Top San Diego luxury real estate brokerage joins Compass

The Exude Luxury Group — a top-producing real estate firm in Southern California — has departed Side and joined Compass in San Diego’s La Jolla neighborhood, marking a new phase for the six-person team led by Erika Borunda Ahajanian.

The group has closed more than $500 million in career sales — including $121 million in transactions in 2024 — and is known for its work with high-profile luxury real estate clients.

“I decided to join Compass because it aligns seamlessly with the direction of my luxury brand and the caliber of clients I serve,” Ahajanian said in a statement. “With a growing portfolio of international buyers and sellers, I needed a platform that offered unmatched global reach, cutting-edge technology, and robust marketing tools to elevate the client experience. Compass delivers all of that and more.

“Most importantly, I’m now surrounded by some of the top luxury real estate professionals in the world, an inspiring network that pushes me to continue delivering best-in-class service, day in and day out.”

To mark the transition to Compass, the Exude team held a private grand opening celebration at its new street-level office in La Jolla. The red-carpet event included sushi, signature cocktails and a live performance by Grammy-winning artist Swizz Beatz.

The Exude team — Ahajanian, Elliott Ahajanian, Sanjay Solomon, Preston Dubreville, Patricio Yrizar and Sierra Walvatne — focuses on a client base that includes executives, CEOs, athletes and artists.

“Our business isn’t cookie-cutter, far from it,” Ahajanian said. “We approach every client and every property with a completely tailored strategy because no two situations are ever the same. What truly sets us apart is our exclusive and extensive global network, which gives our clients access to opportunities and connections that most teams simply don’t have.

“We’re often able to put deals together off-market, thanks to the strength of our relationships and our reputation in the luxury space. It’s a discreet, high-touch approach that prioritizes privacy, efficiency, and results, something our high-profile clientele deeply value.”

Ahajanian is regarded as a leading figure in San Diego’s luxury real estate sector — drawing on experience in banking, corporate finance and enterprise technology.

She gained additional visibility with the launch of San Diego’s first luxury cryptocurrency property listing and has appeared in national media such as CNBC, KUSI and The Wall Street Journal.

“Homes in desirable neighborhoods like La Jolla, Del Mar, and Encinitas still move quickly — especially off-market,” Ahajanian said. “Having your financing in order gives you a competitive edge. Many luxury homes are never publicly listed.

“Working with a team like ours that has access to exclusive networks can open doors that others can’t. And look beyond sticker price — strong offers with flexible terms often win.”

Despite economic shifts, Ahajanian said the upper tier of the local market remains active.

“The San Diego luxury market is still strong, driven by limited inventory, high demand, and lifestyle appeal to both domestic and international buyers,” she said. “Cash transactions remain common at the top end, and we’re seeing more off-market deals than ever, underscoring the importance of access and relationships. It’s not just about buying a home — it’s about investing in a way of life.”