Real Estate Views from St Pete

head_left_image

Luxury Home Designations

For many years, real estate companies have had luxury divisions and/or luxury designations. There are two problems I see with company designations - 1) they have different standards so you don't really know what training/experience the agent has; and 2) if/when you leave that company, you no longer can use the designation.  Laurie Moore-Moore, formerly of Real Trends, and a speaker many of us have heard over the years, created the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, and as part of it, the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist CLHMS designation, which has both educational and performance requirements. The Institute has continuing education after the designation, provides an online magazine, keeps up posted on new trends, and is constantly looking for unique opportunities for its members.
10 comments • Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS • July 22 2006 12:56PM

Comments

Hi Sharon, 

I have earned Laurie Moore Moore's CLHMS designation but I must say, I never use the designation--and I deal in the higher-end market.  What I enjoy is the right to use the RE/MAX Renowed Properties signage and printed materials that taking the course allows me to do.  They absolutely set my higher end listings apart from the regular RE/MAX signage.  In our market, high-end constitutes homes priced higher than $500K.  The price of the home varies from market to market.  In Midland, TX. where I once sold real estate, it probably would be anything over $300K.

Bonnie Cox - Denver and Metro Denver

Posted by Bonnie Cox (RE/MAX Masters) almost 6 years ago
I would like to take the course.  I heard great feedback from people who've taken the course and earned their designation.  One thing that I heard about the course it that it gives you insights into working with and understanding the expectations of the truly well-to-do.  I looking forward for it to return to our area.
Posted by Ben Kakimoto - Seattle Condo Specialist (Keller Williams Greater Seattle) almost 6 years ago
Bonnie - I'm glad you're using the Renowned Properties signage and printed materials. Many agents in our area are not utilizing those tools. I do use the CHLMS designation a lot - I think it adds credibility, and European clients, particularly, are very concerned with certifications and designations.  On my flyers and other marketing materials I use both the RP logo and either the CHLMS logo or the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing logo, depending on which my daughter Tami feels makes the better graphic presentation on a particular piece.  Since you have your designation, are you planning to attend the Leaders in Luxury conference in Dallas in October?
Posted by Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) almost 6 years ago
Ben - great plan.  I'd suggest, though, that you not take the course when it comes to your area.  You're going to expand your knowledge and referral network more if you take the course away from your area. You could determine which areas are feeding your market and take a course there, to build up potential referring agents, or you could just decide where you'd like to take a short vacation, and plan it when a class is being held in that ara.
Posted by Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) almost 6 years ago

Don't forget to promote and explain whatever designations you decide to pursue once you have achieved them.  Highlight to the consumer the benefits of working with someone that holds the designation to improve your chance of being their choice!

Posted by Suzanne Marriott, Associate Broker, CLHMS, e-PRO (Keller Williams Arizona Realty) over 5 years ago
To Sharon's point about attending out of town, we are in Atlanta for the class and have made connections with folks from Atlanta, North Carolina, Florida, Iowa, New Mexico and a couple of others.  62 attendees at the class!
Posted by Suzanne Marriott, Associate Broker, CLHMS, e-PRO (Keller Williams Arizona Realty) over 5 years ago
Congratulations, Suzanne.  Enjoy the class, learn a lot, and do a great job for all your future luxury clients.  Say hi to Laurie Moore-Moore from me.
Posted by Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) over 5 years ago

Hi Sharon,

Is there any way you can get word to the Institute that they NEED to hold a class here in Cleveland OH (believe it or not, there are Luxury homes in Cleveland).  I understand the points made about taking the class out of town, but I know many agents (myself included) who would love to take the course if it was more accessible.       

Thank you,

Kathy      

Posted by Kathy LeRoy (Russell Real Estate Services) over 4 years ago

Hi Sharon,

I was in your class in Vail, Colorado.  You and your daughter were extraordinary teachers/presenters.  Thanks again!

Stefan Geyer

Posted by STEFAN GEYER: Realtor® & Certified Appraiser (Metrowest Real Estate Services) about 4 years ago

Kathy - many of the classes have local sponsors - a company, a Realtor association, a title company, a developer ... perhaps one of them would like to sponsor a class in Cleveland. Let me know if anyone wants the Institute to send them an information package. 

 

Stefan - Thanks so much for your comment!

Posted by Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) about 4 years ago

Participate

(optional)
What does the graphic say?