​In four decades of dealing with the world's most exceptional properties—from exotic automobiles to private jets, and now Virginia's finest real estate—I've learned to recognize true rarity when I encounter it. The historic Chamblin Mill estate at 36155 Chamblin Mill Lane in Purcellville represents something increasingly uncommon in today's market: a property where authentic American heritage, thoughtful preservation, and modern luxury converge in perfect harmony.

Dating to 1792, this remarkable estate began its journey as a working grist mill along the pristine waters of Beaver Dam Creek. The mill itself bore witness to America's growing pains, ultimately falling victim to Civil War flames, yet the Miller's residence endured—standing today as the historic heart of this extraordinary 3.21-acre sanctuary. With nearly 1,000 feet of creek frontage, the property maintains its deep connection to the waterway that once powered commerce and continues to provide natural serenity.
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As someone deeply involved in Middleburg's sustainability initiatives, I'm particularly drawn to properties that demonstrate responsible stewardship of our natural resources. This estate exemplifies that principle, having preserved both its historic structures and pristine creek ecosystem through more than two centuries of careful guardianship.

​The main residence showcases over 4,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, featuring five bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and five wood-burning fireplaces that create warmth and ambiance throughout. What sets this property apart is the masterful way two distinct additions enhance rather than compromise the original 1792 structure.

The first addition demonstrates remarkable foresight, incorporating a three-car garage alongside a completely independent guest house. This one-level residence features two bedrooms, full bath, kitchen, dining room, family room, and an inviting front porch—essentially a turnkey rental opportunity or perfect accommodation for extended family. In my experience with high-end properties, such versatility significantly enhances both lifestyle options and investment potential.
The second addition brings contemporary luxury to the forefront with an impressive stone foyer, convenient half bath, additional family room, and a generous primary suite with full bath. These spaces flow seamlessly from the historic core, creating a residence that honors its past while embracing modern comfort.

​The estate's outdoor amenities rival those of exclusive resorts. Expansive patio areas, a charming rear porch, and a peaceful dove house create multiple venues for both intimate gatherings and grand entertaining. The centerpiece is an in-ground pool with spa, where the gentle sounds of Beaver Dam Creek provide nature's own soundtrack for relaxation.

​Having represented properties from equestrian estates to commercial hangars, I appreciate versatility in outdoor spaces. This property delivers magnificently, offering everything from quiet creek-side contemplation to pool-side entertaining, all within the privacy of over three acres of pristine Virginia countryside.

At $2,248,000, this estate represents what I call "legacy value"—the kind of investment that appreciates not just financially, but in significance over time. Properties combining authentic historical provenance with natural beauty and modern amenities are becoming increasingly rare as development pressure continues across Northern Virginia.

The included guest house adds immediate income potential, while the property's unique character and creek frontage ensure lasting appeal. In my years representing luxury assets, I've learned that true rarity commands premium returns, and few properties offer the irreplaceable combination found here.

Through my work with Hunt Country Sotheby's International Realty, I've had the privilege of connecting international buyers with Virginia's most distinctive properties. Our global network regularly brings qualified purchasers seeking exactly this type of historically significant, luxury country estate. The Sotheby's International Realty brand opens doors worldwide, ensuring maximum exposure for exceptional properties like Chamblin Mill.
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As current President of the Dulles Area Association of REALTORS® and a Middleburg Town Council member, I understand both market dynamics and the regulatory environment affecting unique properties. This dual perspective proves invaluable when navigating the complexities of historic property transactions.

My philosophy of "Clients come first" has guided me through decades of high-stakes transactions across multiple luxury markets. Whether representing a renowned equestrian estate or a distinctive historic property like Chamblin Mill, I bring the same attention to detail and commitment to excellence that has characterized my career in luxury goods.

For those who appreciate the intersection of history, natural beauty, and sophisticated living, the Chamblin Mill estate represents not just a home, but a legacy waiting for its next chapter.

