Hailed as the top honor in luxury real estate, the Golden I is awarded to the top luxury agents and brokers and the most innovative luxury home and new development marketing campaign of the past year, as well as the top luxury deals in cities, beaches, and mountains.
The Golden I Club recognizes real estate professionals from Sotheby’s International Realty as they consistently push the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry, from cutting-edge marketing, trailblazing technology, record-breaking sales, and the high-quality service that defines our extraordinary brand.
“Thank you Inman News for recognizing what I’ve known of the last dozen years: the agents at Sotheby’s International Realty are truly the best,” said Sotheby’s International Realty Chief Marketing Officer Bradley Nelson via Twitter. “Honored to be recognized as the top luxury brokerage.”
The brand was inducted into the Golden I Club at the Inman Luxury Connect conference, following two months of voting and 300 nominations.
NASSAU, The Bahamas (October 28, 2021) — George Damianos, Chief Executive Officer for Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, and Lana Rademaker, Chief Brokerage Officer, are pleased to announce the addition of Ana B.N. Wassitsch to the sales team in Nassau.
“We’ve been experiencing historical activity in all of our markets this year, but particularly in the luxury communities in Nassau,” Rademaker said. “With this increased uptick in activity, our growth strategy is to focus on vetting sales agents who have strong financial and investment backgrounds in addition to deep community ties.”
A longstanding member of the professional community in Nassau, Wassitsch launched her real estate career in 2015 after 15 years of working in the private banking sector.
“My exposure to a vast array of cultures over the years, both through my extensive travels and working with high-net-worth clients from around the globe has offered me significant insight into the importance of cultural preferences and perspectives when it comes to buying, selling and investing in real estate,” Wassitsch said. “This international aspect of my business is what attracted me to joining Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty. The Sotheby’s brand recognition, the firm’s worldwide reach, and the company’s vast referral network will expand and elevate the level of service I am able to provide for my clients.”
In addition to her established success in sales and relationship building, Wassitsch is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, making her an even more valuable addition to the Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty team as more and more buyers are entering the market from Central and South America.
“We are excited to welcome Ana to our team, ” Rademaker added. “The Bahamas is a premier destination for investors from all over the world and we are committed to meeting the needs of our international high-net-worth clients. With Ana’s multicultural background and sales expertise, she is well-positioned to establish herself as a top producer in the luxury market.”
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has been an industry leader since 1945 specializing in the listing, marketing and sale of luxury and waterfront properties. With eight offices throughout The Bahamas, Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty boasts the most experienced and successful team of real estate professionals, consistently ranking among the top producers in The Bahamas real estate industry.
About Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has eight offices located throughout the islands of the Bahamas, providing unsurpassed market knowledge of Abaco, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Exuma, Nassau, Paradise Island, Ocean Club Estates, Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay, Albany, and Private Islands. Head office 75 Shirley Street, Nassau. For additional information, please contact 242-322-2305 or info @SIRbahamas.com.
About Sotheby’s International Realty
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has approximately 24,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 1,000 offices in 75 countries and territories worldwide. Each office is independently owned and operated.
Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that Iris Estates has joined the network and will now operate as Bulgaria Sotheby’s International Realty. The addition marks the brand’s continued growth in Europe and marks nearly 200 affiliated offices in the EMEIA region.
Bulgaria Sotheby’s International Realty is owned and operated by Hristo Angelkov in partnership with Andrei Manoukovski. The team brings more than 50 years of combined experience to the company, which is headquartered in the city of Sofia. The company will have two offices and will service the entire country.
“Bulgaria is an emerging market and is an attractive destination for residential developments, making it appealing for global investors,” said Philip White, president and CEO, Sotheby’s International Realty. “The country is seeing positive momentum, offers attractive prices, and is situated between major cities in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The luxury segment is well-positioned in the market, and I look forward to supporting Hristo and the entire Bulgaria Sotheby’s International Realty team as they continue to service the country.”
“As a leader in luxury residential real estate in Bulgaria, it was only natural for us to align with a brand like Sotheby’s International Realty,” said Angelkov. “From the beginning, our company focused on luxury and residential real estate and provided high-quality services to expats and diplomats. Due to the draw of investment opportunities, we expect to receive increased interest from other Western European countries and the Middle East from both investors and individuals alike. Our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty enables us to meet and exceed the needs of our clients while presenting these prospects to a global audience.”
The office currently has several sales associates supporting the region with plans for continued growth. The region offers a variety of lifestyle interests including skiing, golf resorts in the mountains and on the Black Sea coast, winter and summer resorts, and is an up-and-coming spa destination.
