Here are voice-to-text highlights of an interview with Amanda Dykes, Training & Membership Director of The Institute For Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM) and the RE/MAX Satellite Network (RSN) in Las Vegas on March 5, 2009:
RSN: Please tell us about the "The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing."
ILHM: The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing is an international training and membership organization for agents who work in the luxury market. Our mission is to help agents deliver high-quality service to the buyers and sellers of luxury homes and in so doing, maximize their own success. Our two-day training course is the first step in earning the prestigious Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation. In short, we are all about helping luxury agents.
RSN: How does Institute membership benefit sales associates?
ILHM: Most important, our training gives agents the information they need to take their luxury business to the next level. Once the course is completed, agents can use our Institute logo to brand and differentiate themselves in their market. We have a LONG list of benefits agents can take advantage of…everything from ongoing research information to tips and marketing tools. Of course, one big benefit is the ability to network with other luxury agents. Once agents have earned the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation, they can attend our special annual networking event, Leaders in Luxury.
RSN: What are the steps for earning the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation?
ILHM: Agents first must take our two-day training course that makes them an Institute member. Then, there are three different ways to earn the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation – each requires meeting clearly defined performance requirements. It’s a bit complex to explain the alternatives here, but the important thing to remember is that you must have numerous closed transactions in the top 10% of your market. We also have a new fast track plan for agents who specialize in properties priced at $5 million and above. The complete explanation of how to qualify is on our website at www.LuxuryHomeMarketing.com .
RSN: Where can agents get training?
ILHM: This year we are rolling out our training online. This means you can take the course in the office or at home at your own pace. There are also numerous live courses offered across the country. Agents can find information about online training and the live course schedule on our website at www.LuxuryHomeMarketing.com . The RE/MAX Satellite Television Network (RSN) also offers the course on DVD for RE/MAX associates.
RSN: After an agent receives the designation, what kind of support does your organization offer?
ILHM: Lots of support! In fact our support and member benefits start as soon as an agent takes the course. Completing the course makes you a member and you can immediately take advantage of a long list of benefits.
1. Each of our members gets a FREE luxury agent profile on the Wall Street Journal’s web page. That normally costs $800 a year. Again, it’s free to our members.
2. Each Institute member gets up to six free property listings annually on the Wall Street Journal website…this benefit alone is worth over $2000!
3. We host free monthly conference calls each month for our members. Topics include “Branding Yourself as a Luxury Agent,” “Luxury Property Short Sales,” “Technology Tips and Social Networking for the Luxury Agent.” Members tell us they really like these calls.
4. Our Luxury Insights Blog (http://ilhm.typepad.com ) is packed with great information, marketing ideas, success tips from other luxury agents and more.
5. Institute members can participate in a new International MLS and networking organization. Members can promote their properties around the globe and network with other luxury agents. All free to Institute members.
I could go on and on, but the bottom line is there are tons of member benefits designed to help agents be more successful!
RSN: Where do agents sign up to take the course and how long will it take?
ILHM: The course is about 15 hours in length. Register for live courses on our website at www.LuxuryHomeMarketing.com . Information on the online course is also available there. RE/MAX agents who want to take the course on DVD should contact the RE/MAX Satellite Television Network (RSN).
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