By Adriana Ermter
With a tagline on their corporate website that reads, “Your window to the world’s finest real estate,” and a descriptor that says, “The Agency is defined by its strength of character, rebellious spirit and passion for reinvention,” it’s pretty clear the bustling real estate firm offers clients a fresh, unique experience when it comes to buying and selling luxury homes. And now, with a new office in York Region, Th e Agency is expanding their offerings to clients looking to move into the highly desirable area north of Toronto.
“When serving our clients, we really strive to treat their transaction and their homes like our own,” says Niusha Walker, the broker and managing partner for The Agency’s York Region office located on Keele Street in King City . “We’re a solid ambassador of Th e Agency brand. Our clients come first, and our ethics reflect that. We’re punctual, professional and we provide luxury, white-glove service, regardless of the price point,” she says.
The brand — designed by real estate agents for real estate agents — was founded in 2011 in Beverly Hills by Billy Rose and Mauricio Umansky , who is also the company’s CEO and best known for appearing on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Buying Beverly Hills. The duo has carefully cultivated a workplace that puts character and culture over suits and ties—Rose and Umansky have created both a philosophy and an environment that empowers their agents to share their collective knowledge and influence with one another. Th is attitude has helped to bolster the billion-dollar brokerage’s roots — it now has a worldwide presence in hotspots such as Las Vegas, Maui, New York City , Naples, Silicon Valley, the Hamptons and Toronto. “It was a very strategic decision to open in York Region,” says Walker. “Ultimately, our goal is to better serve this blossoming community.”
“AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE OFFER THE TRUE LUXURY EXPERIENCE. WE TAKE THE TIME TO GENUINELY KNOW AND UNDERSTAND OUR CLIENTS, WHAT THEY WANT AND NEED.”
An award-winning real estate professional with more than 10 years of experience in property investing, Walker has been a-not-so-secret admirer of the luxury brand since its inception. Two years ago, when The Agency opened in Waterloo, her wheels started turning. She grew particularly interested after observing industry veterans Steve and Katia Bailey’s success as the managing partners and broker of record for The Agency in Waterloo, Oakville, Brantford, Toronto West and Muskoka. Realizing it was now or never, Walker took a chance and reached out to the brand’s Los Angeles-based headquarters. Not only did she request franchise information, but she was also introduced to the Baileys, who she felt an organic connection with. “Both The Agency and the Baileys have their system down to a science; they run a well-oiled machine,” explains Walker. “I knew this brand was going to be the perfect fit for both me and my clients. Growing up in this community and still residing here, I saw there was a gap in York Region and I wanted to close it. We’re going to have a very strong presence here. We’re so excited to paint the town red!”
This presence includes authentic teamwork with nary a traditional methodology. The boutique-style modern brokerage’s system is to share, not withhold, enabling the York Region office to tap into all its real estate agents, clients and home listings — from Mexico, Europe and the Caribbean to across the United States and Canada and beyond. The office also has access to an in-house graphic designer and creative team, public relations professionals, marketing tools, a database of photography, as well as social media experts — all help agents provide superior service to their clients.
“At the end of the day, we offer the true luxury experience,” says Walker. “First and foremost, our current roster of agents answer their phones. It sounds simple, but we never make anyone wait. We take the time to genuinely know and understand our clients, what they want and need. We dig deep. We provide superior solutions, and we offer even better homes.”
NIUSHA WALKER : BROKER & MANAGING PARTNER, THE AGENCY YORK REGION