Manoukovski also successfully owns Moscow Sotheby’s International Realty, which services Russia, Cyprus, Kazakhstan, Hungary, and Slovenia, and has been operating for more than 10 years.
The Sotheby’s International Realty® network currently has more than 24,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 1,000 offices in 75 countries and territories worldwide. Bulgaria 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 Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.
Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that Reside Realty Ltd. has joined the network and will now operate as Jamaica Sotheby’s International Realty. The addition marks the brand’s continued growth in the Caribbean and comes at a time of increased interest in secondary and resort markets. The addition follows the brand’s recent expansion into St. Kitts & Nevis and marks its 30th affiliated office in the Caribbean.
Jamaica Sotheby’s International Realty is owned and operated by Julian Dixon and Alexander Melville who bring a collective 27 years of experience to the company. The office will be headquartered in the city of Kingston and will service the surrounding island including St. Andrew, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and more.
“Jamaica offers a diverse luxury lifestyle which appeals to a wide variety of buyers,” said Philip White, president and CEO, Sotheby’s International Realty. “In recent years, closed transactions have seen steady growth and new construction is booming on the island. The Jamaican market has historically appreciated year-after-year with interest from domestic and international interest in North America, Europe, Canada, and most recently the Middle East, motivated by the island’s many opportunities and its tourism sector. I want to welcome Julian and her team to the network and look forward to working together to support the island.”
“Jamaica is famous for the tag line ‘no problem’ and this is true of the culture and lifestyle,” said Dixon. “I have always admired the Sotheby’s International Realty brand and their philosophy towards client satisfaction connects with our culture and mission. The island offers promise to buyers seeking opportunities through business ventures, vacation homes, retirement, and income-earning properties. Our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty will be the first of its kind on the island and will bring value, excitement, and global recognition to our market.”
The office currently has several sales associates supporting the island with plans for continued growth.
The Sotheby’s International Realty® network currently has more than 24,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 1,000 offices in 75 countries and territories worldwide. Jamaica 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 Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.
First seen on the Sotheby’s International Realty Blog
Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the opening of Morocco Sotheby’s International Realty, signifying the brand’s first office in Northern Africa. The addition brings the brand’s total number of affiliated offices in the EMEIA region to nearly 200.
Morocco Sotheby’s International Realty is owned and operated by David Chicard who brings 15 years of experience to the company. The office is located in the city of Marrakech and will service the surrounding region, with plans for future expansion in Essaouira, Tangier, and Rabat. The office will be led by Nicolas Beguin, who has lived in Moroccofor almost 20 years.
“Morocco offers a stable and inviting environment for global investors,” said Philip White, president and CEO, Sotheby’s International Realty. “The country attracts interest from Americans, Middle Easterners, and investors due to its proximity to Western Europe and Marrakech is a promising international city with a growing high-end segment. I am encouraged by our continued expansion and greatly look forward to supporting the Morocco Sotheby’s International Realty team.”
“Morocco has something for every buyer,” said Chicard. “The region offers a cost-effective alternative to Europe and possesses a variety of highly coveted properties that suit buyer interests including villas for those looking to align their living situations with golf and riads located in the historic heart of the city. My industry experience and our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty further enables us to grow our business in the country, and on a global scale, while catering to the needs of our buyers and sellers.”
Chicard also successfully owns and operates three Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliated offices in Belgium, which have been operating since 2014 and generated a total sales volume of US$226M in 2020.
The Sotheby’s International Realty® network currently has more than 24,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 1,000 offices in 75 countries and territories worldwide. Morocco 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 Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.
NASSAU, The Bahamas (September 1, 2021) — George Damianos, Chief Executive Officer for Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, and Lana Rademaker, Chief Brokerage Officer, are pleased to announce that the headquarters for Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, one of the pioneering companies in the downtown business district of Nassau in the 1940s, has relocated to its new home just west of the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Windsor Business Park.
The team of 20 expert brokers and agents operating out of Damianos Sotheby’s new flagship office is led by Chief Brokerage Officer and co-owner, Lana Rademaker.
“Our Shirley Street office served us well for over seven decades, and we are proud to have been a part of the downtown business corridor for so long,” said Rademaker. “But our sales and marketing team has grown so significantly over the past few years that we found we were outgrowing that space. Creating an inviting and collaborative environment that comfortably accommodates our team yet allows for future growth guided our design strategy. We are excited for our office to once again become a hub for business activity that draws in our clients and encourages them to engage with our sales agents.”
