Peter Bergman & Ty Bergman of Bergman Beach Properties—Like Father, Like Son

Like father like son is not just a saying—it describes real estate duo Peter and Ty Bergman relationally and entrepreneurially. As namesake of their family-run firm, Bergman Beach Properties, this father-son team helps facilitate transactions for Westside buyers and sellers with the hope of giving their clients the best of the beach lifestyle that they not only relish but also actively help through mutual investment and involvement in the community.

How did you get your start in real estate?     

We began in real estate with a high-end developer who specialized in homes at the beach and actually formed a sales company with Ty, at 19, as the broker.

Working with developers, we realize how every detail of a home may be important to a buyer, and how providing information not only about the home, but also the area really helps buyers.

What, specifically, makes your team so passionate about real estate?

Basically it comes down to the reward you get from helping others. Commission checks are great, but when you help somebody buy a home, it gives you a real feeling of satisfaction. Real estate means so many things; it’s an investment, it’s where you live and raise a family; plant roots, create an environment, and a life.

It is a privilege to be able to help clients with such an important event and to give them peace of mind that they’re in the best hands possible when it comes to managing the transaction and delivering the best results. Whether that’s securing a house for a buyer or getting top dollar for a seller.

What sets your firm apart from others in the same industry?

It’s the personal service that we give to each and every client. We personally show every property ourselves so that we can give the clients the very best information about the home. We also provide feedback after each showing and follow up on each potential client.

After 25 years in the business, we have the knowledge of not only the real estate business but also the areas that we sell in. We try to anticipate potential issues before they happen. I think what also sets us apart is that we add value.

Whether finding or selling a home. Experience gives us insights into homes and how to help sellers consistently get top dollar. Referrals and repeat business let us know we’re on the right track.

What current trends do you see in the Westside market?

The market started strong this year and continued through June; then it started to slow just a little. We expect the market to be very busy through the rest of the year and into next year. Our current trend in the market is low inventory and increasing prices.

We’re pushing past last year’s goals, but it wasn’t easy. We had to pull off deals any way we could; offer market land sales, you name it. We are seeing the biggest building boom in our lifetime, so it’s an exciting time to be in real estate. We anticipate more of the same healthy market; maybe not the kind of double-digit gains we’ve seen the past few years, but still looking up.

What do you love most about the Westside?

Where else can you get such a diversity of buyers and sellers and varied architecture wherever you go? Whether it is at the beach or elsewhere on the Westside, meeting interesting people and selling unique homes makes the market great.

What is your ultimate goal when working with clients?

A happy buyer and a happy seller. Our goal is to impress and to get repeat and referral business.

What is your secret to success in real estate?

The client always comes first, regardless; we work for them and always work in their best interest, helping them avoid pitfalls and issues. Our steadfast commitment and longevity, coupled with market knowledge and experience, gives our clients confidence that we know our stuff when it comes to pricing, finding the right property and negotiating the best deal for a buyer.

How does your father-son partnership contribute to your success?

For a lot of families, working with another family member can be challenging, if not impossible, but in the 25 years of our relationship, trust goes beyond anything you can imagine. It helps clients to know that not only are there two of us personally involved in their transaction but that our knowledge and efforts completely synchronize to their best interest too.

What is the most satisfying part of your work?

Many of our clients become good friends and it is not unusual for us to sell the same property two or three times over the years. There is no better way to feel good about what you do than to have past clients and their friends come back to you.

Can you tell us a little about your community and charitable involvement?

Peter runs the neighborhood watch for the Venice Canals, and we try and protect the wildlife as more tourists come into the area. Our charities are Born Free USA, International Animal Rescue, the National Humane Society, Dianne Fossey Gorilla Fund, Tiger Preservation Center, Hooves and Paws Rescue Sanctuary, Pride Rock Wildlife Rescue, National Wildlife Federation, Best Friends and Tiger Creek.

Photography by Paul Jonason