About Syd Leibovitch

Syd began his real estate career while still a senior at UCLA. Although he originally planned to attend law school, everything changed after obtaining his real estate license and selling three homes within his first thirty days in the business. The experience sparked a passion for real estate that would shape the rest of his career.

After quickly becoming one of the top-producing agents in every office he joined, Syd launched his own brokerage in 1986 at just 25 years old. That company, Paramount Properties, would later become Rodeo Realty.

Under Syd's leadership, Rodeo Realty grew from a single office into one of California's most respected independent real estate firms. By 2008, it had become the largest single-owned independent real estate company in the state. In 2021 alone, Rodeo Realty closed more than 6,000 home sales representing over $6 billion in transaction volume

A man in a dark blue suit and white shirt sits at a desk, smiling, with a cityscape visible through the window behind him. There is a logo for Rodeo Realty on the wall behind him.

For more than three decades, Rodeo Realty has consistently ranked among the top real estate companies in America according to RealTrends. Syd has also been recognized among the most influential figures in real estate and was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Luxury Real Estate, an international network representing more than 138,000 real estate professionals across 64 countries.

Syd attributes the company's success to a simple philosophy: real estate should be led by people who understand real estate. Throughout his career, he maintained an exceptional personal sales record, averaging a home sale every week for fifteen consecutive years. That hands-on experience shaped the culture of Rodeo Realty and its leadership team, all of whom have extensive experience working directly with buyers, sellers, and agents.

Today, Syd remains actively involved in mentoring agents, advocating for homeowners, and helping shape the future of the real estate industry. His leadership philosophy centers on coaching, innovation, accountability, and maintaining the highest professional standards for both agents and clients. As Syd often says, “Without our Realtors and clients, we would not have a business.” That belief continues to guide Rodeo Realty more than four decades after its founding.

Career Highlights & Recognition

For more than four decades, Syd Leibovitch has been one of California's most respected real estate leaders, helping shape the industry while building one of Southern California's largest independent brokerages.

Founded Rodeo Realty at Age 25

In 1986, Syd founded Paramount Properties, which would later become Rodeo Realty. What began as a single office grew into one of California's leading independent residential real estate companies.

More Than 1,000 Homes Personally Sold

Throughout his career, Syd personally represented buyers and sellers in more than 1,000 successful real estate transactions.

Over 150,000 Transactions Supervised

As President of Rodeo Realty, Syd has overseen more than 150,000 residential real estate transactions throughout Southern California.

Over $7 Billion in Annual Sales Volume

Under Syd's leadership, Rodeo Realty surpassed $7 billion in annual sales volume, ranking among the top independent brokerages in the United States.

LA500 – Most Influential Business Leaders

Syd has been recognized multiple times by the Los Angeles Business Journal's LA500 list, honoring the most influential business leaders in Los Angeles.

Swanepoel Power 200

Recognized among the most influential leaders in residential real estate, Syd has been included in the prestigious Swanepoel Power 200 rankings.

Luxury Real Estate Lifetime Achievement Award

Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from Luxury Real Estate, recognizing a distinguished career and lasting impact on the luxury housing industry.

The Real Deal Top 100

Named among The Real Deal's Top 100 most influential real estate professionals.

Advisor to U.S. Congress During the Financial Crisis

During the 2008 housing and mortgage crisis, Syd provided insight and guidance to members of Congress regarding the causes and effects of the subprime mortgage collapse.

Advisor to the California Attorney General

Syd served as an advisor to the California Attorney General's office during the mortgage crisis, helping address challenges facing homeowners and the housing market.

Expert Witness & Industry Authority

Over the years, Syd has served as an expert witness and trusted commentator on real estate markets, housing policy, mortgage lending, and homeownership trends.

One of America's Leading Independent Brokerages

For decades, Rodeo Realty has been recognized among America's top real estate companies, earning consistent placement in national brokerage rankings and industry reports.

1,200+ Real Estate Professionals

Today, Rodeo Realty includes more than 1,200 agents serving buyers and sellers throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, and surrounding Southern California markets.