Sotheby's Auction House Record Sale

Last week marked a record sale for the Sotheby’s Auction House: Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” shattered the auction record for any work of art when it sold on May 2 for nearly $120 million.

This is an achievement the entire Sotheby’s International Realty network can be proud of.  To see a special video produced by the Auction House on this sale, click here: Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale 

Private Event in Manhattan with the Google & YouTube Team

WWSIR has been invited to participate in a private event in Manhattan with the Google / YouTube team where we will exchange industry insights and statistics, YouTube best practices & discover what’s new at Google, as well as learn more about the exclusive marketing opportunities for 2012 with our awesome partners....we can't wait!!!


SIR Network Launches 2012 Marketing Program

On April 20th, 2012, Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty announced the launch of the Sotheby’s International Realty network’s 2012 marketing program, which was designed to deliver an estimated 506 million overall impressions, reaching a global audience of qualified consumers.

At the core of the brand’s 2012 strategy are its relationships with pre-eminent media powerhouses in both the print and online arenas: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, BBC.com, The Telegraph Media GroupBloomberg Markets magazine and Google. These relationships were developed to showcase unique properties from the brand’s approximately 590 offices in 44 countries and territories worldwide through unique, media rich advertising units that offer an immersive experience and position the brand in front of a relevant audience of consumers.

As part of its exclusive relationship with The New York Times, the brand maintains a presence on the publication’s global edition search module with integrated content and an interactive experience, reaching their millions of valued international readers every day. The brand also will be part of a new advertising opportunity that provides an effective way to target ads to readers on NYTimes.com who are using their Safari iPad browser.
 
The Wall Street Journal offers the Sotheby’s International Realty network a global reach and exposure for the listings it represents through the publication’s US, Europe and Asian websites and a dedicated presence among key local targets. This exclusive relationship provides the brand with opportunities to showcase properties throughout The Wall Street Journal Digital Network including the real estate homepage. This engaging new advertising content includes the popular Business of Extraordinary Living Microsite.

The brand will continue to exclusively sponsor BBC.com’s “Living in” series, which highlights the virtues of living in cities and regions around the world, as well as its “Once You’re There” series, which allows readers to continue their journey into the Living In destinations, providing in-depth and first hand information. The Sotheby’s International Realty network will continue its collaboration with The Telegraph Media Group to produce the successful World’s Best Places to Live online feature, which showcases custom content built in conjunction with the network’s office locations and interactive maps that integrate all firms.

In 2012, the brand developed a new relationship with Bloomberg markets that allows for the listings its network represents to reach an elite global business and financial audience, with Sothebysrealty.com integrated ad units rotating on 375,000 Bloomberg Terminals. “Our goal is to provide targeted and impactful exposure for the extraordinary homes our network represents through innovative and cutting-edge programs,” said Wendy Purvey, chief marketing officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Our focus is working with iconic global brands to help us reach our clientele wherever in the world they are searching. We also are committed to redefining the role of video in the real estate industry and utilizing this unique medium to reach luxury real estate consumers in a way that offers them a unique value in their home search. One way we are accomplishing this is through our relationship with Google’s YouTube, the world’s number one video site, and the development of our official YouTube brand channel.”

The brand will continue to develop its YouTube channel, launched last year, to provide consumers an inside view of some of the world’s most extraordinary properties by focusing on the distinctive life styles and amenities they offer at any price point. The channel features four categories of video: the Spotlight section provides candid views into some of the Sotheby’s International Realty network’s most exceptional properties and their lifestyles; the Property section contains videos on the many homes represented by the network; the Destination section spotlights the many luxury markets served by the network around the world; and the Brand section features an insider’s view of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand and the Sotheby’s Auction House.

According to Purvey, the brand’s website, sothebysrealty.com, this year will be translated into additional languages and further develop its focus on lifestyle. “Since we launched the new sothebysrealty.com last March, we have seen a year-over-year increase of 12 percent in unique visitors and 25 percent in page views,” she said. “We attribute this to our lifestyle focus and the availability of our website in 15 languages, with more to be added. Last year we debuted a Specialty Markets section that featured properties by five lifestyles: Farm & Ranch, Golf, Skiing, Vineyards and Waterfront. This will be an area we continue to enhance this year. Our data tells us that consumers are spending twice as long on sothebysrealty.com than the industry average, at nearly 13 minutes. That is a testament to the value of the information we are offering in the home-buying process.”
 
“This year’s marketing campaign will offer Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty’s clients exposure in a varied array of proven outlets, in both the print and online spaces, complementing our firm’s overall marketing strategy for the homes we represent in the Southern Monmouth & Northern Ocean County markets,” said Richard Wight, Broker / Owner. Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty looks forward to offering its clients innovative and effective ways to position their homes in front of an international audience of well-qualified buyers.”

*** WWSIR NEW OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENT ***

We are pleased to announce that we will soon be opening our NEWEST OFFICE located at 440 Main Street in Avon.  This is a fabulous location on the corner of Main Street & Sylvania Avenue in beautiful Avon-by-the-Sea! 
 
We will keep everyone posted with a target opening date....STAY TUNED!!!


SIR Brand Grew Worldwide Network in 2011

Network Reports a 24% Year-over-Year Increase in U.S. Closed Transaction Sides
 
Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the Sotheby’s International Realty brand, of which it is a part, grew the office count within its global network by more than 7% in 2011, ending the year with more than 600 offices & nearly 12,000 sales associates located in 45 countries & territories worldwide. The Sotheby’s International Realty® network also reported a 24% year-over-year increase in U.S. transaction sides closed by its affiliated brokers & agents in 2011.
 
The Sotheby’s International Realty brand also acquired the license from the Sotheby’s Auction House last year to develop the brand in Australia, the only region where it did not previously hold the rights.
 
