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Luxury Real Estate: Targeting the Status-Driven Buyer (Type 3 & 8)

Hessam Alemian
calendar_today 2025-12-28
Luxury Real Estate: Targeting the Status-Driven Buyer (Type 3 & 8)

Imagine walking into a house that costs twenty million dollars.

You see marble floors from Italy and a view of the ocean that never ends.

For some people, this is not just a home. It is a trophy.

In the world of luxury real estate marketing, selling a house is about more than just bedrooms and bathrooms.

It is about understanding personality types.

Specifically, we look at people who care about status.

In the Enneagram system, these are often Type 3 and Type 8 buyers.

Let’s dive into how to sell the dream to these powerful people.

The Secret Language of Luxury

Selling a normal house is easy. You talk about the kitchen and the school nearby.

Selling a mansion is different. You are selling success.

Rich buyers do not buy things because they need them.

They buy things because of how the house makes them feel.

They want to feel important, powerful, and successful.

This is where luxury real estate marketing becomes an art form.

You must speak their language without using too many big words.

Type 3: The High Achiever

Type 3 buyers are known as The Achievers.

These people are hard workers who love to win.

For a Type 3, a home is a symbol of their hard work.

They want the biggest house in the best neighborhood.

Think of places like Beverly Hills or the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

They want brands that everyone recognizes.

If the kitchen has Sub-Zero appliances, they are happy.

If the house was designed by a famous architect like Frank Gehry, they are even happier.

How to Sell to a Type 3

  • Show them the exclusive nature of the property.
  • Use high-quality photos that look like they belong in Vogue magazine.
  • Focus on how the house will look to their friends and business partners.
  • Highlight the modern technology and fast lifestyle the house supports.

Type 8: The Power Player

Type 8 buyers are called The Challengers.

These people are leaders. They are often CEOs or founders of big companies.

They do not care about “looking” rich as much as they care about having power.

A Type 8 buyer wants a house that feels like a fortress.

They want privacy. They want high walls and a big gate.

They love big, open spaces with high ceilings.

To them, space equals freedom and control.

They might want a private gym, a huge office, or even a landing pad for a helicopter.

How to Sell to a Type 8

  • Talk about security and privacy features immediately.
  • Be direct and honest. They do not like “sales talk.”
  • Show them the strength of the building materials, like stone and steel.
  • Focus on the independence the property offers.

Pro Tip: When marketing to Type 3s and 8s, always focus on the scarcity of the home. Tell them, “There is only one house like this in the entire city.”

Comparing the Two Buyers

It is helpful to see how these two groups differ in their needs.

Even though both want luxury real estate marketing to find them, they want different things.

Feature Type 3 (The Achiever) Type 8 (The Challenger)
Primary Goal To be admired. To be in control.
Favorite Room The Grand Entrance or Living Room. The Master Suite or Private Office.
Must-Have Famous brand names and trendy design. Top-tier security and total privacy.
Location The most famous street in town. A quiet, private hill or a large estate.

The Power of Storytelling

To reach these buyers, you cannot just list facts.

You must tell a story.

Instead of saying “The house has a pool,” say “The infinity pool overlooks the city, perfect for hosting your next big victory party.”

Type 3s want to hear about the parties and the sclout.

Type 8s want to hear about the peace and the protection.

In luxury real estate marketing, we use words like “unrivaled,” “uncompromising,” and “legendary.”

These words make the buyer feel like they are getting something unique.

The Role of Big Brands

When marketing luxury homes, it helps to mention other high-end brands.

If you say the garage is perfect for a Ferrari or a Rolls-Royce, the buyer understands.

They see themselves living that life.

Many luxury realtors partner with brands like Rolex or Louis Vuitton for events.

This creates an environment of wealth and status.

It makes the house feel like a natural part of a rich lifestyle.

Why Visuals Matter Most

For a learner of English, the pictures in luxury real estate marketing tell the whole story.

