Most Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to complete the course?
The ALHS course is a two-day course, but depending on your skill level, can be completed online between 14 to 16 hours depending upon the time that the student spends on the Work Sessions, the Knowledge Checks and in taking the final exam. Everyone moves at their own pace and may elect to review any number of sections more than one time, which has a direct affect on the total time. The classroom version of the course is a two day course too. It may be more or less depending upon the instructor delivering the course and the time spent on the Work Sessions.
2. What topics are covered in the Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) course?
Here is a summary of topics that are covered in the ALHS course. For a more detailed breakdown, visit the home page.
- The Luxury Home Market – National and Regional Trends
- Specialization and Building a Niche
- The Luxury Home Buyer – Needs and Desires
- Marketing to Find Luxury Home Buyers
- Presenting Your Services to Luxury Home Buyers
- Qualifying and Showing Homes to Luxury Home Buyers
- The Luxury Home Seller – Patterns & Trends / Needs & Desires
- Marketing to Find Luxury Home Sellers
- Presenting Your Services to Luxury Home Sellers
- Servicing and Marketing the Luxury Home Listing
- Staging and Showing the Luxury Home Listing
- Negotiation and Managing a Luxury Home Transaction
3. How many hours of continuing education (CE) will I receive upon completing an ALHS course?
The online version of the ALHS course does not provide any CE credits in any state. The classroom version may, depending upon the RealtyU School that is delivering the course. To determine if the RealtyU School you plan on attending has obtained CE credit for the course you will need to contact the school directly. To find a RealtyU School near you just click here and select your state … Click Here.
4. Is there a test?
After the completion of the course, each student must pass a 50 question exam to test their knowledge. They must achieve a passing grade of 80% or better.,
5. How much does it cost to take the course?
The online version of the ALHS course is only $299.
And you get all of this...
- 4 month online access to the Accredited Luxury Home Specialist course
- Downloadable 180 page course textbook
- Special Bonus #1 – The Luxury Agent Success ToolKit (valued at over $399)
- Special Bonus #2 – The $25 Million Dollar Seller Presentation PowerPoint (valued at $299)
- Special Bonus #3 – The Hard-To-Impress Affluent Buyer Presentation PowerPoint (valued at $199)
6. Is this a NAR approved course and designation?
NAR recognizes the courses and designations that it owns. They own 14 of the over 70 real estate designations in the industry. RealtyU®, Inc. has been in the real estate education industry since 1994 and has offered, created, presented and certified numerous courses and designations including Seller Agency, Buyer Agency, Luxury Homes, Seniors, etc. Courses are delivered through its network of over 200 locations consisting of proprietary schools and Realtor Associations.
7. What are the requirements to receive the designation?
Earn the ALHS designation In Just 3 Easy Steps!
- Complete either a two-day live class or online class and pass the exam (80% score or better).
- Complete two transactions with a luxury home buyer or seller where the purchase price is at least two times the average sales price in the market. The transactions you work must take place within 24 months of taking the course or 24 months prior to taking the course.
- Be a member in good standing with the NAR and the Luxury Home Council, dues in the Luxury Home Council are $99 per year. And for a limited time, first year fees are sponsored by RealtyU and are FREE!
8. What are the benefits of membership?
Council members receive numerous benefits including access to the member's only side of www.luxuryhomecouncil.com where they can obtain advertising, marketing, press releases and a membership roster for networking opportunities. In addition, members gain access and use of the www.luxuryhomesandproperties.com website to market their listings and services (normally $295 per year but free to members).
They also receive a subscription to The Luxury Home Expert - a monthly online magazine. Plus, they get an ALHS Certificate suitable for framing, a fashionable lapel pin, a client recommendation letter and several affiliate discounts.
9. When can I begin using the ALHS logo?
You may begin using the ALHS Designation in all of your marketing and promotion once you have sent in your Achievement Verification Statement to the Luxury Home Council which validates your production in the luxury home marketplace.
10. Who administers the benefits and membership requirements?
The Luxury Home Council is in charge of delivering all member benefits. The Council can be reached at:
Luxury Home Council
1224 NE Walnut #324
Roseburg, OR 97470
www.luxuryhomecouncil.com
support@luxuryhomecouncil.com
Toll Free: 1.800.480.5150
Fax: 1.800.531.3195
11. How do I login to the Council website?
In the top right corner of the Luxury Home Council Home Page at: www.luxuryhomecouncil.com, you'll see a login link. Simply click on it and then enter your email address and the default password of "luxury". Please note that it is case sensitive. Once you are in the site, you can change your password to anything you wish.
12. Can I reprint the articles posted in the website for personal use in my real estate newsletter?
Yes, any article or news brief posted on the Council's website at www.luxuryhomecouncil.com listed under "Articles and Interviews" or "In the News" may be duplicated provided recognition is given to the Luxury Home Council and to the writer of the article.
13. How do I enter myself into LuxuryHomesAndProperties.com?
As a member of the Luxury Home Council and recent graduate of the ALHS Course, a special entry page has been created just for you. The normal annual fee is $295.00 however, as member of the Luxury Home Council that fee is waived 100% so this is a benefit you should take advantage of. When you register, be sure to select the ALHS Designation Logo. The ALHS sign-up page is available through the members section of www.LuxuryHomeCouncil.com.
14. What properties can I enter in LuxuryHomesAndProperties.com?
The following conditions were established to ensure the properties represented are considered luxurious by the general public. The listing you are submitting must meet every requirement below.
Pricing
Your listing must be a minimum of twice the average sales price of similar properties in your immediate area.
Conditions
- All mechanical systems such as plumbing, electrical, water, heating and cooling are in proper working order.
- All built-in appliances that are included with the property are fully functional.
- The listing shows pride of ownership, has been well maintained and is favorable in appearance.
Features
Your listing has unique features a purchaser will appreciate and find beneficial.
15. Is there a cost to retain my membership in the Luxury Home Council?
Because you completed the ALHS Course, the first year is provided free of charge. The second year and thereafter is $99 per year. To take advantage of the ALHS logo and council benefits you must keep your membership active.