​The Chamblin Mill estate is available exclusively through Hunt Country Sotheby's International Realty. Contact me directly to arrange your private appointment and experience this extraordinary piece of Virginia history firsthand. Click here to view the full MLS listing: 36155 Chamblin Mill Lane, Purcellville 20132

This Travel & Leisure article about my town, Middleburg, nicely sums up why I love it. Come and visit! ​

This Small Town in Virginia Is a U.S. Dupe for the English Countryside—Here's How to VisitMiddleburg's rolling green hills, charming shops, and country inns have all the old world charm of a Jane Austen novel.
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By Madeline Weinfield, Published on June 5, 2025

You don’t have to be Jane Austen obsessed to be dreaming of the English countryside in 2025. This year is the 250th anniversary of the Pride and Prejudice author’s birth and the idea of an idyllic, rose-scented, never-too-hot English countryside has permeated imaginations, bucket lists, and social media feeds seemingly the world over. While we cannot all swing a trip to Austen’s birth country this summer, we can visit somewhere a little closer to home—especially if your home is on the East Coast.

Middleburg, Virginia, about an hour from Washington, D.C., is the state-side answer to a Cotswold’s craving, and there has never been a better time to go. 

Known for its sprawling horse farms, rolling vineyards, historic country inns, and independently owned boutiques, Middleburg has the type of streets and scenery that seem directly pulled from one of Austen’s books. Yet the town has managed to fly under the radar for years, despite being located in the wealthiest county in America (Loudoun County) and despite being a favorite destination of numerous political and Hollywood icons.

Elizabeth Taylor called Middleburg home during her marriage to Senator John Warner, and the Kennedys owned a 166-acre farm here, which they used as a weekend home during their time in the White House. And although JFK famously disliked his weekends here, Jackie remained a local fixture in town even after her husband’s assassination and was a regular at The Red Fox Inn and Tavern. 
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“The unassuming lifestyle of the Virginia Piedmont,” is what charmed Jackie, says Matilda Reuter Engle, who runs Red Fox and whose family has been in Middleburg for seven generations. That lifestyle—with its tony pursuits of fox hunting, horse racing, and polo playing—adds to what Engle points out is Middleburg’s “old-world charm.”  

The old-world, Austen-esque charm is palpable in the postcard-sized downtown, with antique stores and independently owned boutiques like Crème de la Crème, which sells a highly curated selection of European homewares. Owners Tara and Ben Wegdam opened the shop 25 years ago, after successfully running a similar business in Holland. Middleburg proved to be a natural place to open their business after they left Europe. Tara Wegdam is quick to point out that it's Middleburg’s “European charm meets everyday living” that has made the shop such a success. They currently have a customer membership base of more than 100,000 people and run several other locations of their shop in Virginia and Maryland, although the Middleburg spot remains the biggest travel-worthy draw.

Many shops have followed in Crème de la Crème’s footsteps and have thrived in the town, whose population is just 700. Middleburg Books, which opened in 2023 by a local librarian, credits much of its success with those who travel here. “We've found that about 75 percent of our customers are out-of-towners,” says owner Mary Beth Morell. “It's been a delight to see our charming little jewel-box of a bookshop become something of a destination in its own right.”

Other small shops, such as Highcliffe Clothiers, which sells elegant country wear, Federal and Black, which offers home goods and gifts, and Knead, which bakes homemade pizzas, Virginia peanut cookies, and sells sommelier-selected wines, all have devoted fan bases.
Middleburg’s wineries have also helped to establish the area as a destination. And while the wine produced here may not be truly old world, it is a thing of beauty on its own. Virginia’s wine industry has grown substantially in recent years, and local producers, including Greenhill, Boxwood, and Cana are the perfect spots to take it all in. 
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Outside of town, visitors will find two country inns: Salamander and Goodstone. Both hotels are tucked away from town and on substantial parcels of land, and it’s easy to imagine any Jane Austen heroine wandering their grounds.

Deckhouses have a cultish following, and our Great Falls example on five wooded acres is no exception. The house, built in 1980, has recently undergone some minor updates to enhance its appeal. The kitchen was opened up, the hardwood floors polished and new carpets replaced old. 

Priced at $2,399,500, the house would benefit from some further updating to bathrooms and the kitchen, but represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an exceptional lot and post and beam home.

The Dulles Area Association of REALTORS® March 2025 Market Indicators Report is out, providing important information for buyers and sellers in this ket market, so close to the nation's capital.