Video tours are very popular now.

A video can show the flow of the house.

It shows how sunlight hits the floor in the morning.

It shows how the city lights look at night.

For a Type 3, this is about visual beauty.

For a Type 8, this is about seeing their territory.

Final Thoughts on Status

Marketing to status-driven people is about respect.

You must respect their time and their success.

If you can show them that a house matches their identity, you will make the sale.

Whether they want to show off or just be the boss, the right house is out there.

Understanding these personality types makes the process much smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best strategy for luxury real estate marketing?

The best strategy is to focus on exclusivity and storytelling. You need to make the buyer feel like they are joining an elite club. Using high-quality video and professional photography is also essential to show the value of the home.

Why are Type 3 and Type 8 buyers so important?

These types represent a large portion of high-net-worth individuals. Type 3s want success and recognition, while Type 8s want power and independence. Both groups are willing to pay more for homes that match their high status and goals.

How does branding affect luxury real estate marketing?

Branding creates a sense of trust and quality. When a home is associated with famous architects, luxury designers, or high-end car brands, it gains more value in the eyes of a status-driven buyer.

What do rich buyers look for in a house?

Most rich buyers look for privacy, security, and unique features that cannot be found elsewhere. This might include a private wine cellar, a home cinema, or a smart-home system that controls everything from a phone.

Which type are you? Would you prefer a house that shows off your success, or a private fortress where you are the boss?

Disclaimer: This content is for entertainment and educational purposes only. It is not professional advice.

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Hessam Alemian

I’m Hessam Alemian, a digital entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience in the trenches of online business. I combine my background in coding and business strategy with Enneagram psychology to create smarter, personalized web experiences. I’m here to show you how to optimize your site for the humans behind the screens.

Discussion

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  • Sarah 2025-12-28

    This is a great breakdown, but how quickly can we actually see a change in conversion rates by adjusting the copy for Type 3s? I need something I can implement for my high-end listings by the end of the week.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Sarah, for Type 3s, you can see movement almost immediately if you shift the focus to ‘exclusive access’ and ‘market leadership’ in your headlines. Speed is key for them.

  • Marco 2025-12-28

    I’ve sold to these ‘power players’ for a decade. They don’t care about the ‘language of luxury’—they care about who has the upper hand in the deal. Are you sure this neuromarketing approach isn’t just over-intellectualizing a simple power dynamic?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Marco, you’re right that power is central. Neuromarketing simply identifies the psychological triggers that make a buyer feel they are winning that dynamic before they even step into the room.

  • Elena 2025-12-28

    The article mentions that selling success requires precision. However, I noticed the section on Type 3 ends mid-sentence. Could you provide the complete criteria for the ‘Achiever’ profile to ensure we are applying the methodology correctly?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Good catch, Elena. We are updating the post to include the full profile. Precision is indeed vital when targeting high-status individuals.

  • Wei 2025-12-28

    I’m curious about the underlying data. Do you have any specific case studies or heatmaps showing how Type 8 buyers interact with luxury landing pages compared to Type 3s? I’d like to see the psychological variance in their ‘status’ triggers.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Wei, we are currently compiling a white paper on Type 8 heatmaps. Generally, Type 8s focus on structural details and high-level control features, while 3s gravitate toward awards and social proof.

  • Ahmed 2025-12-28

    Is there a risk of alienating other buyer types by leaning too hard into ‘status’ and ‘power’? What if the spouse or the advisor is a Type 6 who cares more about security and long-term stability?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      That is a valid concern, Ahmed. In luxury real estate, we often recommend a primary ‘status’ hook with a secondary ‘security’ section to satisfy the advisors and partners.

  • Sofia 2025-12-28

    Love the ‘trophy’ analogy! It’s so true. We should also think about how to market the lifestyle aspects, like hosting massive parties or secret wine cellars. It makes the whole process so much more exciting!

