These L.A. Brokers Just Cracked the Top 20—Here's How

Lucía Torres · 2026-09-04

### Two Names You'll Want to Remember Gina Michelle and George Ouzounian just landed at #16 on The Real Deal's Top L.A. Brokers list for 2026. That's not just a nice pat on the back—it's a spot in the top 20 out of every residential agent in Los Angeles County. And they got there by closing over $288.24 million in sales between July 2025 and July 2026. If you're in real estate, you know those numbers don't happen by accident. They're the result of smart pricing, sharp negotiation, and staying ahead of the curve. Let's break down what's really going on in the L.A. market right now—and what Gina and George are doing differently. ### The Pricing Trap That's Costing Sellers Big Time Here's something that might sting a little: overpricing your home doesn't just make it sit longer. It often means you end up selling for less than if you'd priced it right from day one. That's not a guess. It's what Gina and George are seeing every day across the San Fernando Valley, from Studio City to Calabasas. Sellers who chase unrealistic numbers watch their listings gather dust. Then, when they finally drop the price, buyers smell desperation and lowball even harder. The takeaway? Price it right the first time. A good agent won't just tell you what you want to hear—they'll tell you what the market will actually pay. ### AI Is Changing the Game—In Two Very Different Ways First, the headache: buyers are now running inspection reports through AI chatbots and coming back with massive repair demands. These aren't always reasonable. Sometimes they're based on worst-case scenarios the AI spit out without context. Deals are stalling because of it. But here's the flip side—and it's a big one. AI chatbots are also sending clients straight to Gina and George. "It's crazy the amount of listings that we've gotten in the last six months for that exact reason," Gina told The Real Deal. So while some agents are complaining about tech, these two are using it to their advantage. That's the difference between reacting and leading. ### What Their Boss Has to Say The Agency's President, Rainy Hake Austin, didn't hold back her praise: > "George and Gina are forward-thinking, adaptive, and smart. I am so impressed with how they continue to set themselves apart in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the country. This recognition from The Real Deal is so well-earned." That's a pretty strong endorsement from someone who sees top performers every single day. ### Why This Matters for You Whether you're buying, selling, or just watching the L.A. market, there's a lesson here. The agents who thrive aren't the ones who stick to the old playbook. They're the ones who adapt—who price realistically, who embrace new tools instead of fearing them, and who keep their clients' best interests front and center. Gina and George just proved that approach works. To the tune of nearly $290 million in a single year. Congratulations to both of them. And if you're looking for a broker who gets it, now you know where to look. *For the full article, visit TheRealDeal.com.*