In addition to providing more space for team members to convene, the newly built-out 5,000-sq. ft. headquarters provides Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty agents with the opportunity to better serve their clients as well as the thriving communities around New Providence.
“When we set out to identify our new location, we did so very mindfully,” Rademaker said. “Our goal was not only to build a modern new head office, but to create a second home for our team members that would encourage gathering, professional development and the cultivation of relationships both internally and externally. Investing in an environment that inspires career advancement and peak performance is what defines our corporate culture. This is the legacy upon which this company was built, and it’s what sets us apart from our competitors.”
The Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty team of sales associates prides itself on setting the standard of excellence through innovative marketing, personalized service and local expertise. Founded in 1945, the company remains steadfast in upholding its core values of integrity, transparency and the curation of long-term relationships based on a high standard of ethics. With 8 offices throughout The Bahamas, Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty boasts the most experienced and successful team of real estate professionals, consistently ranking among the top producers in The Bahamas real estate industry.
About Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has 8 offices located throughout the islands of the Bahamas, providing unsurpassed market knowledge of Abaco, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Exuma, Nassau, Paradise Island, Ocean Club Estates, Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay, Albany and Private Islands. Head office Windsor Business Park, Windsor Field Road. For additional information, please contact 242-322-2305 or Info@SIRbahamas.com.
About Sotheby’s International Realty
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has approximately 22,700 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 1,000 offices in 72 countries and territories worldwide. Each office is independently owned and operated.
Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty, a subsidiary of Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, has been selected to exclusively represent Baha Mar Residences, the only Caribbean residential ownership project featuring impeccable turnkey residences by two acclaimed hotel brands: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and SLS Baha Mar. We are honored to represent these extraordinary properties and iconic hotel brands.
Baha Mar has created an exceptional destination and we take great pride in showcasing the exclusive Rosewood Baha Mar and SLS Baha Mar Residences across international markets. The Residences at Baha Mar offer the ideal lifestyle experience for homeowners seeking the privacy of a luxury home paired with the amenities of a world-class resort destination. Baha Mar provides residential owners with access to a wide range of on-site amenities, including Royal Blue, the Jack Nicklaus championship golf course, tennis at Baha Mar Racquet Club and spa services at ESPA, along with a wide variety of signature culinary experiences and Baha Bay, a newly opened state-of-the-art beachfront waterpark. These amenities paired with the resort’s rental program make ownership at Baha Mar even more attractive for clients looking for a luxury live-work-play lifestyle.
Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty launched its residential sales in Spring 2021 which coincided with the reopening of the Rosewood Baha Mar & SLS Baha Mar. Demand for the unprecedented service, extraordinary amenities and unique elegant lifestyle offered only to residential owners at Baha Mar is highlighted by growing sales momentum. The strength of the Sotheby’s International Realty global network combined with our robust proprietary marketing platform and local professional expertise uniquely positions our sales specialists to serve our clients in the most seamless, technologically advanced method currently available in our industry.
Our Baha Mar Sales Specialists are located in The Residences Sales Gallery adjacent to Sugar Factory at the Baha Mar Rotunda Shops.
From the sale of a US$28.5m Southampton home to the sale of an unrivaled estate in Crete, here are five Significant Sales from June 2021 represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty® global network.
Southampton, New York
Sold for $28,500,000 | Harald and Bruce Grant, Sotheby’s International Realty – Southampton Brokerage
Singapore
Sold for $43,666,000 SGD | Steve Tay, List Sotheby’s International Realty
Sotheby’s International Realty today announced its expanding presence in the Caribbean with the opening of St. Kitts & Nevis Sotheby’s International Realty. The addition signifies the brand’s continued growth in the region, bringing its total number of Caribbean offices to nearly 30. The announcement comes at a time when the Caribbean market is experiencing tremendous growth as the ability to work remotely spurred increased interest in second home and investment properties.
St. Kitts & Nevis Sotheby’s International Realty is owned and operated by Neil Paine. The company possesses more than 25 years of real estate experience and is headquartered in Belmont Garden, Nevis, and will service the dual islands of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“The Caribbean continues to generate significant growth and interest,” said Philip White, president and CEO, Sotheby’s International Realty. “Many of our existing affiliates in the region have reported record-breaking sales volume and history-making average sales prices in 2020 and the first quarter of 2021. St. Kitts and Nevis is a dual-island Caribbean destination, often considered a hidden sanctuary, that is seeing its luxury market expand due to increased interest from ex-pats, pre-retirees, high-net-worth individuals, high-profile athletes, and investors, thanks to its golden visa program. We look forward to supporting Neil and the entire St. Kitts & Nevis Sotheby’s International Realty team.”
