Movers: Marcus Skenderian returns to Compass

Marcus Skenderian, a residential broker working in Laguna Beach since 2005, is rejoining the publicly listed brokerage Compass during a pivotal year for the company.

Skenderian worked for Compass for about two years, leaving in February 2021, according to his LinkedIn page. As a broker associate at Marcus Skenderian Real Estate, he has specialized in luxury real estate at Coldwell Banker Realty since then.

Now Skenderian is bringing his five-person team, which closed $63 million in sales last year, back to Compass. They plan to open a brick-and-mortar office in Laguna Beach in July, at a time of great macroeconomic uncertainty and as decades-long industry practices are challenged.

“With his deep understanding of the local market and firm dedication to his community, we could not be happier to have Marcus and his team return home to Compass,” said Compass CEO Robert Reffkin in a statement.

“Covid taught us to be as efficient as possible with as little interaction as possible,” Skenderian told TRD about the addition of the in-person office. “Yes, efficiencies grew, but human connection shrank — we’re in the relationship business.” 

After one of his group’s best years on record in 2023, Skendarian is less optimistic about this year so far.

“Hate to say it, but from a production standpoint, not as productive as last year,” he said. “So it’s a perfect year for a change, fine-tuning and transition back to Compass.”

Skenderian is not the only broker making his way to Compass.

➤Daniel Lowe of Green Room LA, who closed $25.3 million in sales last year, has returned to Compass Beverly Hills from Side.

➤Richard Wilkinson and Stephanie van Ostrander, both of Wilkinson Properties Group, are back at Compass after about a year at The Agency, according to their LinkedIn profiles. 

➤Ben Salem, who closed $22.9 million in sales last year, has joined Compass Calabasas after more than 21 years at Rodeo Realty.

➤Anne Stark, who spent more than four years at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties and had $20 million in sales in 2023, has affiliated with Compass Palm Desert.

➤Kristi Davalos has joined Compass after a decade at eXp Realty of California.

➤Heather Gapik and Aaron Mills, whose combined transaction volume was $21.8 million last year, have affiliated with Compass in Newport Beach, along with their team from Reliance RE.

Douglas Elliman also announced new additions to its brokerage team.

➤Katherine Johnson will join the firm’s Newport Beach office from HomeSmart Evergreen Realty. Johnson will cover Ladera Ranch, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Laguna Beach neighborhoods.

➤Ashley and Jamie Camp of Team Camp Sisters Real Estate will set up shop at Douglas Elliman’s Malibu office after two and three years at The Agency, respectively. 

➤Abel Sanchez is the Newport Beach office, focusing on the North Tustin, San Clemente, Coto de Caza, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach markets.

Aaron Kirman’s AKG Christie’s International has added several new affiliations this year.

➤Scott Moore of the Scott Moore Group has joined AKG Christie’s, focusing on Santa Monica, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Bel-Air, Holmby Hills, Cheviot Hills and Mar Vista.

➤Omar Helmand, who has closed more than $700 million over the course of his career, joined AKG Christie’s International’s Beverly Hills office.

Beverly Hills Estates, the boutique brokerage run by Branden and Rayni Williams, has grown with the addition of several new brokers.

➤Camellia Yeroomian, who has been at The Agency for four years, has joined Beverly Hills Estates.

➤Andreas Elsenhans, who sold the 1898 Rising Glen Road property last month in the Bird Streets for $63 million, joined from Westside Estate Agency.

➤Ryan Murphy, who is also joining from WEA, will focus on the Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Bel-Air, Calabasas and Hidden Hills markets.