Sotheby's International Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty Brand Expands Presence in Caribbean and Opens First Office in Antigua and Barbuda

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Dec. 17, 2020) – Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that Majestic Realty Caribbean Limited in the country of Antigua and Barbuda is the newest member of its global network and will now operate as Antigua & Barbuda Sotheby’s International Realty. The addition marks the brand ́s first affiliated office in the country and its continued strategic growth in the Caribbean, bringing its total office count in the region to nearly 30.

Sharilyn Cort is a founding member and majority owner of Antigua & Barbuda Sotheby’s International Realty and brings 15 years of real estate experience to the company. The company is headquartered in St. John’s, Antigua, led by Kaye McDonald, Director of Sales, and has four agents serving the twin islands of Antigua and Barbuda.

“As we have seen throughout 2020, consumers are increasingly interested in locations that offer safe refuge, open space, and lifestyle,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty. “Antigua and Barbuda is a beautiful country in the Eastern Caribbean and offers a vibrant luxury real estate market primed for discerning global real estate investors with its easy access to international airports and seaports. We look forward to working with Sharilyn, Kaye, and the entire Antigua & Barbuda Sotheby’s International Realty team.”

“The luxury real estate market in Antigua and Barbuda is of a high standard, signaling to investors that they can enjoy full value for their investment and low holding costs,” said Cort. “We are enthusiastic about the development growth and luxury property offerings on the twin islands and our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty provides a strategic advantage to grow our presence on an international scale. Like Sotheby’s International Realty, we pride ourselves on a bespoke approach in that each client experience is unique and we tailor our services to meet our clients’ individual requests.”

Antigua & Barbuda Sotheby’s International Realty offers a full spectrum of real estate services including purchasing, selling, and renting real estate in Antigua and Barbuda. The twin-island paradise of Antigua and Barbuda enjoys a comfortable tropical climate year-round and is steeped in history and culture with modern comforts and conveniences.

The Sotheby’s International Realty® network currently has more than 23,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 1,000 offices in 72 countries and territories worldwide. Antigua & Barbuda Sotheby’s International Realty listings are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Sotheby’s International Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty was founded in 1976 as a real estate service for discerning clients of Sotheby’s auction house. Today, the company’s global footprint spans approximately 1,000 offices located in 72 countries and territories worldwide, including 45 company-owned brokerage offices in key metropolitan and resort markets. In February 2004, Realogy entered a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a franchise system. The franchise system is comprised of an affiliate network, where each office is independently owned and operated. Sotheby’s International Realty supports its affiliates and agents with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Affiliates and agents also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

The affiliate network is operated by Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC, and the company owned brokerages are operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Both entities are subsidiaries of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY) a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. Both Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

December 17, 2020 by
Damianos Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty Brand Opens First Office in Paraguay

New York, NY (Dec. 9, 2020) – Sotheby’s International Realty announced that Raices Real Estate Group in Paraguay is the newest member of its global network and will now operate as Paraguay Sotheby’s International Realty. This addition marks the brand´s first affiliated office in the country and its continued strategic growth in Latin America, bringing its office count in the region to 26 in total.

Paraguay Sotheby’s International Realty is a family-owned and operated company managed by Ernesto, Aníbal, Jorge, and Yolanda Figueredo Coronel, who bring a combined more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry in Paraguay and Latin America. The company is actively involved in the development of real estate projects and the growing interest for primary and vacation homes.

“The modern real estate market in Paraguay continues to grow,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty. “The region is considered a central hub for South America with a number of connecting flights from major capitals, and we are seeing increased demand in the residential market as buyers seek high-end listings or vacation homes. The Figueredo Coronel family and their team have a great knowledge at the local and regional level, and we are proud to welcome them as a new affiliate.”

“Aligning our company with Sotheby’s International Realty enables us to provide an added level of international exposure to our different projects,” said Ernesto Figueredo. “Our company culture is built on innovation, high quality service, professionalism, technology, and excellence. It was important that we affiliate with a brand that values these same principles and one that actively works to highlight a property to tell its story, capturing the attention of prospective clients on both a local and international level.”

Paraguay Sotheby´s International Realty is located in Asunción. Paraguay Sotheby’s International Realty will serve the luxury and residential markets of Paraguay, such as Asunción and Gran Asunción, San Bernardino, Ciudad del Este, Encarnación and Pedro Juan Caballero, with 15 agents.

