Kurt was born and raised in Los Angeles as an only child. He started his career in real estate at 19 years old while working in the real estate department of Merrill Lynch. His career quickly ascended and in 1999 he started Westside Estate Agency (“WEA”) headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. Today, WEA is the largest privately held brokerage on the West Coast with annual sales more than $3 billion dollars. WEA has been the market leader in the sales, marketing, and development of luxury real estate with offices in Beverly Hills, Malibu, and Miami. Kurt has been close counsel and guided clients including Larry Ellison, Jimmy Lovine, Dr. Dre, Bono, Madonna, Sean Parker, Ellen DeGeneres, Ryan Seacrest, Steven A. Cohen, Peter Guber, Brad Pitt, Tom Brady & Gisele Bundchen, and Tom Cruise.
In 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 Kurt was named to the 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal. He along with Larry Ellison single-handedly changed the real estate landscape in Malibu creating a new economic environment in bringing hotels, youth activities, restaurants, and luxury housing. The Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety recognized Kurt as being the top real estate dealmaker in town, and Army Archerd wrote that “Kurt Rappaport that he is the real estate guru, trusted by the most powerful".
Kurt is an active investor in real estate and technology. He is a partner of Carlos Slim and Larry King in an online digital network. Kurt’s development company has specialized in the development of ultra-high-end luxury property with architectural or historical significance. Also, his personal homes are in Architectural Digest and other publications.
Most importantly, Kurt is an avid philanthropist. He is a frequent volunteer and benefactor to Children's Hospital and Cedars Sinai Los Angeles. His passion is to give back and help those in need. Kurt is part of a regular round table with top scientists, pediatricians, and neurosurgeons to help fund and lead the cure for pediatric neuroscience and cancer. He is also on the board of the Larry King Cardiac Foundation.