“Our growth in the last year demonstrates the value real estate professionals are placing on the services we offer & the power of the Sotheby’s International Realty name & its reputation for excellence,” said Michael R. Good, chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “One of our goals for last year was to continue to expand our network in key luxury markets worldwide, & we have achieved that with the addition of 12 new companies worldwide & the acquisition of the licensing rights for Australia, which allows us to now move forward with gaining representation in a critical international market.”
 
The Sotheby’s International Realty brand added 8 new residential real estate brokerage firms to its network across the United State in the following markets: Palm Springs, Calif.; Chicago; Basking Ridge, N.J.; Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.; Cannon Beach, Ore.; Raleigh, N.C.; Newport Beach, Calif.; & the United States Virgin Islands. Outside of the United States the brand expanded its network to provide its real estate services in: Costa Brava & Costa Blanca, Spain; Estonia; & Aruba.
 
In addition, 18 existing Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates opened new offices to better serve their current markets or expand into new markets, & many chose to further their growth through mergers & acquisitions including Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty in Chicago, which acquired Prairie Shores in Evanston, Ill.; TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in Washington, D.C., which acquired Houndshell in Georgetown; & Sotheby’s International Realty-Greenwich Brokerage in Connecticut, which acquired Cleveland, Duble & Arnold in Greenwich.
 
This trend continued into the first 2 months of 2012 with mergers involving Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty & Callaway Real Estate to form Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty in Princeton, N.J., & Morris & Fyrwald Sotheby’s International Realty & Chaffin Light Real Estate forming Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty in Colorado.
 
“Our U.S. network also increased the total number of closed transactions by 24% from the prior year, which is a testament to our commitment to grow into new markets & the powerful combination of their local expertise & the support of our global brand,” added Good. “In 2012 we will work to expand our global footprint even more, with growth in Asia our first priority. To that extent, the brand has 3 new management positions that will be based in Asia for which it is seeking candidates. Those executives will be responsible for accelerating the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s development throughout Asia & for supporting its network of affiliates. We are committed to creating a significant servicing hub in Hong Kong to further support our growth in the region & to continue servicing the needs of our growing network of companies there. ”
 
On the marketing front, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand began 2 new & exclusive sponsorship deals with the BBC.com & The Telegraph Media Group, continued its successful relationships with The Wall Street Journal & The New York Times & made its network’s property listings outside the United States now available via SIR Mobile. Most significantly, the brand launched the new sothebysrealty.com to much positive feedback, as well as the official Sotheby’s International Realty YouTube channel, designed to house the network’s unique property & destination videos, redefining the standard of excellence for video in the real estate industry.
 
“Our goal is to provide targeted & valuable exposure for the extraordinary homes our network represents through innovative and cutting-edge marketing programs,” said Wendy Purvey, chief marketing officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “We are committed to utilizing video through our YouTube channel to reach luxury real estate consumers in a way that offers them unique value in their home search. The new sothebysrealty.com has seen a year-over-year increase of 27% in unique visitors & 28% in page views when comparing February 2012 to February 2011. We attribute this to our lifestyle focus & the availability of our website in 15 languages, with more to be added.”
 
Last year, the brand debuted a Specialty Markets section on sothebysrealty.com that featured properties by 5 lifestyles: Farm & Ranch, Golf, Skiing, Vineyards & Waterfront. “We look forward to enhancing this area even more this year,” added Purvey. “Our data tells us that consumers are spending twice as long on sothebysrealty.com than the industry average, at nearly 12 minutes. That is a testament to the value of the information we are offering in the home buying process.”
 
The brand recently was honored by Franchise Business Review with its Best in Category for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award for the fifth year in a row. In addition to its real estate ranking, the brand also came in second in the Top 50 Large Franchise Systems, which is a ranking of all franchise systems with more than 200 units across all categories.
 
“It is very exciting to be part of a brand that continues to grow worldwide. Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty clients have access to a broad audience of qualified buyers & sellers all over the world,” said Richard Wight, broker /owner.

SIR Brand Grew Worldwide Network in 2011

Network Reports a 24% Year-over-Year Increase in U.S. Closed Transaction Sides

Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the Sotheby’s International Realty brand, of which it is a part, grew the office count within its global network by more than 7% in 2011, ending the year with more than 600 offices & nearly 12,000 sales associates located in 45 countries & territories worldwide. The Sotheby’s International Realty® network also reported a 24% year-over-year increase in U.S. transaction sides closed by its affiliated brokers & agents in 2011.

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand also acquired the license from the Sotheby’s Auction House last year to develop the brand in Australia, the only region where it did not previously hold the rights.

“Our growth in the last year demonstrates the value real estate professionals are placing on the services we offer & the power of the Sotheby’s International Realty name & its reputation for excellence,” said Michael R. Good, chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty
Affiliates LLC. “One of our goals for last year was to continue to expand our network in key luxury markets worldwide, & we have achieved that with the addition of 12 new companies worldwide & the acquisition of the licensing rights for Australia, which allows us to now move forward with gaining representation in a critical international market.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty brand added 8 new residential real estate brokerage firms to its network across the United State in the following markets: Palm Springs, Calif.; Chicago; Basking Ridge, N.J.; Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.; Cannon Beach, Ore.; Raleigh, N.C.; Newport Beach, Calif.; & the United States Virgin Islands. Outside of the United States the brand expanded its network to provide its real estate services in: Costa Brava & Costa Blanca, Spain; Estonia; & Aruba. 

