Los Gatos-based Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno (Christie’s Sereno), the largest privately-owned brokerage in Northern California is marking its 20th anniversary with the opening of its 20th location in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The company was founded by The Sereno Group in 2006 by Chris Trapani (CEO) and Ryan Iwanaga (chief experience officer), who grew up in the same Saratoga neighborhood.
With over 650 agents, it has become the largest Christie’s affiliate by volume in the world. It now has offices everywhere from San Francisco, to the East Bay, to Santa Cruz, to Lake Tahoe and beyond.
Christie’s Sereno produced $6.5 billion in annual sales volume in 2025.
The Sereno 1% For Good Charitable Foundation, which was started in 2012, provides grants focused on caring for the communities where the company operates.
It’s donated more than $7 million to 600+ organizations to date.
“Our recognition as one of the leading corporate donors to Silicon Valley nonprofits represents our founding vision to utilize our success in meaningful and community-minded ways,” Iwanaga said in a news release. “Our agents and staff are incredibly proud and committed to the communities they serve, helping create sustained impact where they live and work.”
The company’s per agent productivity increased from $8.5 million in 2024 to $10 million, last year.
“We grow, not for the sole sake of getting bigger,” said Trapani in the release, “but to extend our reach in making the most positive impact possible for our agents, clients and communities.”
The median home price in Sereno markets grew from $1.76 million to $1.85 million in 2025.
“By combining our hyper-local knowledge with the global reach of Christie’s International Real Estate, Christie’s Sereno is strongly positioned for success in our third decade,” Trapani added. “Every listing benefits from deep community intelligence and expansive national and global reach delivered with the most cutting-edge tech and marketing created for our industry today.”
The new Carmel office is at 777 San Carlos St. Suite 230 and will be run by Simona Martin, who brings Monterey-area experience, as well as a background in global corporate real estate and strategic consulting services to C-suite executives.
“For homeowners considering the sale of an exceptional estate, our affiliation with Christie’s International Real Estate offers unparalleled global reach, connecting distinctive properties with qualified buyers through an international network and world-class marketing platform,” said Martin in the news release. “Whether advising buyers seeking an extraordinary coastal retreat or representing sellers of iconic homes, our role extends beyond facilitating transactions—we provide discreet, strategic counsel tailored to each client’s unique goals, combining deep local expertise with the strength of a trusted global brand.”
