The Filice Group

Russ Filice
(310) 780-2877
RUSS FILICE is the #1 earning realtor in the prestigious Sunset Strip office of Sotheby’s International Realty. Originally from Northern California – where he was also in that elite class of agents – he moved to Los Angeles in 2001 with no specific business plans. He purchased a condo in the historic but unfashionable high-rise building, Sierra Towers, in West Hollywood. This move, together with his knowledge and passion for real estate, launched his Southern Californian career and created his “velvet rope” reputation for catering to the needs of high powered clients. Born in Santa Clara, California, as a child Russ was intrigued by architecture, floor plans and visiting “open houses” with his mother every weekend. Not surprisingly, at 18 he passed the exam for his real estate license, allowing him to earn extra money by hosting open houses for busy realtors during his years at Santa Clara University. Graduating with a B.A. in commerce, he worked two years for KPMG, a global company providing multidisciplinary financial and accounting skills. He specialized in real estate taxation for high wealth individuals, following in his father’s footsteps, which would eventually serve him well. He successfully launched a line of Sportswear, discovering the art of ‘Branding’ and Marketing. The line was distributed in the U.S. (including Macy’s and Nordstrom) and Internationally throughout Europe in over 300 accounts. Selling the company after five years for significant cash and stock, he was drawn back to real estate at a perfect time when the market was booming. In a recent profile in Designers Illustrated the writer says, “Russ Filice is hard to keep pace with. He is perhaps the most intense person you will ever meet and is fearless in an understated way. Sit down with him for 10 minutes and he gets the picture of who you are and what you want. He is highly intuitive and superb at the quick read”. The writer adds, “He single-handedly books more gross sales than most publicly traded companies gross each year”. Russ is a unique entity for the Los Angeles, high-pressure realty scene. He does not have to make a deal; he wants to. This very passion is what has driven his re-marketing of Sierra Towers, making it the hottest place to purchase on the Sunset Strip. With a grand history of residents from old Hollywood to politicians, the 1964 modernist building had fallen into neglect and was undervalued. After purchasing there, Russ was inspired and he re-imaged the towers into its current, freshly branded status as sexy, chic and fashion-forward. He says, “I love residential real estate, because working in this field is so creative….from the art of the deal to re-thinking the design of the home with the client”. The units now range in excess of $4 million. The property has gone through a period of tremendous transition. Originally the residents were predominately retired and elderly. Now the clientele is comprised of young and fashionable individuals seeking a modern lifestyle that high-rise living provides. Owners include major celebrities and entrepreneurs who are moving to be near, what Russ calls, “the rhythm of L.A.”, a.k.a. the Sunset Strip. A December 2005 Los Angeles Times article quotes residents referring to Russ as the “velvet rope” realtor for the Towers. His ability to privately broker deals differentiates him from traditional realtors. He loves the building and the quintessential Los Angeles vibe of the surrounding area, through which his reputation continues to expand. As well as specializing in California, Russ is actively involved working with his international clients acquiring and selling properties around the United States. When Russ is not working he actively participates in environmental and community charitable events.