For the seventh consecutive month, sales increased in Loudoun County. In March, home sales in Loudoun County increased by 10%, reaching a total of 406 sales, which is 37 more than the same time last year. In the Asburn zip code 20147, there were 13 additional sales compared to the previous year, representing a 25.5% increase in activity. However, sales declined in Leesburg zip code 20175, with six fewer sales, a decrease of 15.0%. Similarly, in Sterling zip code 20164, there were three fewer sales than the previous year, amounting to an 8.1% decline. 

Pending sales continued to rise year-over-year in March. There was a 22.3% increase in pending sales this month, bringing the total to 532 pending transactions in the area, 97 more than last March. Pending sales grew in Leesburg zip code 20176, with 33 more pending sales than a year ago (+64.7%), followed by Aldie zip code 20105, with 21 additional pending sales (+65.6%). Meanwhile in Sterling zip code 20165, pending sales dipped from a year ago, with three fewer pending transactions, showing a decrease of 7.3%. 

Prices were higher in March of this year compared to last year. At $810,000, the median sales price in Loudoun County was $65,000 more than the previous year, increasing by 8.7%. The markets where home prices jumped up the most were Leesburg zip code 20175, with homes costing $157,500 more than a year earlier (+21.4%), and Chantilly zip code 20152, with a $156,451 price hike (+23.2%). Homes sold in Sterling zip code 20164 (-9.1%) and Purcellville zip code 20132 (-2.5%) saw prices decrease this month. 

Listings surged in Loudoun County this month. Active listings climbed up 38.4% at the end of March, leading to 497 listings throughout Loudoun County, 138 more than the previous year. Ashburn zip code 20148 had 36 additional listings on the market (+58.1%), while listings fell in Sterling zip code 20164, with 18 fewer listings compared to the end of last March (-56.3%). ​

Now more than ever, it's crucial to be fully informed when buying or selling real estate. Data is one of the key ways to ensure we have the details we need to make proper financial decisions.

The latest local Loudoun County market trends are out and available in my quick video below. Reach out for any further information using the contact form, or call me!

Middleburg is a very special place, and I am fortunate to be affiliated with the Hunt Country Sotheby’s International Realty Middleburg office, right on West Washington Street in what used to be a local haunt for residents, the Cock and Bull Pub. The building dates to the late 1800's, as far as we have been able to establish, and today is the ideal space for a modern real estate office. We get visitors from all over the world, looking to buy property in the nation's horse and hunting capital, home to some of the finest equestrian estates.

But it's not only horses we see in and around town but horsepower, in the shape of modern and historic automobiles coming to our area to soak up the stunning scenery we try not to take for granted.

The Italian Mille Miglia car race dates back to 1927 when it began as a 1,000 mile road race starting and ending in Brescia, Italy, with a turnaround in Rome. 

From 1977, the road race became a 'regularity race' for classic automobiles, and in 2019, the Town of Middleburg hosted the first Mille Miglia Warmup USA, a practice run around the beautiful Virginia countryside with participants from around the United States, and, in a few cases, the world!

Sadly COVID interrupted what would have been an annual event, however it picked back up in 2022 and the latest iteration this month was another huge success. I was fortunate enough to once again drive this gorgeous 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible from close to our Middleburg office, to Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia, where we competed to drive between various start and finish points as close to specific times as possible, incurring penalties for being under or over those times, with the winner being the car closest to zero penalties as possible.

Needless to say, I was well outside the winning time, however in my defense, my navigator, fellow town council member Bud 'Speedy' Jacobs and I had not had the luxury of practising. 

Another council member, Pam Curran, took part for the second year running in the full four day event in her pristine Triumph TR6, bringing back memories of England.

There were too many important and very special cars present over the almost week long event, but to name a few, we once again enjoyed a 1931 Alfa romeo 6C with a Zagato body, which ultimately won the overall event, a stunning 1950 Ferrari 166 Touring (pictured above), a unique and never restored 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster, a 1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing and so many more. One of my favorites, having worked for the Aston Martin factory in the early 1990's, was a rare 1959 DB 2/4 Mk III. Wow. 

