Sotheby's International Realty Enhanced Website Redesigned to Serve as an Integrated Marketing Solution for our Network

PARSIPPANY, N.J. (June 2, 2011) – Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced the launch of an integrated marketing strategy built around its newly redesigned website, www.sothebysrealty.com, which gives affiliates the ability to create their own broker, agent and specialty websites that share the corporate site’s innovative features, functionality, look and feel.

The new sothebysrealty.com utilizes technologies to enhance the user experience including search capabilities employing the most advanced and versatile search options available that allow users to define and refine how they want to search, whether by lifestyle or amenity.

“Sothebysrealty.com was redesigned to serve as an integrated marketing solution for our network, providing a consistent, high-quality experience for consumers, whether they are browsing sothebysrealty.com, or a broker- or agent-specific site,” said Wendy Purvey, chief marketing officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC said.  “The new ecosystem approach takes advantage of our brand website’s economies of scale and technologies, providing a consistent consumer experience while still enabling affiliates to build on their unique identity.”

All network listings now can be showcased on each site, exponentially increasing the worldwide exposure each listing receives, she said. “Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates will find it simple to remain true to brand standards while preserving local company and agent individuality.”

The home page displays a rotation of some of the network’s most striking homes.  When users mouse over the image, interactive boxes with additional information about the property appear, increasing overall search engine optimization.

Every listing is accompanied by a unique property slide show video that allows viewers to listen to narration in their preferred language.  Property list price also is displayed in dozens of currencies, all updated daily with the latest exchange rates.

“Our content is translated by native speaking professional translators with real estate expertise, not computer translations,” said Purvey.  “It is viewable in many languages and dialects including traditional and simplified Chinese, English, Canadian and European French, German, Italian, Brazilian and European Portuguese, American and European Spanish, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Russian, with more to come. This offers the local real estate consumer the ability to do research in their own language and enables our listing inventory to be picked up by local search engines.”

Purvey said the new marketing strategy gives the Sotheby’s International Realty^® network tangible ways to enhance recruitment, retention and productivity.  “Sothebysrealty.com acts as an easily accessible and comprehensive go-to source when affiliates meet with clients, demonstrating the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s global awareness and providing a rich consumer experience,” she said.

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 11,900 sales associates located in approximately 560 offices in 42 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. 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.

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CONTACT

Jennifer Zimmerman

Director, Public Relations and Communications

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC

1 Campus Drive

Parsippany, NJ 07054

(973) 407-6375

Jennifer.Zimmerman@sothebysrealty.com

Signature Sotheby’s International Realty associates, Cindy and Mike Migone, were recent guest speakers on Gail Shane’s radio show. Cindy and Mike shared their opinions on both the residential and commercial real estate industry in their “Covering All the Bases” show. 

John Taylor of Lutgert Insurance also made a guest appearance. Lutgert Insurance handles a full line of property and casualty, life and health insurance both for individuals and business, annuities, long term care, disability and medicare supplements.

Tune in and enjoy!

http://www.gailshane.com/

Additional guests included Robert Shuster with the Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida and Elaine Adair with the Sarasota Association of Realtors. The broadcast was sponsored by Neal Communities’ Central Park at Lakewood Ranch.

Judy Green, President & CEO

Signature Sotheby’s International Realty today announced it was recognized on the REAL Trends 500 Top Firms Ranked by Volume and Top Firms Ranked by Average Sales Price lists. 

The REAL Trends 500 is an annual research report that identifies the country’s largest and most successful residential firms as ranked by closed transaction sides and separately by closed sales volume.  

Signature Sotheby’s International Realty was ranked 54^th on the Top Firms Ranked by Sales Volume list, which is available in the publication’s May 2011 issue.  The list is a ranking of the 500 largest firms that participated in the REAL Trends 500 rankings.  Signature Sotheby’s International Realty was the largest locally owned and operated company in Sarasota to be included on the list.  

Signature Sotheby’s International Realty was also ranked 15^th on the Top Firms Ranked by Average Sales Price list.  The list is a ranking of the 25 firms in the REAL Trends 500 by sides or volume with the highest average sales price.  Signature Sotheby’s International Realty was the only company in Florida to be included on the list.  The Sotheby’s International Realty^® network received the most rankings of any brand on the Average Sales Price list. 

“We are very proud to have Signature Sotheby’s International Realty and its talented team of professionals represent us in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties,” said Michael R. Good, chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC.  “This recognition is a testament to the hard-working individuals that make up this fine firm and the extraordinary listings they represent.” 

“We are proud to represent the finest homes in Sarasota and Manatee counties,” said Judy Green, President and CEO.  “This recognition is a result of our market knowledge and expertise and the support of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand, all of which enable us to effectively market and sell these extraordinary residences.” 

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 11,900 sales associates located in approximately 560 offices in 42 countries and territories worldwide.