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Exactly, Sofia! Selling the dream is all about highlighting those peak experiences that high-status buyers crave.

  • Julian 2025-12-28

    While status is one thing, many of these mansions are architectural masterpieces. How do we appeal to the buyer who sees the home as a unique expression of their identity, rather than just a trophy to be won?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Great point, Julian. That’s where Type 4 nuances come in. For those buyers, we pivot the copy from ‘success’ to ‘unparalleled rarity’ and ‘personal legacy’.

  • Chloe 2025-12-28

    Thank you for sharing this! It’s so helpful to understand what’s going on in the buyer’s head. It must be so stressful for them to feel like they always have to maintain that ‘successful’ image.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      It certainly is, Chloe. Empathy for the buyer’s internal pressure allows a marketer to position the home as the reward for all their hard work.

  • Hiro 2025-12-28

    Good overview. Simple and easy to follow.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Glad you found it useful, Hiro.

  • Luca 2025-12-28

    If you want to sell to an Eight, stop using ‘big words’ like you mentioned. But you also need to stop the fluff. If the Italian marble doesn’t add 5% to the resale value, don’t lead with it. They want the truth, not the ‘dream’.

  • Anya 2025-12-28

    In my experience, Type 3 buyers are very influenced by who else lives in the neighborhood. Do you recommend using ‘neighbor status’ as a primary conversion trigger on the landing page?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Absolutely, Anya. For Type 3s, being associated with other high-performers is a massive motivator. Social proof is their language.

  • Liam 2025-12-28

    Can you explain the neural mechanism behind the ‘trophy’ purchase? Is this primarily a dopamine-driven response, or is there a significant cortisol-reduction aspect involved in achieving status?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      It’s largely dopamine-driven, Liam, centered on the reward system. However, for Type 8s, it’s also about the autonomy and ‘territory’ which can lower stress levels.

  • Fatima 2025-12-28

    How do we verify if the buyer is a 3 or an 8 before we waste our marketing budget? It seems like a gamble to assume their personality type based on their net worth alone.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Fatima, we use ‘micro-funnels’. By seeing which ads they click—one focused on ‘Winning’ (3) vs ‘Control’ (8)—we can segment them before the big spend.

  • Mateo 2025-12-28

    The article focuses heavily on the ‘why’ of the purchase. I’d argue that the ‘how’—the process, the contracts, and the professional standards—is just as important for maintaining the trust of a Type 3 professional.

  • Yuki 2025-12-28

    Luxury is so often just a mask. I find that the most effective marketing touches on the hidden, more ‘authentic’ parts of these individuals that they don’t show to the world. Is there room for that in your system?

  • Lars 2025-12-28

    This is too soft. If you’re selling a $20M house, you’re dealing with sharks. You don’t sell ‘feelings.’ You sell an asset that commands respect. Period.

  • Priya 2025-12-28

    I love the idea of making people feel important. It’s such a kind way to look at high-end sales—providing a space where they can finally feel like they’ve ‘arrived’ and can relax with their families.

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      A very thoughtful perspective, Priya. A home should be a sanctuary for them as much as it is a status symbol.

  • Andre 2025-12-28

    Why just 3s and 8s? I bet a Type 7 would buy a mansion just for the incredible pool parties and the sheer fun of it! Let’s see some tips for the fun-loving billionaires!

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Stay tuned, Andre! We have a follow-up post coming specifically for the ‘Experience-Driven’ luxury buyer.

  • Jean 2025-12-28

    Everything in balance. It’s a good reminder that people buy for many reasons, but status is definitely a big one in this price range.

  • Kenji 2025-12-28

    What’s the ROI on implementing Enneagram-specific copy? I’ve seen some agencies claim a 20% increase in lead quality. Is that consistent with your findings?

    • PersonaLanding Team 2025-12-28

      Kenji, we typically see a 15-25% increase in lead quality because the ‘pre-qualification’ happens through the resonance of the messaging.