How L.A.'s Real Estate Power Players Mobilized in the Wake of Wildfires

While thousands of Angelenos were left feeling uncertain about the future, these real estate industry leaders stepped up to assist the community in finding a sense of home.

24227 Bridle Trail Road is for sale in Calabasas— listed by Aaron Kirman of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California; PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

A Los Angeles saw some of the most destructive fires in history this January, overtaking thousands of acres of land and property in the Palisades, Malibu and Altadena. Of the overall structural damage, it is estimated that almost 12,000 buildings destroyed were homes—leaving thousands of L.A. residents displaced. Finding a property in a time of crisis can be overwhelming, to say the least, and by no means easy. To alleviate this unimaginable burden, Los Angeles-based real estate agents stepped up to the cause to help clients navigate the market and find a place to meet their long-term needs.

From the moment the fires broke out, real estate agents were already making calls to clients to see how they could help. “At first, people didn’t know how bad it was going to get, and I think many assumed they would be returning home shortly,” states Carl Gambino, a luxury real estate agent and founder of Gambino Group at Compass. “By the third night, we were pulling all-nighters trying to match clients to available properties,” he continued.

Carl Gambino of Gambino Group Compass; PHOTO BY GARRET LOBAUGH

With safety being the No. 1 priority for Los Angeles-based agencies, finding housing for displaced residents was an immediate second. Gambino strongly urged those seeking housing to look beyond what’s available online and reach out to a trusted agent—they often have the most up-to-date listings and information. “An experienced agent can help identify safe, practical options while ensuring compliance with these regulations,” points out CEO and founder of The Agency, Mauricio Umansky. “Many landlords and property owners are willing to offer flexible lease terms for displaced families, so it’s important to ask about short-term options,” Umansky notes. To help make the process even more accessible to agents and displaced residents, brokers across the county also put together an online, searchable database of the most up-to-date leases.

Aaron Kirman of Christies International Real Estate Southern California; PHOTO BY RICH SCHMITT

After all, acting fast is one of the unfortunate realities of navigating the market after a natural disaster. “The wildfires have made a major impact on sales and rentals because we are dealing with a scarcity economy,” explains Gambino. “But the areas most impacted are Brentwood and Santa Monica because those who have been displaced don’t want to go too far from what they are used to,” adds Aaron Kirman, CEO and owner of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California. To mitigate these challenges, Pasadena-based Compass agent Kawika Hiroshige advises, “submitting multiple rental applications for viable options is the most effective approach.” On the other hand, agents have also seen a rise in the number of residents moving beyond L.A. into Orange County and even other major cities like New York City and Miami as rents and housing prices continue to skyrocket.

Kawika Hiroshige of Compass; PHOTO BY ADI ORUCEVIC

Though illegal, property price gouging—when homes and rentals exceed a 10% increase in price from what was previously advertised—still ran rampant throughout the county. Agents urge residents to be cautious of this and lean on their representatives for support. For Umansky and The Agency, “We have taken a firm stance against price gouging and unethical practices, where myself and many of our top agents, including Ben Belack and Jon Grauman, have signed a letter to the city urging for stronger protections and support for fire victims, as we need to ensure those in need have access to affordable housing.” Those who notice price gouging can report their findings to the Los Angeles County Consumer and Business Affairs.

Mauricio Umansky of The Agency; PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AGENCY

For those opting to stay in Los Angeles, homeowners are seeking extra precautionary measures in the properties they choose.

“We’ve seen increased interest in properties with fire-resistant features such as metal roofs, cleared defensible spaces and state-of-the-art sprinkler systems,” Umansky shares. “Beyond specific home features, buyers are also prioritizing homes in areas with better evacuation routes and lower fire risk.”

While agents were busy securing the keys for displaced residents, many still found the time to give back to the community in other ways. Gambino launched the Gambino Group’s Complimentary Concierge Relocation Service to connect clients with vetted resources from art handlers to pediatricians—hopefully alleviating the stress of everyday needs.

2924 Montcalm Ave., Hollywood Hills—a famous 1939 John Woolf-designed home—listed by Gambino Group; PHOTO BY TIM STREET-PORTER

Fundraising was another overarching cause for the real estate industry, with The Agency raising over $50,000 to support those who lost their homes and the team at Douglas Elliman hosting a fundraising campaign for the American Red Cross to provide everyday essentials to those affected. As for Hiroshige, his team planned a Jam for L.A. Jazz Festival in February at South Coast Winery in Temecula—with all proceeds going toward community recovery efforts for the Eaton Fire.

It wasn’t just agents, either. Real estate investor and film producer Anita Verma-Lallian and Jay Shetty hosted a star-studded Together for LA fundraiser that raised over half a million dollars for Baby2Baby’s LA Wildfire Relief Efforts—a firm reminder of Los Angeles’ philanthropic spirit and ability to come together in times of need.

Listed by Aaron Kirman at Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California, 25151 Jim Bridger Road, Hidden Hills sits on over 50,000 square feet of land—offering ultra-luxe amenities and unobstructed views of a protected nature preserve; PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

“If you are purchasing a new home, examine your insurance policy carefully and verify it will cover costs to rebuild or replace items based on your current costs.”–CARL GAMBINO

As the community moves forward slowly but surely, the real estate industry is already thinking of ways for their clients, as well as themselves, to be aptly prepared for the future. “If you are purchasing a new home, examine your insurance policy carefully and verify it will cover costs to rebuild or replace items based on current costs. We would advise clients to videotape everything in their homes and have an evacuation plan in place,” voices Gambino. “If you live in a fire-prone area, I suggest consulting with professionals about how to take steps now to protect your home—for example—clearing vegetation, investing in fire-resistant materials and having an emergency evacuation plan can make all the difference,” Umansky urges.

What the industry can all agree on, though, is the unwavering power of community. When disaster strikes, there are people to help, from real estate professionals to restaurants, nonprofits, local organizations and businesses and most importantly, the people closest to you. “Get to know your neighbors,” Gambino says. “In times of crisis, you may need to rely on each other.”