here in 1975 and was lucky to move straight to the beautiful Tiburon/Belvedere area. I have been living in Belvedere since 1980. My home has the most amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay, and San Francisco. I love Belvedere and my views. I feel very blessed everyday when I look out of my windows.

HL When did you first become interested in a career in real estate? What about it sparked your interest?
OD I have been interested in beautiful homes since I was a child. The beauty of gardens and of architectural and interior designs sparked my interest. I used to peek into gates to see the big mansions behind them. I wanted to be an interior designer or realtor for these mansions since a young age. I also enjoy meeting people from around the country and the world who come to me to buy their dream home and settle down in my neighborhood.

HL What was the first big sale that you closed in the luxury market?
OD In 1982, I sold a $3.25 million home in Belvedere and a $2.5 million home in Tiburon, which set records at that time.

HL Who taught you the tricks of the trade in luxury real estate? What are some of the lessons that you learned?
OD In fact, I learned how to service VIP clients when I was assistant manager at Grand Hyatt Hotel on Union Square in San Francisco. I learned that clients are always right, I learned to be patient and always be available to help the clients. Wealthy buyers of luxury homes don’t want to wait; whenever they are ready to buy, I want to be sure I am there for them.

HL What is the secret to succeeding in the San Francisco real estate market?
OD Service—to cater to client’s needs. Knowledge—to know your market extremely well and know the properties the clients want. Patience—don’t give up if clients don’t buy right away.

HL What is it about the Bay Area that is attractive to those seeking a luxury lifestyle?
OD The beauty of the Bay Area is the biggest attraction. San Francisco is, in my opinion, the most beautiful city in the world. I have a home in Paris and sure, Paris is a beautiful city, but I prefer San Francisco. We have a very compact city lifestyle; we can enjoy world class opera, symphony, ballet, museums, theaters, and some of the best stores and restaurants in the world. But a short 10 minutes away, we can be on the beach on the Pacific Ocean near Marin Headlands and Sausalito. Within an hour drive, we can be in Napa Valley/Sonoma Wine Country, enjoying fine wine, gourmet food, and a relaxing, elegant, idyllic lifestyle. Within three hours drive, we can be skiing on the slopes of Lake Tahoe and Alpine Meadows. We have one of the best harbors in the world for yachting and from SFO, we can easily fly to anywhere in the world.

HL What are some annual cultural/social events that would appeal to Haute Living readers?
OD The events are endless. The Opera Ball, the Opening Night of the San Francisco Symphony and Ballet, The Fall Antique Show, The Annual Black & White Ball, the various exhibits at de Young Museum, Legion of Honor Museum, Asian Art Museum, the Opening Day of the Yachting Season on the Bay, the annual Napa Valley Wine Auction, the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance…

HL Where is the first place you would take an out-of-town visitor and why?
OD Golden Gate National Recreation Area, starting at the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands to the Pacific Ocean and coast. This whole area is breathtakingly beautiful and so close to San Francisco.

HL Where are the best luxury shopping venues in San Francisco?
OD Designer boutiques, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue along Union Square.

HL The last place you went for fine dining?
OD The Restaurant at Meadowood Resort in Napa Valley. Chef Christopher Kostow received two Michelin stars in 2009. Also the restaurant at Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito, it’s my favorite fine dining in Marin County.

HL You never leave home without…
OD My BlackBerry!

HL Your favorite Friday night out?
OD Dinner at my favorite sushi restaurant or going to the opera.

HL Describe San Francisco in three words:
OD Beauty, diversity, sophistication.

HL If you weren’t in real estate sales, you would be…
OD I would like to have a TV cooking show.

HL When not selling properties, what is your favorite pastime?
OD Cooking, interior design, travel, reading…

HL What is something that people would be surprised to find out about you?
OD That I am an excellent chef and I can tell more than 200 jokes from memory.

HL What are your predictions for the local market in 2010?
OD The market recovery should improve in the second quarter of 2010. Many buyers who have been sitting on the sideline will jump in as soon as they see the market improve. Even during a bad recession, people still like to live in a nice home. The luxury home market will not be down for too long.

