Amandine Ferla, a figure of refinement and expertise in prestigious real estate, stands out for her unique career. Originally from France, she has built an international career combining finance, interior design and real estate.

Her atypical path, between finance, interior design and real estate, has allowed her to develop a unique and holistic approach. “Each stage of my career has been a challenge and an opportunity to grow, while remaining true to my vision,” she shares. From the renovation of apartments in Paris to the transformation of a hotel in Saint-Tropez, each project has enriched her outlook and refined her understanding of the expectations of a demanding clientele. “Understanding the specific needs of a cosmopolitan clientele is at the heart of my job,” she confides.

Now based in Los Angeles, within the Sotheby’s agency in Beverly Hills, Amandine supports investors and individuals. “For me, each transaction is not just a matter of numbers, but a real human story,” she insists. Amandine takes the time to thank each customer for the trust they place in her, to welcome them to their new home, a warm gesture which demonstrates her commitment to making this moment unique, whether it is a purchase or of a sale. To mark this key moment, she offers a personalized gift, such as DreamLand, the book of Martine Laing dedicated, for French-speaking customers. “It’s my way of saying thank you and celebrating this important milestone with them, whether they’re starting a new beginning or closing a chapter,” she explains. This mix of attentive listening, tailor-made service and strategic vision has made her a respected professional, sought after by prestigious clients, including in the international sporting world, such as soccer player Olivier Giroud.

She shares five key tips for successful real estate investing in Los Angeles, a city with immense opportunities for those who know how to seize them.

1. Find a real estate agent with a network of experts

For Amandine, a good real estate agent is much more than a simple intermediary: they are a strategic partner with an extensive network of experts. Collaborating with a renowned agency like Sotheby’s offers valuable access to competent teams and exclusive properties, often not published on the public market (“pocket listings”).

Los Angeles is a complex market, made up of differentiated microcosms. A competent agent must know the specificities of each neighborhood to offer personalized and strategic service. It can anticipate trends and adjust its recommendations according to your objectives, whether buying, selling or investing. A good network is also of crucial importance for negotiating the best deals.

By working with an experienced real estate agent, you will benefit from tailor-made support, essential in such a competitive market.

Photo by Jeremy Spann

2. The choice of neighborhood, key to success

Los Angeles is a mosaic of neighborhoods with unique characteristics. From Santa Monica to Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, each sector offers specific advantages in terms of quality of life, services and potential for growth.

To ensure sustainable profitability, of your real estate investment in Los Angeles location is essential. Amandine's recommendations depend on the specific objectives of each client. Each project is unique, and she favors personalized advice adapted to each person's expectations. That said, there are so-called “safe bets” neighborhoods like Santa Monica or Beverly Hills, where demand remains constant, both for buying and renting. However, she also draws attention to booming neighborhoods. These areas, often stimulated by infrastructure projects, offer strong growth potential in the medium term.

Understanding the dynamics of a neighborhood is essential to optimize your investment. This involves monitoring its future evolution and development opportunities, thus guaranteeing stable growth of your property.

Photos by Jeremy Spann

3. Exploit the potential of renovation and staging

“Always think about the future of a property,” advises Amandine. Properties offering renovation possibilities represent an opportunity to increase their value in the long term. In Los Angeles, particularly in old or developing neighborhoods, it is possible to acquire properties at attractive prices and transform them through strategic work.

Renovation allows you to both personalize a space and maximize its potential on the market. For investors looking to rent or sell, optimizing the property through well-thought-out improvements can be key.

In the context of a sale, “staging” is a powerful tool to speed up the process and increase profits. By presenting a property in its best light, staging creates an emotional connection with buyers and can generate offers 6% to 20% higher.

4. Take advantage of current financing conditions

“Even with high interest rates, this can be a good time for strategic buyers,” says Amandine Ferla, real estate expert. “A slowdown in market activity means less competition, which paves the way for more favorable negotiations for serious buyers. »

Rising rates have turned off many potential buyers, creating a market where demand is more subdued. “It may seem paradoxical, but this situation offers a unique chance to secure a property at a more attractive price,” she explains. For those who can absorb the temporary cost of higher rates, buying now might make sense.

“And don’t forget, interest rates fluctuate,” adds Amandine. “Once you become a homeowner, you will have the option to refinance your loan when rates drop, allowing you to reduce your costs in the long term. »

In short, the current context, although intimidating for some, can turn into an opportunity for informed buyers. “Now is the time to take advantage of a less competitive market to negotiate advantageous conditions,” she concludes.

5. Plan solid financing and anticipate the unexpected

She recommends getting pre-approved for a loan, a sign of seriousness for sellers. Some banks even offer the possibility of validating your financing before making an offer, “This gives you a strategic advantage, especially when you are competing with cash offers, often favored by sellers,” underlines Amandine.

Amandine also highlights the importance of having financial reserves to manage unforeseen events such as repairs or rental vacancy periods. A forward-looking approach allows you to remain calm in the face of market fluctuations. Finally, thoughtful financial management from the start guarantees the success of the investment and offers flexibility in the face of unforeseen circumstances.

Instagram: @amandineferlare