By Kellie Bartlett May 01, 2026

Every step of the negotiation required extra time because all decisions had to be cleared by a team of attorneys

Treat your client like a normal person; don’t ‘fan-girl’ over them

Regardless of status, everyone deserves an agent who listens

Everybody has to live somewhere, including celebrities. So, if you handle high-end properties, you may find yourself involved in a deal with someone who is kind of a big deal. Three agents with firsthand experience give their perspective on how celebrity status might change your transactions and when it shouldn’t.

Be a team player, even when that means dealing with multiple teams

Brenda Taylor, agent at REMAX Select-Dallas Suburbs, listed a home that was ultimately purchased by a high-profile individual. The process was unusually complex, she said. “Every step of the negotiation required extra time because all decisions had to be cleared by a team of attorneys first. These lawyers were incredibly thorough, asking for many more documents and property details than a typical buyer would. While the transaction ran smoothly, it required a lot of patience, time, and constant communication with the buyer’s agent.”

With so many additional people involved, the buyer needed additional time throughout the process. “The closing had to be extended because the funds needed multiple layers of approval from accountants and legal teams before being transferred.”

Make privacy paramount

Taylor had to do some extra paperwork herself: “As soon as the offer was accepted, my seller and I had to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to protect the buyer’s privacy,” she said. NDAs are often part of the process for people who are in the public eye and can be just one element of an overall plan to minimize the deal’s impact on the client’s security. “Interestingly, my seller was a huge fan but couldn’t meet them due to privacy protocols. We actually think the buyer may have chosen our listing in part because of all the fan memorabilia in my client’s home office. Might have felt like a sign?”

Put yourself in their shoes

Liana Walker, agent at Epique/Wisdom House Realty Group in Austin, had a positive experience with a high-profile client, in part because she kept her tone professional. “Treat your client like a normal person; don’t ‘fan-girl’ over them,” she said. “One of my colleagues ‘fan-boyed’ over them, and my client expressed feeling uncomfortable with that encounter.”

Seeing celebrities as ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances can help you empathize with them when parts of the process have to be different. This client opted out of giving Walker a review because of privacy concerns, but she understood. “Working with high-profile clients requires a higher level of confidentiality and respect,” Walker said. “My experience with them was great—they loved working with me, and I look forward to continuing to work with them!”

Remember that handling unique situations is what you already do every day

Crystal Rosales, agent at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Winans in San Antonio, had a client who was CEO of a major national company. “People often assume that working with a celebrity or corporate executive is a completely different experience. But truthfully? It’s not,” she said. “When I worked with this CEO, I treated him with the same level of care, professionalism, and respect that I give to every one of my clients. That’s because, regardless of status, everyone deserves an agent who listens, communicates clearly, and puts their best interest first. At the end of the day, real estate is about people.” And for REALTORS®, everyone is “somebody.”

Kellie Bartlett is assistant editor for Texas REALTOR®.