By Victoria Horstmann of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty

In today’s age of the “gated community” or the Planned Urban Development, I find it so refreshing to have come upon 9407 E. 25th Street in Parrish, Florida, a property that’s not in a deed restricted community nor reminiscent of the often seen Mediterranean or Tuscan copycat  home design.  Yet, like most of the “new palaces” being built in Florida these days, this home is completely custom built, with every modern convenience the new generations of homes boast:  outdoor kitchens, granite and marble, woodwork, stainless appliances with beverage drawers, gas burning stoves, ice makers, espresso machines, his and her dressing rooms, etc.   

However, this home is not stacked upon another like many of its contemporary competitors; this home has no deed restrictions for owners to worry about; this home sits on five private acres, providing solitude and complete freedom, which so many new communities forego for fear of disruption.  With easy access to the Manatee River, and therefore to the Gulf of Mexico, this home is a waterfront property, but it can also be an equestrian site, since zoning allows for horses: a rare combination in most new Florida communities, where one pastime—golf, riding or boating–dominates.  I’m particular to helping customers find unusual, unique homes, and this one has it all.  Further, it’s where the perfect architecture inconspicuously joins land spotted with beautiful old trees, and moss as though they were meant to be.   It’s no different in my book than picking Saville Row over the suit rack at Saks, i.e.  house to land as cloth to body.

Among the Banyans

The weather was charged this morning as were the attitudes of our Signature Sotheby’s International Realty colleagues as we met at our new listing at 1855 Orchid Street in Sarasota.  What a pleasure to be able to meet in such a warm and welcoming place!  

“You’ll know the term “Old Florida” when you see this captivating work of art, affectionately referred to as the “Tree House”. This Key West Style home, peppered with creative accents, fits perfectly behind the enormous Banyan tree, around which it was built. It represents a one-of-a-kind statement to compliment the surrounding community. In one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Sarasota and just minutes to world famous Siesta Key beach, rated #2 in the world by the way, you’ll find this custom designed, expertly crafted, elegant yet functional 3 or 4 bedroom, 2½ bath residence. The home exudes quality throughout as evidenced by its 11’6” ceilings downstairs, 9’2” ceilings upstairs;  the roomy, open floor plan with Master and office/den/4^th bedroom on the main level; custom cypress hand-distressed front door; custom gas light; unique high end kitchen with Xenon task lighting and custom quality cabinets; extra large solid poplar molding on all crown, baseboards, trims and sills; dark oak flooring; upgraded hardware; paver driveway; Insta-hot water at the kitchen sink; reo-stats on most lighting; pest resistant hardy board siding; traditional custom made wood balusters and solid oak stairs and railing; custom transoms above all doors. You’ll be perfectly positioned here in Southside School District, around the corner from vibrant Southside Village with all its shops and restaurants, and a short drive to downtown Sarasota with enough culture to delight all the senses. Come sit, relax, enjoy and stay! 

There is such value in being able to meet as the coherent group that we are and to interact in ways in which to assist each other in our business.  The feedback is invaluable and taken to heart! 

On returning, our Sellers indicated that they’d driven by and seen the cars lining both sides of the street and around the corner.  They welcomed the remarks and were quick to agree to do the few things that will help us sell the property.  They really understand the value of the opinions of over 50 of the top real estate professionals in the field and will take them to heart. 

We are so thrilled to be a part of such a professional, supportive team!  We can’t wait to have the two showings we’ve already lined up.  

Roberta and Carolyn

Judy Green, President & CEO of Signature Sotheby's International Realty & Premier Sotheby's International Realty

I am pleased to announce that we have merged with Premier Properties of Southwest Florida in Naples. Premier Properties of Southwest Florida has joined the Sotheby’s International Realty® network, and will now operate as Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. In Sarasota, we will continue to operate as Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, and I will continue to hold an ownership interest in Signature Sotheby’s International Realty. 

Together, we enjoy the largest market share in Southwest Florida, with over $1.3 billion in closed sales this year. 

We remain the same company, with the same leadership and the same top-performing real estate team. And we continue to enjoy the global resources of a legendary brand – including the most widely viewed showcase of distinguished properties, in print and online, in the world. 

Only now we are expanding our reach along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and uniting the leading luxury real estate brokerages in Sarasota and Naples. To us and our clients, it represents a union of complementary strengths. 

The result, we believe, will be a new energy within our company, and an increasing competitive advantage in the Southwest Florida luxury market as we look to the future. 

Click here to download a PDF of the press release with more details about our new affiliation. If you have questions, I welcome your inquiry. 

Sincerely, 

Judith A. Green 

President & CEO

Judy Green, Signature Sotheby's International Realty

We are very excited to share with you an article published in today’s Herald-Tribune Business Weekly on Signature Sotheby’s International Realty’s success.  The article, titled “Upstart Making Mark in Market” recognizes Signature’s 75% growth in sales volume and #2 market share position in listings over $1 million.

