REAL ESTATE ’ S NEWEST BLING
A pickleball court is the hottest sports amenity in high-end real estate .
By Julie Talerico
Forget home theaters and gyms , wine cellars and outdoor kitchens . The hottest home amenity in luxury residential developments is a pickleball court .
Pickleball enthusiast Mauricio Umansky , CEO and Founder of The Agency , a $ 57 billion global real estate empire , says pickleball is shaping the real estate industry as luxury developers race to keep up with the demand . “ Pickleball is definitely a sought-after amenity in communities and new developments , and the demand is only growing as the sport becomes more widely known .”
Mauricio , whose business represents some of the world ’ s top developers and resort brands , has personally achieved nearly $ 4 billion in real estate sales and holds the distinction of selling the most homes in the country priced above $ 20 million . He has represented some of the world ’ s most noteworthy properties , including the Playboy Mansion ( the first house in L . A . to sell above the $ 100 million mark ), Walt Disney estate , and residences owned by Michael Jackson , Michael Jordan , Prince , Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lady Gaga .
Pickleball Magazine caught up with Mauricio and his daughter Alexia as they played pickleball on their home court , which sits under a canopy of oak trees at their sprawling , lush estate in Encino , California . The secluded grounds surrounding the 10,000-square-foot
Mauricio and his wife , Kyle Richards . SEE NEXT PAGE � Photo courtesy of The Agency .
MARCH / APRIL 2023 | MAGAZINE 29