Congratulations to our US based Sotheby's International Realty affiliates

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand was the No. 1 real estate company represented in two of the six categories that comprise the 2016 REAL Trends/The Wall Street Journal “Top Thousand.” The annual report ranks America’s top 1,000 residential real estate agents and teams based on 2015 annual sales volume and transaction sides, and the top 50 agents and top 50 teams on average sales price—making it a ranking of the top 1,100 nationwide.
The Sotheby’s International Realty brand claimed 45 of the top 250 sales associates in the REAL Trends Individual Sales Volume category, more than any other real estate company. The brand also had the highest combined individual sales volume from sales associates in the same category. In addition, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand had the most individuals represented in the Individual Average Sales Price category, holding 17 of the top 50 spots (34%), including Brenda S. Powers and Elizabeth L. Sample in East Side Manhattan who tied for No.1 at $37.59 million. The brand also had the No. 1 Team on the Average Sales Price ranking; Drew Mandile and Brooke Knapp Team in Beverly Hills topped that list with an average sales price of $18.3 million. This further establishes the strength of the Sotheby's International Realty brand as a leader in luxury real estate sales.
“We are thrilled to see that the Sotheby's International Realty brand is continuing to build off the momentum of the 2015 record-year,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Having the most sales associates represented in two categories of the REAL Trends/The Wall Street Journal rankings is a huge accomplishment and underscores how many of the top sales professionals are affiliated with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand. I am so proud of the companies and the sales associates represented on this list.”
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 19,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 845 offices in 63 countries and territories worldwide. 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 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 Affiliates LLC today announced that its affiliate company in Texas has completed the largest transaction in the brand's history.  Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty has closed on the sale of the W.T. Waggoner Ranch in Vernon, Texas, which was listed for $725 million.

"The sale of the W.T. Waggoner Ranch is the largest transaction in the history of the Sotheby's International Realty® brand and is a true testament to the impressive power of our network," said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC.  "We are proud to celebrate this monumental achievement with our affiliate Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty, Bernard Uechtritz, who led the deal, and everyone involved."

This was the first time in 165 years of ownership that the ranch was offered for sale by the property's heirs and shareholders. It was sold to American businessman, professional sports team owner and rancher Stan Kroenke.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"Our promise was to market the W.T. Waggoner Ranch to the four corners of the world – we did that," said Uechtritz.  "The sale of the ranch was the result of a strategic and robust global marketing campaign, which I believe to be unprecedented.  Moreover, this successful consummation is the result of extraordinary efforts, teamwork and good faith by all parties involved."  

The W.T. Waggoner Ranch was established in 1849 and spans more than 535,000 acres across six North Texas counties.  The property includes two main compounds, a 65,000-square-foot ranch office headquarters, 20 cowboy camps, approximately 1,200 existing oil wells, 30,000 acres of cultivated farmland, thousands of cattle, hundreds of horses, lakes, waterways and creeks with approximately 454,000 acres of land remaining undeveloped for oil.

"The reach and the connections available through the Sotheby's International Realty network were instrumental in the sale of the legendary W.T. Waggoner Ranch," said Robbie Briggs, president and chief executive officer of Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty.  "The listing generated a far-reaching, international interest and became the most-viewed property on the brand's global platform, sothebysrealty.com in 2015."

The Sotheby's International Realty network currently has more than 18,800 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 835 offices in 63 countries and territories worldwide.  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, brokers and clients 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 Network Reports Significant Gains for 2015

MADISON, N.J. (Feb. 25, 2016) – Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today reported that in 2015 its affiliated brokers and sales professionals achieved approximately $80 billion in U.S. home sales volume (transaction sides multiplied by average sale price). Driven largely by a brand record of over 100,000 total transaction sides, this is the highest annual sales volume performance in the history of the brand and marks a 13% increase from the prior year.

Global Growth

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand also reported growth in its global network, which now encompasses 63 countries and territories worldwide. At year-end, the network totaled 835 offices, a gain of nearly 10%, and more than 18,800 sales associates, up 14%.

“2015 was a record year for domestic franchise sales for the Sotheby’s International Realty brand,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “This year alone, we have also added 12 international, independently owned and operated affiliate brokerage locations to our global network, which will drive accessibility to the increasing level of international buyers in key luxury markets.”