In addition, 18 existing Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates opened new offices to better serve their current markets or expand into new markets, & many chose to further their growth through mergers & acquisitions including Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty in Chicago, which acquired Prairie Shores in Evanston, Ill.; TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in Washington, D.C., which acquired Houndshell in Georgetown; & Sotheby’s International Realty-Greenwich Brokerage in Connecticut, which acquired Cleveland, Duble & Arnold in Greenwich.

This trend continued into the first 2 months of 2012 with mergers involving Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty & Callaway Real Estate to form Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty in Princeton, N.J., & Morris & Fyrwald Sotheby’s International Realty & Chaffin Light Real Estate forming Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty in Colorado.

“Our U.S. network also increased the total number of closed transactions by 24% from the prior year, which is a testament to our commitment to grow into new markets & the powerful combination of their local expertise & the support of our global brand,” added Good. “In 2012 we will work to expand our global footprint even more, with growth in Asia our first priority. To that extent, the brand has 3 new management positions that will be based in Asia for which it is seeking candidates. Those executives will be responsible for accelerating the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s development throughout Asia & for supporting its network of affiliates. We are committed to creating a significant servicing hub in Hong Kong to further
support our growth in the region & to continue servicing the needs of our growing network of companies there. ”

On the marketing front, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand began 2 new & exclusive sponsorship deals with the BBC.com & The Telegraph Media Group, continued its successful relationships with The Wall Street Journal & The New York Times & made its network’s property listings outside the United States now available via SIR Mobile. Most significantly, the brand launched the new sothebysrealty.com to much positive feedback, as well as the official Sotheby’s International Realty YouTube channel, designed to house the network’s unique property & destination videos, redefining the standard of excellence for video in the real estate industry.

“Our goal is to provide targeted & valuable exposure for the extraordinary homes our network represents through innovative and cutting-edge marketing programs,” said Wendy Purvey, chief marketing officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “We are committed to utilizing video through our YouTube channel to reach luxury real estate consumers in a way that offers them unique value in their home search. The new sothebysrealty.com has seen a year-over-year increase of 27% in unique visitors & 28% in page views when comparing February 2012 to February 2011. We attribute this to our lifestyle focus & the availability of our website in 15 languages, with more to be added.”

Last year, the brand debuted a Specialty Markets section on sothebysrealty.com that featured properties by 5 lifestyles: Farm & Ranch, Golf, Skiing, Vineyards & Waterfront. “We look forward to enhancing this area even more this year,” added Purvey. “Our data tells us that consumers are spending twice as long on sothebysrealty.com than the industry average, at nearly 12 minutes. That is a testament to the value of the information we are offering in the home buying process.”

The brand recently was honored by Franchise Business Review with its Best in Category for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award for the fifth year in a row. In addition to its real estate ranking, the brand also came in second in the Top 50 Large Franchise Systems, which is a ranking of all franchise systems with more than 200 units across all categories.

“It is very exciting to be part of a brand that continues to grow worldwide. Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty clients have access to a broad audience of qualified buyers & sellers all over the world,” said Richard Wight, broker /owner.


NJAR Circle of Excellence Award

Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty is proud to recognize the following agents for their outstanding achievement in accomplishing NJAR Circle of Excellence Award status for their sales efforts in 2001:

WWSIR Participates in Regional Luxury Real Estate Conference

Our company recently participated in a northeast regional conference for Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliates located in Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania & Rhode Island.
 
The conference was held Feb.29 at the Sotheby’s Auction House in NYC & offered the nearly 130 attendees representing 40 firms the opportunity to network with their regional colleagues & hear brand updates from Mike Good, the brand’s chief executive officer; Philip White, president & chief operating officer; & Wendy Purvey, chief marketing officer.
 
Attendees also participated in a panel discussion on revenue growth & had the opportunity to hear from Henry Howard-Sneyd, Sotheby’s executive vice president, North America, who spoke about the auction process, & two experts on Sotheby’s Wine & Sotheby’s Diamonds.
 
“This is a valuable opportunity for the extraordinary firms we have in the northeast United States to come together to network & share best practices,” said Good. “Because of their close proximity to the Sotheby’s Auction House, they are in a unique position to experience that environment & all it has to offer first hand.”
 
“This conference brought together the best & brightest minds in luxury real estate in the northeast,” said Richard Wight, Broker / Owner. “It offered the unique opportunity to network with our colleagues at the Sotheby’s Auction House, share ideas & learn more about our brand & what is in store for this year.”

2011 Company Top Producer

Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty congratulates Denise Dreyer as company Top Producer for 2011. Denise's tireless commitment to providing her clients with the highest level of service available continues to result in outstanding success. We are privileged to have Denise on our team & look forward to her continued success in 2012!


SIR Brand Wins ‘Best in Category’ for Fifth Consecutive Year

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced it won Franchise Business Review’s Best in Category for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award for the fifth year in a row. The Best in Category award measures franchisee satisfaction with their franchisors and is part of the 7th annual Franchisee Satisfaction Awards presented by Franchise Business Review. In addition to its real estate ranking, the brand also came in second overall among the Top 50 Large Franchise Systems, which is a ranking of all franchise systems with more than 200 units across all categories.
 
“We are very proud to earn this honor for the fifth year in a row,” said Michael R. Good, chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “We are dedicated to providing the best service we can to our valued network members, whom we hand select to affiliate with our brand. This recognition is a testament to the value we provide them in making their businesses more prosperous and successful.”
 
Franchise Business Review surveyed more than 22,000 franchisees from more than 300 leading systems for the 7th annual Franchisee Satisfaction Awards. Franchises were evaluated in five areas: training and support, franchise system, franchisor/franchisee relations, financial opportunity and overall satisfaction. Additionally, demographic and lifestyle questions gave a 360-degree view of the franchise ownership experience. Franchise Business Review is a national franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction and franchise buyer experiences. For a complete list of this year’s award winners, go to www.FBR50.com.

