On top of real estate market

John McMonigle and his McMonigle Group was named Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s top residential sales team in the world for last year, according to a news release.

This is the third year in a row the Newport Beach-based McMonigle Group was named as the company’s top seller, with $432 million in sales in 2006 — a 74% increase from the group’s 2005 sales.

The first year the McMonigle Group was named the top domestic and international seller, Coldwell Banker reported McMonigle sold $197 million in residential real estate.

This year McMonigle expects another big jump in sales, with almost $900 million properties either sold, in escrow or listed with his group already this year.

McMonigle focuses on the luxury market in Orange County, selling more than $1 billion in the last five years.

He co-founded Strada Properties in 2000, which was sold to Coldwell Banker three years later.

“I’m proud to accept this recognition, but perhaps more honored to be recognized by my clients for delivering exceptional sales results and client service,” McMonigle said in the news release.

“With the McMonigle Group, I have assembled the best sales, marketing, advertising, design and public relations teams in the industry, and together we continue to set new standards for residential real estate sales and service.”

— Amanda Pennington