What do you picture when you think of a luxury property? A large estate with gorgeous outdoor spaces? A penthouse in the heart of a walkable community? Or maybe something modern with smart technology? The St. Louis market offers all of that and more. High-end real estate is a complicated, everchanging business, but it’s a challenge the Lottmann Realty Group of Re/Max Suburban Real Estate is more than ready to face.
With more than two decades of experience in the local luxury market, the group is perfectly equipped to serve both buyers and sellers. For homeowners looking to sell, its cutting-edge marketing program targets all possible prospects, including those interested in moving but not actively looking. “We use several techniques to create a total experience, including drone footage, aerial shots and 3-D technology,” explains founder Jeff Lottmann. “We ensure that the property being sold is properly spotlighted.” For prospective buyers, Lottmann notes the team has access to a variety of high-end properties, including those that are not yet publicly listed. “Plus, for people who want to build their dream home from the ground up, we have meaningful partnerships with builders, architects and designers,” he adds. “We can provide a truly turnkey experience.”
To help clients best navigate the market, Lottmann Realty Group keeps up-todate with the latest trends. “People are no longer downsizing or upsizing; they are right-sizing,” Lottmann says. “Total square footages are becoming smaller but more luxurious.” He adds that buyers are looking for customizable spaces, which means open floor plans and more functionality. “Rooms are defined by furnishings and decor, not walls, and spaces often serve multiple purposes,” he explains. “The days of a formal dining room and sitting room are gone.”
Technological advances also are changing the luxury market. Lottmann notes that buyers want smart homes, with whole-house networks and connected monitoring systems. Environmental concerns also are impacting how houses are constructed, with geothermal heating and cooling and solar power becoming more prevalent. “Today, luxury is about quality of life,” Lottmann says. “The bones of the home are becoming more important. A well-constructed house is more energy-efficient with better indoor air quality.”
Lottmann says many of these trends are the result of how millennials’ preferences differ from those of their parents and grandparents. “The younger generation is waiting longer to purchase a house, and when they decide to buy, they focus on amenities and function more than the size of the property,” he explains. Along with multipurpose rooms and home networks for lights and appliances, younger buyers prioritize location and walkability, while older homeowners tend to focus more on aesthetics and beautiful finishes, according to Lottmann. But there are some design elements that appeal to buyers of all ages. “Both generations are interested in an open concept, which is a shift from decades past,” he says.
Buying or selling a home can be a difficult process, and dealing with luxury properties only adds to the challenge. Lottmann notes that it is important to have the proper support to ensure you get exactly what you want. “Not every real estate agent can sell in the ultra-luxury market,” he says. “Do your due diligence and make sure your agent has experience. Discretion, access and knowledge are all important things to consider.”
Lottmann Realty Group is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals and successfully navigate the challenging process of buying and selling a home. For more information, call 636.812.4414 or visit mystlrealtor.com.
Cover design by Julie Streiler | Cover photo courtesy of Lottmann Realty Group
Pictured at top: Today’s buyers want open spaces they can customize.
Photo courtesy of Lottmann Realty Group
