by Alden Yamane

The Sotheby’s International Realty network continues to grow in key markets. Our brand will be entering the Australian market with an office opening in Sydney in September of this year. In addition, Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty plans more office openings in the next couple of years.

Timing of this entrance into the Australian market is perfect as the market begins to heat up there, as it is here in Hawaii. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, prices in the country’s eight capital cities rose by .5% in the second quarter of this year compared to the first three months of 2012. Statistics show this is first time since the last quarter of 2010 that home prices have risen.

Entry into the Australian market is key to home sellers here in Hawaii. The Australians have historically been a significant segment of our market. Our relationship with our affiliate office will prove to be productive as Australia has been a strong feeder market.

On the other side of the globe, our affiliate office in France recently closed a notable and record sale in Europe. Burger Sotheby’s International Realty just sold the legendary Palais Maeterlinck on the French Riviera to Radovan Vitek, a Czech billionaire. Located on the tip of the Cap de Nice, Palais Maeterlinck consist of three buildings and encompasses approximately 75,340 square feet of living space!

The Europe, Middle East, and Africa region has been a rapidly growing segment of our global network with recent office openings in Milan, Tel Aviv, and Ibiza. Our presence in the region is significant, through 157 office locations in 19 countries.

Our global network consists of 625 offices in 44 countries and territories. Our associates are equipped and prepared to assist clients around the world. We are connected to 12,000 qualified sales associates who are ready and able to assist you with your real estate needs. Call us for assistance here on Oahu, the neighbor islands, across the country, and around the world.