​The volunteers were, once again, amazing, without whom this event could not take place. Thanks to everyone who helped make this event so successful.

All of us at our Hunt Country Sotheby’s International Realty Middleburg office, and in and around the town look forward to next year's Mille Miglia Warmup USA, and the opportunity to see some special machines, and the faces on the fans as they enjoy this fabulous event.

My friends know I’m a bit of a car nut! At 19, I became a ‘sales executive’ at the renowned London Ferrari distributor, H.R. Owen and enjoyed eight amazing years, driving, selling and occasionally crashing wonderful then latest models, including the 308 GTS QV, 400i and my all time favorite, the BB512i Berlinetta Boxer.

I remember being told that the 340 BHP 512i would be the last of the great super cars. Wow were they wrong.

Fast forward to 1990 and Lamborghini came calling and I was so fortunate to be appointed Sales Director at the UK Lamborghini importer, where I had the pleasure of supplying last of the line Countach 25th Anniversaries and then new model Diablos to some great customers, including Rod Stewart (who unfortunately would call me on a Saturday morning, screaming at me because his new red devil had broken down!).

After a short stint at Aston Martin following the sad demise of the UK Lambo importer, I got the call to move to Italy, to the sacred town of Sant Agata Bolognese, to be European Sales Director for the factory, Automobili Lamborghini SpA. Wow what a wild time, setting up dealers in Europe and even in the new, recently westernized Russia (viva perestroika!), where I took the first Lamborghini to display at the Moscow Motor Show.

But the main reason for writing this piece of nostalgia is to opine that, while we all may think that rules and regulations are gradually stifling ingenuity and progress, think again. Another lap record has been broken, this time at the famous Nurburgring Nordschleife, or ‘The Ring’! Just check out the video of the record setting Mercedes Benz AMG One, an outstanding piece of engineering, utilizing F1 technology with an ICE (internal combustion engine) and four electric motors! Enjoy…

I'm so lucky that I get to represent amazing sellers with unique and outstanding properties. And every so often, something really special pops up, not that the others aren't special in their own right, but there's a real story, and a history, and an essence to experience.

That can certainly be said of my latest gem, Twin Oaks, an historic inn and now boutique winery, centered around an incredible 1893 stone house, which was the subject of a meticulous restoration just 23 years ago.

​Welcome...to Twin Oaks.

I have had the privilege of spending time at this property, walking the same floors which Washingtonians trod in the early 1900's, after arriving by train via the (now defunct) Washington & Old Dominion Railroad. Imagine how, a century ago, the best way to escape the summer heat of the capital was to spend time in the higher elevations of Bluemont, Virginia, overlooking the Shenandoah Valley to the west.

Fast forward to today, actually to 1997, when a fire engulfed the property which was at that time owned by a builder who subsequently sold the derelict property to its current owners.

​Their original plan was to restore and sell this old edifice, however following a trip to Europe, Mr. and Mrs. Evers caught the wine bug, no, not a debilitating disease, but a new found passion for planting and growing grapes. In fact Donna's forefathers were winemakers of note in Croatia, and that DNA had clearly been passed down the line.

And so, in the early 2000's, early vines were planted and later a tasting room built, to complement the winery beneath the stone house.

I could not be more honored to be co-listing Twin Oaks with Donna Evers, an incredible lady and the energy behind his 25 year odyssey.

Thoroughly enjoyed being on the Alimond Show, and thank you for letting me ramble on with some old stories from so long ago!! 😂

Thanks to a background in business aviation, I was approached by an old friend in my former world to assist his client in selling an almost new hangar at Winchester Regional Airport, KOKV, which was no longer needed.

Having been out of the business jet and helicopter sales world since obtaining my real estate license in 2016, I was thrilled to get my feet wet again and be able to sniff some AvGas and JET A-1. Ooh that smell, as the song goes.

I was delighted to adapt my real estate marketing prowess to the hangar project, and was able to produce some excellent photographic and video material, thanks to the help of my wonderful real estate photographers.

