SARASOTA, Florida—(January 11, 2011)—Southwest Florida’s luxury real estate market—already seeing an increase in sales due to corrected pricing and an improvement in overall economic conditions—got another shot in the arm today with the announcement from its international hubs in New York, London and Hong Kong that Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, has changed the name and look of its exclusive property brand to Christie’s International Real Estate. It was formerly known as Christie’s Great Estates.
“This is a very important development for our sellers with properties above $1 million,” said Michael Saunders from her company’s headquarters in downtown Sarasota. “Having just returned from Christie’s in New York, I have witnessed first hand how the synergy between their art and real estate businesses works hand-in-hand to lend amazing worldwide visibility and prestige to one another—and, by extension, to our sellers. With international buyers so active in our market this is yet another affirmation to them of our market’s ever-expanding worldwide cachet.”
Christie’s International Real Estate owns the distinction of being the only real estate network in the world wholly owned by a fine art auction house. Its real estate network is now uniquely positioned to follow the footprint of its parent company, into such traditional and emerging strongholds of affluence as Russia, China, the Middle East, South America and Europe. At all times, its client base includes some of the most prestigious trophy properties in the world.
“As the world becomes more interconnected, Christie’s International Real Estate is a name that immediately captures the essence of our business and will make us even more competitive in the global real estate marketplace; especially as our network continues to expand into more cities worldwide,” says William Zeckendorf, Co-Chairman of New York’s Brown Harris Stevens, whose firm brokers the most important sales in New York City, The Hamptons and Palm Beach. “Christie’s International Real Estate clearly conveys our close ties to the world’s leading fine art auction business; and this relationship is what makes our network so wholly unique.”
The re-branded name isn’t all that’s new. The network’s web site, its principal portal to the world’s most affluent buyers, has also been completely made-over. Its sleek new look enhanced by improved functionality, Christiesrealestate.com is further proof of Christie’s commitment to its sellers to extend its worldwide reach, visibility and enhanced cross-marketing opportunities between its art and real estate enterprises.
Year-end sales reports compiled by Christie’s International Real Estate and its network of affiliates show a solid lead in serving the luxury real estate market in Florida.
In Sarasota County, Florida over the past 12 months—according to the latest report from the independent real estate tracking service, Trendgraphix—Michael Saunders & Company was the definitive market leader in the sale of homes and condominiums priced above $1 million. Its share of closed dollar volume in that tier of the market—now at 43.3%—is nearly 20% higher than its next five closest competitors combined.