“When someone asks us to list their home or to help them find their dream property, they are inviting us to partner in a powerful step in their future,” said Paine. “The incredible topography and landscape of the islands is what defines the real estate market in St. Kitts and Nevis and luxury buyers have a tremendous opportunity to select from beachfront properties or mountainside estates, set in lush rainforest environments. Our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty enables us to give St. Kitts and Nevis the exposure and attention that it deserves.”
St. Kitts & Nevis Sotheby’s International Realty is actively involved in the non-profit group Siembra Vida which aims to lift vulnerable communities throughout the Caribbean and Latin America through farm-to-table experiences.
The announcement of St. Kitts & Nevis Sotheby’s International Realty supports the brand’s strategic growth plans for the Caribbean and follows the brand’s recent expansion in Antigua & Barbuda late last year.
The Sotheby’s International Realty® network currently has more than 24,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 1,000 offices in 74 countries and territories worldwide. St. Kitts & Nevis 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.
NASSAU, The Bahamas (June 28, 2021) — Built-up demand, amplified digital marketing efforts and excellence in all aspects of customer service have added up to a record-breaking six months so far this year for Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty.
“At the beginning of 2021, we were hopeful that our market would experience signs of recovery due to the easing of local restrictions and the reopening of international travel,” said Lana Rademaker, Chief Brokerage Officer for the real estate firm. “However, the level of activity throughout The Bahamas since January has far exceeded our expectations and has broken all previous years’ sales records. Inventory is at a historical low and demand remains very strong, especially in the luxury markets. “
Rademaker added that Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has experienced a 300% increase in sales volume YTD over 2020 and has achieved a new history-making average sales price of $2,700,000.
“Properties in highest demand have been those located in top tier luxury gated communities like Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay and Ocean Club Estates. We are also experiencing a surge in condo sales, vacation homes and vacant land investments from both local and international purchasers. While Nassau was the first market to feel the turnaround, activity in Abaco, Eleuthera and Exuma soon followed with sales activity now at unprecedented levels,” Rademaker said.
The vacation rental market has also seen accelerated growth in 2021.
“Prior to 2020, our rental business was typically seasonal, with the bulk of inquiries coming in during winter and holidays like spring break,” Rademaker said. “But we saw virtually no decline in inquiries throughout 2020, and 2021 is looking much the same. With the popularity and ease of working and attending school remotely these days, buyers are taking the option to rent for a few months to get a real feel for the communities where they’re considering purchasing.”
Another stellar boon for the company’s bottom line in 2021 has been its strategic partnership with Baha Mar to exclusively represent Baha Mar Residences, the only Caribbean residential ownership project featuring impeccable turnkey residences by two acclaimed hotel brands: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and SLS Baha Mar. This alliance has catapulted Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty listings volume to $925 million YTD.
“Working with Baha Mar has been the most impactful strategic move we’ve made in the 76-year history of our company, with the exception of becoming a Sotheby’s International Realty franchise in 2005,” Rademaker said. “We cannot be more pleased to have been awarded the honor of exclusively representing these extraordinary residences.”
Rademaker also attributes this year’s phenomenal sales numbers to the company’s culture which emphasizes innovation, professionalism and market expertise, attracting the most elite real estate professionals in The Bahamas and resulting in the highest caliber of service for clients.
“Despite the challenges and obstacles faced in 2020, our team pivoted and persevered, capitalizing on the enduring relationships we’ve cultivated with our clients over many years, and I think this set a strong foundation for us as we entered 2021,” said Rademaker. “Instead of entering the year at a deficit, we simply built on the steady flow of business we maintained throughout 2020. As the leading real estate brokerage in The Bahamas, Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty continues to grow in strength and numbers. Developing, mentoring and nurturing our team members are top priorities for our leadership team, and that’s reflected in our remarkable track record of success.”
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has been an industry leader since 1945 specializing in the listing, marketing and sale of luxury and waterfront properties. With 10 offices throughout The Bahamas, Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty boasts the most experienced and successful team of real estate professionals, consistently ranking among the top producers in The Bahamas real estate industry.
About Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has 10 offices located throughout the islands of the Bahamas, providing unsurpassed market knowledge of Abaco, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Exuma, Nassau, Paradise Island, Ocean Club Estates, Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay, Albany and Private Islands. Head office 75 Shirley Street, Nassau. For additional information, please contact 242-322-2305 or Info@SIRbahamas.com.
About Sotheby’s International Realty The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has approximately 22,700 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 1,000 offices in 72 countries and territories worldwide. Each office is independently owned and operated.
