Paramus—What drives you? What motivates you? For some people, that might be a challenging question. However, for Mike Aghachi, owner and founder of LuxQue, a boutique real estate marketing firm, the answer is simple. He wants to give back to those who helped him and his family.
Aghachi, who is Iranian, came to America with his mother and brother when he was seven years old. The family was allowed to leave Iran to seek medical attention for Aghachi’s brother. Aghachi’s father was forced to remain in Iran. After multiple escape attempts (two of which landed him a jail sentence), Aghachi’s father made it to America. However, the family’s struggles did not end. Aghachi’s brother succumbed to disease and the financial challenges were severe. The family persevered and got by with some help.
“The Jewish community really helped us and that’s why my goal is to give back,” he said.
An interest in community and his family financial challenges led Aghachi to earn a dual degree in finance and psychology. Aghachi went on to spend 10 years in the real estate industry and built some of the finest homes on the East Coast. During this time, he learned an important lesson, “I saw the key factor for everybody was time and efficiency.” Besides this lesson, Aghachi developed a passion for real estate. “It’s the element of seeing something come from nothing. Over time, with effort, you can see things changing, whether it’s the skyline in New York or a place to raise a family in New Jersey.”
While proud of the success that he had found in the real estate industry, Aghachi was not content. He describes himself as “an advocate for technology” and, because of this, Aghachi was investing in startups. This interaction allowed him to come across a company that works with 3D technology and was part of the inspiration to create his own firm. LuxQue offers a number of services including 3D virtual tours, photography, videography, floor plans and websites that are customized for individualized properties. The 3D tours are interactive walkthroughs which provide potential customers a sense of truly being there. “The 3D sector and virtual reality sector are up and coming and growing. They offer different modes to display and sell real estate.”
It is the behind-the-scenes work that Aghachi and his team are working on that he feels can be truly revolutionary. Aghachi believes the real estate market lacks efficiency. “Our goal is to put logic and science into real estate.” The way LuxQue is doing that is through studying those who click on the virtual tours, as well as disseminating the 3D models to people who might truly be interested in the property. “We’ve created a system which we are constantly trying to improve that will utilize back-end analytics.” The analysis helps LuxQue identify potential customers who are then targeted via social media and other channels.
LuxQue works with developers, builders, realtors and for-sale-by-owners. Those who have used LuxQue’s services have been excited with the results. “We’ve been getting great feedback. Long-time listings are moving, average times on the market are shrinking and customers have been getting their asking prices.” Aghachi points to a particular example to emphasize his point. A high-priced home was sold to a Chinese resident without the individual ever having physically set foot on the property. “This makes sales more efficient for everyone. Buyers can target property they are truly interested in and spend less time going through homes which they have no interest in.”
Aghachi has big dreams for his company. “I want to run a beautiful company and do it the right way. I want a company based on ethics, science and calculated risk.” Aghachi’s dreams don’t end at the office. He is part of a growing Persian community in Paramus. The community includes approximately 50 families.
Currently, the community is part of a Sephardic minyan (90 percent Persian) that davens at Beth Tefilloh in a secondary room next to the main minyan. Many in the Sephardic community remain involved in Beth Tefilloh’s main minyan, and “everyone gets along.” However, the Sephardic community is growing, and the room is no longer sufficient. “At this point, it’s tangible and feasible to pursue other options.” While there are a number of hurdles to forming a new community, including, of course, financing (the shul is currently in fundraising mode and is looking to sell naming rights), Aghachi was part of the committee that secured a new and separate location which includes a home for a rabbi. He says of his involvement, “It’s the least I can do after all that was done for me. Plus, this gives my children a chance to see the value and importance of community.”
And he’s off again. Aghachi is ready to serve his community and give back as a way of showing his appreciation for what he was given. Through creating a company to be proud of and helping build a shul, Mike Aghachi is working hard and from the heart to give back.
Larry and his family are residents of Bergen County. Larry is a freelance writer for hire and educator. To find out more about him or to read his blog, visit his website at larrydbernstein.com.
By Larry Bernstein
