Coldwell Banker Schmidt Family of Companies’ team of specially trained Luxury Property Specialists can attract the right buyer for your high-end home

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The Richfield home featured here is fairly indicative of what you would expect for a $950,000 home in this market. Pictured is Realtor Lois Byrne, a luxury property specialist. (Photography by Benjamin Margalit/Margalit Studio)

By Patricia Nugent

With specially trained agents and worldwide marketing platforms, the Global Luxury division of Coldwell Banker is making a name for itself selling high-end properties here in Cleveland.

The company, which was founded in 1906, has redefined the system of marketing luxury real estate, spreading its iconic brand to the most discriminating buyers.

“We’ve stuck with the principles upon which we were founded, yet have evolved with the times, tapping the best of technology,” says Jeff Greenway, who is the director of luxury for Coldwell Banker.

“One of the key elements that makes us number one in the luxury market lies in our strength in creating global exposure.”

The intense program is paying off. Last year alone, Global Luxury sold $148.6 million in luxury homes each day.

What is a Luxury Home?
Luxury means different numbers in different cities. Jeff says, for instance, in Beverly Hills, Coldwell Banker classifies luxury homes starting at $1.9 million. In Cleveland, a home is considered luxury starting at $500,000.

Aside from the price tag, there are many unique aspects that differentiate a luxury home from the average listing, and just as many strategies for positioning it.

As with all real estate, location and amenities are determining factors in a home’s value. In the luxury market, those are heightened to breathtaking views, landscape and every special attribute of the home.

Training for Luxury Specialists
“Through our rigorous training, designated Luxury Property Specialists go through a three-day certification program and leave it having earned skills and knowledge of the nuances people are looking for in a luxury property,” Jeff says.

“Our people are able to walk into a luxury home and immerse themselves in all of the details that bring it value, from knowing the history of the estate and its past owners, down to the city in Italy where the tiles come from.”

A Realtor since 1993, local agent Lois Byrne underwent the training and became a Luxury Property Specialist in 2000.

“I represent the luxury home seller with confidence that I am doing everything possible to sell their home in the shortest amount of time for the highest possible price,” she says.

The Richfield home featured here, located at 3616 Seven Oaks Trail, is fairly indicative of what you would expect for a $950,000 home in this market.


“Perched atop a beautiful cul-de-sac lot with sweeping views of a nature preserve, this stunning home is exquisitely appointed and offers every amenity for the discerning buyer,” she says.

“It includes a walkout lower level with home theater, workout room and wine cellar, and high-end finishes such as eucalyptus hardwood floors and a Swarovski crystal chandelier in the dining room.”

Putting Listings in the Hands of the Right Buyer
“We advertise luxury listings in a mind-boggling amount of social media, blogging and 108 international luxury websites, as well as exclusive publications such as The New York Times, Unique Homes, The Wall Street Journal and The Robb Report,” says Jeff.

“Plus, we also publish our own luxury magazine, direct-mailed to 30,000 elite potential buyers, as print is still important in this market.”

Jeff also mentions that in the Cleveland area, there are an abundance of international relocations coming in, and Coldwell Banker’s many levels of marketing reach every corner of the globe to attract them.

“I’ve been in the luxury market since 1986, and I can tell you that it takes more than skills to be successful,” he says.

“A designated luxury agent needs to have a passion, and special demeanor to deal with the high stakes of pricing a home perfectly and making the client happy.”

Coldwell Banker Schmidt Family of Companies is located at 8915 Brecksville Road in Brecksville. Call 440-526-0500 or visit ColdwellBankerLuxury.com for more information.