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Luxury resorts

Sotheby’s International Realty Exceeds Record $112 Billion in Global Sales Volume for 2018

MADISON, N.J. (Feb. 27, 2019) – Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today reported that in 2018 its affiliated brokers and sales professionals achieved more than $112 billion USD in global sales volume, the highest annual sales volume performance in the history of the brand. Additionally, 27 affiliated companies surpassed $1 billion USD in sales volume in 2018.

“Experts predicted that 2018 would be a slow year for the global real estate market,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Despite the forecast, our talented affiliated companies and their sales associates continued to perform at the top of their game to drive a year-over-year sales volume increase that is truly remarkable. We are going to keep the momentum going in 2019 and we will continue to empower the Sotheby’s International Realty network by offering innovative products, tools, and research to provide best in class service.”

Global Growth

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand also reported growth across its global network. At year-end, the network totaled more than 990 offices in 72 countries and territories and more than 22,500 affiliated sales associates worldwide.

In the United States, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand achieved more than $100 billion USD in sales volume in 2018. This year witnessed continued significant growth by the brand’s existing affiliate companies through talent attraction as well as mergers and acquisitions. Most notably, the brand increased its market presence in Essex and the Acton-Boxborough area of Massachusetts; Greater Portland, Oregon; and Nashville, Tennessee. The brand also entered several key new markets last year, namely, Bandon, Oregon; Huntsville, Alabama; the Sandhills Region of North Carolina; Mendocino, Fort Bragg, and Ventura, California.

Outside the United States, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand achieved more than $12 billion USD in sales volume in 2018 while continuing to expand into key markets. In Europe, the brand grew its presence in Menorca and Madrid, Spain; Sylt and Bern, Germany; Kitzbühel, Austria; Zurich, Switzerland; and Slovakia. The brand also sold the rights to the island country of Cyprus. In Asia, new offices were opened in Colombo, Sri Lanka; and Bangkok, Thailand, and agreements were signed to expand into Jakarta and Bali in Indonesia, and Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam and the Maldives. The brand also saw growth in Mexico City, Mexico; the Metropolitan area of Puebla; Valle de Bravo and Malinalco in Estado de Mexico; and Cuernavaca and Tepoztlán in Morelos.

Marketing Innovation

2018 was an impactful year for the brand with the roll-out of new tools and offerings. Sotheby’s International Realty became the first real estate brand to launch and implement a virtual staging augmented reality app, transforming the homebuying and selling experience for sales associates and consumers with the launch of Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty℠. Design Vault, a cloud-based adbuilder tool was also unveiled, allowing companies and agents to create advertising, marketing and social assets with ease. The brand entered a custom-publishing relationship with The Wall Street Journal / Barron’s Group to present RESIDE®, a bespoke luxury lifestyle magazine providing affiliate companies around the world a turnkey solution to creating a customized branded magazine. The publication’s inception also birthed the brand’s new podcast series. In partnership with Inman, an exclusive channel called Leading in Luxury was launched, featuring experts from the Sotheby’s International Realty brand discussing trends, best practices and innovations in luxury real estate.

“As much as it was revolutionary, 2018 was also an affirmative year for the brand,” said Kevin Thompson, chief marketing officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “The Sotheby’s International Realty brand has always stood at the forefront of innovation in the industry, but we recognize that in order to maintain this standard, we need to continue to press forward. With the launch of new technology and tools, we continued that tradition, always aiming to provide industry-leading levels of service that sales associates affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty around the world are known for.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand website, sothebysrealty.com, saw another record year with more than 30 million visits, a 13 percent increase year-over-year, with 13 percent of traffic generated from new users. Top searches on sothebysrealty.com in the United States included New York, New York; Malibu, California; and Los Angeles, California. Outside of the United States, the top locations searched were, London, United Kingdom; Paris, France; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Lake Como, Italy; and Sydney, Australia.