“What impresses me most about the Sotheby’s International Realty brand is that they really ‘get’ the value of their franchisee satisfaction data,” said Franchise Business Review president Michelle Rowan. “Despite being at the top of our awards list every year, they take the time to thoroughly digest their data and use it to improve their franchisee satisfaction year after year.”

“This brand offers our firm the tools, resources and support we need to reach a global audience of consumers and provide our clients with the best possible service,” said Richard Wight broker/owner. “Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty joined the network 7 years ago and with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand behind us, we are building a solid foundation for success in the our primary market.”

SIR Brand Debuts iPad Application

Sotheby's International Realty today announced the launch of the brand’s iPad® application, which can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store.
 
The Sotheby’s International Realty® iPad app features include 40 points of interest based on the property location, one-click-contact to a Sotheby’s International Realty broker or agent, the ability to save home search information for future use, a dynamic map feature displaying all available homes for sale or rent based on a user’s location or interested city/neighborhood and high-quality photography.
 
“As the iPad becomes increasingly engrained in the fabric of a consumer’s daily life, we recognized the importance of ensuring that the Sotheby’s International Realty brand is represented there,” said Wendy Purvey, chief marketing officer, Sotheby’s International
Realty Affiliates LLC. “The iPad is unique in its ability to showcase outstanding photography, making it an ideal platform to market the fine properties our network represents. It also enables us to promote the distinctive lifestyle elements of a property.”
 
The Sotheby’s International Realty brand is the only network that currently allows users to search for property listings worldwide on a mobile device. And, according to Google, one in five luxury real estate searches happen on a mobile device.
 
“It was of paramount importance that we ensure the Sotheby’s International Realty brand is consistently presented across all mobile devices, and that is what a consumer will find regardless of which they use to search our inventory,” said Purvey. “Our iPad app is one part of an integrated marketing strategy that offers consumers a consistent overall experience of our brand. Now in addition to our iPhone, Android and BlackBerry application that consumers can use on their smart phones to search for homes, they can search on their iPad, too.”
 
“The iPad is an essential part of the daily lives of Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty’s clients, so our presence there will drive exposure for the homes we represent,” said Richard Wight broker/owner. “The iPad app is a critical component of how we are offering our clientele effective ways to position their homes in front of an international and savvy audience of well-qualified buyers.” 

Jeannie Wheat SMBR Realtor of the Year 2011

We are very proud of Jeannie Wheat, who was recognized yesterday at the NJAR Awards ceremony at the Triple Play Convention in Atlantic City for being awarded the 2011 Realtor of the Year award by the South Monmouth Board of Realtors. This award is given to the agent who is most recognized by their local board for outstanding achievement & community service.   In addition to maintaining an impeccable reputation in the co-broke community in which she serves, Jeannie also dedicates a tremendous amount of time & is very active with the Visiting Nurses Association.
 
Congratulations Jeannie!


SMBR Installation & Holiday Luncheon

Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty proudly attended the South Monmouth Board of Realtors Installation & Holiday Luncheon at the Spring Lake Manor ~ Congratulations to our very own Doug Pickell, President-Elect & Susan Careatti, Vice President. We are honored & very proud to have Doug & Susan working with the SMBR ~ Congratulations to you both!!!


WWSIR YouTube

Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty, the area's luxury real estate firm, today announced the launch of the brand’s official YouTube channel, which was designed to provide consumers an inside look into the exceptional homes represented by the firm locally and by the nearly 600 Sotheby’s International Realty® offices around the world.
The channel features three categories of video: the Spotlight section provides candid views into some of the Sotheby’s International Realty® network’s most exceptional properties and their lifestyles; the Property section contains videos on the many homes represented by the network; and the Destination section spotlights the many luxury markets served by the network around the world.
 
The YouTube channel also showcases the latest news from the brand’s Facebook and Twitter pages, offers direct links to the Sotheby’s Auction House’s videos and the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s official website, and provides a lifestyle and amenities video search.
 
“Video is not a unique medium in real estate marketing but we are leveraging it in an innovative way,” said Wendy Purvey, chief marketing officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Our YouTube channel was designed to provide consumers with an inside view of some of the world’s most extraordinary properties by focusing on the distinctive lifestyle and amenities they offer at any price point. Consumers are looking to video now more than ever before as a research tool in the home-buying process, and YouTube, the No. 1 online video website, is where they are searching for video, with 60 percent of video streams happening there."
 
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 11,900 sales associates located in approximately 590 offices in 44 countries and territories worldwide.
 
“Now consumers in the Southern Monmouth & Northern Ocean county markets can get an inside glimpse of the exciting lifestyle and amenities found in some of the world’s most exquisite homes,” said Richard Wight, broker / owner. “The Sotheby’s International Realty YouTube channel enables us to offer our clients another powerful tool to market their homes.  According to YouTube, 48 hours of video is uploaded there every minute. When you consider that, this new channel substantiates the consumer demand for video. As well, those looking to learn more about the Jersey Shore market and what we have to offer can experience it firsthand here.”

Treasures and Trinkets Lecture Event

Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty was pleased to introduce Carolyn Nagy, Senior Manager with Sotheby's Auction House at our invitation only lecture event on November 16th at the Essex & Sussex in Spring Lake. Carolyn lectured on the "Art of Collecting" to 60+ attendees, then fielded several related questions. In addition, we were pleased to introduce Beth Laffey, Liaison for Sotheby's Auction House ~ New York & Sotheby's International Realty, as well as Tony Dolceamore, Senior Vice President with Sotheby's International Realty.
 
Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty continues to share an authentic relationship with Sotheby's Auction House ~ for additional information on visiting the Sotheby's Auction House or for a schedule of events, please stop by one of our four offices today or visit sothebys.com.

