P
alm Beach is a hub for America's wealthy and powerful, making it a lucrative place for luxury real estate agents. Frequent eight- and nine-figure deals have prompted several of the nation's largest brokerages to plant their flags in the town, but gaining a foothold isn't easy. Most of the area's top agents have been selling homes there for years, attuned to the island's lifestyle and the rhythms of "the season": roughly between Thanksgiving and Memorial Day when well-heeled part-time residents are in town.

    Partaking in the lifestyle and community is essential for an agent in Palm Beach. The island is notoriously insular, and closing the biggest deals requires a seat at the right tables. Sant Ambroeus is a popular spot for brokers, located in the Royal Poinciana Plaza. It's central to many brokers' offices, including Elliman agent Samantha Curry's. Brown Harris Stevens and Sotheby's International Realty also have offices in the complex.

    In the evenings, everyone seems to be eating at Le Bilboquet. It's a French bistro that followed the money south from Manhattan. Centrally located on Worth Avenue, art collector and Andy Warhol muse "Baby" Jane Holzer is both an investor in the restaurant and its landlord. Agents also frequent nearby establishments Bice, Buccan, and its sister restaurant Imoto. The Palm Beach Grill is also a go-to spot.

    The Palm Beach season includes a packed schedule of philanthropic cocktail parties, galas, and luncheons. Some of the must-attend events are amfAR's annual gala, the Society of the Four Arts' Contemporaries Gala, the Norton Museum of Arts' annual gala, the International Red Cross Ball, the Palm Beach Heart Ball, and the Boys & Girls Clubs' Winter Ball.

    Most brokers drive luxury SUVs to events. Curry drives a Bentley Bentayga, McGurk drives a Range Rover Sport, and Pohrer drives a Range Rover. Leavitt typically drives a white Mercedes G-Wagon, except when he doesn't want anyone to recognize him or see where he's going.