Law & Order
Realtor® Lauren Forbes and her team set the standard for completing real estate transactions with expertise and professionalism.
- CategoryAdvertorials, Homes
- Written byLaura L. Watts
- Photographed bySiri Berting
Strong ethics and professionalism— these are qualities Lauren Forbes embraced during her work as an attorney, and they serve her well today as an award-winning South Bay Realtor. Thanks to her experience in the legal industry, she is adept at finding resolutions to her real estate clients’ challenges.
Above L to R: Roma Barba, Jagger Kroener, Michelle Ramkissoon, Kelsey Riggan, Lauren Forbes, Sean Goodsell, Bri Haydis, Trevi O’Neill
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“Lauren is extremely diligent with the contractual elements of the transaction, and her team manages the process from start to finish very smoothly,” say clients Colin and Ann Cowherd, who have worked with the Lauren Forbes Group on the purchase and sale of three different properties in the past year.
“Making a real difference in my clients’ lives is what it is all about for me.”
The eight years she worked with a law firm informed the way Lauren is there for her real estate clients today. “I pride myself on being completely ethical and professional and running my business the way I learned as an attorney,” she shares. “I am and have always been in this business for the long term.”
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Feels Like Home
Originally from Maryland, Lauren moved to California in 1975. When she found Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach in 1991, she knew it was home. She became a South Bay homeowner in 1996 and shortly thereafter became a mom to a daughter, and a son two years later. She thoroughly enjoyed her work as a lawyer with Keesal, Young & Logan in Long Beach, but after her daughter was born she knew she wanted to work closer to home.
In the 23 years since, she has gained a unique perspective on home valuation and market timing, and she has topped more than $1 billion in sales. Some of her record-breaking transactions have included the second-highest sale in the Hill Section, the second-highest price-per-foot sale ever in Manhattan Beach (on The Strand), and the Vanderlip Estate—the highest sale ever in Rancho Palos Verdes.
The Dream Team
Lauren has a vast network of in-house support to get deals done as quickly and efficiently as possible while paying attention to the details. Her team includes one attorney, three brokers, a medical doctor, a former mortgage broker and the former regional marketing director for an international real estate broker. They have more than 65 years of combined experience and are well-versed in executing complex real estate deals.
“I lead an incredible group of agents selling at all levels—from entry to ultra-luxury—in the South Bay,” says Lauren, who helped national brokerage Compass open their South Bay office in 2019. “We love what we do and who we do it with. We are very blessed with amazing clients who keep us busy.”
The team’s prestigious rankings include being part of the Real Estate All-Stars list in Los Angeles magazine, The Top 100 Residential Real Estate Agents In L.A. County list in LA Business Journal and RealTrends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals list. They are ranked #1 on Zillow in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach based not only on sales but also on client testimonials.
“We are very blessed with amazing clients who keep us busy.”
“Lauren and her team are the go-to Realtors if you want to buy or sell your home in Manhattan Beach,” say the Cowherds. “We are continually impressed by their market expertise and professionalism.”
Lauren says the accomplished real estate agents on her team are the most conscientious group of people she’s ever encountered. “We like each client to feel they are the only client and feel taken care of from beginning to end. We really care, and we really make them feel important.”
Client Betsy McLaughlin, the former CEO of Hot Topic, says she knew she was in the best hands possible—from their initial meeting to closing escrow—when the Lauren Forbes Group helped her sell her home. “They set the platinum standard for the home-selling experience,” Betsy says. “Thank you to the entire team!”
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A Balanced Life
Lauren not only works hard, but she also plays hard! She enjoys hiking, brunching at one of her favorites, Un Caffè Altamura, and traveling to locales nearby, like San Diego, Palm Springs, Deer Valley, and far away, like Bali. She has fun riding her bike locally on The Strand and internationally in places like Croatia and Montenegro.
She takes care of others—serving on the boards of several nonprofits including NextStep Fitness, Freedom4U and P.S. I Love You Foundation. And she takes care of herself—with hot yoga classes, working out most days of the week, cold plunging, meditating and journaling daily, and ensuring that she gets enough sleep. Lauren practices gratitude and purposely surrounds herself with positive people. She consults regularly with a spiritual/business coach who helps her stay centered so that her purpose is aligned with how she runs her business.
And it’s evident to her clients. “Lauren is whip-smart, one step ahead, tenacious and brings a confident energy that is priceless,” Betsy points out.
“I know I am helping others in this amazing community, and that makes it all worth it,” Lauren says. “Making a real difference in my clients’ lives is what it is all about for me.”
