Most people dream of breaking into luxury real estate, imagining a glamorous life of lavish parties, jaw-dropping listings, and red-carpet moments. 

They see the glossy Instagram photos, the million-dollar deals, and the VIP lifestyle. But what they don’t see is the grit, sacrifice, and relentless hustle behind the scenes.

The truth is, success in luxury real estate isn’t just about "looking the part", it’s about building the skills, relationships, and experiences that get you in the right rooms.

And yes, sometimes that means “faking it till you make it”, but in the right way. 

One of the fastest ways to do that? Joining the right team. 

When you’re starting out, you might not have a portfolio full of luxury listings yet, but your team's reputation and experience can open doors you couldn't access alone. 

By aligning with a strong team, you instantly gain credibility, mentorship, and access to higher-end deals that help you level up faster than you ever could solo.

Today’s guest, Julia Spillman, is the CEO of the Eklund|Gomes Team at Douglas Elliman, a powerhouse team that's shattered the billion-dollar sales mark and expanded across New York, LA, Miami, and beyond.

In this episode, we dive into the real blueprint for making it in luxury real estate, the power of starting from the bottom, and the strategic use of teams to leap into higher price points.

 

Find the balance between being authentic and still selling to high end clients, looking luxury but also being very approachable. -Julia Spillman

 

Things You’ll Learn In This Episode

• The right way to “fake it till you make it” How do ambitious agents break into the luxury market without being scammy, and why is teaming the ultimate shortcut to real success?
• Why teams are a launchpad, not a crutch What makes teams so powerful for growing your price point, client base, and credibility faster than you could solo?
• The myth of overnight success Why do people think luxury agents just appear out of nowhere? What does the real path look like behind the scenes?
• How your background becomes your superpower How did growing up in a tiny town, and working through the 2008 crash, prepare Julia for leading a billion-dollar brand today?

 

Guest Bio

Julia Spillman is CEO of Douglas Elliman’s celebrated Eklund|Gomes team. The Kentucky native is the architect of Eklund|Gomes’ unprecedented nationwide expansion and in addition oversees all operations, sales and agent hires. Energetic, people-oriented and a brilliant communicator, Spillman has been with Douglas Elliman for a decade and has honed her abilities to tap networks, streamline data and watch markets at the micro and macro level. Her dedication and spirit have paid off – in 2018, she led the team to break a billion in annual sales. Spillman’s past experience as a residential lender for firms such as HSBC and Merrill Lynch give her an understanding of the importance of providing service at every level of highly complex transactions. Her advisory of a customized Customer Relationship Management platform allows her and the Eklund|Gomes team to pick up precisely where they left off in any relationship or project. Her ability to cultivate and retain high-net-worth clientele is matched by her power to harness and interpret information and to balance a keenly held intuition with a trove of knowledge. Spillman’s ambition is matched by her commitment to community. She has provided years of fundraising and service to Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Easter Seals, and the New York City Junior League. She is active with the American Ballet Theater and served as the Former 2015 and 2016 Junior Council Chair and Junior Chair of the 2014 ABT Spring Gala. Follow @juliayagerspillman on Instagram. 

 

About Your Host

Remington Ramsey is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, and visionary in the world of real estate. As the creator of "Real Producers", a widely acclaimed magazine connecting top agents and industry leaders, Remington has built an impressive platform dedicated to celebrating and elevating the real estate community. Remington is also the author of Agent Allies: Building Your Business With Strategic Real Estate Partnerships. With a passion for motivating and mentoring, he’s shared stages with some of the biggest names in business, helping professionals break through barriers and reach new heights. When he’s not busy being a real estate guru, Remington is known for his contagious energy, practical wisdom, and a good dose of humor—because let’s face it, navigating life and business requires both grit and a sense of humor. With multiple successful ventures under his belt and a reputation for engaging storytelling, he has the rare ability to make even the driest industry stats sound exciting. 

 

To learn more about the podcast or give feedback and suggest a guest, go to https://podcast.realproducersmag.com/. 

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