We were lucky to catch up with Simon Polito recently and have shared our conversation below.
Simon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
Yes, we do non-distressed LIVE Auctions – changing the way real estate is done currently in California and soon to be in more states.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Simon Polito, a global luxury expert originally from Sydney, Australia, now based in Orange County, California. My journey into my industry is rooted in a passion for connecting people with extraordinary homes and transforming the way luxury real estate is sold. I specialize in luxury live auctions that are non-distressed, providing an innovative and transparent method of buying and selling high-end properties.
How I Got Started
My career began with a deep appreciation for architecture, design, and the emotional connection people have with their homes. Over time, I recognized a gap in the traditional real estate model—particularly when it came to selling luxury properties. Many homes were sitting on the market for too long, creating frustration for both sellers and their agents. I saw an opportunity to bring the dynamic energy of live auctions to this space, and that’s how my company, RECA, was born.
What We Do
At RECA, we provide luxury live auction services that give high-end properties a competitive edge in the market. Our method ensures:
Speed: Selling properties faster than traditional methods.
Transparency: Bringing clarity and trust to buyers and sellers.
Maximized Value: Creating a competitive atmosphere that drives prices up.
Additionally, I lead a real estate sales team, The Polito Group, brokered by eXp Realty. We focus on coastal Southern California homeowners looking to sell, offering a seamless experience with a commitment to turning “For Sale” into SOLD.
The Problems We Solve
Stale Listings: We help realtors and homeowners move properties that have been on the market for more than 60 days.
Time-Sensitive Sales: By offering a time-bound auction approach, we meet the needs of sellers who prioritize speed without compromising value.
Luxury Market Challenges: We make it easier to sell unique and high-value properties by curating tailored marketing campaigns and leveraging an international network of buyers.
What Sets Us Apart
I believe our ability to marry innovation with tradition is what makes us stand out. Live auctions have been a proven method in other industries for centuries, yet they’re underutilized in real estate. By offering this solution in a luxury-focused, client-first manner, we provide an unparalleled experience. I’m also proud to bring authenticity and integrity to every transaction, ensuring clients feel understood and supported.
What I’m Most Proud Of
What truly fills me with pride is witnessing the joy and relief on my clients’ faces when we achieve what once felt impossible. Whether it’s breaking a sales record, helping a family transition seamlessly into a new chapter, or reenergizing a realtor’s stalled listing, these moments make everything worthwhile.
Key Takeaways for Clients
Expertise: Over a decade of experience in the luxury real estate sector.
Innovation: A modern approach to selling that prioritizes speed, value, and transparency.
Results: A proven track record of successful sales across Southern California.
If you’re looking for someone to bring passion, precision, and creativity to your real estate journey, whether through auctions or traditional methods, I’d be honored to help you achieve your goals. My mission is to redefine what’s possible in luxury real estate and ensure every client feels like they’re part of something extraordinary.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building my reputation within the luxury real estate market has been a combination of several key factors that reflect my commitment to excellence, innovation, and authenticity. Here are the pillars that have shaped my success:
1. Delivering Results
Reputation begins and ends with results. My ability to consistently deliver successful sales—often exceeding clients’ expectations—has been instrumental. Whether through luxury live auctions or traditional real estate sales with The Polito Group, I’ve built trust by showing I can achieve what others might find challenging, especially with high-value properties that demand a tailored approach.
2. Transparent Communication
In an industry where trust is paramount, I’ve built strong relationships by prioritizing open and honest communication with clients, buyers, and agents. From the start, I ensure everyone understands the process, timelines, and expectations, which fosters confidence and loyalty.
3. Innovating with Live Auctions
Introducing a non-distressed luxury auction model to Southern California set me apart in a competitive market. By offering an alternative to traditional real estate sales, I brought a fresh, results-driven approach that appealed to both sellers seeking speed and buyers who value transparency. This innovation has helped establish my name as a thought leader in the luxury space.
4. Building a Stellar Network
Real estate is a people business. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a robust network of realtors, clients, and international buyers who trust my expertise and often refer me to others. I’ve also worked to form strategic partnerships, like with Michael Plummer, which have amplified my reach and reputation.
5. Focused Marketing and Branding
I’ve invested heavily in branding and marketing that resonates with my target audience. From creating a luxury aesthetic in all materials to showcasing success stories through client testimonials and social proof, I’ve ensured my name is associated with quality, innovation, and trustworthiness. My TV show, Selling Southern California, further established my credibility as a go-to expert in the region.