WWSIR Participates in Luxury Real Estate Conference

Our company recently participated in the 2011 Sotheby’s International Realty® Global Networking Event, which attracted nearly 1,150 attendees from 30 countries. 
 
This dynamic, three-day event provided a unique opportunity for all sales associates, managers and owners who are members of the Sotheby’s International Realty network to connect, exchange ideas and forge relationships designed to help build their businesses and drive new leads to their listings.
 
“The annual Global Networking Event provides a unique value to our firm and agents,” said Richard Wight, broker owner, Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty. “It allows our firm to share ideas and best practices with our fellow brand professionals from all over the world. We also had the opportunity to learn more about the real estate business worldwide through informative breakout sessions on a variety of topics.”
 
The event was held October 24 to 27 at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach in Miami, Fla. The keynote speaker was Aron Ralston, the inspiration for the film “127 Hours.” 
 
Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty, which has offices in Belmar, Spring Lake, Sea Girt & Manasquan, offers exclusive Sotheby’s International Realty marketing, advertising and referral services designed to attract well-qualified buyers to the firm’s property listings. In addition, the firm and its clients benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house, which promotes real estate referral opportunities with auction house clientele.
 
As a Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate, the firm also has the unique ability to refer its real estate clientele to the auction house for jewelry, art, unique furniture and collectible appraisal services. Property listings from Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty also are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global Web site, as well as on the firm’s local website, wardwight.com.
 
“The Global Networking Event enables Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates from around the world to join together to share their collective insights and experiences, highlighting the true strength of the Sotheby’s International Realty network” said Michael R. Good, chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Every individual attending this conference is committed to working together to help us grow our network, and we appreciate their ongoing dedication and enthusiasm. Attendees of this year’s event were able to network with their colleagues from all over the world and gather new ideas from leading industry experts.”

SIR Networking Event

WWSIR recently hosted another successful Sotheby’s International Realty networking event ~ 60+ Sotheby’s International Realty agents from throughout the Garden State attended a private tour of eight magnificent homes currently being marketed by WWSIR. A catered networking lunch followed where agents continued to network and share best practices. 

WWSIR continues to be one of the fastest growing full service real estate firms on the Jersey Shore ~ for additional information, please contact one of our four offices today.


Russian Billionaires Buy in U.S. as Mansions Lure Wealth

Click here to read the article.


Sotheby’s International Realty Brand Expands Presence in Baltic States

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced its luxury real estate services are available for the first time in Estonia with the opening of Baltic Sotheby’s International Realty in Tallinn.

The firm is owned by Vestards Rozenbergs, Leonid Kil and Ilze Mazurenko, who opened their first office in Riga, Latvia, in March 2010, followed by the opening of an office in the resort town of Jurmala in June 2010. 

“Our expansion across the Baltic states underscores our commitment to providing access to our network’s exclusive real estate services in key countries around the world,” said Michael R. Good, chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Tallinn is an exciting and dynamic real estate market and we are very pleased that our global clientele will have access to our luxury real estate services in this historic and vibrant city.”

Rozenbergs believes the Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliation will attract many qualified buyers to their luxury residential listings. “The Sotheby’s International Realty brand is known throughout the world for its quality of service,” he said. “The market throughout the Baltic region remains stable for high-end properties and the demand exists in this strong economic region of Estonia. We offer extensive marketing campaigns, use the latest technology and believe in building strong teams of experienced real estate agents. The Estonian office will be led by Rauni Tillisoo, a seasoned real estate professional.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 11,900 sales associates located in approximately 560 offices in 42 countries and territories worldwide. Baltic Sotheby’s International listings are 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 benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs.


SIR Advertisement on The New York Times iPad Application Generates Strong Results

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that its recent interactive advertising campaign in The New York Times iPad application generated strong results, driving leads to its network of affiliates.

The ad click-through-rate, which measures those who opted to learn more about the featured properties by clicking the ad for more information, was 2.6 percent.  According to Medialets, the most widely deployed rich media ad platform for mobile, typical results for mobile rich media like the iPad range from 1 percent to 3 percent, with online norms for websites around 0.1 percent. 

The Sotheby’s International Realty® campaign ran on the NYTimes iPad App from February through May, generating nearly 24 million impressions and featuring a custom-built interactive experience. The brand was the only real estate advertiser on The Times’s iPad application during this time.  When the reader clicked on any of the six featured properties, the app directed them to a landing page with a description of the home, an interactive tour, high-quality images and key property information.

“Each of the properties we featured were characteristic of the extraordinary quality the Sotheby’s International Realty brand is known for, and through the interactive, unique experience an iPad offers, we were able to welcome consumers inside these fine properties,” said Wendy Purvey, chief marketing officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Our goal was to capitalize on this cutting-edge technology by reaching consumers in a targeted and exclusive new way. The success of our campaign centered on the way consumers engaged with our ad, helping us drive leads to our network of firms.”   

The iPad ad also generated critical acclaim from Joel Burslem of 1000watt Consulting, an interactive marketing communications and design agency, who praised the ad’s imagery and ease of use. “I’m not usually one to click on ads. But this one was a little different….The images? Gorgeous. The interface? Simple. The call to action? Inviting….The best part was still to come. Clicking on one of the images, I was taken to an interactive landing page for a property….I was transfixed by these properties. Flicking around. Swiping. Touching. Expanding and collapsing the windows. Daydreaming, I guess, of a life where I could actually afford to live in a home as beautiful as these. Then it hit me, I’d just spent the last 30 minutes in an ad."
 
