Scott Palermo and James Sanak
Scott Palermo
MANAGING BROKER & PRINCIPAL
Cal DRE# 01256351
James Sanak
REALTOR, PRINCIPAL OWNER
Cal DRE# 01372754
Scott Palermo and James Sanak are highly regarded and award-winning real estate experts specializing in luxury home sales throughout the entire Coachella Valley. This dynamic duo are the principal owners of Harcourts Desert Homes brokerage located in downtown Palm Springs, along with their second office located on El Paseo in Palm Desert. The top reason they chose to invest in the Harcourts franchise was their unique selling proposition, Harcourts non-distressed Auction platform.
The Auction platform separates their brand from the competition, not only locally, but on a global scale. Scott and James’ knowledge of their community, understanding of their clients’ needs, and proven marketing strategies have earned them numerous accolades.
Scott and James were ranked Number 10 for the Top 30 Sales Consultants of the Fiscal Year 2022 for Harcourts North America. In May 2023, Scott and James celebrated their huge achievement of being in the Top Coachella Valley Realtors ‘Best of the Best’ List, chosen out of almost 4,000 Realtors in the Desert. This is their fifth consecutive year to be included on this exclusive list.
Desert Homes
Mr. Scott Palermo and Mr. James Sanak are the proud owners of Harcourts Desert Homes. Our goal is building a “People First” brokerage, where the focus is on working with quality, like-minded Agents, Investors, Sellers and Buyers, who listen and accept our professional advice. We are proud to be affiliated with our franchisor, Harcourts International. Harcourts International is a New Zealand and Australian based real estate company ranked #6 in the world with over $50 billion in annual sales volume. With over 900 offices on more than 4 continents, no debt and over 130+ years of history.
As one of the Coachella Valley’s Top-Producing Realtors and brokerage owners, Scott Palermo and James Sanak pride themselves on personal service and attention to their clients’ every detail. Specializing in desert communities including Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells and La Quinta, Scott and James’ knowledge of their community, understanding of their clients’ needs, and proven marketing strategies have earned them numerous accolades. They and their team are ranked in the Top 10% of all Realtors in the Coachella Valley. For the past 3 years, they have been recognized as being in the Top 85 Realtor Teams in the Coachella Valley, by an independent research firm and Palm Springs Life Magazine. In November 2020, Scott and James were named to a list of Real Estate Visionaries by Modern Luxury Palm Springs. In October 2019, James Sanak, Scott Palermo and their brokerage were recognized by Palm Springs Modern / L.A. Confidential as being Power Players in Palm Springs.
Our flagship office is located in Downtown Palm Springs, California. One of the top reasons we chose to purchase the Harcourts franchise was their unique selling proposition, Harcourts Auctions. The Harcourts Auctions platform separates our brand from the competition, not only locally, but on a global scale. This competitive edge provides us a unique marketing tool that can be compared to a Christie’s Art Auction in NYC. Just as Christie’s auctions fine art and luxury items, Harcourts auctions luxury real estate to high net worth consumers. In the Palm Springs market, there is no other real estate brokerage that offers this selling tool. Interesting, the Harcourts Auctions platform began in 1888 in New Zealand and is changing the way real estate sells globally.
Since opening Harcourts Desert Homes, our agents and brokerage have received a record 200+ agent and office sales production awards. These awards include some of the most coveted awards worldwide from Harcourts North America. Harcourts Desert Homes is most proud of being ranked #1 in North America for the highest revenue generated per sales consultant in the company. Harcourts Desert Homes has been ranked #1, #2 or #3 for this coveted award on multiple occasions. Another notable award received recently was Scott Palermo and James Sanak being ranked #4 Sales Consultant for Harcourts North America.
Desert Homes
Scott Palermo is a Licensed Broker and a native of Nebraska. Scott earned his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Texas Christian University. He graduated Summa Cum Laude and was accepted into 3 different medical schools. With over 20+ years of real estate experience, including luxury residential, development projects, investment properties and condominium developments, his vast understanding allows Scott to confidently handle complex transactions, making him your luxury home and investment property authority. As one of the Coachella Valley’s Top-Producing Realtors and team leaders, Scott prides himself on personal service and attention to his clients’ every detail.
James Sanak is a Licensed Realtor and a native of Michigan. James earned his B.A. in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. Prior to entering real estate, James enjoyed a successful career in corporate sales and marketing, including a sales executive position with the IBM Corporation. “Mutual trust, clear communication and a great sense of humor are the keys to success in this business,” says James Sanak. That approach has led to James’ award-winning sales and earned him an appreciative roster of repeat and referral clients.
Most recently, James was inducted into the prestigious The Marquis Who’s Who in America. His background and experience as a former sales executive on a major client account with the IBM Corporation allows him to think strategically, provide disciplined advice, and execute on that advice so that his clients reach their goals. A native of Michigan, James earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University. He is also a proud Alumni member of Michigan State’s famed Spartan Marching Band, Alto Saxophone section, and remains a loyal Spartan today. Go Green.
As a member of the Top 200 Realtors in Greater Palm Springs, James takes great pride in doing the research and analysis, delivering sound advice, personal service and overseeing every detail for his clients. A licensed REALTOR since 2003, James began his real estate career in Beverly Hills / Westside Los Angeles and then transitioned his real estate business to the Palm Springs area in 2006. James’ experience is extensive and he specializes in marketing strategy, is a strong negotiator and is an expert on home staging. He has developed a client centered philosophy and attention to detail that creates an advantage to every transaction. James provides his clients with a perfect blend of experience, knowledge, ethics and commitment to service.
Scott and James spent eight years developing an extensive real estate client base in West Hollywood, the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills before transferring their successful business model to the Palm Springs-Coachella Valley area, in 2006. Their current and past clients include numerous celebrities and entertainment industry executives. In addition, Scott and James’ professional connections and strategic relationships in West Los Angeles/Beverly Hills, Santa Barbara, La Jolla/San Diego, Newport Beach/Orange County, San Francisco, Seattle and New York City provide a constant stream of referrals that benefit their Southern California clients.
Specializing in desert communities including Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells and La Quinta, Scott and James’ knowledge of their community, understanding of their clients’ needs, and proven marketing strategies have earned them numerous accolades. They and their team are ranked in the Top 10% of all Realtors in the Coachella Valley. This designation is based upon sales production, estate level listing experience and reputation within the real estate community.
Scott and James’ community and philanthropic contributions include being members of the Palm Springs Art Museum, DAP Health, Eisenhower Medical Center, BNI Success Professionals and The Modern Men of the Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus. Scott and James believe it is vital and important to give back to the community that has supported the success of their businesses.