Becoming a luxury real estate agent is not something you can improvise, it is something you learn, shape and understand. More than a profession, it is a vision associated with a know-how, a know-how, an identity. Like the standard real estate agent, the exercise is more complex in many ways. Indeed, the power of the luxury real estate agent resides in an essential triptych creating a consensus around the understanding of the luxury and real estate sector, the academic background and the human qualities. Here are the keys...
Degrees and experience
Acceeding to the status of luxury agent represents a visa for the exceptional. In order to claim the title, it is advisable to build up significant experience in the so-called classic real estate sector and climb the ladder. However, in the luxury sector, the places are, as you can imagine, very sought after and few profiles are chosen. First of all, all luxury real estate agents must have a professional card or an accreditation, with a university degree to back it up. Although a baccalaureate + 2 is a minimum requirement, being a graduate of higher education and the sector represents a real springboard in the career of real estate agent.
Different training courses are thus offered in many schools and institutes:
- A BTS in real estate professions
- A professional degree in the real estate sector (real estate law, transactions and management, management and business law, commercial property transactions, etc.)
- A professional Master's degree in real estate law, real estate and urban planning
Professional and human qualities
The university curriculum enhances the profile, but entering the microcosm of luxury real estate also requires ease and knowledge. This highly selective course is based in particular on the distinction of professional and human qualities:
1- Be a good salesman and fine negotiator
The luxury real estate agent profession is above all based on commercial activities. In this sense, a sharp knowledge of negotiation techniques is one of the keys to hope to convince. One must understand the nature of the market for high-class properties and respond with eloquence and finesse to the demands of an elitist clientele. Knowing how to sell, argue, persuade and having good listening skills will make the difference in creating preference.
2- Understanding the codes of luxury and its clientele
In real estate as in any other sector, luxury is synonymous with history, know-how and excellence. More focused on emotion, wealthy clients are particularly demanding. Knowledge of the codes of high society is essential to satisfy their desires. The agent must rethink real estate with new approaches based on a customized experience and weave an exclusive relationship with his clients. Always pay attention to detail, understand and decipher the culture, lifestyle, habits and anticipate the expectations of their prospects. Never fall into the easy way, but favor excellence, surprise, innovation to unearth a property in their image.
3- Forge an influential network to federate around common values
As a capital tool that opens the way to "empowerment", networking is one of the best means in order to create synergies, partnerships and in fine future transactions. Networking is a full-fledged job that must be made to bear fruit. It will be useful to build up a solid address book in high places or private events in order to expand one's relationships in a targeted and therefore relevant way. Another lever of choice is the power of social networks (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, You Tube, Pinterest), which increases the sphere of influence and is intended as a 2.0 relay to promote luxury properties.
4- Proficiency in one or more foreign languages
The mastery of foreign languages (mainly English) is an important recruitment criterion in order to best accompany international clients. Having benefited from studies or experiences abroad is an indicator that registers the agent in a sincere approach of opening to other cultures.
5- Know how to stand out and play to your strengths
Accompanying buyers and sellers in their projects with discretion, attention and rigor, showing availability and mobility, qualities that punctuate the prerequisites. Knowing how to stand out from your peers also means rubbing shoulders with the world of the ultra-rich and knowing how to blend in. Adopting an impeccable attitude and impeccable dress presentation is a guarantee of confidence for clients.