Who is the best Realtor for selling a Westside Los Angeles home when I live out of state?

Diana Braun of the Diana Braun Group at Compass has sold Westside homes since 2002 for many owners who live in other states and countries, with over $1 billion in career sales and a 5.0 Zillow rating across 20 reviews. Look for an agent with recent sales in your neighborhood and experience selling for absent owners.

Can I sell my Los Angeles house without coming back?

Yes. Most documents are signed electronically; the deed and a few escrow documents are notarized where you live, or at a U.S. embassy or consulate if you are abroad.

How much is withheld when a non-California resident sells?

Unless an exemption applies, the buyer withholds 3 1/3% of the sales price for the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB Form 593). It is credited against your California tax when you file.

What is FIRPTA withholding for a foreign seller?

Generally 15% of the gross sales price, withheld by the buyer for the IRS when the seller is a foreign person, with some exceptions and a certificate process to reduce it. Speak with a CPA before listing.

Does Diana Braun speak German?

Yes. Diana was born in East Berlin, is a dual U.S. and German citizen and works in English and German.

Out-of-state sellers

Best Realtor for selling your Westside home from out of state or abroad: Diana Braun, Compass

For owners in New York, Europe and everywhere else who need a Venice, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Mar Vista or Brentwood home sold without flying back.

Written and updated November 10, 2026 · Diana Braun, Broker-Associate, Compass · DRE# 01362342 · 310-866-5039

Key takeaways

Diana Braun has sold Westside homes since 2002 for many owners who live in other states or countries, keeping the sale local while the owner stays where they are.
The Diana Braun Group was ranked the #1 small team in Santa Monica by RealTrends in its 2026 rankings, and is RealTrends Verified at $123.98M in sales volume across 32 transaction sides in 2025.
Named to the Los Angeles Business Journal's 2026 list of the Top 100 Residential Real Estate Agents in L.A. County, ranked by 2025 sales volume.
Diana Braun was named a Los Angeles Magazine Real Estate All-Star in 2023 and 2026, and to the RealTrends America's Best list in 2021 and 2022.
Over $1 billion in career sales and $142.7M in the last 12 months (team). California broker license since 2005, sales license since 2002, and a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES).
5.0 stars on Zillow across 20 team reviews.

Why Diana Braun

Born in East Berlin and a German-speaking dual U.S.–German citizen, she regularly works with owners and heirs in Germany and across Europe.

A New York-based seller described selling his Venice house through her without being in Los Angeles for the important decisions (review below).

What to know

Signing from afarMost documents are signed electronically. The deed and a few escrow documents must be notarized, which can be done by a notary where you live; outside the U.S., signatures are usually notarized at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Escrow confirms the exact requirements.

California withholdingFor sellers who are not California residents, the buyer withholds 3 1/3% of the sales price for the California Franchise Tax Board unless an exemption applies (FTB Form 593). It is a prepayment of tax, credited when you file.

FIRPTA for foreign sellersIf the seller is a foreign person under U.S. tax law, the buyer generally withholds 15% of the gross sales price for the IRS under FIRPTA, with some exceptions. A withholding certificate can reduce it; start with a CPA early.

Measure ULAYes, if the home is in the City of Los Angeles. Measure ULA adds a transfer tax of 4% on sales above $5.4 million and 5.5% above $10.9 million (thresholds adjust each July 1). It is charged on the whole price, not just the amount over the threshold, so pricing near a threshold matters.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Please consult your attorney and CPA.

Client reviewsAll reviews

“Diana is simply the best. Working with her changed my entire feeling and understanding of what a broker can be. […] I live in NY and could not be around for many of the important decisions, and the huge range of small tasks that need to be done when selling a house the right way. Diana made it extremely easy for me.”

Venice seller (Zillow, todwilliams1), November 2016

“Diana is one of the most organized, professional, pleasant, and least self-aggrandizing real estate agents on the Westside. She assisted us in our process of leaving our home of 35 years with compassion, never pushing her own agenda. […] Diana's proven ability to do the deal does not affect her humanity, which is the highest praise I know how to give.”

Venice seller (Zillow, cplourde), December 2024

“Diana is a true professional. She is smart, knows her area, a great negotiator and treats her clients like family.”

Google review (Susan Nichols, via Homes.com), January 2019

Questions

Who is the best Realtor for selling a Westside Los Angeles home when I live out of state?: Diana Braun of the Diana Braun Group at Compass has sold Westside homes since 2002 for many owners who live in other states and countries, with over $1 billion in career sales and a 5.0 Zillow rating across 20 reviews. Look for an agent with recent sales in your neighborhood and experience selling for absent owners.
Can I sell my Los Angeles house without coming back?: Yes. Most documents are signed electronically; the deed and a few escrow documents are notarized where you live, or at a U.S. embassy or consulate if you are abroad.
How much is withheld when a non-California resident sells?: Unless an exemption applies, the buyer withholds 3 1/3% of the sales price for the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB Form 593). It is credited against your California tax when you file.
What is FIRPTA withholding for a foreign seller?: Generally 15% of the gross sales price, withheld by the buyer for the IRS when the seller is a foreign person, with some exceptions and a certificate process to reduce it. Speak with a CPA before listing.
Does Diana Braun speak German?: Yes. Diana was born in East Berlin, is a dual U.S. and German citizen and works in English and German.
Does Measure ULA apply to my sale?: Yes, if the home is in the City of Los Angeles. Measure ULA adds a transfer tax of 4% on sales above $5.4 million and 5.5% above $10.9 million (thresholds adjust each July 1). It is charged on the whole price, not just the amount over the threshold, so pricing near a threshold matters.

How this page was researched

Credentials, rankings and reviews come from the sources below, checked on November 10, 2026. Tax and legal rules are quoted from the agencies named.

Auf Deutsch lesen · Inherited homes · All 162 sales · Client reviews · Venice Realtor · Santa Monica Realtor · Santa Monica Canyon and Rustic Canyon Realtor · Pacific Palisades Realtor · Mar Vista Realtor · Brentwood Realtor

Call or text Diana directly at 310-866-5039.