Much Ado About Something - But Nothing. The Truth About AI

Artificial Intelligence.  The name says it all . . . artificial.

Clients and real estate brokers alike should be insulted at the mere mention of this technologicane - as the AI platform has but one purpose: to dumb Americans down.

Why such a reaction?  It is not because this platform has passed the bar exam or some such other feat of note, but because it exploits a reasonable but not perfect facsimile of what all of us were given in different ways - the artform to critically think to the best of our abilities and reasonably decipher a creative and unique solution.  It's rather comical to sit on the sidelines to see the host of early adopters clamor to peddle the white noise for what AI truly will evidence itself as.  Beware of those who look to instill the fear of what technology could bring to light.  Right now, this is rampant in the real estate sector.

It's one thing to create flowery language for a listing or that ideal sentence or subject header for an email, but it isn't real and ChatGPT, BARD, nor any of the other platforms rushing to capitalize on our collective laziness of our society is really hurting the future - the development of children's minds to not be critical thinkers but instead participate in a virtual cattle call which will render itself useless.  At this juncture, clients are still smarter than to succumb to messaging that sells little more than air.

Any one of us can learn to master any social platform if we apply ourselves, but the real magic is what the human mind can conjure up that will summarily always win.  While competitors and peers anguish over word choice or that special eye to deliver a creative zing that comes easily to you because you were trained to think for yourself - just think of it as job security as no machine can ever outpace the power of human potential.

The Video by which all Real Estate Marketing Can Be Judged

You have to hand it to Real Estate Agents Joyce Rey and Jade Mills in Beverly Hills for this captivating video presence for the home which of course is recognized for its appearance in the TV show "Beverly Hillbillies."  The Kirkeby Estate was rebranded Chartwell | Bel Air by the brokers and this video is nothing short of an emotional roller coaster for those who enjoy viewing beautiful properties.

Regardless of its $150 million price, the video showcases in rare form the essence of what it truly feels like to commune with nature in the middle of a major metropolitan area.  The lush and diverse landscaping, artistic movement of water features, and a true portrayal of what it means to "live the house" from day to night is something that can be scaled for different price points and areas.  While this offering is definitely befitting the essence of a Hollywood production, it also dissects the property to share its intimacy and numerous purposes - from meditation to a major soiree'.

Click the link above to experience the sheer joy of appreciating a curated property that could easily engulf the owner's passions of any type - plein-air painting, art collection, sports, gardening - the property indeed offers options on numerous levels.  Once again, real estate leaders in the L.A. market have produced a glimpse into the surreal by which all future production-quality features of property can be measured.  Bravo!

Cindy Sherman | Something for the Home

Cindy Sherman

This work can be construed as conversational, thoughtful, outlandish, and perhaps something one would not want to run into in a dark alley in some cases.  A recent site visit to The Broad in LA gave unique perspective as the artist uses herself as the model for photography.  Imagine placement in a foyer or somewhere else to spark discussion from guests.  Enjoy!

David Geffen Hall / Excitement for the NY Philharmonic

Check out the new design for the former Avery Fisher now David Geffen Hall that houses the New York Philharmonic in Lincoln Center.  WSJ article:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/lincoln-centers-david-geffen-hall-set-for-550-million-makeover-11575302735

Enjoy!

2017 World Wealth Report / Wealth-X

I'm back!
After trying a demo of Wealth-X's product, I am totally sold on it.  Including a graphical interface of the relationships that the 226,450 individuals in the world with $30+ million have, this is a remarkable asset that is based on really good intelligence.  The new World Wealth Report for 2016 shows that there's been a 3.5%+ change in the numbers and that North America and Asia are leading the charge while Latin America, Middle East, Europe, and Africa are faltering.  Interesting info in this 36-age report.  A must-read for those engaged with this market segment.


http://www.wealthx.com/articles/2017/the-wealth-x-world-ultra-wealth-report-2017/

Understanding the Philanthropic Buyer and Seller

In the high and ultra high net worth segment, having an acute understanding of client lifestyles is a responsibility of not only a private banker, but the real estate broker who represents that constituency.  Part of the skill in working with those clients is being able to talk about things that are important to them.  Among those things is philanthropy.

Some real estate companies have done a tremendous job in leveraging community connections by establishing their own foundations or donor-advised funds which allows both the company and the brokers to remain at the epicenter of the grant making community.  That is admirable.  Other brokers regularly donate a portion of their net to any number of charities.

Learning more about philanthropy is very helpful for the broker who wants an opportunity to work with these types of clients.  Check the membership criteria of either of these groups in the Oregon market.  They both have significant education programs that help develop new leaders in philanthropy.  Organizations like these operate in most metropolitan areas throughout the U.S.

Grantmakers of Oregon & Southwest Washington
Business for Culture and the Arts

Fredrik Eklund - Seattle Windermere Event & the NYC Market

Today we enjoyed the Windermere Real Estate event in Seattle which brought Fredrik Eklund, New York City's top producing broker who was promoting his book The Sell (see link below).  Eklund, who produces over $1 billion annually with his team, still maintains all of his own social media presence and emphasizes the need for brokers to be honest and authentic.  As a top producer who represents numerous celebrity clients, he briefed the audience on trends in both design and how he oftentimes works two years in advance with developers to program buildings for buyers and anticipate trends.  Bravo for an total professional representation in the industry for working with the private client segment.  Excellent counsel for brokers who are working with this type of client.

Buy Fredrik's book at:
http://www.amazon.com/Sell-Secrets-Selling-Anything-Anyone/dp/1592409318/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429932903&sr=8-1&keywords=The+sell