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  • Writer's pictureTony Buffington

The History of the Sotheby's Brand

In the heart of London in 1744, an exceptional auction house was born. That house built a tradition of uniting collectors with world-class works of art and marketing the world’s most cherished possessions.



Founded on the same commitment to exceptional service that characterized the Sotheby’s Auction House, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand is created and becomes known around the world for the distinctive properties it represents.



The Sotheby’s International Realty brand is recognized globally. Our service is tailored through technology, making us the modern go-to for real estate professionals and clients who expect the very best from the very best.



As a Realtor at Hunt Country Sotheby’s International Realty, I pledge to honor the tradition and standards of our venerated brand. I verbalize this as a promise to deliver a luxury experience to every client, every time.


A Brief History of Sotheby’s International Realty


Sotheby’s International Realty is a luxury real estate brand that was founded in 1976 as a subsidiary of the renowned art auction house Sotheby’s. The idea behind the creation of Sotheby’s International Realty was to capitalize on the reputation and global network of Sotheby’s art auction house to create a prestigious real estate brand that would appeal to high-net-worth individuals and provide them with a high-end real estate buying and selling experience.


Sotheby’s International Realty began with just a few offices in the United States but quickly expanded its reach and established itself as a leader in luxury real estate. In 2004, Realogy Corporation acquired the brand and has since helped to further grow and expand the company’s global footprint.


Today, Sotheby’s International Realty has more than 23,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 1,000 offices in 72 countries and territories worldwide. The company specializes in luxury residential real estate, offering a range of services, including property marketing, property management, relocation services, and real estate consulting.

Sotheby’s International Realty has a reputation for representing some of the most extraordinary properties in the world, including stunning estates, private islands, historic castles, and prestigious penthouses. The brand has also become synonymous with luxury lifestyle, hosting exclusive events and sponsoring cultural initiatives around the world.

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