James Harris and David Parnes lead Bond Street Partners, a luxury team at Carolwood Estates, specializing in high-end residential properties and investment properties in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Holmby Hills and other neighborhoods within Los Angeles.
Prior to joining Carolwood last year, the duo spent over a decade at The Agency and are often recognized for their role on Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing Los Angles.” Last year, they amassed over $940 million in sales in L.A. County.
How did the two of you first partner up and how long have you been working together?
Parnes: James and I have been best friends since childhood – our families were close, and he’s always felt more like a brother than a friend. When he moved to Los Angeles, it was a natural transition for us to work together, combining our shared vision and passion for real estate.
With our backgrounds in finance and investment, we saw an opportunity to bring a highly tailored, service-driven approach to the luxury real estate market. That led to the creation of Bond Street Partners and, since then, we’ve spent the last 12 years building a brand that represents the finest properties in Los Angeles while maintaining a level of trust, expertise and discretion that sets us apart.
Are there specific properties or neighborhoods you each specialize in?
Harris: We collectively specialize in high-end residential real estate and investment properties in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Holmby Hills, Hollywood Hills, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Malibu and the greater Los Angeles region.
How big is your team?
Parnes: James and I serve as primaries and, in addition (to ourselves), we have 12 agents on the team. We also have a dedicated showings coordinator, estates director and marketing director.
How did 2024 compare to other years for you?
Harris: 2024 was a great year for us. It was our strongest year yet with over $750 million in sales.
We ended the year with $1.6 billion in on- and off-market inventory. We also made a significant move by taking our entire team to Carolwood Estates.
What do you like most about working for a boutique brokerage?
Parnes: Being based in prime Beverly Hills, we operate within a world-class environment, with exceptional facilities, seamless organization and the infrastructure to support a level of service that is both elevated and highly effective.
It’s a brokerage where every detail is considered, and that makes all the difference – the level of quality, exclusivity and precision defines every aspect of our business. The caliber of listings we represent is second to none, allowing for a highly curated portfolio of remarkable properties, with unparalleled marketing and an elite network of buyers ensuring that each listing is strategically positioned for success.
Have the recent Palisades and Eaton fires impacted your personal portfolio? Are you seeing a rise in sales or leases because of them?
Harris: In regard to the fires, we experienced an immediate and dire need for rental properties following the Palisades Fire. Most people who were displaced have now found short- or long-term temporary housing.
The next wave of activity will come after insurance payouts are made and everyone decides if they will stay and rebuild or move on. Many have said they will stay and rebuild. The Palisades is a community very close to the beach with many young families with young kids. The lifestyle revolves around the beach, the Village and all the kids’ school and sports activities. These are primarily ocean and city-view properties, and the location and lifestyle (features) are specific, so we’re seeing many of these families preferring to stay further west in either other parts of Malibu, Santa Monica or Brentwood.
What are your thoughts on how the city should approach the rebuilding process?
Harris: The rebuilding of Los Angeles must be handled with care, but expediting permits is essential to its success. Streamlining approvals will help residents and developers rebuild efficiently without compromising safety.
The city should also consider waiving the ULA tax to incentivize development, ensuring better ROI (return of investment) and encouraging private investment in the recovery process.
Sustainable, fire-resistant construction must be prioritized, along with economic support for displaced families and businesses. Community input should guide planning and honoring what was lost will help heal the affected areas. A balanced, thoughtful approach will ensure a stronger, more resilient Los Angeles for the future.
What’s your favorite part of being an agent?
Parnes: Most importantly, we love being the architect of new beginnings. Navigating a market where every day is different, every client is unique and every deal is its own puzzle – every day provides a new and exciting challenge.