Subsequently, I was approached by the developer of the entire hangar complex, Adsurgo, to take on several additional hangars at OKV, so with this expanded portfolio, my thought was that a team would be best positioned to handle these properties, whereupon I was delighted that my colleague and partner in the bigger deals, Charlie Thies, with his USAF background, agreed to collaborate.

Charlie has done a sterling job at updating the kokvhangars.com website - take a look!

We now have a selection of new and almost new hangars available to purchase for discerning owners of aircraft which truly should not be left out in the open. These homes for planes feature fast opening electric remote control bifold hangar doors, epoxy flooring, compressed air hook ups, remote operated vehicle doors and far more. 

Winchester is growing fast, and Winchester Regional Airport is convenient and doesn't have some of the restrictions which airports closer to Washington DC suffer. Moreover, many other smaller airports have long waiting lists for hangars, but not here! So get in now while there's availability.

Contact us today, or if you know someone who needs a warm and cozy home for their prized possession, let them know! These will not last long.

It's hard to imagine a Virginia property with finer views, and even harder to capture the essence of those views of iconic Old Rag with a camera, when the human eye still possesses the finest optical technology.

When my co-listing agent, Charlie Thies, and I first drove up the one mile, asphalt driveway to the top, being pressed into the backrests of my SUV's seats, we were truly astounded and mesmerized by what we found. A property originally built in 1973 and gradually expanded upon during the intervening years by fastidious owners with a passion for the unique, and the very special.

There we were, high up in this wonderful county, just minutes away from the quaint town of Washington, Virginia, home to the incredible Michelin 3 star restaurant hotel, the Inn at Little Washington, which additionally holds a Michelin Green Star, for restaurants which uphold sustainable and eco friendly culinary practices. In fact, Reality Mountain has also served as 'spillover' accommodation for the Inn, when weary lovers of gastronomy found no room at, yes, the Inn! The B&B special use permit conveys with the sale of this property, an unusual and much more difficult to obtain benefit today.

The house, which more resembles a castle, faces almost due south, ensuring that the massive double height windows provide its owners and guests with sunrises and sunsets and everything in between. The property lies within 50 serene acres, all in Open Space Easement, and has 8 bedrooms, including several self contained suites, 6 gorgeous full bathrooms and 3 half baths, on over 8,000 finished square feet of living space.

​The many different areas of the home, and its extraordinary layout, mean it takes quite some time to know where everything is, and how they are linked, such as the second floor enclosed walkway to one of the mini apartments. So much so that we created this 3-D floor plan to help the visitor travel through Reality Mountain.

Charlie and I are thrilled to have been entrusted with the global marketing of Reality Mountain, to secure the next stewards to take this magnificent property into the future. 

It took a while, but in this case, patience was definitely a virtue as we sold our beautiful raw five-acre land lot in the desirable Carrwood Estates community of Great Falls, Virginia last week. The lucky buyer is, we understand, planning to build a unique custom home; we can't wait to see it!

We still have the amazing Deckhouse listing opposite the lot, also on five acres, and ready for it's next custodians to stamp their own personalities on this wonderful post and beam construction house, which boasts around 6,800 square feet - check out the website and video tour below. 

Priced at $2,400,000, the house represents great value when one analyzes the 'comps', particularly the most recent one described above!

Don't hesitate to call me to set up a tour, or have your agent schedule it at your convenience.

The spring market is about to start, and with low inventory all over the region, properties like this will be snapped up.

​Happy (property) hunting!

Having sold business aircraft and helicopters for nearly 20 years, until I moved in to my beloved real estate career in 2016, it was thrilling to have been approached by an old aviation friend whose client had asked for professional real estate help to sell their nearly new hangar.

Winchester Regional Airport, which has as its identifier KOKV, sits just east of the City of Winchester, Virginia, and a very pleasant drive westward along route 50 from my home town, Middleburg. Winchester itself has seen major growth during the last several years, and by coincidence I had the great privilege last week of closing a new home purchase there for one of my closest friends, further coincidentally, a business jet pilot!

The hangar at 741-1 Airport Rd, Winchester, VA 22602 was completed just last year, and housed a Cirrus Vision Jet, a light seven passenger plus crew personal jet aircraft powered by a Williams FJ-33 turbofan engine.

