South Florida’s high-end residential real estate market, already a hotbed of international attention, will broaden its global awareness with today’s announcement that Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, has changed the name of its exclusive property brand to Christie’s International Real Estate. It was formerly known as Christie’s Great Estates.
Ron Shuffield - President, EWM
“I have no doubts that the new name will resonate with the global consumers to whom these properties are marketed,” says Ron Shuffield, president of EWM Realtors, a HomeServices of America Company, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate. “With more than 35% of EWM’s sales being realized by international buyers — further clarifying that the renowned Christie’s and its real estate arm are one in the same — is a branding win-win for South Florida’s luxury residential real estate market.”
Christie’s International Real Estate is the only real estate network wholly owned by a fine art auction house. The real estate network is uniquely positioned to follow the footprint of its parent company, Christie’s, into growing markets such as Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
As Christie’s global announcement notes, the new name further underscores that the values that distinguish Christie’s – commitment, expertise, integrity, discretion and five-star customer service – are qualities that are embedded in the company’s luxury residential property specialists.
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 Miami-Dade County, Fla., for the annual period ending 12/31/10, according to data from EWM’s Trendgraphix platform which aggregates local Multiple Listing (MLS) data, EWM was the definitive market leader in the sale of homes and condos in excess of one million dollars. EWM had a total dollar volume market share of 14.0%, compared to 9.1%, 6.4% and 6.1% for its nearest competitors. The company also noted an increase of 28% in the number of sold units in excess of one million dollars for the period ending 12/31/10 vs the period ending 12/31/09.
The Christie’s International Real Estate rebrand will be spearheaded by UK-based Lisa King, who not only serves as Chairman of Christie’s International Real Estate, but Chief Operating Officer of Christie’s. King comes from a three-generation family business in property development.
“Lisa’s (King) connection to both the art and the real estate business is a huge benefit to the affiliates,” adds Shuffield. “We are extremely gratified by the confidence that our customers have placed in our company over the years, and we look forward to continually exceeding their expectations under the Christie’s International Real Estate banner.”
For additional information, visit www.EWM.com.