The Hollywood Reporter has released its list of the top Los Angeles real estate brokers, showcasing agents who excelled despite market challenges.
The Hollywood Reporter recently unveiled its annual list of the top Los Angeles real estate brokers, identifying 37 standout professionals who navigated a challenging market in 2026. This list highlights agents who have thrived amidst wildfire recovery and an overall market malaise, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in their strategies.
Many agents recognized in the report noted significant accomplishments during a year marked by adversity. High-profile figures like Josh Altman, Matt Altman, and Heather Altman collectively closed over $1 billion in deals from July 2025 to July 2026. They achieved remarkable sales, including a mansion in Encino that sold for $25 million and a high-profile listing for a Hollywood Hills property previously owned by Jeff Franklin, the creator of Full House.
The report also cites the efforts of Chris Cortazzo, who has been pivotal in the recovery of Malibu’s real estate after recent wildfires. With $815 million in sales over the past year, he holds a notable listing for a Mediterranean mansion priced at $90 million. Cortazzo highlighted the absence of a mansion tax in Malibu as a significant advantage in the luxury market.
The brokers featured have employed innovative strategies to navigate the current marketplace. Rochelle Atlas Maize, for instance, emphasized the importance of media in real estate, achieving major sales including the legendary "Roxbury Estate" in Beverly Hills for $22.5 million. Meanwhile, the duo Jack Harris and Michael Fahimian pointed out that they possess the world’s most expensive listing, the $400 million Chalon Estate in Bel-Air, highlighting the trend towards prioritizing wellness amenities in luxury homes.
The report illustrates a variety of perspectives on the market's state. While some agents see potential for recovery and growth, others, like realtor Juliette Hohnen, warn sellers to adjust their expectations based on the current economic environment, citing misalignments in perceived home values compared to current market conditions.
Social media has played a key role in the successes of many top brokers this year. Agents like Aaron Kirman and Sal Forster Jones have leveraged their online presence to secure significant sales, while also representing high-profile clients from the entertainment industry. Kirman reported $912 million in sales and secured a notable sale of $47 million for a Beverly Hills estate.
He has also expanded Christie's operations to more than 300 agents, showcasing the dynamic and competitive nature of L.A.’s luxury real estate landscape.
The Hollywood Reporter's list will be honored in conjunction with the 6th Annual Power Broker Awards, scheduled for September 16, 2026. The awards are conferred based on year-over-year sales figures and the prestige associated with the properties brokers manage. Notable nominees include experts from agencies such as The Agency, Sotheby's, and Compass, showcasing the competitive spirit and elite status of L.A.'s real estate professionals.
The 2026 roster of top L.A. real estate brokers serves as both an acknowledgment of individual successes and a snapshot of the evolving landscape of luxury real estate in the region. As markets adjust to economic conditions and consumer preferences shift, these brokers may continue to redefine traditional practices and set new benchmarks for success. For further insights into the evolving entertainment and real estate markets, see our recent articles on the upcoming Emmys and announcements from Dave Chappelle's fall arena tour.
For more details on the brokers and the Power Broker Awards, visit The Hollywood Reporter.
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