Lynne Langdon: The Real Deal In Beverly Hills, Palm Desert

A typical day for realtor Lynne Langdon begins with a predawn, three-mile run in her Beverly Hills neighborhood using the time to survey which of the nearby properties may be right for clients of hers that are looking for what Langdon calls "the perfect fit."

Langdon, a Boulder, Colorado native who moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in real estate feels that "an emotional connection to a property" is key to making a sale click.

Langdon, who still has her former model looks, is a no-nonsense business woman who works for one of the most prestigious real estate firms in Beverly Hills, Hilton & Hyland Christie's Agency, headed by Rick Hilton, who in case you didn't know, is Paris Hilton's Dad.

"I met Frank Jackwerth at Hilton and Hyland who has vast experience having owned his own firm and has listed legendary properties around town such as Sinatra's estate and many more. Rick Hilton and Jeff Hyland are also incredible leaders in the industry and I am proud to be an agent with them," Langdon said when I met with her over lunch at the trendy Panini Cafe.

Langdon began spending a lot of her 'down time' in Palm Desert in the 1990s and "fell in love" with what she always calls "Beverly Hills in the desert." Langdon found that she could interest a lot of her upscale clients from Los Angeles and Beverly Hills in buying second properties in Palm Desert so she started building a real bridge between the two communities.

"When the El Paseo shopping district first appeared it helped solidify that the desert had its own Rodeo Drive, a destination shopping district that was both high end and desert casual. That's what people love about Palm Desert...it's both ends of the spectrum," Langdon said.

Langdon herself has a very colorful and meticulous fashion sense, telling me that "clients in Beverly Hills want an agent who reflects the image of the city." 

Appropriately, Langdon is wearing a gold sparkled dress today, and the glitter seems to light her up as she tells me "she often works for two or three months with a client," adding "buying a home is the most important purchase they'll ever make."

Langdon is a relative of famed photographer Harry Langdon, who for the last several decades has worked with some of Hollywood's most glamorous and talented actresses, creating beautiful portrait photos for them that have the distinctive Harry Langdon look. Clients of Langdon include: Halle Berry, Diana Ross, Cher, Barbara Streisand, and Nancy Sinatra. 

Langdon credits Harry Langdon with being a "genius" and a real mentor to her.

"Harry taught me to embrace the imperfect qualities about life, as they are often the times when you can capture the most beautiful moments.  In business this allows you to take a step back with things get stressful and still know that things will work out for the best to that unique situation" Langdon said. (See more on Harry Langdon's Hollywood photography at HarryLangdon.com)

I asked Lynne about current tough times for the Los Angeles and Palm Desert real estate markets.

"You have to face reality, if you need to sell in this market then what you may lose in equity, if you buy something else, you can gain in the purchase price on another property," Langdon said.

"Palm Desert is an excellent choice for people looking for an upscale but affordable property that may not want to spend the same prices as you see in Beverly Hills. The two cities are very compatible to one another so I always try to interest clients in both cities," Langdon said.

"I love the warm desert climate and having the chance to really relax when I visit Palm Desert" says Langdon, who loves taking hikes with her dog Aspen in the early mornings. "I tend to keep my same hours when I come here (Palm Desert) that's one thing that never seems to change. The life of a realtor is always about early mornings," Langdon said with a laugh.

Langdon glances at her watch and reminds she has to get going, a client is waiting for her at the office.

"I am really into being on time. It shows a client that you are always making them the top priority." 

I tell Lynne Langdon "not to worry, she can get going and I'll take care of the check." Savvy businesswoman this Lynne Langdon.

For more information on Lynne Langdon visit her website.