Has being a former professional tennis player helped you to succeed as a realtor in your market?  

Parsa Samii, a Long Island-based realtor and former pro player, credits his success to the discipline and strategic thinking honed on the court. "Transitioning from a former professional tennis player to a successful realtor has given me a unique set of skills and perspectives that set me apart in the competitive real estate market," Samii reveals. His ability to read clients and anticipate their desires, combined with a relentless pursuit of excellence, has allowed him to thrive in the fast-paced world of luxury properties.

What are some trends among tennis enthusiasts in real estate?

For tennis enthusiasts, a private court is often the ultimate must-have amenity. "Tennis enthusiasts seek homes with ample space for a court or those situated in communities that allow for private tennis installations," Samii explains. Whether it's a pristine existing court or the potential to build a bespoke one, buyers are eyeing properties that complement their active, sophisticated lifestyles.

The Art of Building the Perfect Court

In regions like Greenwich, the choice of court surface becomes a critical element, particularly for serious players. Jack Sarsen emphasizes the importance of buyer input when planning court construction. "The type of court surface is crucial for serious players. While the area country clubs are mostly Har-Tru, with some grass and clay, given the climate, most prefer all-season hard courts at their home," Sarsen notes. He advises clients to secure permits but delay construction until they can make informed decisions about court specifics, such as surface type and color.

How enthusiastic are luxury home buyers about pickleball?

Pickleball courts are the latest luxury real estate trend. In exclusive areas like Rancho Santa Fe, Compass Agent Jon Granston observes, "Affluent clients increasingly seek homes with pickleball courts or space for them, enhancing property appeal and boosting resale values." This trend is redefining high-end home designs and community planning. In a market where expansive outdoor amenities are rare, private pickleball courts offer the ultimate luxury. Homes with these features provide not only a bespoke retreat but also an ideal setting for elegant gatherings. Granston also notes that padel, pickleball’s chic counterpart, is shaping luxury preferences. Buyers are now favoring properties with these advanced sports amenities, reflecting a broader shift towards homes that integrate lifestyle experiences and upscale recreational spaces.

Where are tennis players finding their dream homes?

Certain regions have become meccas for tennis enthusiasts, offering expansive landscapes and ideal climates for year-round play. In Rancho Santa Fe, sprawling lots within the Covenant provide ample space for private tennis or pickleball courts, making it a coveted area for buyers. "Properties within the Rancho Santa Fe Covenant are typically larger pieces of land, which means a higher probability of finding homes with tennis or pickleball courts," says Granston.

Greenwich, Connecticut presents a different scene. While professional tennis players are fewer, the appetite for custom courts remains strong. Buyers here often opt to build courts tailored to their specific needs like the court surface to even the court’s color, blending luxury and personalization with their passion for the sport.

How do you foresee tennis-inspired living evolving?

The luxury real estate market is transforming to meet the needs of tennis lovers. "In recent times, there has been a notable rise in real estate projects designed for tennis lovers, incorporating state-of-the-art amenities and versatile recreational areas," says Samii. High-end residences now frequently include private tennis courts, and new neighborhoods are offering comprehensive sports facilities that blend tennis with wellness and community spaces.

As the popularity of tennis and related sports like pickleball continues to grow, so too does the demand for properties that offer these amenities. For buyers who live and breathe tennis, finding the perfect home is about more than just location—it's about finding a place that truly enhances their lifestyle and passion for the game.