Inman

Sotheby’s moves into New Zealand

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates has expanded its luxury real estate network to New Zealand by awarding the exclusive master franchise rights for the country, the company said today.

The rights were awarded to Browns Real Estate, which will now do business as Browns Sotheby’s International Realty and be the only firm located in New Zealand to offer Sotheby’s International Realty luxury realty services.

Browns Sotheby’s International Realty is located in Queenstown, New Zealand, a mecca for outdoor activities that has developed into an internationally renowned tourist destination, Sotheby’s said. The firm has a development plan to expand to other parts of the country and market their clients’ properties to national and international real estate buyers.

Julian Brown of Browns Sotheby’s International Realty, said, “The increased globalization of the real estate industry makes it a logical and pragmatic decision to affiliate with this powerful, world-renowned luxury real estate network. Queenstown, for example, is earning more international exposure for its spectacular and majestic scenery, pristine environment, and for being the gateway to spectacular Fiordland National Park.”

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates Inc. is a subsidiary of Cendant Corp. Residential real estate brokerage firms that join the new Sotheby’s International Realty luxury franchise network have access to marketing, information technology, operations, public relations, recruiting, client referrals and training.

The Sotheby’s International Realty network has nearly 300 offices globally, including offices in London; Cannes; Paris; Sydney; Vancouver; Beverly Hills, Calif.; Las Vegas; Miami; New York; Palm Beach, Fla.; and San Francisco, as well as resort areas such as Aspen, Colo.; the Bahamas; Santa Fe, N.M.; and Newport, R.I.

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