Excitement built up yesterday, June 5, 2014, as Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC announced that its luxury real estate services are now available in Belize with the opening of Belize Sotheby’s International Realty, owned and operated by McCann & Fisher Ltd.
The realty franchise invited members of the community to the official opening of its office in downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, located at the end of Barrier Reef Drive. The firm, which is managed by Shane and Brittany McCann, serves the luxury residential real estate market throughout Belize.
“Ambergris Caye is considered one of the most desirable islands in the world,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “The lifestyle offered there is coveted by people everywhere. Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, ancient Mayan Ruins, waterfalls, caves and the well-known Great Blue Hole. We are proud to be able to offer our services in this beautiful and unique market.”
According to Brittany McCann the affiliation with the Sotheby’s International Realty(R) brand will help achieve their goal of raising the bar in Belize’s real estate market. “We also want to help promote the economic growth of our country, and we believe the Sotheby’s International Realty brand will help change the dynamics of the real estate market in Belize,” she said. “Our company has raised the standards of service and ethics here in the property and rental management field, and this has set us apart from other real estate groups in the country. It is our mission to be the best in the industry and build a team of knowledgeable professionals, and we will continue this as we grow with the brand.”
Michael Valdes, Managing Director Sotheby’s International Realty/ Latin America, Caribbean and South America, who is overseeing the office in Ambergris Caye and was present at the opening, commented to Ambergris Today that a Sutheby’s office in Belize makes sense for a lot of different reasons at the moment – it is a wonderful destination spot, it is a great feeder market for a lot of their affiliates throughout the network like the Texas market, the US east coast market, the California market, because of the geographical location.
“It is a place that attracts a lot of celebrities so everything makes sense for us,” commented Michael Vales. “We look at the brand on an overall scale. We won’t be in every place in the world; we do not want to be. We focus on what is luxury on a global scale and we look for quality product throughout the world in destinations that make sense for us. There are a lot of places that we would like to be, but because we are a franchise model, we won’t do it until we have the right partners. We do a very long contract with everyone and we want to make sure it is the right partner. We know now that Brittany and Shane are going to do an excellent job here in Belize.”
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 15,000 independent sales associates located in approximately 700 offices in 54 countries and territories worldwide. Belize Sotheby’s International Realty listings will be marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.
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. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy 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. 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.
