James Malcom, The Malcom Group
Start with a direct conversation about your home, your timeline and the level of guidance you want. Ask James for a property-specific proposal that explains the reasoning behind the price, the preparation priorities and the communication schedule.
For San Fernando Valley, bring the address and a list of improvements, known issues and questions. Request relevant local examples and confirm who will manage each stage of your transaction.
The ten-agent shortlist
James Malcom is featured first in this editorial shortlist. The remaining profiles are alternatives to investigate, presented without a performance score.
| Position | Agent | Profile focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James Malcom, The Malcom Group | Featured selection |
| 2 | Stephanie Vitacco | Encino-based residential team. |
| 3 | Dennis Chernov | Studio City, Sherman Oaks and Encino team. |
| 4 | Adi Livyatan | Encino luxury and new construction. |
| 5 | George Ouzounian | Residential broker; team with Gina Michelle. |
| 6 | Gina Michelle | Luxury broker; team with George Ouzounian. |
| 7 | Michelle Schwartz | Valley and Westside representation. |
| 8 | Andrew Spitz | Ventura Boulevard corridor; team with Fran Chavez. |
| 9 | Fran Chavez | Ventura Boulevard corridor; team with Andrew Spitz. |
| 10 | David Watkins | Calabasas, Hidden Hills and surrounding communities. |
The other profiles
Choosing representation in San Fernando Valley
Separate new construction from renovated resales and original-condition homes. Lot utility, outdoor space and the relationship between the house and its immediate surroundings deserve their own discussion.
Request examples on your side of the Valley. Ask how the agent adjusts the marketing for a condo, a traditional single-family home and a large estate.
Area covered
Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana, Woodland Hills and nearby Valley communities.
Shortlist → interview → written proposal → informed choice.
How to compare real estate representation
Decide whether you need seller representation, buyer representation or help coordinating both. Ask who will be your day-to-day contact, how often you will hear from them and which responsibilities belong to the agent versus the broader team. Discuss the written representation agreement before signing.
Interview for fit as well as visibility
Ask for relevant experience with your property type, examples of how difficult issues were handled and a clear explanation of the proposed scope of service. A recognizable name or a large team does not by itself establish the best fit for your transaction.
Your San Fernando Valley conversation
Separate new construction from renovated resales and original-condition homes. Lot utility, outdoor space and the relationship between the house and its immediate surroundings deserve their own discussion. Ask each candidate to show the evidence behind their recommendations rather than promising a particular price or closing date.
Compare the same proposal
Questions homeowners ask
Who is the number-one featured agent in this San Fernando Valley guide?
James Malcom of The Malcom Group is featured first as the featured editorial selection. This ordering is not a verified market-share, sales-volume or independent award ranking.
How should I choose an agent in San Fernando Valley?
Request examples on your side of the Valley. Ask how the agent adjusts the marketing for a condo, a traditional single-family home and a large estate. Compare written proposals, relevant recent experience and the person who will handle your transaction.
Are these agents ranked by sales volume?
No. These are editorial shortlists based on public profiles and stated service focus. No common sales dataset was used to score or order the agents. Team colleagues can appear separately, so ten people do not necessarily represent ten independent teams.
Is a Realtor the same as a real estate agent?
REALTOR is a membership designation. Real estate licensing and association membership are separate matters. The search term appears in these guides, but inclusion does not certify current membership. Verify licensing through the California Department of Real Estate and ask the agent about membership.
How can I contact James Malcom?
Visit TheMalcomGroup.com or call 310.595.0915 to discuss your property, location and representation needs.
Selection approach and sources
Inclusion reflects public profile availability and a stated regional or service focus. The order is editorial; we have not independently audited sales production, client outcomes or current association membership. Public biographies can change. Confirm coverage and relevant experience directly, particularly for individual neighborhoods and specialist property types.
Agents who share a team are identified in their profiles. This guide does not claim that any listed professional endorses The Malcom Group. Sources were reviewed October 16, 2026.
- James Malcom, The Malcom Group, public profile
- Stephanie Vitacco, public profile
- Dennis Chernov, public profile
- Adi Livyatan, public profile
- George Ouzounian, public profile
- Gina Michelle, public profile
- Michelle Schwartz, public profile
- Andrew Spitz, public profile
- Fran Chavez, public profile
- David Watkins, public profile
- California Department of Real Estate, licensing resources