(SAVANNAH, GA) June 2012 — Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty in Savannah, GA today announced the Sotheby’s International Realty brand welcomed eight new firms worldwide in the first quarter of 2012, and its affiliated companies in the United States experienced a 21 percent year-over-year increase in transactions. www.celiadunnsir.com
The brand welcomed the following residential real estate brokerage companies to its network in the first quarter of 2012: Milan Sotheby’s International Realty, Taiwan Sotheby’s International Realty, Barcelona Sotheby’s International Realty, Williams Trew Sotheby’s International Realty in Ft. Worth, Texas, Hudson Homes Sotheby’s International Realty in Tarrytown, N.Y., and San Miguel Sotheby’s International Realty in San Miguel, Mexico.
In addition, two of its affiliate companies grew through mergers. Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty in Princeton, N.J., merged with N.T. Callaway Real Estate, LLC to create Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty with its headquarters in Princeton. Likewise, Morris & Fyrwald Sotheby’s International Realty in Aspen and Carbondale, Colo., combined with Chaffin Light Real Estate in Aspen, Snowmass Village and Basalt, and is now operating as Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty.
“The first quarter of this year has seen significant growth for the Sotheby’s International Realty brand, as we continue to expand our footprint in quality markets around the globe including the Americas, Europe and Asia,” said Michael R. Good, chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Our affiliates that have furthered their growth through mergers and acquisitions have increased their market share and local presence, positioning themselves as even stronger market leaders who are able to offer their customers an even greater level of service and efficiencies in meeting their real estate needs.”
In the first quarter of 2012 the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand was honored by Franchise Business Review with its Best in Category award for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction for the fifth year in a row. In addition to its real estate ranking, the brand also came in second among the Top 50 Large Franchise Systems, which is an overall ranking across all business categories including all systems with more than 200 office locations.
Growth in Asia continues to be a top priority for the brand, which in February announced plans to expand its management team there as part of an initiative to further develop the company’s network of real estate affiliates in the Asia-Pacific region. Those executives will be responsible for accelerating the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s development throughout Asia and for supporting its network of affiliates.
“The first quarter has laid the groundwork for our continued growth and development internationally as we increased our staff both in terms of membership sales and servicing for our existing companies,” said Philip White, president and chief operating officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Domestically, our total transactions were up 21 percent in the first three months of this year versus the first quarter of last year. These strong results reflect the improvement in the high-end market in the United States. In addition, we are seeing multiple bids and stronger sales prices in a number of markets as a result of lower inventory levels.”
From a marketing perspective, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand launched its iPad® application during March 2012. Available for download from Apple’s App Store, the app’s features include 40 points of interest based on the property location, one-click-contact to a Sotheby’s International Realty broker or agent, the ability for consumers to save home search information for future use, a dynamic map feature displaying all available homes for sale or rent based on a user’s location or interested city/neighborhood and high-quality photography.
“We are very proud to be part of a network that is enjoying quality growth at such a solid pace,” said Celia Dunn broker/owner. “At Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty, we understand that buyers are as likely found across the globe as they are in the Savannah and Low Country market. With the support of this brand we are helping to unite sellers with buyers, no matter where in the world they are located.”
Known for its tradition of integrity, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in residential and commercial properties in Savannah and the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina. Founded in 1981, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty is noted for outstanding service to its clients, thorough knowledge of Savannah and the South Carolina Low Country, and excellent staff, in addition to having one of the region’s top property management departments. The offices are located at 9, 13, and 17 West Charlton Street on Madison Square in Savannah and 336 Buck Island Road in Bluffton, S.C.
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 12,100 sales associates located in approximately 620 offices in 45 countries and territories worldwide.
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. In February 2004, Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, 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 by Realogy’s subsidiary, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Realogy is recognized among the 2012 World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere® Institute, a leading international business ethics think-tank. 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.
Lori Combs
912.234.3323
lcombs@celiadunn.com