6. Authenticity and Connection
People want to work with someone they trust, and I’ve always approached my work with authenticity and a genuine desire to help others. I believe in creating lasting relationships rather than one-time transactions, and this mindset has led to loyal clients and consistent referrals.
7. Passion and Energy
Passion is contagious, and I bring it to every auction, listing, or consultation. Clients often tell me they feel my enthusiasm for their property and my determination to achieve the best results. This energy has helped set me apart in an industry that can sometimes feel impersonal.
8. A Commitment to Education and Growth
To stay ahead of the curve, I’ve dedicated myself to ongoing education and adaptation in the market. Whether it’s staying informed on market trends or mastering new technologies, I’ve built a reputation as a forward-thinking expert who is always evolving.
What It All Comes Down To
Ultimately, my reputation has been built on delivering value—whether that’s selling a multimillion-dollar home faster than expected, helping a realtor salvage a stagnant listing, or simply providing peace of mind to my clients. It’s about doing the work, staying true to my values, and ensuring every person I work with feels they’ve partnered with someone who genuinely cares about their success.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
How I Built My Audience on Social Media
Building my audience on social media wasn’t an overnight success—it was a strategic, consistent effort that took time, creativity, and authenticity. Since my industry is highly visual and trust-driven, I focused on storytelling, showcasing results, and providing value rather than just selling. Here’s how I did it:
1. Establishing My Brand Identity
From the start, I made sure my social media presence reflected my personal and professional brand. My audience needed to recognize me as a luxury real estate expert and auctioneer who brings innovation and results to the market. This meant:
A consistent visual aesthetic with high-quality images and videos.
A clear tone of voice that matched my personality—professional, confident, yet approachable.
Messaging that highlighted my unique value proposition: luxury live auctions and non-distressed sales.
2. Showcasing My Expertise
Instead of just posting listings, I focused on educating and engaging my audience. I shared:
✅ Behind-the-scenes content from live auctions.
✅ Success stories showing how I helped clients sell their homes faster and for top dollar.
✅ Tips for homeowners and realtors on maximizing property value and understanding the auction process.
✅ Market updates to position myself as an industry leader.
This helped build credibility and positioned me as the go-to expert for luxury real estate auctions.
3. Leveraging Video & Reels
Social media thrives on dynamic, engaging content, so I made video a big part of my strategy. Some of my most successful posts have included:
🎥 Auction highlights – The energy and excitement of a live auction attract high engagement.
🏡 Luxury home tours – Showcasing stunning properties in a cinematic way.
🎙 Educational clips – Quick videos explaining auction benefits or market trends.
Video content has not only boosted engagement but also helped me connect more authentically with my audience.
4. Engaging With My Audience
I didn’t just post and disappear—I engaged with my followers. This meant:
Responding to every comment and DM to build relationships.
Starting conversations with interactive stories (polls, Q&A).
Collaborating with industry professionals and influencers for cross-promotion.
By treating social media as a two-way street, I built a loyal community rather than just an audience.
5. Consistency & Posting Strategy
Social media rewards consistency, so I developed a posting schedule to stay top-of-mind. My strategy included:
📅 Posting at least 3-4 times per week to maintain engagement.
⏰ Timing posts based on when my audience was most active.
📍 Mixing content types (Reels, carousel posts, stories) for variety.
6. Leveraging Paid Advertising & Partnerships
To amplify my reach, I also used targeted social media ads and collaborations.
Running ads for upcoming auctions helped me attract serious buyers.
Partnering with realtors, luxury brands, and media outlets expanded my audience.
This combination of organic and paid strategies helped my social media grow faster.
Advice for Those Starting to Build Their Social Media Presence
If you’re just starting, here’s what I’d recommend:
✅ Define Your Brand & Niche – Be clear on who you are and what makes you different.
✅ Focus on Value, Not Just Sales – Provide educational, inspiring, or entertaining content.
✅ Use Video & Reels – It’s the fastest way to grow your audience today.
✅ Engage With People – Respond to comments, DMs, and start conversations.
✅ Be Consistent – Success doesn’t happen overnight—stay committed.
✅ Experiment & Adapt – Try different types of content and see what resonates.
Social media is a powerful tool for building your brand and attracting clients, but the key is authenticity and persistence. If you show up, provide value, and engage, your audience will grow over time.
Contact Info:
- Website: simonpolito.com RECAuctions.com
- Instagram: simonpolitotpg RECAuctions
- Facebook: simonpolito
- Linkedin: simonpolito
- Twitter: simonpolito
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theSimonPolito