Outside the United States, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand continued to expand into key markets in 2015. The entire Gulf Region is poised for significant growth as the brand’s affiliate brokerage in the region, Gulf Sotheby’s International Realty, acquired the rights to deliver real estate services in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The brand saw continued growth entering the countries of Chile, Finland, Ireland, The Netherlands, and Nicaragua, while expanding its presence in Italy, Queensland, Australia and in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand also added five independently owned and operated residential real estate firms and 73 new offices to its network across the United States. This past year witnessed continued growth by existing affiliate companies through mergers, acquisitions and recruiting. Notable transactions included the coming together of three companies in Vermont and New Hampshire that resulted in one of the largest operators in those states under the Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty banner, and the acquisition of South Bay Brokers in Manhattan Beach by Vista Sotheby’s International Realty. Several key open markets were also filled, namely: Baltimore, Md.; Block Island, R.I.; Charlottesville, Va. and Portland, Ore.

Last year The Wall Street Journal/REAL Trends “Top Thousand” ranked agents based on average sales price, recognizing the success of agents that specialize in the luxury real estate segment. The Sotheby’s International Realty brand had 75 of the top 250 (30%) individuals by average sales price. This achievement is reflective of the success of our efforts to further establish the brand as the voice of luxury.

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC 175 Park Avenue Madison, NJ 07940

In 2016 and for the ninth year in a row, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand won Franchise Business Review’s Best in Category for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award. In addition to its real estate ranking, the brand also came in fourth in the overall top 50, and second among the Top 50 “Systems with 250 or more units,” which is a ranking of all franchise systems across all categories with more than 250 locations.

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand hosted several international networking events throughout the year exemplifying its truly global reach. An event in Rome brought together 27 affiliated companies from 19 countries within the European, Middle Eastern and African region while another event in Rancho Palos Verdes, California had representation from over 113 affiliated companies worldwide. “Our international footprint is the cornerstone of our global esteem and our events around the world serve as a platform for our network to work together while developing relationships to increase referrals and share best practices on the exclusive line of Sotheby’s International Realty products to better serve their clients’ needs and meet their business goals,” said White.

Marketing

From a marketing perspective, the brand’s 2015 campaign delivered more than 1.2 billion impressions. At the core of the Sotheby’s International Realty 2015 strategy was its relationships with pre-eminent media powerhouses in both print and online arenas to showcase unique properties from the brand’s worldwide network including: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Bloomberg, Financial Times and as the exclusive real estate partner for Dwell.com.

To mark the 40th year of Sotheby’s International Realty in the luxury residential real estate brokerage business, Philip White and Wendy Purvey, chief marketing officer, were joined by honorary guests of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand to ring the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange on December 29, 2015. Additionally, the brand was featured with prime placement on the New York Stock Exchange video banner in Times Square. Running the entire month of December, the video was shown 15 times per day, reaching over 1.6 million daily visitors to Times Square and highlighted the brand’s lifestyle focus and drove viewers to sothebysrealty.com for more information.

Finally, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s website, sothebysrealty.com, was re-launched in 2015 to provide a fully immersive, responsive, video-based experience with unique content. With a focus on creating the best possible user experience, the new sothebysrealty.com continues the brand’s tradition of revolutionizing luxury real estate in the digital space. Last year the site saw the most traffic in its history with 14 million visits, a 30% increase year over year. The new Sotheby’s International Realty, website was recognized by the Web Marketing Association with the “2015 Outstanding Website WebAward” and by W3 with the “2015 W3 Gold Award.”

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, each brokerage firm and its clients 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.

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.sircaymanislands.com. 

Poland Sotheby's International Realty

We are increasing our global footprint. Welcome to the family Poland Sotheby's International Realty.

Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that leading Polish real estate firm Park House in Warsaw has joined its luxury real estate network and now will operate as Poland Sotheby's International Realty.

The firm is managed by Arkadiusz Wojciechowski and Piotr Sliwka, who signed an exclusive 25-year master franchise agreement to develop the Sotheby's International Realty® brand throughout Poland including the luxury residential real estate markets in Warsaw, Crocow, Wroclaw, Poznan and Lodz.

"Expansion across Europe continues our commitment to providing access to the Sotheby's International Realty network's exclusive real estate services in key cities around the world," said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC.  "This affiliation, which strengthens the brand's presence in Europe, offers entrance into the famous capital city of Warsaw.  I was proud to attend the Warsaw launch of Poland Sotheby's International Realty in person, and am delighted that a global clientele will now have access to the brand in this historic part of the world."

