How a People-Before-Profit Real Estate Agency Took First Prize

In the often-high-octane world of real estate filled with showmanship, turnover and pressure to always chase the next big sale, it might seem improbable that a modest, quietly confident agency could rise to the top without compromising its values. And yet, in the heart of the French Riviera, that's exactly what Nice Homes has done.

Recently, our small but steadfast team was honoured to receive the Premier Prix d'Excellence, a prestigious First Prize awarded by our peers in the region of Nice. More than just a plaque or a photo opportunity, this recognition speaks to something deeper: that in an industry often marked by flash and fluctuation, care, consistency and authenticity still count.

We hesitate to celebrate ourselves too loudly; it goes against our grain. But this award felt different. It wasn't earned through bombast or gimmicks but through years of quiet dedication. It’s a symbol of what can happen when a team focuses not on outshining competitors but on doing their job with dignity, heart and a commitment to doing right by others.

The bedrock of this success? Our people. Today, each of our agents has been with Nice Homes for a minimum of four years. That kind of longevity is rare in real estate, where burnout and opportunism too often lead to rapid turnover. Here, we’ve built something stronger: a team bonded by mutual respect and shared values. And when some of our former teammates chose to explore different professional sectors, their story didn’t end with a door closing. They still pop by for a coffee, join us at gatherings and remain part of the extended Nice Homes family. These aren't anomalies, they're reflections of a workplace culture that values people over performance metrics.

We recently welcomed a new member to our team in January, bringing us to six. Though still new, she has already blended into the rhythm of our office with ease, contributing to the calm, collaborative energy that defines our daily work. There's no hierarchy here, no egos; just people working together to serve others well.

We do things differently. We don’t cold-call owners, put unwanted publicity flyers in people’s post boxes or push unrealistic mandates. We won’t inflate prices to secure a listing. And we don’t promise the world only to underdeliver. Instead, we focus on the human side of real estate. We listen. We observe. We adapt. We honour our clients’ needs as though they were our own. It may not always be the fastest route to success but it’s the most honest one and ultimately, the most sustainable.

If there’s one message we hope this award can help amplify, it’s that integrity and excellence are not mutually exclusive. Good people can and should thrive in competitive industries. Our story is not a template but it is a testimony: that you can succeed without selling out. That you can grow without losing your grounding.

We live in a time where ethics in business are often treated as an afterthought or a luxury, as though the only thing that matters is profit or scale. But we challenge that notion. We believe the world needs more businesses built on trust, humility and authentic service; not just in real estate, but across every industry.

So we softly ask: what kind of world do you want to help create? One driven by cutthroat ambition or one that makes space for genuine connection and long-term trust? It's a question worth sitting with, especially in times as turbulent as ours.

To our peers who voted for us. Thank you. To our clients who place their trust in us day after day. Thank you. And to anyone reading this who feels like there's no room for the quiet professionals, the kind-hearted teams or the ethical businesses: let this be a gentle reminder that there is and that their time is now.

With humility and gratitude,

The Nice Homes Team
2nd April 2025