In luxury real estate — where the stakes are high, and the clientele is discerning — maintaining a brand that not only stands out but also resonates is critical. Madison Hildebrand and Jennifer Chrisman, the dynamic duo behind The Malibu Life, have navigated this landscape with remarkable success.
Known for their professionalism, integrity, and deep industry knowledge, Hildebrand and Chrisman have built a brand that has become synonymous with luxury real estate in the Malibu region of California. For real estate agents looking to elevate their careers, the insights shared by Hildebrand and Chrisman in an interview on “The Presence Podcast” are invaluable.
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Building a partnership that works
A strong partnership can be the cornerstone of a successful real estate business, and the relationship between Hildebrand and Chrisman is a testament to that. Hildebrand emphasizes the importance of trust and shared values.
“It really comes from the foundation, first and foremost, of having the same ethics. The same morals and values and knowing that we have each other’s back 100%,” he says. This deep mutual respect and trust have allowed them to operate efficiently and effectively, even during periods of intense pressure, such as when Hildebrand joined the cast of Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles.”
Chrisman notes that, while the two share a common worldview, their different strengths complement each other: “You fall into natural roles. We enjoy working together and we have a very good work ethic, but we also enjoy different aspects of the business. I love poring through contracts and the minutiae of that. That’s not his thing. So we balance very well.” This equilibrium has been crucial to their ability to handle the demands of high-end real estate, where attention to detail and seamless collaboration can make or break a deal.
Leveraging a very public profile
Hildebrand’s fame, largely fueled by his reality TV stardom, has been both a blessing and a challenge. When he was first approached to appear on “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles,” he didn’t anticipate the level of scrutiny it would bring.
Despite the initial resistance from his brokerage and even his family, Hildebrand understood the long-term benefits of the exposure, which eventually helped solidify their brand in the luxury real estate market. “My brokerage hated that I was on TV,” he recalls. “But I knew in some way over time it would be an opportunity that we could parlay for not only our business and our brand but also for our clients.”
Managing high-pressure deals
While luxury real estate may seem easy and breezy on reality TV, the high stakes can make for some stressful scenarios. Hildebrand shares a particularly challenging scenario where a deal almost fell apart after significant time and money had been invested.
“It took almost a year from the beginning to the middle of finding the right home, going into escrow, and spending $20,000 on inspections,” Hildebrand recalls. The deal eventually fell through, leading to a scramble for alternative options. Their persistence paid off when they found an off-market property that met the client’s needs. Still, it required managing the complexities of a high-profile client and a tight timeline.
Hildebrand’s key takeaway from this experience is the importance of client-focused decision-making. “Keep your focus on what is right and what is the next best move for the client, not what is the next best move for me or that commission,” he advises. This client-first approach is a cornerstone of their success and essential advice for any real estate professional looking to build long-lasting relationships.
The power of rebranding
In the ever-evolving real estate industry, staying relevant requires more than just maintaining the status quo — it demands continuous evolution. Hildebrand and Chrisman recognized this need for change when they decided to rebrand their business.
“You can’t stay stagnant. You have to evolve in technology, and different things are working now that weren’t working when we became partners,” Chrisman explains. The duo chose to partner with Compass and Luxury Presence to help them reshape their brand, leveraging the expertise of these companies to create a fresh, modern look that aligns with their current market and client base.
The rebranding process was not just about aesthetics; it was about aligning the brand with the future of real estate. “You get one shot to have a first impression, and there’s so much to building a website,” says Hildebrand. “And that technology changes, which is … what initiated our need to upgrade our website in general.” The two noted that the collaboration with Luxury Presence was a smooth and efficient process, allowing them to focus on their core business while ensuring that their brand evolved in the right direction.
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For other real estate professionals considering a rebrand, Hildebrand suggests developing a clarity of purpose to ensure it is successful and resonates with both existing and potential clients. “If you’re going to rebrand, what are you leaving behind that wasn’t working for you or that you want to change? And be very clear as to what that change is going to look like and what it’s going to take you to get there,” he says.
Marketing strategies that drive success
Marketing in real estate is about more than just visibility — it’s about authenticity and playing to your strengths. Hildebrand and Chrisman both stress the importance of focusing on what you do best rather than trying to be everything to everyone.
“If social media is not your thing, then don’t focus on it. Know what you’re good at and then capitalize on that,” Hildebrand advises. This approach allows real estate professionals to build a brand that is not only authentic but also sustainable.
However, Chrisman adds that experimenting with different marketing strategies is essential in today’s rapidly changing market. “If you’re not trying them, you’re not casting the net. Someone else is going to try them and run right past you,” she says. Whether it’s traditional methods like postcards and magazines or modern tools like social media and artificial intelligence, being open to new ideas and techniques is key to staying ahead of the competition.
No matter what your marketing strategy, Hildebrand emphasizes the importance of relationships. “Every person I’m looking at lives under a roof, right? So everyone has an opportunity,” he says. “That can be the beginning of a relationship or a contact, and they may not be the ones that are moving right then or there, but they may know someone.”
From building a strong partnership to knowing when to rebrand to marketing effectively, Hildebrand and Chrisman’s experience offers a roadmap to success. By focusing on authenticity, client-centric decision-making, and continuous evolution, real estate professionals can create a brand that not only stands out but also endures in the competitive world of luxury real estate.
If you’re interested in elevating your brand with a website that features award-winning design and best-in-class lead generation and capture, we’d love to talk.
