Lauren Forbes Group Compass

Above L to R: Kelsey Riggan, Bri Haydis, Roma Barba, Lauren Forbes, Michelle Ramkissoon, Jagger Kroener, Trevi O’Neill

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Lauren Forbes, owner of Lauren Forbes Group, has worked in real estate for more than 22 years. She is a graduate of UC Irvine and Loyola Law School and practiced law for eight years before transitioning to real estate. Three years ago, she joined Compass as a founding member of the Manhattan Beach office. A licensed broker, Lauren leads an eight-person team that is ranked by RealTrends in the top 1.49% of more than 1.6 million licensed Realtors^® nationwide.

What do you love most about your job?

Lauren Forbes: Real estate affords me the opportunity to meet new people every day and help them find a home—I love that. My purpose has shifted over the years, and as I get older, the most important thing to me is making a difference in people’s lives. Homes have become more and more significant for people through the pandemic. For many it is now their gym, office and theatre—it’s where they connect and find joy. In addition, second homes have become even more critical for those wanting to travel often and share time with family and friends. I love that I can be a part of bringing people together and helping them find their place in this world.

How does your team make the South Bay a better place? 

Lauren: Our team is a group of incredible people who strive to make positive impacts wherever we go. Trevi started a group to help women find new purpose after divorce. Bri devotes hours to Sandpipers and always holds a committee position. Roma is a Bronze Sponsor for the Special Children’s League South Bay, which raised $170,000 in 2022 for individuals with developmental disabilities. I am on the board of Freedom 4U, and I volunteer at the American Martyrs separation and divorce support group. We donate regularly to the local education foundations, city events and charities.

What is your team known for?

Lauren: Our  team is known for professionalism, intelligence, integrity, consistency and hard work. Here’s what our clients have to say:

“Lauren Forbes and her team are the go-to Realtors if you want to buy or sell your home in Manhattan Beach. We’ve worked with them on the purchase and sale of three properties in the past year and are continually impressed by their market expertise and professionalism. Lauren is extremely diligent with the contractual elements of the transaction, and their team manages the process from start to finish very smoothly.” – Ann & Colin Cowherd, host on Fox Sports Radio

“Lauren and team set the platinum standard for the home-selling experience. Aside from her outstanding acumen and execution of the luxury real estate market and sales process, it is her authenticity, honesty and exemplary communication skills that set her apart. Thank you to the entire team!” – Betsy McLaughlin, former CEO of Hot Topic

What gives you an edge?

Roma Barba: Palos Verdes expertise and depth of knowledge in the equestrian community is my edge. I’m a member of the Compass Equestrian Division, a national network of vetted equestrian specialists dedicated to serving clientele in horse communities. There’s a lot that goes into owning an equestrian property, and it’s important to entrust an agent who lives the lifestyle and has the depth of knowledge so no detail is overlooked for both the client and the horse(s).

What sets you apart?

Bri Haydis: Being on one of the top teams in the area. Other agents and teams know we get the deal done. We are in the top networking groups and have access to off-market properties. I was helping out-of-town buyers look for a property in 2022, and there was not a lot of inventory. I called the top local agents and found something off-market. My clients immediately came to see it and put an offer in that was accepted. Only a few other Realtors knew about this property. If it wasn’t for the reputation of Lauren Forbes Group, I wouldn’t have found this home.

How does your background enhance your work in real estate?

Trevi O’Neill: Prior to becoming a Realtor, I was a doctor helping run a charitable foundation in the health care industry. Wanting to continue to be of service to my community, I formed a group for women to start a new chapter in their lives after divorce. I love making a difference for other people. The South Bay has so much to offer, and there are endless opportunities for adventure. This sparked my family to start a travel influencer company called The Adventure Buddies. Not only do we show people how to travel, but we highlight fun, local activities in our incredible hometown.

What distinguishes you as a top professional in your field?

Jagger Kroener: My clientele reflects the next generation of homeowners and real estate investors: young tech and finance professionals looking to build portfolios and long-term wealth in South Bay real estate. We advise them on buying their first home, but our services extend to vacation homes, investment property, out-of-state property, 1031 exchanges and much more. Our team constantly rethinks industry norms and pushes further through technology, design, high-end collateral and luxury service—leading to hyperlocal knowledge and private access available solely to our clients.

Disclaimer: Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the state of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License #01991628.