Jul 16, 2026

Business Botox: What it takes to sell a luxury home

Can Botox be a business expense? Maybe not, but for some luxury real estate agents, looking their best is just part of the job.

Workplace/Jobsby Kai Ryssdal and Nicholas Guiang

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"One California agent that I spoke to estimated she spent over $100,000 last year alone on clothing," said Alcynna Lloyd.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Luxury real estate isn’t just about selling a beautiful home. It’s selling a lifestyle — that goes for the real estate agents too.

“You have to look the part. You have to make these clients feel comfortable doing a deal with you,” said Alcynna Lloyd, who co-wrote a feature about the growing celebrity of real estate agents for Business Insider.

That means designer clothes, luxury vehicles and and a lot of skincare treatments. They pour thousands of dollars into their appearance as they convince their clients not to just buy a home, but buy a home from them.

“Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal spoke with Lloyd about her article on how social media and reality TV have altered the luxury real estate industry.

To listen to their full conversation, click the audio player above.