According to Wojciechowski, the firm was created to fulfill the needs of highly discerning clients searching for extraordinary real estate and requiring a high quality of service. "It is vitally important for our team to ensure that we understand our clients' needs and to deliver efficient and personalized services with professionalism and confidentiality," he said.  "The Polish real estate market is unique in that it is focused on a number of key cities with an array of high-end apartments and luxury developments, as well as spacious residences in the surrounding popular suburban towns and villages. Now with the support of the Sotheby's International Realty brand we can bring Poland's extraordinary and unique properties to the far-reaching corners of the world."

The Sotheby's International Realty network currently has over 15,000 sales associates located in approximately 720 offices in 52 countries and territories worldwide.  Poland Sotheby's International Realty listings will be marketed on thesothebysrealty.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.

India welcomes Sotheby's International Realty

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced it has signed an agreement with RealPro Infra Private Ltd. to develop the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand in North India with the opening of North India Sotheby’s International Realty.

Amit Goyal is co-owner and chief executive officer of the firm, which will serve the luxury residential real estate market throughout Northern India.  The first office begins operations in September 2014 in New Delhi followed by Gurgaon, Noida, Chandigarh and Jaipur. 

“Northern India is one of the most exciting, beautiful and fastest growing markets in the world, with a developing luxury real estate market,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC.  “Expansion into India was one of our core objectives for this year, and I am proud to welcome Amit and his team to our global network.”

“We are delighted to become part of the Sotheby’s International Realty worldwide network,” said Goyal.  “The luxury residential real estate market in India is beginning a period of expansive growth and the Sotheby’s International Realty brand will meet the needs of high net-worth individuals internationally looking for luxury homes in India and overseas using the brand’s global platform. We also envision future appointments of exclusive representation of luxury residential properties.  India’s luxury residential market is poised to grow rapidly, supported by strong economic growth, and we are in an ideal position to lead this growth by leveraging the Sotheby’s International Realty global platform.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 15,000 independent sales associates located in approximately 720 offices in 52 countries and territories worldwide.  North India 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 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.

Belgium opens door to Sotheby's International Realty

Sotheby's International Realty today announced its luxury real estate services are now available in Belgium with the opening of Brussels Sotheby's International Realty.

The firm, which is managed by David Chicard, serves the luxury residential real estate market throughout Brussels and Wallonia.

"Expansion across Europe continues our commitment to providing access to the Sotheby's International Realty network's exclusive real estate services in key cities around the world," said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC.  "This affiliation, which strengthens the brand's presence in Europe, offers entrance into this famous and strategically important Belgian capital city. We are very pleased that a global clientele will now have access to the brand in this historic and beautiful part of the world."

According to David Chicard, it is the team's goal to deliver efficient and personalized services with professionalism and confidentiality.  "As the headquarters of many European institutions, Brussels is often considered something of a capital for the European Union," he said.  "Being at the crossroads of cultures and playing an important role in Europe, Brussels fits the definition of the archetypal 'melting pot,' but still retains its own unique character.  Brussels has a population of about 1.2 million, and its metropolitan area is just over 2 million.  Our focus is on providing comprehensive service at every stage of the process.  The quality of our service is based on detailed knowledge of the market and its dynamic, precise and proven procedures, and a motivated, responsible and skilled team. Now with the support of the Sotheby's International Realty brand we can bring Brussels' extraordinary property to the far-reaching corners of the world."

The Sotheby's International Realty network currently has nearly 14,000 sales associates located in approximately 680 offices in 49 countries and territories worldwide.  Brussels 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.

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.RLGY +0.82% , 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 .

Sotheby's International Realty brand enters Panama

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced the signing of an exclusive 25-year master franchise agreement with Global Realty Enterprises, S.A, to develop the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand throughout Panama, with the opening of Panama Sotheby’s International Realty in Panama City.

Panama Sotheby’s International Realty is owned by Rafael Alejandro Gangi, who founded Global Realty Enterprises, an established real estate company specializing in the metropolitan, mountain, beach and golf markets of Panama that will now do business as Panama Sotheby’s International Realty.

“Panama is a strategically important market for the Sotheby’s International Realty brand,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “The real estate market is very dynamic and represents another key step forward in our growth in Latin America. Panama is competitive in the tourism sector and is ranked second in per capita foreign investment in Latin America. We are proud to enter this beautiful country under Rafael Alejandro Gangi’s established leadership.”

