“Today’s high-net-worth buyers are truly global citizens. It’s now common for someone to maintain a beautiful home in London, a farm in Tuscany, and a townhouse in Tokyo, continuing their life and business seamlessly across continents,” explains Michael Jalbert, CEO of Forbes Global Properties.
This new pattern of global wealth is reshaping luxury real estate, and Forbes Global Properties has positioned itself at the center of this evolution. Unlike traditional franchise models, this exclusive membership network unites independent brokerages with decades of experience serving elite clients, providing them with a powerful global platform while preserving their local expertise.
Elite Membership by Design
Despite receiving inquiries from “a dozen companies a week,” Forbes Global Properties maintains a highly selective approach to membership based on two non-negotiable criteria: territorial exclusivity and proven expertise with high-net-worth clients.
“We don’t have members overlapping with each other,” Jalbert emphasizes. “And unless they genuinely have expertise with that client segment, it’s not a good match.”
This selectivity directly serves their clientele’s expectations. When a billionaire client who has trusted their broker for years wants to purchase property internationally, they expect consistent excellence.
“That client wants you to have complete confidence that your colleague in that destination city will handle them every bit as well as you would,” Jalbert notes.
Building a Culture of Excellence
Beyond track records and experience, what truly unites the network is cultural alignment.
“It’s fundamentally about professionals who want to be part of a community. They share values and client vision, understanding this isn’t transactional, they aim to become trusted advisors for life,” Jalbert explains.
This culture is deliberately fostered through regional and global events designed to give members ample time to build meaningful relationships. “The relationships and culture coming together create unity,” Jalbert says. “We’re so proud of the members in our organization.”
Content Excellence Over Technology Mandates
Unlike many networks, Forbes Global Properties doesn’t dictate technology choices to its members. “Members are free to use whatever technology drives their business,” Jalbert explains, acknowledging the challenge of finding consistent technology solutions across global markets.
Instead, the network focuses on creating exceptional content and leveraging the Forbes brand. Their website offers “more of a magazine experience than a portal,” featuring beautiful, high-resolution imagery and compelling narratives about properties, brokers, and locations.
The impact of this content-first approach has been remarkable. According to Meltwater media studies comparing Forbes Global Properties against eight leading luxury real estate brands, their “share of voice” dominates the market. “The first measurement showed our share at 67 points out of 100. The next closest was 12,” Jalbert shares. “Our latest measure was 73. The closest is 9.”
What Today’s Global Luxury Buyers Want
Today’s high-net-worth buyers seek more than prestigious addresses. According to Jalbert, they want “instant gratification,” turnkey properties that are complete, secure, and offer specific amenities.
“Requirements often include multiple offices, beautiful gardens, water access, and great infrastructure,” he explains. “They want assurance that the property is both a sound investment and situated in an area where they feel comfortable.”
Diversification is also key. “It’s not uncommon for someone who lives on the water in California to purchase a beautiful waterfront property in West Palm Beach,” Jalbert notes, highlighting how wealthy individuals seek variety in their real estate portfolios.
Emerging Markets on the Luxury Map
Several unexpected markets are emerging as luxury real estate hotspots:
- “Romania has developed into a robust environment with impressive infrastructure and population dynamics,” Jalbert observes. “Coastal areas in Albania and Montenegro are developing rapidly due to increasing demand.”
- Greece represents another evolving market. “For decades, about 75-80% of international buyers in Greece were Europeans. Now the market is much more diversified across Europe, France, and North America,” Jalbert explains. Remote work capabilities have transformed previously seasonal destinations into viable year-round residences.
The Competitive Edge: Local Expertise with Global Reach
For luxury property sellers, Forbes Global Properties offers a compelling advantage by combining local expertise with global connections.
“When someone is selling their home and choosing between a local expert and someone with similar expertise who’s part of a global network that can generate worldwide attention for their property, that’s the gap we serve,” Jalbert explains.
Future Directions: Expansion and Innovation
Looking forward, Forbes Global Properties is focused on continued global expansion, with active discussions in South America and recent membership additions in Tokyo, with potential growth into Singapore and Shanghai.
The network is also evolving its “Private Office” offering, a service allowing clients to control how their properties are marketed. “It’s not off-market, it’s controlled on-market,” Jalbert clarifies. “It requires password protection and discretion.” This service will soon evolve into “Private Office 2.0,” further enhancing options for clients who prioritize privacy.
