Interior design just got a whole lot better, The Expert is an innovative company that connects anyone with top interior designers. Designers from all over the world are connected with potential clients through video consultations via Zoom. The Expert eliminates barriers to interior design, such as the need for a high budget, a need for a full-service requirement to gain access to personalized advice, and guidance and support from an expert designer.

The Expert is designed for anyone in need of advice from top-tier interior design experts. Interior designers connected through the platform are also available for bigger, long-term projects.

“Whether you’re looking for an expert’s eye to help you conceptualize your space from scratch or seeking a second opinion to help guide your own efforts, our Experts are here to support you,” stated on The Expert website.

During the video consultations, interior designers will offer guidance, support, and advice. The consultations are designed to help those seeking advice, questions, and want to put the space together. Additionally, clients can determine and select a designer for a full-service project.

“We derive more value from getting the hard questions answered by a top Expert and then proceeding to execute that knowledge to achieve their design objectives,” stated on The Expert website.

The Experts are selected to showcase every style and need. The designers demonstrate high-end style, aesthetics, and leadership. Expert profiles with portfolios, rates, and offerings are on The Expert’s website.

People can cancel or reschedule their video consultation up to 72 hours before their appointment for a full refund.

To book a video consultation or for more information visit The Expert website.

The post The Expert: A Digital Marketplace For Interior Designers appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Business is not as we knew it, and that doesn’t mean it can’t be better than it was! We can’t go back – we have to move forward and we can’t long for what was.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Gaily

Was it really that great?

I sell residential real estate and I have always loved my job. An affirmation that I taped to a wall in my office says, “If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life.” I’ve had it taped there for a decade and I still believe that. But I found I was on a never-ending treadmill without balance in my life. I always had a great time no matter what I was doing or who I was with, but this forced quarantine has changed so many things for me. I am loving the time at home with my husband and my two Yorkies. We have a great routine and when we need space, we have it. I miss my daughter but enjoy our zoom calls, especially the ones with wine. We talk all the time and send funny and inspiring messages back and forth throughout the day. My new schedule makes plenty of time for exercise throughout the day which I was determined to maintain and I do.

Now let’s get to business!

Now more than ever we understand that our home is truly our sanctuary, our haven, our private space, our protection, our shelter, our peace. On one of our wine-infused zoom calls, I told my daughter that I felt like my home was giving me a hug…I cherish it.

How we do business with our buyers and sellers in the future will look a little different, however, it will be done professionally and carefully and here is how I envision it.

For the Sellers of Property:

Photography is everything!

• Great stills, videos, slideshows, and the more the better.
• Interact and advertise in as many different websites and media sources as possible, along with social media and of course print advertisements. It’s an effective combination of synchronized marketing.
• There must be a COVID-19 addendum signed by all parties, covering that no one in the immediate family is currently sick and no one has traveled recently. This is for the buyers and the sellers.
• The sellers request that buyers wear masks and gloves and some also require booties. No one should touch anything in the house. The broker will open doors and cabinets, when necessary.
• No children at showings.

It is basically the same for buyers…

• The agent would have the buyers follow them in their car and communicate via phone.
• We would confirm that the buyers are not dependent on the sale of their home to make a purchase.
• Sellers want to be sure they are dealing with qualified buyers.

Office Procedures:

• Every company will have its own house policies.
• I love working remotely and plan to do much more of this. 
• It helps with that balance I mentioned earlier.
• Some companies are allowing only one agent for each section of the building and masks and gloves are essential.
• Space may have to be reserved.

Every business will have to figure out their own nuances. The commonality with ALL businesses is both the clients and the employees/staff have to feel comfortable interacting with each other or it doesn't matter what we all do. Be safe and above all be considerate to one another. We are all in this together.

Although business will feel unusual for a while as we acclimate, I truly believe there are many things that will be better than before.

Let’s all work together, it’s so important – NOW MORE THAN EVER!

To contact Vicki Gaily, click on "Learn More" above.

The post “Business as Usual”… Is Unusual, By Vicki Gaily appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Join our upcoming webinars:

Friday, April 24th at 4PM EST

Three of the top agents that cover some of the highest-regarded real estate markets in the country: Susan Breitenbach (The Hamptons), Chris Cortazzo (Malibu), and Jill Eber (South Florida). REGISTER: https://hauteliving.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nlBLUB7cSiyEqFmXmDOgnA

Monday, April 27th at 4PM EST

We host our second “Coast to Coast” real estate webinar, featuring top agents in their respective markets: Cristal Clarke (Santa Barbara, CA), Darlene Streit (New Mexico), Chris Karas (Paradise Valley, AZ), and Sylvia Fragos (Aventura, FL). REGISTER: https://hauteliving.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TgokTM4pTaiV-e7G7FsEgA

Highlight quotes from the webinar:

Brian Guiltinan: "The good thing about real estate is that, with technology, we have moved this way for a few years... I think we will see a lot of product (homes) hit the market this summer... You have to know your marketplace. It takes time to build relationships."

Moira E. Holley: "Zoom has now become part of my daily routine. I feel comfortable with my iPhone, iPad and Facetime walking through a property with clients on the other end, or just sending them a video so they can take a look."

Frank D. Isoldi: "Manhattan is an awesome place; Brooklyn is off the charts. But we are seeing a shift towards the suburbs. Now more than ever, people are going to be looking for outdoors, home gyms, home offices... It's crucial to have the right people working on the transaction on both sides." 

Devin Kay: "Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook play a pivotal role to keep in touch with people. I have 10-12 buyers from outside of Florida looking to get into the market. Having a huge presence in social media and marketing is going to make a difference... With rates where they are now, banks are going to be more careful on who they lend to and how they qualify people." 

Watch previous Haute Residence webinars with agents, brokers, developers and other industry leaders here.

The post Coast To Coast: Real Estate Webinar With Top Agents In San Diego, Seattle, New Jersey And South Florida appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.