What Realtors Can Learn from Trump’s Real Estate Strategy (No Politics, Just Sales)

Surprise! I’m not here to talk politics. I’m here to talk real estate.

Donald Trump made a name for himself in the real estate world long before stepping into the spotlight in other ways. And while not everything about his brand is for everyone, there’s no denying this, the man knew how to sell property.

He didn’t just sell real estate. He sold vision, business ideas, experience, and emotion. And if you’re in the field right now, especially in a crowded or slow market, that’s the kind of energy you can borrow to attract more buyers.

So what exactly can you take from the way Trump approached real estate?

Here’s what we can learn learn from studying how Trump made properties feel bigger than just listings.

1. Palm Beach Flip: See Potential Before Anyone Else Does

Trump bought a run-down estate in Palm Beach for around $41 million… then flipped it for $95 million just a few years later. At the time, that was the biggest residential deal in U.S. history.

👉 What you can do:

In your listing descriptions and video tours, talk less about the “now” and more about the vision.
Paint the picture of what’s possible.
Add captions like: “Imagine what this backyard could be with string lights and a pool…”
Use Instagram Reels or Pinterest Pins to show before-and-after inspo.

2. Spring Creek Towers Deal: Small Stake, Big Outcome

He held just a 4% stake in a giant housing complex in Brooklyn, but walked away with $33 million when it sold.

👉 What you can do:

Partner with other agents or investors on underexposed properties.
Create “mini wins” by collaborating with local businesses, staging pros, or photographers.
Don’t overlook smaller opportunities just because they’re not luxury listings. Focus on what builds your brand over time.

3. Beverly Hills Sale: Know When to Walk Away

He sold a home in Beverly Hills for $13.5 million, nearly doubling what he paid.

👉 What you can do:

Not every listing needs to stay on forever. Pull listings when they’re cold, freshen up the marketing, and relaunch with a new hook.
Think about how you’re pricing and presenting, not just how long it’s been active.
Use email marketing or story-based posts to announce re-listings with “what’s changed” highlights.

4. Hotel Flip in DC: The Power of Story Over Stats

Even though his DC hotel under performed, he still sold the lease for $375 million. Why? The brand held value, not just the revenue.

👉 What you can do:

Focus on what makes your listing different, not just better.
Highlight neighborhood vibes, lifestyle perks, or emotional angles.
Example post: “This home’s not just close to downtown, it’s the kind of space where you’ll want to host your first Thanksgiving.”

5. Greenwich Estate: Patience Can Still Pay Off

A property Trump bought in the ’80s finally sold in 2024 for $31.5 million. It didn’t happen overnight — but the property’s prestige grew over time.

👉 What you can do:

Share the long-term value of your listings, especially to buyers who are worried about timing.
Post about market trends to build confidence: “Yes, the market’s changing, but smart real estate is still about timing and trust.”

The Big Idea?

Trump marketed real estate as more than property, he sold power, potential, and prestige.

Even if you’re not flipping hotels, you can take these lessons and apply them today:

Sell the vision, not just the square footage.
Position your listings with vision, even when they’re entry-level.
Share transformation stories.
Build trust with consistent content, not just flyers.

If you want help with this kind of marketing, templates, captions, story-based scripts, and more, I built the Realtor Marketing Hub for exactly that.

📌 Click here if you’re serious about growing a bold online brand in real estate, and showing up like the expert you are.

Her Beautiful Brand