The Sotheby’s International Realty® network currently has more than 23,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 1,000 offices in 72 countries and territories worldwide. Paraguay Sotheby’s International Realty listings are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Sotheby’s International Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty was founded in 1976 as a real estate service for discerning clients of Sotheby’s auction house. Today, the company’s global footprint spans approximately 1,000 offices located in 72 countries and territories worldwide, including 45 company-owned brokerage offices in key metropolitan and resort markets. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a franchise system. The franchise system is comprised of an affiliate network, where each office is independently owned and operated. Sotheby’s International Realty supports its affiliates and agents with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Affiliates and agents also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

The affiliate network is operated by Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC, and the company owned brokerages are operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Both entities are subsidiaries of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY) a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. Both Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.
December 10, 2020 by
Damianos Realty

A Successful Virtual Sale | Strategy & Solutions

Challenge #1 | Breathe New Life Into Previously Listed Home

Because Comfortably Numb had been on the market for about four years before being listed with The Ansell Group, it was imperative that Chris and Vanessa make it their first goal to present the home in a fresh light.  Over the course of several days, The Ansell Group set about staging every room of the home, creating an all-new look and feel, and providing an updated vision of the home’s potential. 

Challenge #2 | Sell Home Virtually During COVID-19

Listed for sale by The Ansell Group in January and placed under contract in September, the bulk of the marketing for Comfortably Numb took place during lockdown mandates. Due to travel restrictions, The Ansell Group created a 3D property tour so that buyers could virtually tour the property from the comfort of their homes.

Challenge #3 | Encourage Buyer To View The Home As Their Own

Initially, the new owner of Comfortably Numb liked the home but didn’t love it. She couldn’t quite visualize how she could transform the current space into the space she dreamed of. To help her get the full scope of the home’s potential, The Ansell Group created floor plans and called upon the Lyford Cay Sotheby’s International Realty network of architects and builders to solicit advice on how the space could be better used. 

Conclusion | Creativity + Technology + Brand Network = Success

Despite the obstacles that arose during the marketing of Comfortably Numb, The Ansell Group capitalized on creative thinking, innovative technology, and their vast network of industry professionals to achieve a successful sale for their client, and create a seamless buying experience for their buyer. The home’s new owner is now transforming Comfortably Numb into the home of their dreams. 

November 18, 2020 by
Damianos Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty® Brand Expands Presence in Germany

Sotheby’s International Realty today announced Schürrer & Fleischer Immobilien is the newest member of its global network and will now operate as Baden-Württemberg Sotheby’s International Realty. The addition marks the brand’s 15th office in Germany and its expanding presence in Europe with more than 140 offices.

Baden-Württemberg Sotheby’s International Realty will be owned and operated by Peter Schürrer and Bernd Fleischer and will serve the luxury residential real estate market in Stuttgart and the surrounding region, such as Mannheim, Heidelberg, Neustadt, and Baden-Baden. Bernd and Peter bring nearly 25 years of real estate experience to the company and 35 agents.

“Stuttgart is the sixth largest city in Germany and is renowned for its wealth, outstanding infrastructure, and strong economy,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty. “The demand for real estate in Stuttgart’s premium segment is correspondingly high and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Peter Schürrer and Bernd Fleischer and the Baden-Württemberg Sotheby’s International Realty company to the network.”

“As one of the leading real estate companies in Baden-Württemberg, we take great pride in  distinguishing ourselves among buyers and sellers by providing top quality service,” said Bernd. “Stuttgart and the surrounding region are an excellent choice for those seeking a mixture of provincial and cosmopolitan flair. Our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty will further capture the attention of the higher-priced segment and showcase our listings on an international scale.”

Baden-Württemberg Sotheby’s International Realty has an office in the town of Stuttgart. Since the establishment of its charitable foundation in 2009, the company and its agents annually support regional Caritas association projects, which aims to support those in need. The company also sponsors sporting events to promote community involvement.

The Sotheby’s International Realty® network currently has more than 23,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 1,000 offices in 72 countries and territories worldwide. Baden-Württemberg Sotheby’s International Realty listings are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.

November 9, 2020 by
Damianos Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty® Brand Expands Presence in Arkansas

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Desselle Real Estate is the newest member of its global network and will now operate as Capital Sotheby’s International Realty. The addition marks the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand’s continued growth in Arkansas and its second company in the state.

Owned and operated by Susan Desselle, the firm is located in Little Rock, Arkansas and brings 14 years of experience and 12 sales associates serving Little Rock, Central Arkansas, and the surrounding region.

“The luxury residential real estate market in Little Rock, Arkansas continues to see increased interest and demand for exceptional, high-end properties,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty. “We are pleased to welcome Susan and Capital Sotheby’s International Realty to the network and to service the Central Arkansas region.”

“From historic registered homes to pristine lakes, Central Arkansas is a budding destination for those looking for a home that matches their lifestyle,” said Desselle. “We intend to serve our clients’ real estate needs for life. Our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty enables us to deliver the best experience possible and provide Central Arkansas homeowners with the world’s most exceptional platform for advertising and marketing real estate.”

The company and its agents actively support the local community in various leadership roles and involvement, including the University of Arkansas Real Estate Advisory Board, Little Rock Realtors Association, Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation, and many others. The company has also received numerous accolades annually, including recognition by the Arkansas Realtors Association and the Little Rock Realtors Association.

