Chris Leavitt
The TV Star
Massachusetts-born Chris Leavitt’s first foray into real estate took place in his childhood vacation town of Palm Beach, where he completed a six-week high school internship. Following a stellar career in New York, he relocated to Miami in 2009 when he was offered the exclusive listing on the W South Beach, a move that eventually led to a spot on the Bravo reality TV show Million Dollar Listing Miami. Despite living in Miami, he found himself enjoying his free time in Palm Beach, so Leavitt recently joined Douglas Elliman Real Estate to list The Bristol, the waterfront condo being built in downtown West Palm Beach. As his life in Palm Beach comes full circle, Leavitt is immersing himself into the area, having served as a junior chair at this year’s Palm Beach Heart Ball and, most importantly, spending quality time as his other “offices”—local spas.
“When you’re selling a lifestyle that you also live in and exude, it’s so easy and fun.”
His life in New York: I was living at the Plaza Hotel. Life was great. I was like the male Eloise.
His specialty: Getting along with everyone. Some people have shells when you meet them; they have facades. My specialty is deconstructing those very quickly.
Top tip for buyers: Don’t buy because it’s the right investment. Buy it because you love it.
Top tip for sellers: Detach yourself from the home.
Favorite episode of Million Dollar Listing Miami: Helping my client and friend Orsi. I negotiated not only the sale of her property but helped her out of a really bitter divorce without engaging lawyers.
Where he spends happy hour: Sitting outside at BrickTop’s and drinking the prickly pear margarita.
His hidden gem in Palm Beach: The Society of the Four Arts. I used to go there as a kid to study and do research papers in the library.
On his bucket list: Having a child, starting a family, meeting someone and settling down.
His dating prospects: There are offers. There have been bids on the property, but nothing’s been signed.
Career goal: Being my own developer of a project.
Something few people know about him: People think I’m really hard and diva-ish and nothing bothers me, but I’m actually super sensitive, really emotional and I take everything very seriously.
Person who had the biggest impact on his life: Joel Osteen. I read a lot of his books and listen to his tapes, and he’s phenomenal.
If he could have dinner with anybody: Warren Buffett. He’s such an inspiration and the epitome of success in the most respectful way: a gentleman and a successful billionaire whom I could really learn from.
Photography by Robert Nelson.
Shot on location by Palm Beach Illustrated at The Breakers.
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