The Wheels Keep Turning: How LA’s Real Estate Market Stays Revved Up Amid Headwinds

As wildfires rage and uncertainty lingers, one might expect the usually scorching Los Angeles real estate market to sputter out. Yet, despite facing some of its toughest challenges yet, the city’s top brokers continue to thrive, defying expectations with sales figures that would make even the most seasoned industry insiders do a double take.

The Altman Brothers Team has proven once again why they’re one of the most formidable forces in LA real estate. Between July 2025 and July 2026, they secured an astonishing $1 billion in deals, including the record-breaking sale of a $25 million mansion in Encino’s Royal Oaks neighborhood – a feat that cements their status as the undisputed kings of the LA luxury market.

Cindy Ambuehl, former actor turned powerhouse broker, has racked up an impressive $355.9 million in sales year-to-year. Her standout deals include the sale of David E. Kelley and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Pacific Palisades estate for a cool $25 million. “There is real momentum returning to the Westside,” she says.

Santiago Arana, known as the ultimate closer, continues to make waves with his unparalleled ability to seal deals. His recent sale of an $8.15 million beach house in Malibu to Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff serves as a testament to his unwavering confidence: “I genuinely believe this is one of the best times to be a buyer in Los Angeles,” he says.

The success of these top brokers cannot be attributed to a single factor. The Altman brothers’ uncanny ability to read the market, Cindy Ambuehl’s Midas touch when it comes to high-end sales, and Santiago Arana’s knack for sniffing out hidden gems all contribute to their enduring success. Whatever the secret ingredient may be, one thing is clear: these top brokers have proven themselves to be more than just weather vanes – they’re the true engines driving LA’s real estate market forward.

As the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of wildfires and global uncertainty, it remains to be seen whether this success will eventually come crashing down. For now, however, the wheels keep turning, and these top brokers are poised to stay ahead of the curve – no matter what challenges lie ahead.