According to Gangi, his team has more than 10 years’ experience in the international market and is trained to guide clients on how to capitalize on their investments. “Our philosophy is based on an integrated vision of excellence and professionalism in our services,” he said. “We believe that the global reach of theSotheby’s International Realty brand will help us showcase the fine property we represent to a broad base of consumers worldwide.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has nearly 14,000 sales associates located in approximately 680 offices in 49 countries and territories worldwide. Panama 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.

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Sotheby's International Realty office opens in Nelson, New Zealand

Click here for Sotheby's International Realty Properties for sale in Nelson, New Zealand

New Zealand’s premier residential real estate company opens a new showroom and office in Nelson today (Monday 25 November), demonstrating continued expansion and investment in its business.

New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, which has its head office in Queenstown and offices throughout the country, will open the Trafalgar Street office, making it the third to open in as many months.

Independently New Zealand owned and operated, the company is the fastest growing privately-owned real estate business in the country, undergoing significant expansion and investment.

Located in the heart of Nelson at the base of the iconic and highly-recognisable Cathedral Steps, the Nelson showroom is in one of the city’s highest foot traffic areas attracting a large number of local and international visitors.

The expansive new showroom will be spearheaded by well-known Nelson local Simone Henbrey, alongside local registered real estate salesperson Wendy Lindbom as administration support.

New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty co-owners Julian Brown and Mark Harris said the Nelson premise was possibly one of the company’s "best and most high profile locations".

"The response from the locals has been so supportive and people have really noticed that Simone and New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty have a unique point of difference when selling or buying a property," they said.

"Our extensive national and international referral network is an incredibly powerful selling tool.

"Coupled with other unique marketing tools such as our bi-monthly Property Style magazine that’s distributed to an extensive database and found in major Koru lounges throughout Australia and New Zealand, we offer a level of service unrivalled in the area."

The Nelson-based team will work closely with specialised broker Mike Barnett who works for the company in the Marlborough region, providing a referral network between the two regions.

Ms Henbrey has lived in Nelson’s Cathedral area with her two children for eight years and joined the company in May.

She said the Sotheby’s International Realty brand had been "incredibly well received" in the region.

"I knew there was demand in the area for a brand as prestigious and well thought of as Sotheby’s International Realty and I’ve been overwhelmed with the positive feedback so far," she said.

"It’s been a very successful six months with multiple properties sold, some of which had previously stood quiet for some time, and I’m delighted to have some amazing listings on our books right now.

"The showroom enables us to market homes to a wider audience and with the generous window space it’s perfect for large property displays. You won’t miss it when you walk by."

"I certainly have been busy these last few months. People appreciate and love the fresh approach that comes with listing your home with the New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty network of offices," she said.

"The company’s referral system is second-to-none so as soon as a property is listed with me in Nelson, it’s listed with the entire Sotheby’s International Realty team globally, and with over 13,000 associates worldwide across 660 offices, that’s a pretty strong team."

Ms Henbrey has marketed and sold a number of high profile properties including several large family homes in Nelson’s dress circle above the Cathedral and an iconic historic cottage in Victory.

Simone has also just listed Nelson’s premium Quay Waterfront Apartments on an exclusive basis.

"The Quay Apartments are one of the town’s most iconic residences and I’m excited to showcase them to not only the local and New Zealand market but also the world."

Ms Henbrey said more than half of her recent sales were to purchasers relocating to Nelson.

"It isn’t just about the monetary value; a home boasts unique aspects that make it special to current and future owners," she said.

"It could be the last beachfront property of its kind, have million dollar views unrivalled in Nelson or it could be a one-bedroom period villa. Each has a unique proposition that makes it special."

Ms Henbrey is highly-regarded in the Nelson area for her work on restoring the town’s historic Melrose House, responsible for fundraising, organising open days and attracting sponsorship to ensure the property, built around 1879, was returned to its former glory.

Ms Henbrey started her property career in 1995 in Auckland, where she was responsible for the marketing and sales of period homes in Mt Eden before moving to Nelson in 2005.

She is also an experienced and award-winning interior designer, graduating from the Auckland School of Interior Design and New York’s Sheffield School of Interior Design

The Nelson showroom comes hot on the heels of new offices in Central Otago’s Wanaka and Arrowtown, taking the company’s offices up to eight with more in the pipeline.

