Jade Mills, of Jade Mills Estates, is known around some of Los Angeles’s ritziest neighborhoods for her celebrity clientele.
In less than 15 years, she has facilitated more than $4 billion in real estate transactions, becoming an expert on markets ranging from Pacific Palisades to the Hollywood Hills. The Hollywood Reporter recently named her one of Hollywood’s top Realtors.
Ms. Mills is mum about her clients, but according to the Hollywood Reporter, they have included Jennifer Aniston and Britney Spears.
We talked to her about L.A.’s best neighborhoods, her favorite room in her own house and much more.
Mansion Global: Describe your dream property.
Jade Mills: I would say my dream property is my own home only because it’s exactly what I want, and it’s my sanctuary. It’s in Trousdale [a neighborhood in Beverly Hills] and it has amazing views, from downtown to the ocean. I’m two minutes from Sunset Boulevard, but somehow it feels way out of the city.
It’s not the biggest and the newest, but we’ve been offered top dollar for it and I won’t move.
The house actually originally belonged to Candice Bergen’s mother, Frances Bergen.
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MG: What does luxury mean to you?
JM: It means something a little different to everyone—it means their personal fantasy. But in general, a luxury home is going to have the best of everything, from kitchen appliances to furniture.
MG: What area do you think is the next hub for luxury properties?
JM: Beverly Hills and Bel Air are known all over the world. People are paying a fortune for lots in Beverly Hills, Bel Air and Holmby Hills.
And people from all over the world think we’re undervalued, and prices are just now starting to go crazy.
MG: Where are the best luxury homes in the world, and why?
JM: It depends on the person. Many people want the ultimate penthouse in Paris, some people want to be on the beach in Malibu or in Maui, or have a house in Aspen. You can find a beautiful home that’s luxurious anywhere. It’s a question of where you want to be.
MG: What’s your favorite part of your home?
JM: We have a small kitchen/family room. I have four kids and seven grandchildren, so when my family comes, we all gather there, and there can be 16 of us in the space. We have friends over, and my 95-year-old father-in-law and his girlfriend, and we’re just all there together.
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MG: What’s the most valuable amenity to have in a home right now?
JM: Right now, most of my clients want move-in conditions. They want theaters, great places to entertain and smart systems that allow you to operate security, lighting and more through phone and iPad.
People usually either want a view or a large piece of land. They don’t usually get both unless they’re spending A LOT of money.
MG: What’s your best piece of real estate advice?
JM: Buy, buy, buy, buy and don’t sell (if you can help it). In the beginning, we had to buy and sell, since we couldn’t buy and keep. But I try to help people keep their original houses and keep them as income properties.
And I still advise people to buy in the places that are already established. Even if you buy the least expensive house in the best area, it’s the way to go.
MG: What’s going on in the news that will have the biggest impact on the luxury real estate market?
JM: A lot of people are coming to the U.S. from places like London and Paris because they think their money is safer here.
MG: What area currently has the best resale value?
JM: Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Holmby Hills. Those have long-term track records. Sunset Strip and Trousdale have come up in the last 10 years, because of their views. In Trousdale, in particular, a lot of the old houses have been torn down and new ones have been built—it’s been transformed.