Mary & Brent Gullixson
The Billion-Dollar Producers

Mary Gullixson has achieved what few others in her industry ever even dream of: close to $2 billion in residential real estate sales. For seven years running, she averaged more than $100 million each year, and in both 2006 and 2007, her sales topped an astonishing $260 million. Her son, Brent, originally wanted to blaze his own trail, but real estate was in his blood. He joined Mary in 2005, and within one year, they were recognized by The Wall Street Journal as one of the top 10 real estate teams in the country. Together, they prove to be an unstoppable force in the San Francisco Peninsula.

Haute Living Where are you from originally?
Mary Gullixon From Beaver Falls, PA, home of Joe Namath.
Brent Gullixon I was born in Stanford, CA, and grew up in Palo Alto.

HL How long have you lived in San Francisco and what neighborhood do you live in?
MG I have lived in Palo Alto since 19__…
BG I grew up in Palo Alto and have lived in San Francisco since 2001 when I returned home from college. We specialize in the towns of Atherton, Palo Alto, Woodside, Portola Valley and Menlo Park.
Haute Living When did you first become interested in a career in real estate and what about it sparked your interest?
BG Mary used to explain to me how newer agents inquired about becoming her junior partner. She often said the opportunity to work with her was there if I should choose to join her. At the time I was working on the 26th floor of the Bank of America building in San Francisco, and our office had a great view of Alcatraz and the bay. One afternoon I saw this great sailing regatta going on. It was a beautiful day, and I thought what a waste it was being inside. I wanted a change so I didn’t have to be in front of a computer all day and only communicate with clients over the phone. Real estate offers the opportunity to meet people face to face, and your car becomes your office. Plus, working with a nationally ranked top producer was too hard to pass up.

HL What was the first big sale that you closed in the luxury market?
BG Mary closed a sale that in my mind symbolized the beginning of high-end real estate sales in Atherton. In 1991, she sold the former Heller Estate, which is now known as Faxon Forest, for approximately $17 million. This is in one of the premier areas of Atherton, next to the Circus Club.

HL Who taught you the tricks of the trade in luxury real estate and what are some of the lessons that you learned?
BG Mary, of course. She taught me:
1. You do a good job and clients become lifelong friends.
2. You never know who will buy a home.
3. You never know who you will meet.
4. No transaction is the same.

HL What is the secret to succeeding in the San Francisco Peninsula real estate market?
BG Know the inventory of the area you work in.

HL What is it about the Bay Area that is attractive to those seeking a luxury lifestyle?
BG There is something for everyone. Whether it’s time in San Francisco, wine country, Tahoe, or the beach, everyone has an opportunity to find activities that suit them. You can snow ski in the morning and make it back in time for dinner reservations in San Francisco. It really is an unbelievable area to live in.

HL Where is the first place you would take a
visitor from out-of-town and why?
BG It depends on the person—maybe a Giants game and then dinner in San Francisco; maybe head up to Healdsburg for a wine tasting. That is a tough question to answer. Some people like the more touristy spots, i.e the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Chinatown.

HL Where are the best luxury shopping venues in San Francisco?
BG Union Square, Westfield Mall, Chestnut Street, and Union Street.

HL The last place you went for fine dining?
BG Fine dining with a three-year-old son can be tough. I recently went to House of Prime Rib with friends and had a blast. The last time my wife Stacy and I went out just the two of us in San Francisco, we went to the Salt House and had a very good time.

HL You never leave home without…
BG Saying I love you to Stacy and our son, Conrad.

HL Your favorite Friday night out?
BG Stacy, Conrad, and I enjoy sushi at our favorite local restaurant, Sushi Hunter in North Beach. We have been going there since we first moved to our condo on Union Street. It may not have the reputation of some other sushi restaurants but we find it hard to beat.

HL Describe San Francisco Peninsula in three words:
BG The perfect place.

HL If you weren’t in real estate sales, you would be…
BG Working on my PGA tour card. In all seriousness, Mary and I would probably be involved in some aspect of real estate. We partnered in real estate ventures in the past and are always looking for the next opportunity.

HL When not selling properties, what is your favorite pastime?
BG Spending time with my wife and son, golf with friends, and
seeing the world.

HL What is something that people would be surprised to find out about you?
MG I was once a pharmacist.

HL What are your predictions for the local market in 2010?
BG I am very optimistic that the momentum our area gained in the last half of 2009 will continue. Listening to the talking heads can be overwhelming, but all we can do is adjust accordingly and help our clients buy and sell their homes.