Sotheby’s International Realty Brand Enters Saudi Arabia

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced it has signed an exclusive  25-year master franchise agreement with  Regents Group LLC to develop the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand throughout Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, with its first office set to open in Riyadh this month.

The firm will conduct business as First Regents Sotheby’s International Realty with Paul Aiken as managing broker. The office in Riyadh will serve the luxury residential real estate market throughout Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Al Khobar.

“Saudi Arabia is a strategically important market for the Sotheby’s International Realtybrand and this signing represents a key step forward in our overall growth plans across the Middle East,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC.  “The First Regents Sotheby’s International Realty team offers in-depth local knowledge and is led by an experienced management team.  Many Saudi nationals look to international markets to purchase real estate, making this an important new market for our luxury network.”

First Regents Sotheby’s International Realty is located at King Fahad Road, Tatweer Tower in Riyadh. 

“First Regents Sotheby’s International Realty aims to provide excellence in service and the widest local and  international visibility for sales and rentals of extraordinary residential and commercial properties,” said Aiken. “We excel at marketing our clients' exclusive properties through online channels to ensure that each property receives the awareness it deserves, both locally and internationally.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has nearly 14,000 sales associates located in approximately 680 offices in 49 countries and territories worldwide.  First Regents 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.

Dubai Sotheby's International Realty launches

Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced it has signed an exclusive 25-year master franchise agreement with Prime Realty Ltd to develop the Sotheby's International Realty(R) brand throughout the United Arab Emirates, with its first office set to open next to Dubai's Burj Khalifa in November 2013.

The firm will conduct business as Dubai Sotheby's International Realty with Billy Rautenbach as managing director and Eric Roche, who spent nearly a decade at Sotheby's International Realty in its Manhattan East Side brokerage office in New York City, as director of international sales and development.

"Dubai is a strategically important market for the Sotheby's International Realty brand and this signing represents a key step forward in our overall growth plans across the Middle East," said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC. "The Dubai Sotheby's International team offers local knowledge and experience and is led by a seasoned executive team. Billy Rautenbach has been in real estate for 28 years, with nine years in Dubai. During this time, she has cultivated one of the largest real estate businesses in the Middle East and gained expertise in leading a team of more than 600 in property management, sales, leasing, investments, project development, management and marketing both locally and internationally."

The office will be located at Emaar Boulevard Plaza, Tower One, Suite 2601, next to the Burj Khalifa.

"We strive to provide the very best service to our clients," said Roche. "This is underlined by the significant attention and involvement we give to all our clients and services, both locally and regionally. Over the years, we have acquired an excellent reputation and a credible track record as leading specialists in our chosen fields, and the Sotheby's International Realty brand's reputation as the world's premium luxury property marketer is a perfect fit for this region."

The Sotheby's International Realty network currently has more than 13,000 sales associates located in approximately 670 offices in 49 countries and territories worldwide. Dubai 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.

Malta office opens for Sotheby's International Realty

Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced its luxury real estate services are now available in Malta with the opening of Malta Sotheby's International Realty.

The firm, which is jointly owned by Michael, Andrew and Tony Zammit and Roger Strickland Jr., serves the high-end residential real estate market throughout the island of Malta in Southern Europe.

"Our expansion into Malta continues our commitment to providing access to the Sotheby's International Realty network's exclusive real estate services in key countries around the world," said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC. "This affiliation, which strengthens our presence in Europe, offers us entrance into the exciting Maltese market. We are very pleased that our global clientele will now have access to our services in this historic and beautiful country."

According to Michael Zammit, it is the team's goal to deliver efficient and personalized services with professionalism and confidentiality. "Our team has the experience and local market knowledge, and now we add to that the international network of the Sotheby's International Realty brand to form a very powerful combination," he said. "As well, the Island of Malta, renowned for its history, hospitality and Mediterranean charm, has become a prime location for foreign businesses, property investment and as a holiday destination. Investing in property here remains an attractive proposition with the Maltese market achieving strong appreciation depending on location. Lifestyle developments have quickly become the most exclusive and sought after addresses on the island. This, coupled with the various tax benefits and fiscal incentives, make our island an attractive option to either retire or relocate."

The Sotheby's International Realty(R) network currently has more than 12,800 sales associates located in approximately 660 offices in 47 countries and territories worldwide. Malta 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.

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. RLGY -1.69%  , 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.