Judy Green, Broker/Owner of Signature Sotheby's International Realty along with Lakewood Ranch Associates, Craig Cerreta and Cindy Morton Dressed in their Sweetest Fashions

Judy Green, Craig Cerreta and Cindy Morton of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty helped celebrate what Lakewood Ranch has done in the last fifteen years at Friday evening’s party for over 1000 residents at the Sarasota Polo Club.

Dressed in costume as various candy bars and sweets, Judy and team handed out treats and enjoyed mingling and the entertainment and activities throughtout the duration of the event.

Lakewood Ranch was mainly farmland 15 years ago and now consists of a strategically planned community of 7,000 homes built since 1995. Since inception, Lakewood Ranch has brought schools, businesses, a hospital, and entertainment for the people that call Lakewood Ranch home.

Dynamic, Professional, Persistent – three characteristics that describe the Schemmel Property Group. The team of Joel Schemmel, Sharon Chiodi and Toni Schemmel together with several referral partners, make up the Schemmel Property Group. The purpose behind the team is pure and simple – to leverage skills and experience to further enhance the level of service provided to their clients. Whatever the market conditions, the Schemmel Property Group is committed to delivering exceptional services and results based on expert market knowledge, business acumen, innovation and persistence.

The Schemmel’s personally reside in Prestancia so it makes sense that they represent many of the listings there for clients, neighbors and friends. Interested in showcasing the area to television viewers as well as an online audience for further exposure, they recently partnered with The Showcase of Homes and produced three different hi-definition videos of the area overall and the two most prominent neighborhoods within Prestancia.

Prestancia is the quintessential golf course community. Pristine Floridian environment, breathtaking residences and two world-class golf courses coexist harmoniously on 565 acres within minutes of Siesta Key and its beautiful beaches.  An Audubon sanctioned wildlife sanctuary, Prestancia is located in Sarasota’s Palmer Ranch community, within minutes of fabulous shopping, dining and some of the best school’s in Sarasota County. Tree-lined fairways and exquisitely manicured greens abound on both the stadium course and the club course. TPC Prestancia is a non-equity Club operated by Heritage Golf Group and is a member of the TPC Network of properties nationwide. Golf and Social Memberships are available.

Las Palmas

Esperanza

The Schemmel Property Group’s proven performance has resulted in consistent rankings among the top agents in Sarasota County and helped them achieve the top producing agent team award at Sotheby’s International Realty for 2008 and 2009.

Janet Bassett, Realtor, Signature Sotheby's International Realty

By Janet Bassett, REALTOR, Signature Sotheby’s International Realty

International buyers have helped buttress Florida’s real estate market with 22 percent of all foreign clients nationally choosing property in the Sunshine State. 

Recently, I spent 2.5 days with a couple from Switzerland, looking at properties in the upper-end and we previewed properties in St. Armand’s Circle, Siesta Key and Harbor Acres both for the lifestyle and value.

Financing is difficult right now for foreign nationals with banks changing their policies from previous years.  Nationally, about 55 percent of foreign buyers pay with cash, possibly because it is more challenging for international clients to obtain financing in 2010.

In Florida, about 82 percent of international buyers paid in cash. But most international buyers don’t aim that high. The median price paid by foreign buyers nationally is $219,400 reported recently by Amy Miller, from the Palm Beach Post.

International buyers are extremely important to us right now, especially in this critical time of recovery in absorbing the inventory.  They want to purchase at a great exchange rate, hold the property for the value to increase.  These buyers are not in for the short term, but rather a long term real estate investment.

International buyers have helped buttress Florida’s real estate market with 22 percent of all foreign clients nationally choosing property in the Sunshine State. That makes Florida tops for attracting foreign interest, according to a summer report by the National Association of Realtors. California came in a far second with 12 percent of the international market.

While Florida’s share of foreign clients has slipped from a recent high of more than 26 percent in 2008, bargain basement prices and a weakened dollar have continued to lure Canadian and overseas buyers.

The NAR study also looked at sales between March 2009 and March 2010, and found that buyers with permanent residences outside the United States spent an estimated $41 billion on residential property nationally during the period of the study – that’s 4 percent of the total residential market during the same time.

It’s unclear how a recent dip in the Euro may temper overseas purchases. It’s now worth $1.28, compared with a high of $1.60 in 2008. That means to buy a $500,000 house, it would cost about 388,709 Euros. But the Canadian dollar, which has traditionally been weaker than U.S. currency, is now near parity at 95 cents, stated The Palm Beach Post.

Europeans are aware of the “window of opportunity” because of our prices being low. Sarasota was named recently in the International Property Magazine as the best place to purchase in the United States.

We are reaching out to European friends with assistance, enhanced protocol and most of all, understanding.