Alison Clay-Duboff

My Local List

• Favorite Steakhouse: The Arthur J
• Favorite Spa: The Spa at Terranea
• Favorite Ahi Tuna Sandwich: Turquoise
• Favorite Vet: VCA Hermosa Animal Hospital

Alison Clay-Duboff has worked in real estate for 20 years and operates Salty Water Properties as part of Estate Properties in Manhattan Beach. She grew up in Southern California, attended the American University in Paris for two years and then graduated from George Washington University with a degree in radio-television broadcasting. Alison has lived in the United Kingdom, St. Barts, France, Sweden and Saudi Arabia. 

What are some things to consider when choosing a Realtor?

It is important to select the requirements most significant to you when selecting representation on what may be the largest monetary and emotionally impactful commitment in your life. Is it response time? Market knowledge? A mirrored communication style? Advanced education? Acute negotiating skills?

Tell us about your clients.

I represent buyers, sellers and investors in residential real estate throughout El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. My clients include high net worth individuals, first-time and step-up buyers, downsizers, military families, trust representatives, retirees and everyone in between. My repeat and referral business shows that I have been successful in my chosen profession of real estate. 

What do your clients love about putting your expertise to work for them?

My creative and out-of-the-box marketing campaigns sell properties of every price point. My special brand of marketing is known worldwide. I dedicate my efforts equally—from the smallest of homes to the largest of luxury properties. With me, the relationship doesn’t end at the close of escrow. It is just a beginning.

Describe your ideal client. 

My ideal client is one who requires my brand of professionalism, understands my experience and knowledge, and allows me to be the shoulder they may not be aware they need. 

Tell us about your side gig as a public speaker.

I am flattered to be held in high regard by my peers, clients and colleagues and to have been featured as a public speaker, moderator, keynote speaker, motivational kickoff speaker and published author. I have shared my real estate philosophy throughout the United States, France, Italy and Japan. One of my crowning achievements was being on the main stage at Disneyland Paris, motivating and educating more than 550 Realtors and broker-owners from across France and Canada.

Why are you passionate about real estate? 

I maintain that real estate is and will always be a contact sport requiring hands-on, interpersonal engagement to be able to cross the finish line of my clients’ goals—be it the sale of their home (including all of the emotions that accompany such a transaction), the purchase of a principal residence (equally emotion-filled) or investment property acquisitions. 

What is the key to building and growing client relationships?

The words are diminished by overuse, but communication, honesty and transparency are the building blocks to deep, effective, lasting business relationships. 

In what ways do you stand out as a realtor? 

I listen to my clients’ lifestyle and real estate goals, analyze the viability of those goals, and try to fulfill those goals or guide clients in a direction that will benefit their present and future goals. My marketing creatively paints an engaging story of my clients’ properties to present their unique qualities and target the appropriate buyer’s market. Being my own multilevel marketing company is the best way I can serve my clients. 

Speak about the importance of community.

Betterment of my community and larger global concerns are woven into my work—not simply by financial donations to various charities but by hands-on volunteering. Being a deeply caring individual and neighbor proffers boundless rewards. Being immersed in our local neighborhoods and being a passionate force by volunteering have not only enmeshed me in the real estate psyche of the South Bay but have developed my reputation as a trusted neighbor, friend and beacon of hope. I’m always ready with an open heart, a willing hand and time to share with those who need me. My years of living in the South Bay have passed in a flash; I am beyond humbled by the impact I’ve made on these communities I’ve served. 

Photographed by Shane O’Donnell