Mike Canning
The Lawyer

Specializing in ocean- and golf-view properties in Carmel and Pebble Beach and premier properties in The Preserve, Mike Canning is the go-to guy for luxury real estate in one of California’s most celebrated coastal regions. With a sales history that includes more than a dozen sales of properties priced $10 million and up—including one $55 million transaction—it is no wonder that Mike was just recognized by Sotheby’s as its No. 1 agent for the ninth consecutive year.

Haute Living Where are you from originally?
Mike Canning My wife and I are both originally from Minnesota (high school sweethearts), went to undergrad and law school at the University of Denver and lived in Colorado for 15 years.

HL How long have you lived in Carmel? What neighborhood?
MC We have lived in Pebble Beach and Carmel for the last 21 years. Once our two “kids” left for college, Nan and I bought land in The Preserve, built our home, and have been living there for the past six years.

HL When did you first become interested in a career in real estate and what about it sparked your interest?
MC My fascination with real estate began in college and continued through law school and an eight-year practice as a real estate attorney before my affection for the law waned, my tolerance for winter went to zero, and Pebble Beach cast a siren call. I transitioned into residential real estate and have been at it ever since.

HL What would be your dream property to list and why?
MC I’ve been fortunate to have been retained to sell several of the true “dream properties” in the Monterey Peninsula, but a couple of my favorites were the Crocker Castle on the ocean in Pebble Beach and the five-acre site near The Beach Club, which became the new fifth hole of the Pebble Beach Golf Links.

HL What is the secret to succeeding in the Carmel real estate market?
MC I think the key to success in most upper-end markets is specialization—establishing expertise in a geographic or categorical niche. It’s much better to be the king of a limited hill than merely competent in too wide an area.

HL What are some annual cultural/social events that would appeal to Haute Living readers?
MC Carmel and Pebble Beach have an abundance of events that draw audiences from a wide area: Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament; the 2010 U.S. Open; the Concours d’Elegance; Bach Festival; Jazz Festival; Big Sur Marathon; Masters of Food & Wine; races at Laguna Seca, as well as hundreds of fantastic restaurants, shops, galleries, and the like.

HL The last place you went for fine dining?
MC My favorite restaurant at the moment is Marinus at Bernardus Lodge—the food, wine, and service are simply the best. I have probably a dozen in mind that compete for second but Marinus is at the top of the list.

HL If you weren’t in real estate sales, you would be…
MC I’d probably be in commercial sales. I can’t get real estate out of my blood, and having represented a number of commercial developers and landlords as an attorney, I could clearly see that as a possibility.

HL When not selling properties, what is your favorite pastime?
MC While golf has been a passion for more than 30 years, my true obsession is fly-fishing, which I’ve also done for about 30 years. We built a home on the Bitterroot River in Montana a few years ago and spend as much time as possible there in the summer and fall.

HL What is something that people would be surprised to find out about you?
MC Being 6-foot 4-inches tall, most people are surprised to learn that I played hockey most of my younger life, not the presumed basketball.

HL What are your predictions for the local market in 2010?
MC My crystal ball is forecasting a slowing in the market decline throughout 2010 with stabilization happening in 2011. In Carmel and Pebble Beach, the market does not behave uniformly throughout the price spectrum. The bottom brackets will likely continue to enjoy more demand than the top but my sense is we will begin to see some increase in activity in the top brackets in 2010 as sellers continue to recalibrate to the market and buyers accurately perceive a market bottom with reduced risk of future decline.

Janet Schindler
The Professional

One of the top 25 agents in all of Sotheby’s International Realty, Janet Schindler is the consummate professional. She began her career at Hill & Co., where she was the No. 1 producing agent. Her current portfolio includes properties like the Tiburon View Villa, a $9.8 million estate offering unsurpassed views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Extremely multi-talented, Janet has also published works on architecture, interior design, and gardening, while her background in law serves to aid in the negotiation process, an added bonus for both buyers and sellers.

Haute Living Where are you from originally?
Janet Schindler Los Angeles. I fell in love with San Francisco when I traveled here as a child and dreamed of someday living here.

HL How long have you lived in San Francisco? What neighborhood?
JS About 25 years—first living in Cow Hollow, then in Pacific Heights, and now in Corona Heights in a secret garden sanctuary.

