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Sotheby's International Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty® Brand Expands Presence In Texas

Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that Staples Property Group LLC & Lake Palestine Real Estate, Inc. have joined the network and will now operate as Staples Sotheby’s International Realty. The addition marks the brand’s continued growth in the United States and its 25th office in the state of Texas.

Headquartered in the city of Tyler, Staples Sotheby’s International Realty will have three offices to service the areas of Tyler, Lake Palestine, and Palestine, Texas. The firm is owned and operated by Dana Staples, who brings 16 years of experience to the company.

“Known as the Rose Capital of America, the city of Tyler is making a name for itself,” said Philip White, president and CEO, Sotheby’s International Realty. “As we saw throughout the pandemic, buyers are continuously flocking to new markets in search of space, natural beauty, and lifestyle interests. The region is seeing increased interest from urban cities and Western states looking for a more relaxing pace of life. Dana and her team bring a well-rounded background to the brand, and I look forward to welcoming Staples Sotheby’s International Realty to the network and our continued expansion in Texas.”

“Many say Eastern Texas is a hidden treasure, and I must admit that I agree,” said Staples. “Tyler is truly a place where small town charm meets big city culture and with the growing interest in our region, it was important for us to align ourselves with a real estate company that mirrors our unwavering commitment to our clients. Our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty permits us to provide the best possible experience for our buyers and sellers and gives us the support we need to further expand our presence in the region.”

The company currently has 15 sales associates with plans for continued growth and is actively involved in the community supporting various local initiatives.

The Sotheby’s International Realty® network currently has nearly 25,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 1,000 offices in 77 countries and territories worldwide. Staples 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.

January 7, 2022 by
Sotheby's International Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty Expands Presence In Switzerland

Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that Steiger & Cie Sotheby’s International Realty has joined the network. The addition marks the brand’s continued growth in Europe and marks nearly 200 affiliated offices in the EMEIA region.

The firm, led by Florian Steiger in partnership with Oliver Herweg and Nicholas Koch, will operate in Verbier, Crans-Montana, and Zermatt, Switzerland. The region is famous for skiing, its breathtaking views, beneficial tax structures, and political stability.

View their listings in Zermatt, Verbier, and Crans.

December 20, 2021 by
Sotheby's International Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty Opens First Office In Bulgaria

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.

October 13, 2021 by
Sotheby's International Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty Opens First Office In Jamaica

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.

October 7, 2021 by
Sotheby's International Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty Opens First Office In Morocco

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.

October 6, 2021 by
Sotheby's International Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty Continues To Expand In Caribbean As Region Experiences Increased Interest And Growth

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.

July 22, 2021 by
Sotheby's International Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty Brand Opens First Office In Oman

Sotheby’s International Realty today announced its expanding presence in the Middle East with the opening of Oman Sotheby’s International Realty. The addition of Oman Sotheby’s International Realty signifies the brand’s continued growth and its third affiliated company in the region.

Oman Sotheby’s International Realty is owned by Alfardan Group and is led by Faisal Al Shanfari, country manager, who brings 20 years of experience to the company.

“Oman is widely considered to be a welcoming place to live and work, with a large expat community,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty. “The Omani government recently implemented the 99-year lease and free hold zones, further providing expats with the confidence to invest and buy property in Oman. We also know from our 2021 Luxury Outlook report that countries, with scenic landscapes and waterfront views are generating tremendous interest, and Oman offers both. We look forward to working with Faisal and the entire Oman Sotheby’s International Realty team to grow their business in the country.”

“The market in Oman is improving and moving faster than ever,” said Faisal Al Shanfari “Our mission is to deliver the highest quality of service to our clients. Aligning our company with Sotheby’s International Realty not only builds on that commitment, but it also provides our agents with a global resource for marketing extraordinary properties in prime locations and key areas in Oman, and the brand’s vast network enables us to serve our Omani clients seeking luxury and resort properties around the world.”

Oman Sotheby’s International Realty is headquartered in Muscat, Oman and will serve the surrounding areas.