Additional Achievements

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s affiliated companies and sales associates raised nearly $1 million USD to date for New Story, the brand’s charitable partner and a certified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The funds raised have gone directly to the construction of new homes in Morelos, Mexico for families who lost their homes in the 2017 earthquakes.

“It was awe-inspiring to visit the families in Mexico whose lives will be forever changed by the generosity of our network,” said White following a recent trip to visit two recently constructed communities in Mexico. “Partnering with New Story as a charitable partner allowed us to extend the services we provide daily: to help people discover homes that allow them to live their best life.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty® brand claimed 40 of the top 250 sales associates in the Individual Sales Volume category of the 2018 REAL Trends/The Wall Street Journal “The Thousand.” In addition, 12 teams affiliated with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand were recognized as being among the top 250 teams in the nation by sales volume. The annual report ranks America’s top 1,000 residential real estate agents and teams based on 2017 annual sales volume and transaction sides.

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. 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 full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com. © 2019 Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

February 27, 2019 by Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty Reports Robust 2018 Residential Real Estate Market

Resort-Style Living. According to Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, the demand for luxury resort-style properties such as those found on Kamalame Cay (above) saw a significant surge in 2018.

Nassau, The Bahamas (Jan. 21, 2019) — According to Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, 2018 was another healthy year for luxury residential real estate sales with the company’s list price averaging $1.55 million and sales prices averaging $1.4 million.

“Overall, 2018 was a strong year for sales with a slight increase over the 2017 performance,” said Lana Rademaker, Chief Brokerage Officer for the company, noting that there has been a significant increase in demand for homes in the Family Islands. “Markets like Hope Town, Harbour Island, Kamalame Cay, Treasure Cay and Spanish Wells are ideal entry markets into The Bahamas. People come down for holidays and end up returning as buyers.”

Rademaker added that the uptick in visitors and buyers in both Nassau and the Family Island markets can be partially credited to the increased number of direct flights into these markets from the U.S. and Canada. Major carriers such as American Airlines, Air Canada, JetBlue and Delta offer daily flights to The Bahamas and recently announced direct flights from Chicago and Houston to Nassau will offer even more opportunities for easy access to The Bahamas.

“The enviable lifestyle of The Bahamas has always been a major attractor to buyers in addition to the fact that we’re an English-speaking country with a stable economy,” Rademaker said. “And now with even more direct flights to our islands, people are able to get here more conveniently and frequently, making our country a strong choice for those who want to own a vacation home just one flight away.”

Another factor is the growing demand for unique resort-style residential properties such as those found on Kamalame Cay, which is about a 20-minute flight from Nassau.

“We are constantly striving to stay ahead of market trends and seek out distinctive opportunities for our clients,” Rademaker said. “I am proud to announce that one of our top agents, Vanessa Ansell, participated in seven transactions on Kamalame Cay this past year, making it one of the most active periods in the history of the luxury resort. Through her strategic marketing and carefully cultivated relationships, Vanessa has positioned herself as the go-to real estate advisor for Kamalame Cay.”

To further accommodate and more fully service this ever-increasing market activity, Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty expanded their sales team with the addition of two new agents in 2018. In December, the company also opened a new office location on Harbour Island next to the popular Piggly Wiggly food store on King Street, the island’s main thoroughfare.

“Nurturing ongoing client relationships is our number one priority as a company,” Rademaker said. “The more visible we are in the markets we serve, and the more knowledgeable our agents are, the more value we can provide to people whether they are current, past or future clients.”

The company’s ongoing mission to continually seek out ways to better serve their clients was further augmented when the firm hosted a four-day NINJA Selling Conference for their entire company at the Grand Hyatt Convention Center at the Baha Mar Resort in October 2018.

“The conference was an incredible experience,” Rademaker said. “Our entire company gathered together for four days to focus on expanding our knowledge and skills as real estate professionals. Designed to help agents capitalize on their strengths, conquer their goals and transform their business, the content of the NINJA Selling Conference aligned perfectly with our company’s culture.”