The nearly new building measures 50' by 60' and features an electric remote control bifold hangar door, with built in passenger access door, a rear electric roll up vehicle door, a crew break room with kitchen facilities and full bathroom, a large upper level store room and a lustrous epoxy floor system. A compressed air system and fire suppression system ensure ease of minor maintenance tasks and safety and security for personnel and aircraft.

We are delighted to put our marketing skills to good use with something a bit different, and look forward to hosting members of the local aviation community at scheduled visits.

Much more detail is available here.

The sky really is the limit at Hunt Country Sotheby’s International Realty! As they say, keep the blue side up...

I am thrilled, and honored to be the listing agent of a 1980 Deckhouse in Great Falls, Virginia.

What is a Deckhouse, you might well ask. Trust me when I say that it's a movement, as well as a wonderful product, a home which will stand for ages and which, thanks to its post and beam construction, allows the homeowner to play about with internal wall locations as they are essentially non load bearing. 

My colleague, Andrea and I made an on the fly video walk around of the property, 9560 Edmonston Drive, Great Falls, VA 22066, which can be watched below:

I'm planning more open houses of this Deckhouse so let me know if you wish to be alerted to upcoming dates, subject of course to the property remaining unsold!

In this day and age of video, I get more and more requests to do 'virtual showings' to prospective buyers who can't get to the property in question immediately. Using platforms such as Facetime, Google Meet and Zoom have proven to be invaluable to do these, as long as there's a good cell or internet connection that is!

Once that virtual showing has been done, buyers can decide whether to make the physical trip sooner or later, or not at all.

Another great way to show buyers properties in an authentic way is walk through videos such as this one done recently of my listing at 6675 Leeds Manor Rd, Marshall, VA 20115.

Technology continues to advance at an amazing pace. The quality of mobile video through a standard smartphone is incredible which, coupled with using a gimbal, such as my DJI Osmo Mobile 3, produces a really watchable product.

One of the most important, perhaps THE most important steps when building a new home is of course where to build it. In Northern Virginia, land is scarce and therefore the inevitable question arises; should one build on vacant land, or find an existing older home, which occupies an ideal lot, and which could be torn down to make way for a beautiful new home.

We work with an exceptional Great Falls based design and build firm, AV Architects + Builders, who, as their name suggests, do not simply design your home, or just build your new home, but perform the whole process for the owner, seamlessly, from the clean sheet architectural phase through site work to construction and delivery.

In their video below, Sofia Alonso of AV Architects + Builders succinctly outlines the benefits and downsides of both options. It may come as some surprise that building on a teardown lot can in fact be less costly than on vacant land, while at the same time ensuring a smoother process, thanks to much of the needed utility infrastructure already being in place.

We are currently listing a new to be built AV Architects + Builders 'Nido House 2.0' model on our clients' gorgeous five acre lot on Edmonston Road, Great Falls. The company's attention to detail is second to none.

Be sure to subscribe to AV Architects + Builders' YouTube channel to stay informed about new construction topics, and valuable design and build information.

The Leading Global Luxury Brand
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Established in 1976, Sotheby’s International Realty has become the world’s premier luxury residential real estate brokerage. Through our vast global footprint, local expertise, and unequalled referral network, we ensure that the properties we represent receive the far-reaching and unparalleled exposure they deserve.

Learn more about our unique capabilities and approach in this short video:

Deep Local Knowledge

As a long time resident of Middleburg and Loudoun County, my knowledge of and love for this area perfectly compliment the global capabilities of Sotheby's International Realty. My hard earned experience as a Realtor helps me serve you better. My broad network of personal and professional connections keeps me well informed and helps me make small miracles happen on behalf of my clients. Local knowledge and global reach are a truly unbeatable combination.

​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 your local Sotheby's Realtor at Hunt Country Sotheby’s International Realty, I pledge to ensure that our office will honor the tradition and standards of our venerated brand. We 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.
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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.

​One of the hottest trends in luxury real estate is selling your home at auction. Once considered "the sale of last resort", going to auction has for some now become the preferred mode  of selling high end real estate.

What's Driving This Trend?
There are a number of different factors coming together to drive this shift in the marketplace.

