Like most successful working relationships, the matchup between real estate agents Blair Chang and Sam Palmer of the Agency happened organically. “I met Sam years ago when he came to see a listing I had in Mandeville Canyon,” Chang recalls. Palmer, who was born and raised in England, was looking for a new home to share with his wife, British heiress Petra Ecclestone, and their growing family (they were currently living in The Manor, the famed Holmby Hills residence of television producer Aaron Spelling, and wanted to downsize). The Mandeville Canyon home—a 19,000-square-foot contemporary masterpiece that Chang would sell for a record-breaking $65 million—proved too big, but years later Chang sold them the beautiful Brentwood estate where they currently reside. Soon after, Palmer joined the Agency and the two began working together.
“I think what’s great is that we both work separately, but we help each other whenever we can,” Palmer says. “Blair has so much more experience, especially in this market, so to work with someone with his expertise and access to off markets has been incredible.”
Chang has an impressive history in Los Angeles: after graduating from Pepperdine University and working in fashion and advertising, he began his real estate career in his hometown of San Marino before moving his business to Beverly Hills a year later. In 2005, Chang partnered with Billy Rose to form Rose + Chang, an architecturally forward agency that amassed a wealth of A-list clients. Then, in September 2011, the pair joined forces with Mauricio Umansky to found the Agency, which quickly became one of the top brokerage firms in Los Angeles, then the US and now perhaps the world.
Chang is also a proud westsider, having resided in Pacific Palisades for the last nine years with his wife, LeAnne Thrasher-Chang, and their two boys. Unfortunately, the family lost their home like so many others in their beloved community during the January wildfires. Now, while Chang is himself displaced and working through the process of planning his next steps, he is committed to helping others do the same. “We’ve been talking to a lot of people. We want to be of service,” Chang explains. “Can we give you referrals, can we connect you with anybody? I really want to help make the process easier and more efficient, and be there for this community that has given so much to me.”
Chang and Palmer both believe that the Palisades will return stronger than ever. “Five years from now, it will be one of the best communities again, if not better, with the new infrastructure,” Chang says. “I think it will be the best place to live in the United States,” Palmer adds. “It’s going to be the only new town in an already desirable area, right by the beach in the most idyllic destination.”
In the meantime, they point to the now white-hot market in Brentwood and the surrounding areas. “The market is really, really strong, especially for houses that are done,” says Chang. “We’ve seen a lot of displaced families who may not want to rebuild, and if they are looking for a new house, they want to destress. People are not looking to do a bunch of work right now—they want to move in and be happy.”
Chang currently has a number of notable properties that fit this profile. There is, for example, a six-bedroom, seven-bathroom traditional-style estate on Westridge Road in Mandeville Canyon that is listed for $15.9 million. Secluded behind gates on a sprawling flat lot, the home was reimagined by Harrison Architects and features a French stone entryway, light-filled interiors and vaulted ceilings—outside, lush landscaping includes walking paths, a koi pond, olive trees, a swimming pool and bocce court. In Rustic Canyon, meanwhile, a custom-built sanctuary by acclaimed architect Bill Neburka features organic materials and sinuous curves, and sits on over an acre with a 60-foot saline lap pool surrounded by sycamores and the soothing sounds of a nearby creek. Although technically off market, its asking price is $27 million.
And then there is the Bonhill Estate, a 17,000-square-foot residence that is the first ground-up development in LA by internationally acclaimed AD100 Hall of Fame architecture and design firm Ingrao Inc. “It is absolutely mind-blowing,” Palmer says of the seven-bedroom, 14-bathroom home, which was inspired by the Getty, built of travertine and limestone and is listed for $46 million. Set behind a seven-foot-tall gated drive on an impressive 29,000-square-foot lot, the residence features a state-of-the-art movie theater, indoor and outdoor bars, a wellness center with a gym, sauna, steam room and cold plunge, a swimming pool and pool house and an oversized, grassy lawn. Upstairs, the primary suite has dual bathrooms and walk-in closets and a massive balcony, while above a rooftop deck offers sweeping 360-degree city and ocean views. The interior furnishings—designed by Ingrao in sophisticated Park Avenue style—are also available for those who want something completely turn-key. “This house is perfect for a family—I love that it isn’t a bachelor pad,” Palmer says. “It’s for a sophisticated client who has already lived in lovely homes and understands this level of craftsmanship and luxury.”
As usual for these record-breaking agents, Chang and Palmer should have no problem finding the perfect buyer. “I think we are different than other big agents in that we are very involved on a personal level,” says Chang. “We pride ourselves on this approach.” Palmer also points to their social media expertise (he has more than 30,000 followers on Instagram), YouTube channels and commitment to first-class photography and videography as being key to their success. “We are representing the most beautiful homes in the world,” Palmer says. “And when you are working with houses of this level, you have to invest in the best.”
Blair Chang, 424-230-3703; blairchang.com
Sam Palmer, 310-925-3337; sampalmerestates.com
"The market is really, really strong, especially for houses that are done. People are not looking to do a lot of work right now."