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 23,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in 1,000 offices in 71 countries and territories worldwide. In 2019, the brand achieved a record global sales volume of $114 billion USD. Capital Sotheby’s International Realty listings will be marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.

October 22, 2020 by
Damianos Realty

List With Us For Global Property Exposure

Listing a property with Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty comes with many advantages: first-class client service, professionalism, and complete representation of the seller’s interests. Additionally, our prominence has allowed us to establish an unparalleled media network, making it one of our unique qualities.

The exposure and global scope that we yield is a vital component of what sets us apart. From the Wall Street Journal in New York, to Expansión in Mexico, to Juwai in China, once your property is listed with Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, it can be exclusively marketed on over 20 affiliate media partners around the world.

October 19, 2020 by
Damianos Sotheby's International Realty, Sotheby's International Realty

4 Skills You’ll Need to Sell in the Post-Pandemic World

Written by Philip White | First appeared on Magazine.Realtor

As any real estate professional knows, change is the only constant in this industry. With major shifts impacting how today’s agents do business, the best way to stay on top is to keep up. The biggest catalyst for change in the last few years has arguably been technology. We’ve seen its potential especially during the COVID-19 pandemic: In many cases, home buyers and sellers have had to rely on digital solutions for the different stages in a transaction. Agents are responding with virtual home tours, video calls, 3D floor plans, and other digital touchpoints that allow clients to view a home without interacting physically with the space. Before the pandemic, technology was a helpful tool; now, it’s a necessity.

This higher demand for safety and convenience—and the resulting wave of technologies that streamline processes—has changed the role of agents, too. Because consumers have more tools available to ease the homebuying process, agents are no longer the gatekeepers they once were. Now, agents are trusted resources for information and advice that consumers can’t find in a quick Google search. Real estate is a high-value transaction, and though the human element will never disappear, it’s increasingly necessary for agents to deliver stellar service that consumers can’t get from an app.

How You Can Adapt to the Times

As global health events impact how agents use technology, flexibility is key for your business to flourish. The following steps can help you build your resilience and innovate for the future.

  1. Do your research. This tip isn’t new, but your approach should be. As a trusted advisor, you’re the best resource for answers clients can’t get from Google. Know what information is easiest for clients to find online, but make sure to have ideas on hand for questions you’re better suited to answer. Research also will be important in deciding how you’ll share that information and provide more value for your clients. When it comes to technology and the many innovative ways you can streamline processes, remember that not every new app or program will improve your service. Technology is less about the shiny new app and more about making what you already have more effective. For example, my company created an augmented reality tool to address an existing pain point: Clients couldn’t visualize empty or outdated spaces. Now they can adjust a space—or see a design concept—without needing to touch any of the room’s existing furnishings. Don’t invest in new solutions without taking stock. Talk to your clients about what they need, and study the tools that will resonate with your market. This vetted approach is particularly important for smaller brokerages that lack financial resources.
  2. Adapt your visuals. One of the biggest changes across the real estate industry in recent months has been the rise in virtual home tours and open house events hosted online. Virtual content production has been, in many cases, the only way to showcase homes, and the increased focus on visuals—from video and virtual reality to livestream open houses—is working. Case in point: While my company began featuring virtual reality technology on its website in early 2016, consumers today are searching on Google for virtual reality tours like never before. We are seeing similar surges with video content, as evidenced by a 101% increase in video viewership on our website and a 137% increase in viewership on our YouTube channel. While much of the rise of visual consumption can be attributed to social distancing restrictions, it’s also an indicator of what’s ahead: Buyers are searching in new ways, and real estate firms should be ready to respond with compelling video content.
  3. Build your sphere of influence. Offering authentic human connections is a critical way to stand out, so the importance of a healthy sphere of influence can’t be overstated in today’s real estate landscape. Build a solid network, and get involved with the community you serve. While events may be on hold, offer to host webinars or support other online initiatives, and get on the phone to connect with other businesses that can help extend your reach. If a new business moves into your city, for example, reach out and offer to help with rehousing employees. This will solidify your value as a helpful resource—the kind that simply can’t be found online.
  4. Understand the emotional side of the business. The residential property market is nothing like its commercial counterpart. Businesses make calculated investments based on numbers, but when you buy and sell homes, it’s about much more than numbers. An older couple might have raised their family in the home they’re selling, and a younger couple might be looking for just the right home to do the same. Whatever the situation, there are emotions involved, and empathizing with your clients is the best way to make sure you keep pace with them and build trust instead of rushing transactions. When clients reach out to ask for your thoughts, you’ll be able to provide guidance in line with their current circumstances. That kind of service solidifies relationships and engenders repeat business.

Creativity, empathy, and flexibility will allow today’s agents to navigate a changing real estate landscape. By anticipating how recent events and trends will shape the future, you can remain a trusted and valuable resource for your clients.

Philip White

Philip White is president and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC, where he drives the network’s strategic growth as a leading provider of luxury residential real estate services.

September 10, 2020 by