Colin Jacobs of RE/MAX Abbot Kinney

Through his diverse professional background, Colin Jacobs has helped clients buy and sell millions in real estate, while also developing unique techniques to expand choice investment networks, both domestic and abroad.

How did you get your start in real estate?    

After the Dot.com bubble burst, I left the computer animation industry in California and began buying and selling homes in Miami. Once gaining valuable insight dealing 25 plus parcels in Florida, Arizona, and Nevada, I took the next step and got into real estate sales full-time.

I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to learn about the industry from the ground up. That solid foundation built more than wealth; it gave me an appreciation for the various aspects of the marketplace and property.

You have recently become the new Managing Director of RE/MAX Abbot Kinney. Will you briefly describe what you love about your role, and what makes the office so special?

As a national speaker and trainer for the Tom Ferry real estate sales coaching company, I learned that when helping thousands of agents, management, and support staff find ways to break through and achieve their aspirations, I too was becoming more productive in my business.

As with RE/MAX Abbot Kinney, we all support each other generously and respectfully, like family members. Plus, our diverse backgrounds in the arts, music, writing, music, design, computers, construction, financial investments, pro sports, and community leadership contributes to us staying transparent and connected to all types of people in the community.

What do you love most about Venice and the Westside?

I love supporting the local artists and non-profits, selecting fresh ingredients from the farmer’s markets, hiking in Temescal, and biking on the Strand. Too much to mention.

What makes you the competitive choice in this market?

My background in technology all started with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Graphics from Brown, a position as a technical director for George Lucas, and eventually, a segue into nationwide real estate sales with pro athletes and international clientele.

These aspects of my experience contribute to how I enjoy shedding light and energy on an ever-changing and dynamic marketplace. Our clients appreciate our proactive implementation of strategies and progressive marketing techniques, staying loyal because of our old-school philosophy. 

Why are you so passionate, right now, about the real estate industry?

My experience has taught me to stay aware of the latest local economic indicators, international wealth transfers, architectural trends, cultural movements, and sustainable developments, especially in a time when we are keenly aware of the exceptionally low interest rates, the more willingness of banks to lend based on the improvement of the economy, and the desire of buyers to buy and improve properties.

Bottom line: multiple offers on low inventory presents the likelihood of more resale inventory coming to the marketplace, meaning these are exciting times when visionaries can create next-generation communities that exceed expectations and generate interest to the international buyer pool.

What makes your location so special? 

Simply put—it’s all around you! The high energy from the pedestrian thoroughfare exists just on the other side of glass; it’s truly remarkable. The vantage point from the conference room and how it overlooks the street clearly reminds you of how dynamic the energy is in this area—an experience I find similar to negotiating a contract at a classic European café. It is quite the opposite of most office spaces.

What distinguishing factors of your brokers’ expertise make them unique?

This office has produced some of the best-known community leaders and influential real estate agents with over 30 years of history. Through the leadership and grand vision of this privately owned RE/MAX franchise, the owners have been inspired to bring the best marketing tools, technology, and modern strategies from around the real estate world to this unique location.

They have merged with the most iconic company, commingled the best resources and sales strategies, and the result has been a marriage of the RE/MAX brand with the young, progressive tech and artistic design street culture of the Abbot Kinney Realtor.  In addition, every year the RE/MAX owners donate to the Children’s Miracle Network, local charities and throw great rooftop parties, creating a great venue for the public to meet us. There, each person who visits us understands our family atmosphere that permeates in everything we do!

Photography by Paul Jonason