In a not-too-distant past life, Jason Oppenheim, president of the Oppenheim Group brokerage in West Hollywood, was an L.A. attorney representing the former CEO of Enron Corporation in the controversial Enron criminal trial.
He left that life to join the family brokerage founded by his great-great grandfather in 1889. At Oppenheim Group, he works alongside — though not always in agreement with — his identical twin brother, Brett Oppenheim.
Since making the jump into real estate, Jason Oppenheim has notched multimillion-dollar sales across L.A.’s most desirable neighborhoods for a list of clients that includes Taye Diggs and Idina Menzel. His recent deals have included an $8.4 million home in Beverly Hills and a $55,000 a month lease in the Hollywood Hills. The Real Deal sat down with the agent, who has appeared on Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing” and ABC’s “Beautiful Homes & Great Estates,” to chat about celebrity sales, where the luxury market is headed and what it’s like to work with his twin.
DOB: April 12, 1977
Hometown: San Francisco
Family: Single, no children
What was your most recent celebrity transaction?
I am closing on a property in a couple of days for a young actress Chloe Moretz.
Is she the buyer or seller?
Buyer.
What has it been like to work with her?
She has been great. I’ve been working with her and her family, an unbelievably thoughtful and easy-going family. They’ve been very responsive. They are also very sophisticated, which makes my job easier.
What’s the property?
It’s in the Hollywood Hills. It’s a very large and privately gated property, which is typical for celebrities.
What was your biggest real estate deal?
My largest is a $90 million listing, consisting of a half a block on Canon Drive in the Beverly Hills triangle. It’s a commercial development opportunity.
What’s your favorite area of Los Angeles?
Hollywood Hills.
Why?
I live in the Hollywood Hills myself and the people who live in the area are young and relatable. I find that I end up becoming very close friends with my clients who I work with in this area.
Where is L.A.’s luxury real estate market going?
I’d say sideways and slightly up. I think we’re entering into a period of stability. I don’t expect to see crazy price increases. I think we’ll see some stable price increases, which is indicative of a healthy marketplace.
Who’s your customer from hell?
I’ve been pretty lucky.
What keeps you awake at night?
I sleep pretty well.
What makes you unique?
I am not easily satisfied. I keep trying to strive to become a better agent.
Which do you prefer: New York or L.A.?
Those are my two favorite cities. I like to live in L.A. and visit New York.
What must people know in order to truly know you?
I work with my identical twin brother Brett Oppenheim at the brokerage. He’s also a lawyer and broker.
Do you ever argue?
Yes.
About what?
Everything.
What’s that like?
We’re best friends, but we’re both stubborn and neither of us is shy about expressing our opinion. We’re both intelligent and that leads to a lot of arguments. We’re both very expressive. It’s good because I respect his opinion, so when we agree about something, it makes me very comfortable and confident with that decision.
When do you plan to retire?
Not for a long time. I think it would be when I find that I am no longer am happy, but I can’t imagine that.