“The Sotheby’s International Realty campaign leveraged the large, lush canvas of the NYTimes iPad app to offer vibrant photos and the ability to explore a range of luxury properties, tempting users to dive in and spend time with the brand,” said Andy Wright, vice president, advertising, The New York Times. “The rich, engaging creative, combined with the reach of The Times’s quality and well-targeted audience, delivered results that rank it among the best campaigns to date.”

Zeta Interactive, a full-service digital marketing agency, designed banner ads and landing pages for the iPad app. The development, delivery and measurement of the unique creative ad unit was enabled by Medialets’ mobile rich media platform. The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 11,900 sales associates located in approximately 560 offices in 42 countries and territories worldwide. 

To view a video of the Sotheby’s International Realty iPad advertisement, click here:

www.medialets.com/showcase/sothebys-international-real-estate


The Otteau Valuation Group's "Advanced CMA Workshop"

The WWSIR management team attended The Otteau Valuation Group's "Advanced CMA Workshop" on Friday, June 10th at the Renaissance Woodbridge in Iselin, NJ. This powerful workshop covered the following topics; Emerging Housing Trends, Pricing in Today's Market, Formulating CMA Adjustments, Forecasting Anticipated Sales Price & much more. 

Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty, with offices in Belmar, Spring Lake, Sea Girt & Manasquan, continues to be one of the fastest growing full service real estate firms on the Jersey Shore. Visit us online at wardwight.com or stop by one of our four offices today.

Time to Buy a Home?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304563104576361522020024248.html?reflink=djm_wsjnf_QL2Pub


Realogy Calls for Extensions of Comment Period Re: Mortgage Provisions

http://rismedia.com/2011-05-11/realogy-calls-for-extensions-of-comment-period-regarding-mortgage-provisions/


SIR Brand Launches Integrated Marketing Strategy

PARSIPPANY, N.J. (June 2, 2011) – Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced the launch of an integrated marketing strategy built around its newly redesigned website, www.sothebysrealty.com, which gives affiliates the ability to create their own broker, agent and specialty websites that share the corporate site's innovative features, functionality, look and feel. 

 
The new sothebysrealty.com utilizes technologies to enhance the user experience including search capabilities employingthe most advanced and versatile search options available that allow users to define and refine how they want to search, whether by lifestyle or amenity. 
 
“Sothebysrealty.com was redesigned to serve as an integrated marketing solution for our network, providing a consistent, high-quality experience for consumers, whether they are browsing sothebysrealty.com, or a broker- or agent-specific site,” said Wendy Purvey, chief marketing officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC said. “The new ecosystem approach takes advantage of our brand website’s economies of scale and technologies, providing a consistent consumer experience while still enabling affiliates to build on their unique identity.” 
 
All network listings now can be showcased on each site, exponentially increasing the worldwide exposure each listing receives, she said. "Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates will find it simple to remain true to brand standards while preserving local company and agent individuality." 
 
The home page displays a rotation of some of the network’s most striking homes. When users mouse over the image, interactive boxes with additional information about the property appear, increasing overall search engine optimization. 
 
Every listing is accompanied by a unique property slide show video that allows viewers to listen to narration in their preferred language. Property list price also is displayed in dozens of currencies, all updated daily with the latest exchange rates. 
 
“Our content is translated by native speaking professional translators with real estate expertise, not computer translations,” said Purvey. “It is viewable in many languages and dialects including traditional and simplified Chinese, English, Canadian and European French, German, Italian, Brazilian and European Portuguese, American and European Spanish, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Russian, with more to come. This offers the local real estate consumer the ability to do research in their own language and enables our listing inventory to be picked up by local search engines.”  
 
Purvey said the new marketing strategy gives the Sotheby’s International Realty® network tangible ways to enhance recruitment, retention and productivity. "Sothebysrealty.com acts as an 
easily accessible and comprehensive go-to source when affiliates meet with clients, demonstrating the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s global awareness and providing a rich consumer experience,” she said. 
 
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 11,900 sales associates located in approximately 560 offices in 42 countries and territories worldwide.   

Offsite Seminar ~ 4.14.2011

Great WWSIR offsite seminar today ~ guest speakers included Mark Hughes with Concierge Auctions, along with Mark Kitrick, Kathy Hoffman & Denise McGurk from King Kitrick & Jackson. The morning seminar ended with a robust discussion on Best Practices regarding Pricing ~ thanks to all for their participation.


2011 NJ SIR Networking Event

Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty recently participated in the 2011 NJ SIR Networking event ~ 450+ Sotheby's International Realty agents were in attendance at Eagle Oaks Golf Club in Farmingdale, New Jersey.  Special guests included Philip White, President & Chief Operating Officer, Wendy Purvey, Chief Marketing Officer with Sotheby's International Realty.  Matthew Ferrara's afternoon presentation on "The Next Generation" was simply outstanding. 


SIR Best in Category for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction Award

WWSIR, a luxury real estate firm w. offices in Belmar, Spring Lake, Sea Girt & Belmar, today announced that the Sotheby’s International Realty brand won Franchise Business Review’s Best in Category for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award for the 4th year in a row. 

“This brand offers our firm the support we need to reach a global audience & provide our clients w. the best possible service,” said Richard Wight, broker/owner. “WWSIR joined the network 5 years ago & w. the Sotheby’s International Realty brand behind us, we are building a solid foundation for success in the Southern Monmouth & Northern Ocean County markets.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 11,700 sales associates located in approximately 550 offices in 44 countries & territories worldwide. Affiliations in the Sotheby’s International Realty system are granted only to brokerages & individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates w. a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational & business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association w. the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

WWSIR continues to be one of the fastest growing full service real estate firms on the Jersey shore, offering our clients a level of  exposure that is truly like no other. 
 


