Meet the Team | Scott James Properties

THE GREATER PALM SPRINGS AREA LUXURY REAL ESTATE EXPERTS

Scott and James are renowned, multi-award winning real estate professionals specializing in luxury home sales across the Coachella Valley. As principal owners of Harcourts Luxury Real Estate & Auctions, they bring together a powerhouse partnership that blends Palermo’s extensive expertise in finance, marketing, and West Los Angeles real estate with Sanak’s mastery of cutting-edge technology. Together, they have harnessed the impeccable reputation and international reach of Harcourts to build a “People First” brokerage that redefines excellence in real estate.

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 have successfully completed complex transactions at some of the most exclusive Country Clubs including Bighorn Golf Club and The Vintage Club. Their knowledge of their community, understanding of their clients’ needs, and proven marketing strategies have earned them numerous accolades, including ranking in the Top 1% of REALTORS® in the Coachella Valley, and recognized as one of the Top 85 REALTOR® Teams in the Coachella Valley.

REAL ESTATE HAS EVOLVED—HAS YOUR STRATEGY?

The way homes are sold has dramatically changed. What once worked is now a relic of marketing history. Selling in one of America’s most dynamic markets and powered by a wave of technological innovation, Scott James Properties was designed with forward-thinking at its core.

In this fast-paced environment, Scott James Properties has developed strategies that captivate the tech-savvy buyer. Today, real estate conversations revolve around inspiring consumers and showcasing a lifestyle—and Scott James Properties brings this vision to life through emotionally compelling videos, striking photography, and a robust public relations campaign featured in some of the world’s most prestigious publications.

Their innovative marketing is seamlessly paired with the team’s extensive real estate experience, offering clients unmatched representation and expert negotiation. It is this powerful combination of creativity and expertise that has made Scott James Properties a leader in luxury home sales.

Meet Our Team

Donna Henning-Howell - Operations Manager
Lauren Emory - Compliance Manager
Christopher Villalta - Client Services, REALTOR®

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

My family and I have just enjoyed a very rewarding, pleasant, and successful experience! Windermere Real Estate is so fortunate to have Messrs. Scott Palermo, James Sanak, and their assistant, Alice Foster, on its staff. They are a tremendous and valuable asset. What a hardworking, personable, dedicated, goal-oriented, knowledgeable, professional, helpful, thoughtful, and positive team! They provided man...

— Irene H.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Thanks again for getting the house sold. You guys made it seem so painless. You did a great job.

— Joe D.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Just a little note to say thanks for all the time James and you spent with us trying to find the perfect home. It got a little stressful at times, but you guys always managed to reassure us. Thank you again for being professionals and having integrity in all that you did to make this happen for us! We’ll definitely use your services & expertise when the time comes to list our condominium for sale.

— Larry F. & Rich A.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Scott Palermo and James Sanak are two of the most professional and proficient real estate agents I have ever worked with. Their tireless commitment to their clients and their ‘can do’ attitude make it a real pleasure to work with them. At a time when clients need the very best representation in their corner as sellers or buyers, Scott and James shine!

— Kimberly N.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Thanks for all your attention to detail and all the work you have accomplished for our benefit. You have a great team!

— Archie P.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

They really took the time to educate us on all our options, and the pros and cons of various neighborhoods so we felt truly up to speed on this fast-changing market. They are true professionals, with a great reputation that can be the difference between winning and losing in a competitive situation.

— Sean & Ivana M.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Buying a house can be difficult, frustrating, and very stressful. You guys made the process so easy. You understand the housing market, listen to your clients and understand what they want and need. You were always there for us giving us the best service. Your guidance and support continued after the deal was done, showing us that you love what you do and do it well.

— Avi D. & David R.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

First off, I would highly recommend James Sanak and his team as your go-to realtors anywhere in the Palm Desert/Indian Wells/La Quinta area. This was a new market for me, and I tend to be very picky about who I work with. James worked with me for months, understanding my wants and needs, helped to narrow down my search, and was spot on with his assessment. From there, he brought great choices and spent h...

— Brad W.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

We were very pleased with the attention James Sanak and Scott Palermo gave our home. Their advice and knowledge of the local real estate market resulted in a quick sale over the listed price. My husband and I would highly recommend them for all your real estate needs.

— Zola N.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

When we decided to purchase a home in Palm Springs, we didn’t really know where to start, especially as out-of-town buyers. We had an established budget and some basic parameters for what we wanted in a home. After our first phone call with Scott Palermo and James Sanak, we knew we were in good hands. They immediately understood what we were looking for and took action to get us exactly what we wanted. S...

— Jonathan D.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

James and Scott helped get me through a very difficult time when selling my home. Their positive attitudes and caring ways were really a gift during this time. Thank you both so much!

— Chill U.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

There are so many great reasons to ask Harcourts Desert Homes to help you buy or sell a home in Coachella Valley. Our first interaction with them was for a home sale. What we liked the most about this team was their ability to listen and their desire to help us rather than to help themselves. They offered their experience, shared their wisdom, and listened to our needs. We arrived at a mutually beneficia...

— Kathleen D.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

My family and I had a condo to sell in Palm Springs and were recommended to contact Jim Sanak. This sale ended up having many issues (past title recording inaccuracies, roadblocks from multiple government agencies, a buyer growing impatient, etc.). Jim navigated through all this, always finding a solution to the problem and taking the time to explain the situation to us in a friendly and patient way. Tha...

— Marc

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

James Sanak and his team were so helpful in getting our home ready for sale. All of their suggestions resulted in a quick sale over the listed price. I would highly recommend them for their expertise in the local real estate market.

— Costa N.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Noel Sheldon is the best realtor I’ve ever worked with. I met him at an open house by chance and started working with him after that. He has been so professional and responsive that it is hard to describe in words. I am not always the easiest customer to work with and he was a gem even at those times. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to buy real estate in the area he covers.

— Frank B.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

James and Scott helped get me through a very difficult time when selling my home. Their positive attitudes and caring ways were really a gift during this time. Thank you both so much!

— Connie H.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Scott and James are terrific; kind, patient, and thoughtful, and they know the Coachella Valley inside and out. They're very well connected and are happy to use those connections to benefit their clients. We deeply appreciated their partnership as we searched for and ultimately purchased our very first home in the desert. We highly recommend them.

— Derek G.

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