In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of one of the most remarkable sales of my career—the nine-and-a-half-year journey to sell the iconic Empire Mansion, recently closing for a record $6.5M in Illinois. I break down exactly what worked, what I’d change, and the invaluable lessons this high-profile listing taught me about patience, perseverance, and staying sharp in the ever-evolving luxury real estate market. As the third agent on the listing, spanning four brokerages, ten price adjustments, and countless strategy shifts, I dive deep into what kept us moving—from detailed buyer pre-qualification and personalized client communication, to creative event-based marketing (think thirty Ferrari owners in the driveway) and securing national press coverage. I also share what didn’t move the needle, like costly print ads and certain co-marketing partnerships, so you can leverage smarter strategy in your own business. You’ll hear about handling the unique demands of high-net-worth sellers, best practices for scheduling and hosting standout showings, and why you should never judge a book by its cover—especially when working with luxury buyers. If you’re struggling with a long-standing listing or want to raise your game in luxury real estate, these real-world insights and case study takeaways are sure to help you work smarter, increase your value, and ultimately, get the deal done. Keep raising the bar, and don’t hesitate to reach out for more resources, fresh eyes on a tough listing, or for information on our luxury designation and tools.