Alison Clay-Duboff of RE/MAX Estate Properties Manhattan Beach

Here, Alison Clay-Duboff talks with DIGS about her client-driven philosophy, global marketing perspective and passion for helping others find the perfect home.

How did you get your start in real estate?   

Alison Clay-Duboff: Real estate actually found me while I was living in Paris, France and helping expatriates with their housing needs. A café and a croissant, and I was on my way.

What, specifically, makes you passionate about the industry?

Alison Clay-Duboff: My clients’ gratitude always fills me with energy! Making their lives better, either by facilitating a new start for those who need a change, or by giving them guidance during a difficult or challenging time in their lives, is very satisfying. Also, the uniqueness of every transaction, the twists and turns, and the adrenaline of getting it done keeps me going as well.

How did spending such a significant amount of time traveling and living in Europe influence your work in real estate?

Alison Clay-Duboff: Transcultural relationships blossom and bear the fruit of a global work ethic and a broader vision beyond the borders of the South Bay, creating a
borderless business.

How does your work in global real estate give you a competitive edge?

Alison Clay-Duboff: By expanding my reach, I have access to vast corners of the market that others do not enjoy. As the chairperson of the global real estate committee at my association, I’m either hosting global real estate events or attending them, further enlarging my database while also making a footprint on the worldwide real estate market. I was recently interviewed by NDTV, the largest local Mandarin speaking network, while my client was interviewed in the Palos Verdes home I sold him.

Will you describe your client-driven real estate philosophy? 

Alison Clay-Duboff: Service; it all comes down to service, along with fierce negotiation and an acute, perceptive ability to listen. I’ve worked hard to earn the respect of my peers.

What distinguishes your firm from others in the same market?

Alison Clay-Duboff: RE/MAX is a global power, with offices in over 90 countries around the world. We are currently dominating our local market!

What makes the South Bay market so covetable?

Alison Clay-Duboff: Look around—sun, surf, and—most importantly—the schools.

What do you love most about the South Bay?

Alison Clay-Duboff: I’m a water person; the ocean flows in my bone marrow. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and safe. It’s a community of beach cities, joined together like a pearl necklace. We even have great food, so there is never need to leave
the bubble.

Can you tell us a little about your community involvement?

Alison Clay-Duboff: My roots in the South Bay are only 15 years deep, but my love for the community is endless. I’m active with the rotary and I’ve served on the advisory board of the Hermosa Beach Summer Concert Series for the last few years. In my neighborhood, I’m known as the “Mayor of Broadway” (the street I live on). No matter how busy I am, and believe me I usually am, I always take time to be an active participant in the lives of local seniors, accompanying them to movies, visiting and being a part of their lives.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not selling real estate?

Alison Clay-Duboff: My husband and I love to travel, and he is always surprising me with trips to unknown destinations. Locally, we are grateful to have a band of close friends who are as obsessed with food and wine as we are. We also love to spend time with our kids and pets, and now, our grandkids.

Photography by Megan Stacey