New developments like BahaMar, GoldWynn, the Pointe and the soon-to-be redeveloped Hurricane Hole on Paradise Island are also providing exciting new opportunities for buyers in the country’s capital.

“The great thing about The Bahamas is that we’re constantly growing and progressing as a country,” Rademaker said. “There is always new and fresh inventory to explore, which makes it a very exciting market to live in, work in and invest in.”

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 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 970 offices in 72 countries and territories worldwide. Each office is independently owned and operated.

January 17, 2019 by Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty is Top-Tier Sponsor of Paradise Plates for Fifth Year in a Row

Foodies, Friends and Fundraising. Now in its 10th year, the Hands for Hunger indoor food festival known as Paradise Plates is one of the most highly anticipated fundraisers in Nassau. The culinary experience features more than 40 of the island’s most talented chefs showcasing signature creations, along with performances by well-known artists such as legendary reggae artist Willis the Illest.

NASSAU, The Bahamas (Aug. 13, 2018) — Chefs, foodies and restaurateurs will fill the Imperial Ballroom at the Atlantis Resort to capacity on Saturday, Sept. 29, in honor of Paradise Plates 2018.

Touted as the culinary event of the year, the Hands for Hunger fundraiser is one of the most highly anticipated events in Nassau, attracting an average of 1,500 attendees hoping to do their part to help end hunger in The Bahamas.

“It’s been an honor for us to be a sponsor of this extremely worthwhile event for the past five years,” said Lana Rademaker, Chief Sales Officer for Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty. “Zeleka Knowles and her team at Hands for Hunger do an absolutely incredible job every year of putting together an event that is both elegant and educational.”

A night filled with culinary compassion, the organization will also be celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

“This year we come together to commemorate a decade of service to those in need. There is no better way to mark the occasion than with an incredible Paradise Plates event, that celebrates our work and raises funds to support the year ahead,” said Zeleka Knowles, Executive Director of Hands for Hunger.

With up to one in every eight people in The Bahamas going to bed hungry every day, organizations like Hands for Hunger have never been more crucial to the survival of those less fortunate. All proceeds go directly to Hands for Hunger and towards our organization’s mission. Funds raised from Paradise Plates keep food rescue trucks on the road for another year.

For more information about Hands For Hunger or Paradise Plates, visit www.handsforhunger.org or contact the Hands For Hunger office at 327-1660 or via email at tickets@handsforhunger.org.

About Sotheby’s International Realty
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has approximately 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 950 offices in 69 countries and territories worldwide. Each office is independently owned and operated.

About Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has 11 offices located throughout the islands of the Bahamas, providing unsurpassed market knowledge of Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, Nassau, Paradise Island, Ocean Club Estates, Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay and Private Islands. Head office 75 Shirley Street, Nassau. For additional information, please contact 242-322-2035 or info.Bahamas@SIR.com.

August 13, 2018 by Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

Damianos Sotheby's International Realty, Sotheby's International Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty Brand Ranks Among Nation’s Best in REAL Trends/The Wall Street Journal Report

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC announced that the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand claimed 40 of the top 250 sales associates in the Individual Sales Volume category of the 2018 REAL Trends/The Wall Street Journal “The Thousand.” In addition, 12 teams affiliated with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand were recognized as being among the top 250 teams in the nation by sales volume. The annual report ranks America’s top 1,000 residential real estate agents and teams based on 2017 annual sales volume and transaction sides.

“The representation of Sotheby’s International Realty brand sales associates on this list validates their professionalism and market expertise,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “We are proud of their exceptional performance and commitment to the brand, providing the finest real estate services to garner a brand record of $108 billion in global sales volume in 2017.”

Click here to see the Sotheby’s International Realty brand affiliated sales associated represented on “The Thousand.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 950 offices in 70 countries and territories worldwide. In 2017, the brand achieved a record global sales volume of $108 billion USD. 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.

The complete Thousand Top Real Estate Professionals list can be found on REAL Trends’ website, www.realtrends.com.