New Sotheby's International Site

WWSIR is proud to celebrate in the launch of the ALL NEW Sotheby's International Realty website (sothebysrealty.com or SIR.com ) ~ this new interactive site provides state-of-the-art search opportunities, while continuing to offer cutting edge technology, exquisite photography, lifestyle search, along with language translation & currency conversion.  For additional information, please contact one of our four offices today!
 


WWSIR Market Trends Tool

Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty is pleased to announce the launch of our NEW Market Trends reporting tool ~ this robust tool can be found on the home page of wardwight.com ~ information is automatically updated every 24 hours.  For additional information regarding local market trends, please contact one of our four offices today!


2010 Circle of Excellence Award

congratulates our 2010 Circle of Excellence Award recipients ~ today we joined them for a great luncheon at the Manasquan River Golf Club ~ Congratulations to Susan Careatti & Brian Church ( Silver ), Sharon Castillo, Cynthia Curry, Heather Garrett-Muly, Jacob Smith ( Bronze ).


Sotheby’s International Realty® Brand Celebrates Worldwide Network Growth in 2010

Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty, a luxury real estate firm with offices in Belmar, Spring Lake, Sea Girt & Manasquan, today announced it is part of a network that grew both the office and agent count within its global network by 11 percent in 2010, ending the year with 11,700 sales associates located in more than 550 offices in 44 countries and territories worldwide. 

 
“In addition to our office growth, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand also proudly grew our network by more than 1,100 sales associates in 2010, demonstrating the appeal of our luxury real estate brand and what we offer those brokers and sales professionals who are part of our international system,” said Michael R. Good, chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. 
 
“Last year we achieved our primary domestic growth plans by gaining a presence in several key California markets as well as Dallas, Texas, and Naples, Florida,” added Good. “We also achieved critical international objectives with the signing of new master franchise agreements for the United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong and Sweden. We recognize that consumers are seeing the value that luxury real estate represents as part of a long-term strategy for growing wealth. In fact, the average sales price increased by more than 15 percent in 2010 for our U.S. brokers, including both our independently owned and operated network members as well as Realogy’s company-owned offices. Our goal for 2011 is to continue to expand our network in key luxury markets worldwide and to build on the valuable tools and resources that we provide to our brokers, their sales associates and consumers.”
 
The Sotheby’s International Realty® brand added 15 new residential real estate brokerage firms to its network across 13 states in 2010: Indiana, New Hampshire, Washington, Tennessee, New York, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, California, Florida, Texas, Michigan and Kentucky. In addition, 18 existing Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates opened new offices to better serve their current markets or expand into new markets.
 
Internationally, the brand expanded its franchise operations into the British Virgin Islands, Latvia, Japan, Hong Kong, Peru, Sweden, Turkey and Berlin.  The Sotheby’s International Realty brand also signed an exclusive 25-year agreement with Countrywide plc, which will build and grow the brand network throughout the United Kingdom.
 
For the third year in a row, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand won Franchise Business Review’s Best in Category for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award, which measures franchisee satisfaction with their franchisors. The brand also was ranked third overall among all franchise categories with more than 200 locations. This was the third year the brand was rated in the top 10 of all award categories.
 
The Sotheby’s International Realty brand also enjoyed highly effective collaborations with many global news outlets, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, to feature its network’s extraordinary listings. 
 
“Our success in 2010 centered on how we refined the art of online branding by partnering with some of the world’s strongest media outlets,” said Wendy Purvey, chief marketing officer for the brand. “Our ongoing goal is to continue to drive awareness of our brand as a luxury real estate leader, and to drive incremental leads to the fine offices in our network, and we are pleased with our success.”
 
Finally, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand launched SIR Mobile in 2010, a free brandedmobile application that works on standard cell phones and smart phones across all mobile carriers, allowing consumers to view luxury homes for sale in a given market. 
 
“It is very exciting to be part of a brand that continues to grow worldwide. Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty clients now have access to a wider audience of buyers and sellers all over the world,” said Richard Wight, broker / owner.   
 
Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty continues to be one of the fastest growing, full service real estate firms on the Jersey shore. For additional information, please contact one of our four offices today.

High-End Real Estate Provides Unique Value

 Please click the link: http://rismedia.com/2011-02-26/high-end-real-estate-provides-unique-value/ 


Northeast Regional Business Meeting

WWSIR recently participated in an expert panel at a northeast regional conference for Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliates located in Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, & Rhode Island.

The conference was held Feb.10 in Parsippany, N.J., & offered the over 100 attendees the opportunity to network with their regional colleagues & hear brand updates from Mike Good, the brand’s chief executive officer; Philip White, president & chief operating officer; & Wendy Purvey, chief marketing officer. Keith Kernan, broker / manager of the WWSIR’s Spring Lake office was invited to participate in a panel discussion on the brand’s relationship with the Sotheby’s Auction House.

 

WWSIR, which has offices in Belmar, Manasquan, Sea Girt, & Spring Lake offers exclusive Sotheby’s International Realty marketing, advertising & referral services designed to attract well-qualified buyers to the firm’s property listings. In addition, the firm & its clients benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house, which promotes real estate referral opportunities with auction house clientele.

 

As a Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate, the firm also has the unique ability to refer its real estate clientele to the auction house for jewelry, art, unique furniture & collectible appraisal services. Property listings from WWSIR also are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website, as well as on the firm’s local website, wardwight.com.


WWSIR Workshop

WWSIR annual company workshop for 2011 was held last Friday at the Spring Lake Manor ~ it was a huge success!

Guest speakers included Tony Dolceamore, Sotheby's Int. Realty reviewing the ALL NEW 2011 SIR marketing campaign & the exclusive tools of the brand ~ Julia Miller launched the ALL NEW WWSIR Intranet & Cathy Farrell introduced the WWSIR Training Schedule for 2011. In addition Dick Wight did a "year in review for 2010" & the stats were impressive to say the least! 