HL When did you first become interested in a career in real estate? What about it sparked your interest?
JS As a child, my mother used to drag me to open houses, and I discovered that I love houses. I have always been interested in architecture and interior design. I have a fantastic visual memory, which is extremely helpful in this career. Real estate is a huge instrument of change in people’s lives, and it is extremely gratifying to find people a new home or help them sell the old one as they move to the next phase in their lives.

HL What was the first big sale that you closed in the luxury market?
JS Twenty-five years ago, my first big sale was a $1 million home in Presidio Heights. Today, you can barely buy a condo in Presidio Heights for the same price!

HL Who taught you the tricks of the trade in luxury real estate? What are some of the lessons that you learned?
JS There are no tricks, just hard work, attention to detail, and market knowledge. One of earliest lessons I learned is to never push clients into transactions that they may later regret. Other important lessons I have learned is to work only with clients you like, be patient with them, and never be afraid to negotiate on their behalf.

HL What would be your dream property to list and why?
JS That is a tough question to answer because every house is unique, and I tend to fall in love with every one of my listings. My dream listing is the one I am showing right now.

HL What is the secret to succeeding in the San Francisco
real estate market?
JS Always represent your clients’ best interests; you are never more important than they are. Never forget you are a professional who has to earn your clients’ confidence 24/7. Always be discreet and responsive, and never sell a home that you wouldn’t feel comfortable reselling. At the end of the day, it’s what you know, not who you know.

HL What is it about the Bay Area that is attractive to those seeking a luxury lifestyle?
JS The arts, museums, restaurants, our diversity, and our privileged setting as one of the most beautiful cities in the world are all factors.

HL What are some annual cultural/social events that would appeal to Haute Living readers?
JS Opera, ballet, the symphony, the Black & White Ball, the Fall Antiques Show, and charity events at the numerous museums.

HL Where is the first place you would take an
out-of-town visitor and why?
JS I would drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin headlands, where the beauty of the city and its landmarks and setting are truly revealed.

HL Where are the best luxury shopping venues in San Francisco?
JS Union Square, Jackson Square, Sacramento, and Fillmore Streets.

HL The last place you went for fine dining?
JS Spruce

HL You never leave home without…
JS My morning swim, my BlackBerry, and a kiss from my husband.

HL Your favorite Friday night out?
JS Dinner with my husband and maybe a friend or two at a local restaurant, preferably one we can walk to.

HL Describe San Francisco in three words:
JS The best city!

HL If you weren’t in real estate sales, you would be…
JS A writer or an architect.

HL When not selling properties, what is your favorite pastime?
JS Writing, gardening, and doing things with my husband and family.

HL What is something that people would be surprised to find out about you?
JS I was a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Brandeis University, where I majored in philosophy and wrote my thesis on Taoism long before it was fashionable. I almost became an attorney; I attended U.C.L.A. Law School as a Regents’ Scholar and discovered I loved contract law. Early in my career, I realized that I love to negotiate and I excel at it. This knowledge has become hugely important in real estate sales.

HL What are your predictions for the local market in 2010?
JS I really can’t make any predictions, but I can say that in this past year, there were 26 Pacific Heights homes that sold for more than $3 million. On average, they sold for 12 percent less than their original list prices. One sale was down as much as 40 percent and only two sales were slightly over their list prices by less than 3 percent. I am hoping we’ve seen the bottom in the luxury market.

Betty Brachman
The Producer

With more than $425 million sold in the last decade, Betty Brachman and the Brachman Group, part of the Sotheby’s International Realty network, are leaders in the San Francisco luxury real estate industry. When not engaging in real estate transactions, you can find Betty working for the betterment of her community, whether through the beautification of homes that she is personally redesigning, or serving on the boards of local philanthropies.

Haute Living Where are you from originally?
Betty Brachman “A twinkle in my Daddy’s eye,” as we used to say. I came to San Francisco with a flower in my hair and never looked back.

HL How long have you lived in San Francisco? What neighborhood?
BB Since 1970. I recently moved to the South Beach/Downtown area after 30 years on Russian Hill and love my new location.

HL When did you first become interested in a career in real estate? What about it sparked your interest?
BB. I always loved spending time at open houses and decided to pursue my passion. The combination of property and personalities was a perfect fit for me, and getting paid to do what you love is the best.

HL What was the first big sale that you closed in the luxury market?
BB An enormous full-floor co-op in a class A building. In the mid-80s, co-op transactions were all-cash. You would sit in the basement of the building with the buyers and the property manager and literally exchange a cashier’s check for the stock certificate and proprietary lease. It was thrilling.