July 23, 2018 by Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

Damianos Realty

Getting to Know The Bahamas Islands

Welcome to The Bahamas Islands. The Bahamas, or the Commonwealth of The Bahamas as its formally known, is an archipelago consisting of 700 islands and cays in the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the most well-known Bahamas islands are New Providence (Nassau and Paradise Island), Abaco, Andros, Exuma and Eleuthera.

Cerulean waters, tranquil breezes and some of the most pristine beaches in the world are characteristics many would use to describe the beautiful Bahamas islands. While these natural amenities are among the top reasons people cite for traveling or moving to The Bahamas, these are only a few of the wonders that you’ll find when island-hopping or when looking for the ideal location for buying a second home or investment property in The Bahamas. Below we’ve taken a moment to outline some of the larger Bahamas islands, and offer some of our personal tips on what makes each island so unique and special.

New Providence

Home to Nassau and Paradise Island, New Providence is probably the most well-known of the Bahamas islands and cays. As the island where the majority of the population of The Bahamas resides, New Providence is a popular stop for cruise ships and a vacation destination for tourists looking to explore world-renowned luxury resorts such as Atlantis, Baha Mar and The Ocean Club. In addition to being home to some of the most high-end hotels and private luxury real estate in the country, Nassau is famous for its immaculate beaches, its offshore coral reefs, its world-class diving and snorkeling and historical landmarks like The Queen’s Staircase, Fort Charlotte and Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation.

The Abacos

Known as a boating and sailing paradise, the Abacos are approximately 80 miles east of South Florida. Making up the 120-mile-long chain of islands are top boating and fishing destinations like Great Abaco and Little Abaco; Walker’s Cay (and its sister island Grand Cay); Spanish Cay and Green Turtle Cay, with its settlement of New Plymouth; Great Guana Cay, private Scotland Cay, Man-O-War Cay, and Elbow Cay, with its settlement of Hope Town; and, Tilloo Cay and Lubbers Quarters. In addition to boating and fishing, Abaco offers championship golfing at The Abaco Club at Winding Bay Bahama Beach Club in Treasure Cay and Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club on Guana Cay, as well as some of the best snorkeling and diving among the The Bahamas islands.

Andros

The largest of The Bahamas islands, Andros has an area greater than all other 700 Bahamas islands combined and is among the least explored islands of The Bahamas. Its population of just 10,000 spread across 2,300 square miles of tropical foliage, mahogany and pine forests, and lush mangroves means guests of luxury resorts such as Kamalame Cay are treated to some of the most unspoiled beaches and waters the country has to offer. The Great Andros Barrier Reef , measuring 190 miles, is the third largest fringing barrier reef in the world. It drops to about eight feet on the island side and approximately 6,000 feet in the Tongue of the Ocean.

Exuma Cays

Perhaps best known to tourists as the Bahamas island chain that is home to Pig Beach and the famous swimming pigs, the Exumas form a 90-mile chain of 365 islands and cays, and also includes some of the globe’s most stunning luxury resorts like Grand Isle Resort and Spa on Grand Exuma, Lumina Point Resort & Spa on Stocking Island and Sandals Emerald Bay. In addition to luxury resorts, the Exumas offer some of the most stunning private property available on the real estate market including Blue Island, Sampson Cay Saddleback Cay and Pipe Cay.

Eleuthera

Comprised of mainland Eleuthera, which includes Governors Harbour, Gregory Town and Palmetto Point and neighboring Harbour Island and Spanish Wells, Eleuthera is possibly the most diverse of The Bahamas island chains. Its eastern side faces the Atlantic Ocean, and its western side faces the Great Bahama Bank, making for breathtaking natural wonders such as the spectacular The Glass Window Bridge and The Queen’s Bath. The topography of the island varies from wide rolling pink sand beaches to large outcrops of ancient coral reefs.