Limited Liquidity

• In the luxury space, the pool of potential buyers can be very limited in a specific geography. There just aren't enough qualified buyers to set a fair market price.
• Properties in this category are often difficult to value. It's hard to put a price tag on "historical significance" (e.g. George Washington slept here) or architectural uniqueness. Likewise, when it comes to a truly unique location where property rarely becomes available, it's extremely difficult to quantify "priceless".
• Price has little impact on demand and competing buyers don't often appear at the same time.
• Price reductions do nothing but undermine the value of the property and cause potential buyers to sit back and wait.
  
  

Days On Market are Costly
Obviously the carrying costs of a luxury home can be extremely expensive. Landscaping, pool maintenance, snow removal, home maintenance, etc. adds up month after month. But even worse, every day that passes without a sale tends to lower the ultimate sales price.

The Transparency of the Internet
In the old days, if a home didn't sell after a few months, the agent might take the property off the market for some period of time and then reintroduce the property as "Just Listed!". With sites like Zillow and others, all of this activity is visible to buyers and simply adds to a perception of desperation.

Advantages of the Auction Process
The auction process directly addresses the problems described above and offers many advantages compared to the traditional real estate transaction model, including:

​Speed
The Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions process is designed to expedite the sales process. Properties typically sell within a fixed timeframe, usually around 30 days, which allows sellers to achieve a quick sale and avoid the delays associated with traditional listings.

Transparency
Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions provide a transparent and competitive bidding platform. All interested buyers participate in a live auction, ensuring a fair and open process. Sellers can see real-time bidding activity and final sale prices, which enhances transparency and trust.

Global Reach
Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions has a vast network of high-net-worth buyers and agents worldwide. This global reach allows sellers to access a larger pool of potential buyers, increasing the chances of achieving a higher sale price for their property.

Customized Marketing
Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions creates tailored marketing campaigns for each property, leveraging their expertise in luxury real estate marketing. These campaigns utilize various channels, such as digital advertising, social media, and direct outreach, to generate maximum exposure and attract qualified buyers.

Targeted Auction Date
Sellers have the flexibility to choose the auction date that best aligns with their timeline and goals. This targeted approach helps create a sense of urgency among buyers, increasing the likelihood of competitive bidding and a successful sale.

Non-Contingent Sales
Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions typically operate on a non-contingent basis, meaning buyers are responsible for conducting their due diligence before the auction. This reduces the risk of deals falling through due to financing or inspection contingencies.

Market Validation
The auction process provides market validation for a property’s value. By attracting multiple bidders, the auction reveals the true market demand and allows the property to sell at its highest achievable price.

Sotheby's Concierge Auctions
Of course, if you're familiar with the history of the Sotheby's brand, you know that Sotheby's began as an auction house in London in 1744 and for more than two centuries has been regarded as "the ultimate arbiter of value" when it comes to fine art, jewelry, cars, yachts, wine and more.

In 1976, Sotheby's International Realty was founded as an extension of the Sotheby's brand. However it wasn't until November of 2021 when Sotheby's International Realty acquired Concierge Auctions that Sotheby's became the global leader in luxury real estate auction sales. Sotheby's International Realty has now fully integrated the capabilities of Concierge Auctions and can offer this type of transaction in parallel with the traditional real estate sales process.

Designed As a Luxury Experience
From beginning to end, the Sotheby's Concierge Auction experience has been engineered as a luxury experience. You set the timeline for selling your property. You set a reserve price, the minimum amount that a seller will accept as the winning bid. After that, the Sotheby's Concierge Auctions team goes to work to market your property to their global network of buyers. As the seller, you are informed and consulted at every step of the process. And, you still have me as your local Realtor® to help manage the process and coordinate any details.

Listen to a few client testimonials in the following video and I think you'll quickly understand how comprehensive and satisfying the level of service will be.​

Is Sotheby's Concierge Auctions Right for You?
The auction process is a fantastic option for some sellers. Depending on your property and your situation, it may be the absolute best choice. As a Sotheby's Concierge Auctions Diamond Agent, I am uniquely qualified to answer your questions and help  you choose between an auction and a traditional sale. If you would like to discuss the possibilities, please contact me for a free and confidential consultation.