Elite home selling

Deciphering housing market trends is a strong suit for Denise and Mark Zervos, who’ve spent decades successfully running Platinum Real Estate The Luxury Home Experts. When it comes to high-end luxury homes—from $500,000 upwards of millions—the stakes are even higher. 

Joining Denise and Mark on the team are industry veterans Erin Paglio and Lee Jarocki.

“We each bring a unique skill set to the process,” says Denise. “We’re highly collaborative and since we’ve sold so many homes in the Cleveland luxury market, people have high expectations that we rise to.”

In May, Platinum Real Estate sold one of the most expensive properties in years in Lake County—$3.2 million on Little Mountain Road.

Nearly Double the Homes Sold

The trend she and her team have realized this year is that home buyers are shifting from buying in Cuyahoga County cities like Gates Mills, Hunting Valley, Bratenahl and Shaker Heights, and appreciating how much more home can be had in Lake County.

“Looking strictly at homes over $1 million, from January through June 2025, we’ve nearly doubled the number of these homes sold, from six last year to 11 this year,” she explains. “And I went back to 2023 and 2022, and the number of $1 mill-plus homes was also only six. It’s interesting, and, frankly about time. We have invaluable tangibles and intangibles going for us … great schools, wonderful parks and nature preserves, charming downtowns and easy access to highways. For boaters and lovers of Lake Erie, we have Mentor Harbor Yacht Club and other boat clubs.”

She feels people nowadays are feeling more invested in and engaged with their homes, looking less for the numbers of square footage and more at the individuality and soul of their home. 

“Marketing technologies and strategies have also been keys to our success in selling luxury homes,” says Denise. “We are adept at putting together a home’s unique story based on its personality and then get it in front of the right people. We know what they read and how they look for homes.” 

As follows are a few homes Platinum Real Estate is offering for sale in the million-dollar-plus market, each with its own amenities and cachet.

Classic Tudor Splendor

Location is everything. This old-world gem sits adjacent to the lush fairways and greens of Kirtland Country Club. Nestled in Kirtland Tudor Estates, on Stillman Lane, the charming 5,000-plus-square-foot Tudor boasts four bedrooms, five bathrooms and all the little luxurious touches, like heated floors in the kitchen and baths, and a spa-like primary bath and bedroom on the first floor. The gorgeous white-on-white kitchen opens onto the family room and with three ovens and loads of counter space. It’s a space for throwing parties. Classic old stonework and brick work, as well as classic leaded windows, punctuate the exterior. It’s listed for $1.49 million.

“Since it’s practically on Kirtland CC doorstep, one could vision the next owner being a golfer and possible club member,” says Denise. “They could hop in their golf cart and enjoy the dining and social scene there. The manicured golf holes are steps from the back yard.” Visit the property online at TheTudorEstate.com.

Private Retreat

Sitting on 5.7 acres in Kirtland Hills, the estate on King Memorial Road presents a rare opportunity for the buyer who wants it all. The nearly 7,300 square feet of living space includes a soaring two-story foyer, floor-to-ceiling windows and a stone fireplace that anchors the main floor. A chef’s kitchen is ideal with granite countertops, GE Monogram appliances and a butler’s pantry. The primary suite functions as a true retreat, with a spa-like soaking tub and oversized shower. 

On the walk-out terrace level, an entertainer’s dream features a kitchenette bar, bedroom with full bath and rec room. Step outside to your own private resort with a heated pool, built-in fire pit and pond views. At $1.39 million, this home will not last long on the market. Visit the property online at KirtlandHillsEstate.com.

Platinum Real Estate headquarters is located at 7200 Center Street in Mentor. Platinum Real Estate has offices in Northeast Ohio and Columbus, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Nevada, California and Mexico. For more information, call 833-LUX-PROS, 216-990-2100 or visit TheLuxuryHomeExperts.com.