July 17, 2018 by Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

Damianos Realty

Best Luxury Resorts in The Bahamas

Best Luxury Resorts in The Bahamas. The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, is among the best luxury resorts in The Bahamas. Located on Paradise Island in Nassau, New Providence, the five-star resort offers amenities such as three pools, five award-winning restaurants and lounges, eight Balinese-style spa villa and a Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole golf course.

Many buyers who end up purchasing luxury homes in The Bahamas discover the beauty of the country as a tourist while staying at some of the best luxury resorts in The Bahamas, not to mention worldwide. Whether it’s the country’s crystal-clear cerulean waters, powdery white sand beaches, five-star dining or tax-neutral environment, a significant percentage of those who enter The Bahamas as tourists decide to invest in a home here. And with several luxury resort destinations available throughout the country, it’s not hard to see why visitors might want to make the country a part of their permanent lifestyle.

The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort | Paradise Island

Since opening in 1962, The Ocean Club has been a playground for celebrities and discerning travelers alike. Set along a five-mile stretch of natural, white-sand beach on Paradise Island in Nassau, New Providence, the resort’s lush tropical grounds offer seclusion and relaxation while its award-winning restaurant Dune, offering French-Asian creations by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, satisfies even the most sophisticated palates. Private residences such as The Penthouse at the Ocean Club Residences offer guests the opportunity to purchase a home that comes with access to all of the amenities of a five-star resort.

Baha Mar | Nassau

Home to premier luxury hotel brands such as SLS, Grand Hyatt and Rosewood , hotel residences and time-share offerings, Baha Mar encompasses more than 980 acres along one of the world’s most spectacular white sand beaches on the north shore of New Providence. Since opening in 2017, the resort, which is the largest in The Bahamas, has quickly become a premier destination for cutting-edge culinary, resort amenities and visual arts experiences. Dining options include menus by some of the world’s most renowned chefs and houses one of the largest collections of Bahamian art in The Bahamas.

The Cove | Eleuthera

This intimate, 57-room resort offers a selection of stylish seaside cottages and villas, private white sand beaches, a fitness center, a hilltop infinity pool, an immaculate spa, an open-air sunset bar and a gourmet restaurant. Located on the northern end of mainland Eleuthera, The Cove is not far from Gregory Town, a tranquil bohemian settlement featuring homes with names like A Majestic View, Sandy Bottom and Surf’s Up.

Kamalame Cay | Andros

Just off the Andros Great Barrier Reef in the cerulean waters of The Bahamas, this family-run private island resort accommodates 70 guests in cottages, bungalows and villas spread out on 96 acres of lush greenery, coconut palms and deserted white sand beach. Amenities include tennis courts, a freshwater pool, a PADI-certified dive shop, the only overwater spa in The Bahamas and some of the region’s finest cuisine. In fact, the resort’s monthly luncheons are so popular, they’ve gained international attention, encouraging guests to invest in their own on-site property, such as the elegant Dorado, so they can return frequently.

The Dunmore | Harbour Island

Just steps from the famous Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island, The Dunmore is billed as a “coastal chic hotel with private residences” offering casual elegance in a glamorous retro Bahamian setting. In addition to stunning oceanfront views, amenities include beachside food and beverage service, a tennis court, a highly acclaimed restaurant and bar, concierge services, a heated ocean-front pool, a fitness facility and an outdoor massage area.

July 10, 2018 by Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

Providing access to luxury real estate and homes throughout the islands of the Bahamas. Our team of Bahamas Real Estate professionals provide unsurpassed market knowledge of Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, Nassau, Paradise Island, Lyford Cay, Ocean Club Estates, Old Fort Bay, Sandyport, The Residences at Atlantis and Bahamas Private Islands. Expertise. Collaborative efforts both here and globally allow us to focus on providing you with an extraordinary customer service experience, regardless of your price point. Founded in 1945, Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty offers a comprehensive agent and client support system, with an emphasis on experience, knowledge and integrity, from the most knowledgeable real estate professionals in the Bahamas.