The Sotheby’s International Realty® network currently has nearly than 24,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 1,000 offices in 75 countries and territories worldwide. Oman 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.

April 8, 2021 by
Sotheby's International Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty Sees 32% Sales Growth, Achieving $150 Billion In Global Sales Volume In 2020

Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce that its affiliated brokers and independent sales professionals achieved a record US$150 billion in 2020 global sales volume, a nearly 32% increase in sales growth year over year, as the definition of home changed for consumers around the world. Due to a longstanding commitment to innovation, Sotheby’s International Realty® agents were able to seamlessly help clients navigate the changing market dynamics brought on by the global pandemic with existing technology offerings which propelled business momentum.

Agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty quickly pivoted to address the impact of the global pandemic,” said Philip White, president and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty. “Thanks to innovations we pioneered nearly a decade ago, our affiliated companies and agents made the impossible possible. Their adaptability to serve clients safely further extended our position as a leader in luxury real estate.”

Long-Standing Commitment to Virtual Technology Paved Way for Success

Sotheby’s International Realty continued to lead the industry and was well-positioned to meet the needs of consumers as the buying and selling process became increasingly virtual. Sotheby’s International Realty agents accelerated the use of the brand’s existing video, virtual reality, and live-streaming technology to produce new forms of content that engaged buyers and set a new standard for marketing luxury properties. Currently, buyers can safely tour more than 6,000 properties via virtual reality or video on sothebysrealty.com. Property videos also proved engaging on social media where the brand’s YouTube channel delivered 43 million views, or the equivalent of more than one million hours watched.

As a leader in the luxury real estate industry, Sotheby’s International Realty is able to anticipate trends,” said Chief Marketing Officer, Bradley Nelson. “Our priority remains to present listings in the best possible manner and to provide a superb end-user experience however buyers prefer to search for their new home. Virtual technology has been at the forefront of our marketing strategy for several years and comes as naturally to us as our commitment to high quality service.”

The brand also unveiled a new website, sothebysrealty.com, available in 14 languages and nearly 60 currency conversions, to continue serving its growing international clientele and fuel referrals worldwide. The website achieved a notable amount of traffic for the brand with 37 million visits in 2020. Property videos on the site produced by Sotheby’s International Realty agents were especially popular and played nearly 13 million times in 2020, totaling more than 90,000 hours watched.

A Year of Strategic Growth and Record Achievements

Despite travel restrictions, Sotheby’s International Realty remained committed to expanding its global footprint and achieving strategic growth. In 2020, the brand opened more than 50 new offices across the world, bringing the brand’s total presence to nearly 1,000 offices in 75 countries and territories with approximately 24,000 independent sales associates worldwide.

The brand’s existing affiliated companies around the world continued to grow in 2020. Sotheby’s International Realty increased its total domestic presence to 45 states around the country. Sotheby’s International Realty facilitated affiliate expansions through  12 domestic M&A transactions, including California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, and Washington.

The brand also continued to expand internationally in key markets and opened offices in seven new territories. In Europe, the brand expanded to Ukraine, Romania, Montenegro, and in Germany. In the Asia-Pacific region, the brand opened its first office in South Korea and expanded in the Caribbean and Latin American region with two new offices in Paraguay and Antigua & Barbuda.

Our international footprint is one of our greatest competitive advantages,” said Tammy Fahmi, vice president, global operations and international servicing. “Our brand’s locations are in the most desirable places around the globe, so our clients know they can rely on our local market expertise wherever they are looking to buy or sell.”

As affluent individuals looked to acquire secondary homes in markets around the world, Sotheby’s International Realty agents acted as true global real estate advisors and referral volume surged by 42% to US$2.9 billion in closed sales volume.

Our 2020 results prove what is possible when you focus on quality above all else. We remain proud to be the real estate brand of choice for so many luxury real estate experts and affluent clients. We will continue to work tirelessly to prove their trust has been well placed,” concluded White.

February 25, 2021 by