HL Who taught you the tricks of the trade in luxury real estate? What are some of the lessons that you learned?
BB Unfortunately there were no mentors. I had to blaze my own trail. I was still pretty green when I moved to a new high-powered office in 1983. By the end of the first year, I was in the top-producer arena and have been there ever since.

HL What would be your dream property to list and why?
BB I sell big, beautiful properties with giant views. A good view can double the value of the home. There is nothing sexier than floor-to-ceiling glass framing an unobstructed view of this dynamic city.

HL What is the secret to succeeding in the San Francisco real estate market?
BB Relationships are very important. You cannot afford to burn any bridges, so you had better learn to love even the most arrogant colleague. This goes for agents, lenders, escrow officers, and difficult clients as well. The goal is to facilitate your clients’ real estate needs while letting them feel good about their transaction. Set your ego aside and work for the success of the transaction. Deep breathing helps.

HL What is it about the Bay Area that is attractive to those seeking a luxury lifestyle?
BB We have the best climate, unsurpassable beauty, a renowned cultural enclave including opera, symphony, ballet, world-class museums, cutting-edge industries, and creative, interesting citizens in addition to the diverse architecture and neighborhoods, spread over seven hills within 49 square miles.

HL What are some annual cultural/social events that would appeal to Haute Living readers?
BB The Fall Antique Show, and of course the opening of the ballet, symphony and opera. For less formal events there is always barrel tasting in the Wine Country, or my favorite: a back-stage pass to the Blues Festival if you can get it.

HL Where is the first place you would take an out-of-town visitor and why?
BB I’d probably take a visitor to the Ferry Building after a nice walk around the Embarcadero. Avoid the busy Saturday morning, since every day is Farmers Market day. It is like Mother Nature’s art gallery on display.

HL Where are the best luxury shopping venues in San Francisco?
BB The Martini Bar at Emporio Armani is a great way to begin.

HL The last place you went for fine dining?
BB The Big Four, a great place to take clients or meet friends. And of course the locals know about the Chicken Pot Pie at the bar. For lunch you cannot beat the North Beach Restaurant.

HL You never leave home without…
BB My dog, Jimmy Chew. He is chief security officer for the Brachman Group and moonlights as my personal trainer.

HL Your favorite Friday night out?
BB My favorite Friday night is probably dinner in a local restaurant with a friend in either San Francisco or Glen Ellen, my home away from home.

HL Describe San Francisco in three words:
BB The ultimate lifestyle.

HL If you weren’t in real estate sales, you would be…
BB I would be renovating houses with green technology. I am just completing a house in Glen Ellen in Sonoma County that will be state of the art. The Bay Area is on the cutting edge of the green movement, and it presents a tremendous opportunity. If not doing renovations, I’d be teaching yoga.

HL When not selling properties, what is your favorite pastime?
BB Yoga has been my passion for the last 20 years. It keeps me centered and focused and relatively calm. I remember one particularly stressful negotiation that was a multiple-offer situation. We were on pins and needles waiting to hear the seller’s decision. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. I decided to stand on my head until the phone rang. We got the deal.

HL What is something that people would be surprised to find out about you?
BB Inside this kind-hearted woman is a vicious Scrabble player. I do not play often because I am so competitive. When I do, I try to restrain myself unless my opponent knows that ai and qoph are words.

HL What are your predictions for the local market in 2010?
BB Buyers are beginning to realize that the sky is not falling, not in San Francisco anyway. There is so much wealth in the Bay Area, and the demand for great properties does not go away. Right now there is pent-up demand with all the buyers that have been sitting on the sidelines waiting to see what happens.

Jim Arbeed
The Entrepreneur

Having grown up in San Francisco, Jim Arbeed has a unique perspective about what it is that makes this city one of the nation’s best. Jim is ranked as one of the top five Coldwell Banker agents in the San Francisco Bay Area, and in the top 10 for all of Northern California. The Wall Street Journal named him as one of the top 100 agents in the nation in 2008, and this wasn’t even his chosen career path—he originally wanted to be a pilot, and then had a successful stint as a restaurateur.

Haute Living Where are you from originally?
Jim Arbeed I am from San Francisco.

HL How long have you lived in San Francisco? What neighborhood?
JA I lived in San Francisco until 1976, at which time my family moved to the Mid-Peninsula town of Hillsborough, where we currently reside.