Lastly, we launched the ALL NEW WWSIR mobile app & had a robust "best practices" discussion with all our agents ~ there is no doubt that WWSIR will continue to be one of the fastest growing full service real estates firms on the Jersey Shore in 2011! 

 


Sotheby's International Realty Opens Office in Moscow

PARSIPPANY, NJ & MOSCOW (Marketwire - January 21, 2011) - Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced the opening of Moscow Sotheby's International Realty. The firm will serve clients in the Moscow & Moscow City regions w. Marina Bolshakova managing & directing the operation as president & chief executive officer. "We are thrilled to have Marina & her team represent the Sotheby's International Realty brand in this historic & important home market," said Michael R. Good, chief executive officer, Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC. "This affiliation is critical to our global strategy of aligning w. quality firms in key luxury real estate markets. I am confident that under Marina's leadership the company will bring quality service to clients from all over the world." 

Want to read more about it? http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=1383686

 

 

 


WWSIR Mobile Application

WWSIR proudly announces the launch of our NEW mobile search application ~ text WWSIR to 87778 to download this cutting edge application. WWSIR continues to be one of the fastest growing full service real estate firms on the Jersey Shore. For additional information, please visit one of our four offices today or check out wardwight.com.


Ocean Star Insert Campaign

Our first Ocean Star insert campaign was featured in Friday’s Ocean Star ( January 7th edition ) ~ total circulation was approximately 7,000, extras were distributed to all WWSIR offices .


Welcome!

We are pleased to announce that Cathy Farrell, has joined the firm.  Cathy is highly regarded in the real estate brokerage community for her management and training skills.  She will be focusing on Business Development and Agent Training.  She will also focus on keeping our agents on top of technology developments relevant to the RE industry.  WWSIR agents can expect to get a jump on the new Continuing Education classes, which are coming up in July of this year and will be mandatory in 2013.  Cathy will be a key member of the WWSIR management team.  She will be working out of the Sea Girt office.


Launch of a Mobile Real Estate Application

Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty with offices in Belmar, Spring Lake, Sea Girt and Manasquan, NJ announced the launch of a free Sotheby's International Realty® mobile application and mobile web search, SIR Mobile, that works on standard cell phones and smartphones across all mobile carriers, allowing consumers to view all homes for sale in southern Monmouth and northern Ocean Counties.

 

To download the app, consumers can text SIR to 87778 or visit wardwight.com to send a text message to their phone with a link to download the app. The app was created by Smarter Agent, the leading mobile real estate provider in the United States, to create innovative ways for buyers to search for homes and interact with their agents.

 

"With the launch of this app, Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty now can offer clients and prospects a mobile house-hunting tool available across all carriers on standard cell phones and smartphones including BlackBerry, iPhone, Android and the Palm webOS," said Richard Wight, broker / owner. "Consumers now can have instant access to detailed property information right at their fingertips."

 

Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty continues to be one of the fastest growing full service real estate firms on the Jersey shore.

 

 

 


Congratulations to Susan & Doug....

We are pleased to announce that Susan Careatti has been named Director of the South Monmouth Board of Realtors & Doug Pickell has been named Vice President ~ Doug & Susan were installed last night at the SMBR's Holiday Celebration & Installation ceremony.

 

Congratulations to both Susan & Doug!!!


Coast Star Insert Campaign

 Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty is pleased to announce our most recent Coast Star insert campaign, inserted in this week's Coast Star, more than 12,500 in this week's circulation ~ swing by one of our four offices today to pick up an extra copy. A digital link can also be found on our website, wardwight.com. 


Luxury Real Estate Conference

Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty recently participated in the 6th Annual Sotheby’s International Realty® Leadership Forum, which brought together nearly 250 network members & staff from 10 countries worldwide. This dynamic, three-day event, which was held Oct. 25 to 27 at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, in Atlanta, provided a unique opportunity for Sotheby’s International Realty brokers, owners & managers to network & share best practices. It also included a tour of some of the finest luxury real estate in Atlanta, courtesy of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. “The Leadership Forum is a very effective tool for bringing together our network members from all over the world with the common goal of sharing their own unique experiences,” said Michael R. Good, chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “This year’s conference, our largest ever, provided a brand update & presentations on competing in today’s luxury market & leveraging new technologies in real estate marketing.” The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 10,900 sales associates located in approximately 500 offices in 37 countries & territories worldwide.


Exclusive New Texting Service

Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty is pleased to announce the launch of our exclusive new texting service...text "WWSIR" to 59559 & follow the simple instructions to gain immediate access to information on any property currently on the market!

This new & exciting service will allow both buyers & sellers to benefit from cutting edge technology found exclusively at Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty (WWSIR).

 


Partners with ListHub

Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty announced that the Sotheby's International Realty® network is working with ListHub, a provider of listing asset management, to power its listing distribution to leading websites that consumers use to search for real estate.  ListHub is the broadest, most widely adopted network for listing distribution, and works in concert with MLSs, franchises and core real estate technologies to bring real estate brokerage firms a single dashboard for controlling their online marketing strategy. Ward Wight Sotheby’s International Realty continues to be one of the fastest growing full service real estate firms on the Jersey Shore. 

 


Launch of Our New Website

Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty is pleased to announce the launch of our new website ~ with offices located in Belmar, Spring Lake, Sea Girt & Manasquan, Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty continues to be one of the fastest growing full service real estate firms on the Jersey Shore.  Attracting the most qualified agents & providing a level of exposure for our clients that is unprecedented in the local market.  Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty provides local expertise & global exposure, like no other!

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