Christie's International Real Estate Sets Standard As Global Luxury Leader in Florida for 2010

The Affiliate Network, Comprised of Carefully Selected Brokerages of Proven Real Estate Companies, Leads in Major Indexes for High-Value Properties

Market in Homes Valued in Excess of US$1 million Shows Encouraging Signs of Rebounding

New York, New York—Year-end Key Performance Indicators (KPI) compiled by Christie’s International Real Estate and its network of carefully chosen Affiliates show a solid lead in serving the luxury real estate market in Florida. This is all the more relevant as the network’s top brokers report increases in year-end results at the top tiers of the market as the year closes out.

“Christie’s prides itself on being a careful steward in the sale of high-value assets—fine art, jewelry, wine, and real estate,” says Rick Moeser, Regional Vice-President of Christie’s International Real Estate. “We select the members of our Affiliate real estate network based on their expertise and experience in luxury marketing and their impeccable level of client service.”

Boca Raton−based Premier Estate Properties, the Christie’s International Real Estate Affiliate for Vero Beach, Manalapan, Ocean Ridge, Gulf Stream, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale has again retained the status of leader in the high-end market, outperforming its nearest local competitor by a factor of three in properties valued over US$1 million. Total sales were more than US$411 million with only 26 agents. In sales over US$5 million, the company further distinguishes itself as the area’s luxury expert, having achieved a total of US$130.1 million with 19 sales.

“Serving top tier clients requires a specialized palette of skills which includes an unwavering commitment to customer service and a sophisticated understanding of market dynamics,” says Joseph Liguori, one of the principals at Premier Estate Properties. “Our company is laser-focused on continually exceeding client expectations by adhering to Christie’s and our company’s core values of expertise, integrity, service, discretion, and trust.”

Premier Estate Properties recently expanded into the Naples market under the name Naples Estate Properties, and will again focus exclusively on estate properties valued in excess of US$1 million. “We look forward to continuing to bring these same values to Naples in order to serve the area’s important clientele,” adds Liguori.

The Tavistock Group of companies—Isleworth, Lake Nona, and Stockworth—closed on 42 properties valued above US$1 million for a total value of US$97,030,100. This Christie’s Affiliate, located outside of Orlando, is renowned for it world-class country club communities, which attract top golfers from around the world. “In 2011, I believe we will see of the luxury home market move from people simply shopping for homes to making purchases,” says Reeta Casey, Vice President of the Stockworth Group. “Many are waiting until the first of the year to see if the economic trend continues on a more positive note, which I believe it will. Once the new tax laws take effect and people know more about their own tax consequences, that will also make a difference.”

Brown Harris Stevens, the exclusive Christie’s International Real Estate Affiliate in Palm Beach, again maintained its position as a leader in the local residential market. Firm agents were involved in numerous multimillion dollar-transactions, including an impressive US$20.5 million property.

Ava Van de Water, Executive Vice President and Broker of Brown Harris Stevens, explains, “We are pleased to have been instrumental in some of the biggest transactions in Palm Beach in 2010. Our professional, highly successful agents have on average more than 20 years of experience, and as a result we have been able to not merely weather the recession but maintain our place as an industry leader. As the Palm Beach market improves, we are uniquely positioned to guide those that have been waiting on the sidelines and are now ready to make a move. We expect that in 2011 we will continue to see healthy, measured growth in our market.”