HL When did you first become interested in a career in real estate? What about it sparked your interest?
JA I studied real estate in 1989 at Anthony Real Estate School. I initially studied aeronautics and wanted to be a commercial pilot, but the early 80s were not good years for the airline industry. So I got into the food business and opened two cafés in San Francisco. The transition to real estate was natural, as both businesses are service-oriented and require people skills.

HL What was the first big sale that you closed in the luxury market?
JA A very large new home in Hillsborough that I ended up selling two more times over the years. It’s still one of my favorite homes at any price.

HL Who taught you the tricks of the trade in luxury real estate? What are some of the lessons that you learned?
JA I was fortunate early on in my career to work at a premier office that handled many high-end properties and employed some of the biggest names in real estate. I think that I learned by osmosis. I constantly asked questions to anyone who was around. I also had an excellent office manager who previously was a star sales person herself. And the best teacher in life is experience.

HL What would be your dream property to list and why?
JA I just listed and sold my dream property in December, after listing and selling it less than two years ago. It has the type of grand, symmetrical architecture that I truly admire. It has tremendous street presence, yet has a certain understated elegance at the same time. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s on two level acres with a pool, regulation tennis court, and outdoor kitchen.

HL What is the secret to succeeding in the San Francisco real estate market?
JA I think that the secret, if there is such a thing, to succeeding at anything is perseverance. It also helps to keep an open mind and to park your ego at the front door. Education is power, so always be willing to learn and never think that you are above it all. Real estate is ultimately a service business. We are basically facilitators, and if we are good at it, transactions should appear seamless to our clients. Lastly, learning to take the good with the bad is really important. No bull market can last forever, and in this business, longevity means that you can make the best out of any market or situation.

HL What is it about the Bay Area that is attractive to those seeking a luxury lifestyle?
JA What really makes it attractive is its diversity on all levels. It offers endless choices. With one of the most beautiful cities in the world at its core, Silicon Valley at one end and the Wine Country on the other, it is truly a magical place to live and I feel very fortunate to call it home.

HL Where is the first place you would take an
out-of-town visitor and why?
JA The obvious choice will always be the Golden Gate Bridge. Even after all these years, I am in awe every time I see it. The short trip across this wonder of the world is truly unforgettable. Once across this bridge, the drive to Sausalito and Tiburon is certainly high on the list for visitors as well.

HL Where are the best luxury shopping venues in San Francisco?
JA Union Square, of course, as well as the newer Westfield Mall. Smaller boutiques and shops also can be found on Union Street and Chestnut Street. But let’s not forget about the large, beautiful malls on the mid-Peninsula and in Stanford.

HL The last place you went for fine dining?
JA My wife and I recently took some good friends and clients out to dinner at Michael Mina at the St. Francis Hotel on Union Square.

HL You never leave home without…
JA My cell phone. It’s sad to say, but I really feel naked without my BlackBerry. I have my whole career on it!

HL Your favorite Friday night out?
JA Taking my family out to dinner.

HL Describe San Francisco in three words:
JA Classic, timeless, beautiful.

HL If you weren’t in real estate sales, you would be…
JA I would probably be a classic car collector. Growing up, I loved anything with wheels or wings.

HL When not selling properties, what is your favorite pastime?
JA I really enjoy playing tennis early in the morning on weekends. I find it very relaxing and therapeutic, perhaps because I take my aggression out on the tennis balls.

HL What is something that people would be surprised to find out about you?
JA That I do own a pair of jeans.

HL What are your predictions for the local market in 2010?
JA Our local market will recover sooner than most. That’s not to imply that we are over the hump; we may stay like this for another year and then be on a gradual road to recovery. Our market rode a 10-year high and something had to give. The areas that I work in have fortunately survived relatively well. There are a finite number of properties, which means fewer expansion opportunities and lower inventories. With limited supply and steady demand, these areas survive economic downturns far better than most. I always remain optimistic, and it’s tough not to when you live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

Malin Giddings & Max Armour
The Power of Two

With more than $2.5 billion in residential sales over the course of her career, Malin Giddings is a force to be reckoned with in San Francisco. She is the woman behind the record-breaking sale of the Getty Penthouse, and for more than 35 years, her focus on the luxury market has earned her many awards and rankings each and every year. She was ranked No. 6 of the top 400 real estate agents nationwide by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage last year. She is also a founder of Elite Estates International, which is an international strategic alliance and unique affiliation with some of the world’s top real estate professionals. Max, a fourth generation San Franciscan and member of the prominent Armour family, is Malin’s right-hand professional and a driving force of his own right. Together, personal attention to their clients’ needs and focus on the most prestigious neighborhoods are the keys to their success
Haute Living Where are you from originally?

