The Agency’s Santiago Arana is among the most respected professionals in the industry. Ranked among the #6 real estate agents in the country, Santiago has closed over $4 billion in real estate since joining The Agency in 2014. Most recently, Santiago, along with Founder Mauricio Umansky, has teamed up to support sales efforts at One Coast, now exclusively representing two of One Coast’s oceanfront homes: Townhome 702 and Townhome 801. In the below Q&A, Santiago shares why he chose to live in The Palisades, his insight on 2022 home trends, details on his two listings at One Coast, and much more.
You moved from Bolivia to LA at 23, started off as a waiter and now you’re a billion-dollar producing top real estate agent that represents the city’s most extraordinary homes and A-list clients. Can you shed some light on this journey for our readers?
I can now say that I am very grateful to this country and that the American dream exists. Having a goal and a clear vision — and working very hard to keep that goal in front of you at all times — allows you to be and achieve anything that you set your mind to.
We hear you’re quite the chef. What are your go-to meals to cook at home?
Being from South America, I am very big on grilling just about everything, such as meat and fish, but I also like cooking pasta and seafood — especially linguine vongole.
What are your favorite restaurants in Pacific Palisades? In Los Angeles?
My favorite restaurant in The Palisades is Pearl Dragon, which has a great atmosphere and serves really delicious sushi, burgers and creative cocktails. My favorite in all of Los Angeles would have to be Girogio Baldi, an excellent seaside Italian restaurant, or Nobu for its famed Japanese cuisine, of course.
We understand that you live in Pacific Palisades. How long have you lived here? What drew you to the area?
I have lived in Pacific Palisades for 11 years now. Raising a young family, I was drawn to The Palisades because of its school, parks, community living and proximity to the beach.
What do you love most about Pacific Palisades?
Proximity to the beach and the lifestyle.
One Coast is known for its city-meets-coast locale. Why do you think that is?
I think that is for the same reason I love Pacific Palisades — proximity to the beach. One Coast is a representation of what the Pacific Palisades lifestyle is — community, views, access to great hiking trails, parks, and an excellent school district.
We hear that you love getting active outdoors. What are some of your favorite trails in Pacific Palisades?
Los Liones hike in the Santa Monica Mountains and Temescal Canyon Trail.
We understand that Synergy International School is a cause near and dear to you heart. Can you tell us more about this charity and why it means so much to you?
It means so much to me because it integrates children with different educational needs together at a very early age. It’s a nonprofit run by incredible people. Children in Guatemala, Bolivia, and other third-world countries are victims of being recruited as early as 10-years-old by cartels, street gangs, human traffickers, etc and this school fights against that. I am currently raising money to build a new school for them. If you’d like to donate, here is the link.
Last year, you earned the title of the Inman Golden Top Luxury Agent in the country. How did it feel to receive this prestigious recognition?
I felt very honored and accomplished to be recognized by such a great organization because I love what I do and I work very hard.
Can you tell us about your two exclusive listings at One Coast?
Mauricio Umansky and I represent Townhomes 701 and Townhome 802. Both homes offer an incredible opportunity for a family, a young professional couple or empty nesters. There are very few opportunities to own a brand-new home of this caliber in The Palisades. With top-of-the-line finishes, ocean views and rooftop terraces, these beautiful townhomes make it easy to enjoy the Pacific Palisades lifestyle.
Townhome 801 is a 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom ocean view home with a veranda and 2,146-square-foot rooftop terrace. Offered at $4,370,000.
Townhome 702 is a 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom ocean view home with a veranda and a rooftop terrace. Offered at $4,350,000.
Being one of the top-producing real estate agents on LA’s Westside, and specifically in Pacific Palisades, what do you believe are One Coast’s top selling points?
One Coast is a brand-new gated community that offers a manned private gatehouse, unrivaled privacy, views and close proximity to beach. These features are among the many aspects that make One Coast a compelling offering to most discerning homebuyers.
One Coast enjoys sweeping ocean-to-mountain vistas. Do you have a favorite view? Ocean, city or mountains?
I like all three, but if I have to choose, combo of city and ocean is my favorite.
Can you speak to current Los Angeles real estate trends? Are the trends of 2021 here to stay?
I think that trends in 2022 are already similar to 2021.
What do you predict LA homebuyers will prioritize in 2022?
Location and quality of product.
How does One Coast meet the needs and wants of both primary and secondary homebuyers?
Primary homebuyers will find all everything needed in a home to live – and enjoy – full time. With One Coast’s lock-and-leave comforts and manned private gatehouse, secondary homebuyers can easily travel back and forth with total peace of mind.
Do you have any advice specific to buyers seeking coastal living in California?
Yes – buy in The Palisades.
Can you share your best piece of real estate advice?
Buy now, don’t wait for the “perfect time.”
