Jason Oppenheim is one of the top real estate agents in LA - and now he’s taken this reputation to Orange County.
To say that Oppenheim leads a busy life would be an understatement. The magnate boasts five seasons of Selling Sunset under his belt, two seasons in progress, the new release of Selling The OC, buying and renting his own properties, looking after his dogs Niko and Zelda (or ‘kiddos’ as he likes to call them), and running one of the most successful brokerages in LA.
But that’s all good fun for the property mogul: “I enjoy working, speaking with my clients, and hanging out with my agents, so it’s not like I’m stressed out and need a break from what I’m doing. I think it’s so rewarding when you match a property to an owner and they’re very happy and excited, that is the most beautiful thing to me.”
It seems selling houses is second nature for Oppenheim, and the numbers speak for themselves. Since opening his brokerage nine years ago, they’ve sold a staggering $2 billion in real estate, working with everyone from Orlando Bloom, to Dakota Johnson, to Simu Liu, to name a few. He’s the guiding force with his twin brother Brett - all you need to do is look at Davina’s famously unsold $75 million listing, which he advised against taking, to see his aptitude for real estate.
He’s no stranger to the spotlight himself. Whilst in previous seasons he’s not been at the heart of the drama, his relationship with Chrishell Stause was a major storyline for season five, as well as Christine’s reportedly amicable exit from the show after ruffling many a feather prior to leaving.
So, we caught up with Oppenheim to discuss the new season of Selling The OC, his top tips for Londoners, as well as the things he can’t live without.
What have you been up to recently?
I just took a Europe vacation so I’m very relaxed. We’re now filming season six and seven of Selling Sunset, which will hopefully involve a couple of trips, potentially to Europe or Mexico, and I’m really looking forward to the release of Selling The OC. I’m also considering opening a new office and there’s a lot of real estate going between the two offices. I have a lot going on.
Are you used to selling houses in OC or is it a new thing for you?
Yeah it’s new, but I love it - it’s my second office ever. There’s a lot to learn about the real estate market down there, and it’s actually a higher price point per square foot than it is in LA which was shocking to me. I like new challenges and endeavors. The agents are performing excellently. I’ve got a house down there, it’s like a second home to me. My kiddos love it.
Do you have a favourite property you’ve ever sold?
There was a property at 7000 Macapa that I sold. It’s a contemporary wood cabin that’s super private, at the end of a caul de sac, with great land, a great view, and super iconic. It was built by Harry Gesner, a very well known architect and is a one of a kind house. I love unique homes.
What’s your favourite thing about your home?
I have several homes that I live in but also rent out. Something about any home that I appreciate is the scale of the property - I love a large open floor plan with the pool coming off the same level. And I like timeless architecture.
Which of your homes is your favourite?
It would have to be my larger home in the Hollywood Hills that I spent a couple of years remodelling for myself.
How would you describe your personal aesthetic?
It varies, as long as its timeless. I like mid-century modern, industrial chic, barn houses, even Cape Cod. I really like any architectural style that stands the test of time.
Who is your favourite architect?
Richard Neutra and Marmol Radziner are two of my favourites. Mostly the architects that were building in the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
If you lived in London, what area would you choose?
I like Mayfair, I like Marylebone, I was all over London a few weeks ago and just about everywhere was gorgeous but those were my favorites - I also liked the Hyde Park area. The walking is amazing.
What are your tips for people when buying houses here?
You have a lot of flats out there, so if you don’t have land, then it’s all about finishes and environment. I like to be protected from noise so that would be my concern, especially in older buildings. If it were me buying, I’d focus a lot on if the building were insulated from noise, the quality of neighbours, construction nearby, and if you can hear people in the hallways.
What are your tips for people when selling houses here?
Presentation. I don’t know what you do in terms of staging, but when you’re dealing with a flat it’s not hard to present it well. I’d focus on getting appropriate furniture and artwork into the property. Not having an esoteric colour palette, and instead doing something safe that wouldn’t put anyone off.
How do you create time for yourself?
I enjoy working, speaking with my clients, and hanging out with my agents, so it's not like I’m stressed out and need a break from what I’m doing. I make sure I go to the gym everyday, have lunch with my team, and I try to get home to take a couple of hours to myself at night to play with my kiddos and watch some TV which helps me decompress. And I go out a lot with my friends, that helps me recharge.