Max Armour I was born and raised in San Francisco. I grew up on Russian Hill and spent my summers in Sweden.
HL When did you first become interested in a career in real estate? What about it sparked your interest?
MA My first introduction to real estate was our old house on Russian Hill. It was such a unique property with absolutely fantastic views. I adored that house and fell in love with San Francisco’s architecture. Professionally I got my start in the business working as a commercial real estate appraiser. I have Robert Moore to thank for schooling me. He took me in and I learned a tremendous amount from him. With such a solid knowledge base concerning valuation, cap rates, construction techniques, and underwriting demands, I felt very comfortable moving into sales.

HL Who taught you the tricks of the trade in luxury real estate? What are some of the lessons that you learned?
MA Well, Malin has certainly been my professor. I have learned the importance of specializing, negotiating, and most importantly never giving up!

HL What is the secret to succeeding in the San Francisco real estate market?
MA There is no secret. Hard work is the only way.

HL What is it about the Bay Area that is attractive to those seeking a luxury lifestyle?
MA I think it is the allure of California as a whole. There are so many interesting people here who are trying to make a difference. There have been so many products, trends, and philosophies coming out of California. People can move here and be whomever they want, and there is so much opportunity here. We are quite accepting, which allows for open-minded thinking. Plus, the climate is wonderful.

HL Where is the first place you would take an out-of-town visitor and why?
MA The first thing I do with a visitor is take them on a driving tour. I have a loop I do to show the beauty and diversity of our city. This way they can have a context of where they are and I get a chance to give them an intimate insider’s introduction.

HL Where are the best luxury shopping venues in San Francisco?
MA I love Barneys, but really I leave the shopping to Malin.

HL The last place you went for fine dining?
MA Spruce is our watering hole! We celebrated Malin’s big birthday there in a private room and white tie—the best!

HL Your favorite Friday night out?
MA I fit in an evening surf at Ocean Beach, then head downtown to the Olympic Club and take a steam shower and prep for the evening. Next, I would meet my wife and friends at Spruce for cocktails and munchies. From there, head to a good restaurant with the goal of going dancing.

Haute Living How did you and Max get started as partners?
Malin Giddings We have known each other since Max was a twinkle in his parents’ eyes—his parents being good friends of mine for years and years! We both believe in doing things right and keeping an open mind. When we came together, it was good timing for the both of us. Max had been appraising commercial property for a few years and was moving into sales. His appraisal background and intimate knowledge of the city having grown up here made him a valuable addition to my business. Now we have two heads instead of one!

HL What are the benefits of working together?
MG Clients get two agents for the price of one. Max brings a youthful energy, construction knowledge, and a get-it-done attitude while I have a big-picture outlook from my 35 years of experience. We are constantly striving for expanding the boundaries of real estate and thinking of innovative ways to better market our properties and provide better service. We often set new industry standards for the high-end, and imitation is the highest form of flattery!

HL What is the secret to succeeding in the San Francisco luxury market?
MG For us, our strength comes from doing business only in the best locations. We stick to what we know, and this translates to our clients having confidence in our expert advice.

HL What is something that people would be surprised to find out about the two of you?
MG That we speak Swedish with one another. I was born in Sweden, and Max is half Swedish and married to a Swedish beauty, so he is fluent too. We speak the same language in more ways than one!

HL You’ll never be found without your…
MA Surfboard, golf clubs, and a sense of humor.

HL When not selling properties what is your favorite pastime?
MG Max is a surfer/skier/golfer and family man. My standing joke is “Golf is life…the rest are details!”

HL What is your proudest achievement?
MG Our last sale!

HL If you weren’t in real estate sales you would be:
MG Max would be pitching for the San Francisco Giants and I would be touring with the LPGA.

HL What are your predictions for the local market in 2010?
MA Spring market in San Francisco is always the best!

