Who We Are

Ara H. Rostamian is a founding partner of the Ovaness-Rostamian Group at Marcus & Millichap, advising developers, private investors, family offices, and institutions on retail and mixed-use investments across the Western U.S. With 18+ years of experience and over $700M in closed transactions, Ara brings a developer’s mindset to brokerage—uncovering hidden value and navigating complexity with precision.

His expertise spans acquisitions, dispositions, 1031 exchanges, and redevelopment strategies across stabilized retail, value-add assets, and ground-up development sites. Clients rely on Ara for his creative dealmaking, deep entitlement knowledge, and practical guidance on feasibility and long-term positioning.
• Advisory-first approach: Every assignment begins with tailored strategy—scenario-based pricing, positioning recommendations, and a clear roadmap to proceeds.
• Deals built to close: Complex transactions are simplified through creative structuring and proactive problem-solving.
• Exchange-ready execution: Deep experience guiding 1031 exchanges with coordinated sale and replacement timelines.
• Value beyond NOI: Underwriting highlights lease-up potential, credit enhancements, rent resets, and zoning overlays.
• Relationships that move deals: Long-standing connections with developers, family offices, and private capital groups drive off-market access and competitive tension.

Ara holds a Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) from USC and a B.S. in Business Administration from CSUN. He serves on the board of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate and stays active in ICSC, AREN, and TREA, while mentoring young professionals. Outside the office, Ara enjoys tennis, mixed martial arts, and competitive chess.

License: CA: 01814678