First Team Estates, the No. 1 independent real estate company in Southern California, joins Christie's International Real Estate

First Team Estates is the No. 1 independent real estate company in the region

ORANGE COUNTY, CA—Christie's International Real Estate, the world's leading luxury real estate network and a subsidiary of Christie’s auction house, has awarded Affiliate status to First Team Estates, a premiere real estate brokerage firm headquartered in Irvine, California.

Founded in 1975 by President and CEO Cameron Merage, First Team Estates is ranked as the No. 1 independent real estate company in Southern California and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading brokerages. From the coastline to desert resorts, First Team Estates and its family of companies boast 24 offices throughout Orange County and Southern California, catering to high-end buyers and sellers in more than 40 locations. Services include residential and commercial real estate, property management, title, escrow and mortgage operations.

By joining the Christie’s International Real Estate network, First Team Estates will exclusively represent the CIRE brand in Orange County, Naples and Belmont Shores. Wholly owned by Christie's, the world's leading art business, Christie's International Real Estate is represented in 44 countries. First Team Estates joins this carefully selected organization of brokerages, all of which boast proven records of success in both high-end property sales and exemplary client service.

“First Team Estates is a well-respected marketplace leader, and it is with great pride that I welcome the company to our network of Affiliates,” said Zackary Wright, Senior Vice President, Western Region Manager of Christie’s International Real Estate. "Offering a deep-seated knowledge of the area and an innovative approach to meeting the needs of its clients, First Team Estates provides the type of high-quality service and attention to detail that is synonymous with Christie’s International Real Estate.”

The Merage Family is known for its philanthropy and service to the community locally, nationally and internationally. “Our unwavering commitment to serving both client and community forms the foundation of our decades-long reputation for excellence,” added Cameron Merage, CEO of First Team Estates. “Drawing upon the international success of the Christie’s brand and combining it with the longstanding tradition of the Merage name and First Team Estates is a natural progression in our growth. We look forward to presenting our family of companies with enhanced offerings through our alignment with Christie’s International Real Estate.”

For additional information about Christie’s International Real Estate, please contact Michael Sherman at +1 212-974-4585, or visit www.christiesrealestate.com. For further information on First Team Estates and its listings, call +1 888-236-1943 or visit www.firstteamestates.com.

####

About Christie’s International Real Estate
Christie’s International Real Estate is an invitation-only affiliate network composed of the world’s most proven and qualified real estate specialists in the luxury residential sector. The company has offices in London, New York, Hong Kong, Beverly Hills, Chicago, and Palm Beach, and approximately 136 global affiliates with 25,000 real estate professionals in more than 40 countries. For additional information about Christie’s International Real Estate, please visit www.christiesrealestate.com.

press@christiesrealestate.com

Atlantic Insights by Christie's International Real Estate

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Atlantic Insights by Christie's International Real Estate

London, Miami and New York are highly sought-after destinations for both locals and overseas investors. While 2012 saw prices rebound significantly from the depths of the recession, 2013’s luxury market experienced rising sales volume and a drop in invent

Christie’s International Real Estate is initiating a series of market reports about the state of luxury real estate to complement our annual global market report – Luxury Defined, which will be published in the first quarter of 2014.

Our first quarterly update focuses on three major markets: London, Miami and New York, which are experiencing significant growth. While 2012 saw prices rebound significantly from the depths of the recession, 2013’s luxury market experienced rising sales volume and a drop in inventory.

London, Miami and New York are highly sought-after destinations for both locals and overseas investors. Foreign buyers had a significant presence in all three luxury markets in 2013, with domestic buyers’ activity equally strong. A combination of a growing number of wealthy individuals globally, including the rise of affluent younger buyers, played a role in boosting the luxury property markets in these destinations.

Economic stability, ease of doing business, transportation options, cultural and lifestyle services, have established London, New York and Miami as desirable places to live and buy homes. Since luxury home buyers are not often vulnerable to global economic conditions, all three markets are on track for continued growth in 2014.

Please access the full Atlantic Insights report here.