Tracy & Mark McLaughlin
The Perfect Union

With more than $800 million sold, Tracy McLaughlin has been named one of Marin’s top real estate agents for six years running. She just closed 2009 with the same ranking. The beauty began her career in front of the camera as a reporter/anchor for various NBC affiliates around the country; a background in communication that has been a real asset in her ability to present properties, understand clients, and successfully negotiate transactions. What’s more, her experience in design and construction, which was garnered by purchasing and renovating some 20 properties ranging in price from $1 million to $7 million, provides useful insight for both buyers and sellers. In 2006, Tracy and her husband Mark opened Morgan Lane Marin offices throughout Marin County. In August of 2009, they purchased Pacific Union/Christies Great Estates, with 17 offices throughout the regional Bay Area.

Haute Living Where are you from originally?
Tracy McLaughlin Mark was born in North Carolina. I was born in San Francisco.

HL How long have you lived in San Francisco? What neighborhood?
TM We both grew up in Ross and have lived in the Ross area for the past 13 years. We love the community!

HL When did you first become interested in a career in real estate? What about it sparked your interest?
TM Mark has a long-standing history of commercial real estate management and technology in real estate. He began his real estate career in the early 90s. I started selling real estate approximately 13 years ago. We started Morgan Lane Marin in 2006 and purchased Pacific Union in August of 2009. We became interested in real estate because of the dynamics associated with trading homes. Homes can be such an expression of one’s self! They are the one environment someone can really control through their expression of design and taste. Homes are also where people raise families and celebrate life’s accomplishments. Selling an asset that is so personal to people is a very intimate experience. We were drawn to this business due to all of these dynamics that surround the acquisition of a home.

HL What was the first big sale that you closed in the luxury market?
TM It depends on how you define “luxury,” but probably a sale for $5.5 million back in 2002.

HL Who taught you the tricks of the trade in luxury real estate? What are some of the lessons that you learned?
TM I am mostly self-taught. I’ve learned by listening to my clients’ needs and prioritizing those needs over all else. Having your finger on the pulse of what a client wants or needs is the key to being successful in our business. I’ve also learned that when you are good to your peers, it always comes back to you. Having the trust and respect of your peers is incredibly important in our business.

HL What is the secret to succeeding in the San Francisco
real estate market?
TM I really sell primarily in Marin County. However, the secret to succeeding here is to really know and understand what you are selling, and to always, always put your clients’ interests first.

HL What is it about the Bay Area that is attractive to those seeking a luxury lifestyle?
TM So many of my clients define luxury by the way that they spend their free time. For many of my clients, free time is their greatest asset. For that reason, I feel that one of the greatest attractions to living here really has to do with all of the recreational opportunities that present themselves. Our immediate access to the wine country, Lake Tahoe, the ocean, and all of the sophistication of San Francisco is very hard to find anywhere else in the country.

HL What are some annual cultural/social events that would appeal to Haute Living readers?
TM I love the Sonoma Jazz Fest, which was founded by the same person who started the Aspen Jazz Fest. It attracts great musicians from around the world. I also love the Fall Antiques Show. Locally, the annual Ross Valley Women’s League “Adopt A Family” party is a wonderful venue to support a very good local charity, catch up with friends, and make new ones.

HL Where is the first place you would take an out-of-town visitor and why?
TM I love to take my clients to the San Francisco Yacht Club in Belvedere. It is so relaxing to sit on the deck and enjoy the stunning views of the water and San Francisco. My out-of-town clients are always sold on Marin as soon as they have lunch there!

HL Where are the best luxury shopping venues in San Francisco?
TM Union Square, Sacramento Street, and Fillmore Street.

HL The last place you went for fine dining?
TM Aqua with Mr. Chris Condy.

HL You never leave home without…
TM My three children and my cell phone.

HL Your favorite Friday night out?
TM A dinner party with close friends in Ross.

HL Describe San Francisco in three words:
TM World-class, sophisticated, and beautiful.

HL If you weren’t in real estate sales, you would be…
TM A television newscaster again.

HL When not selling properties, what is your favorite pastime?
TM Spending time with our children skiing in the mountains.

HL What is something that people would be surprised to find out about you?
TM That I was an on-air report/anchor for various NBC affiliates around the country.

HL What are your predictions for the local market in 2010?
TM I believe that we will see greater confidence on the part of buyers in the marketplace this year. We have continued record-low interest rates with fantastic buying opportunities at significantly reduced prices compared to two years ago. This should result in a bit of an upturn in volume for 2010.

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