Christie’s International Real Estate Group, the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate in the New York City area, has announced its expansion into the Hamptons with a new office in the heart of East Hampton.
The Manhattan-based firm, with over 30 offices and 1,000 agents across New York City, Westchester, Connecticut, and New Jersey, is bringing its high-end brand to the East End. The new location provides Christie’s agents and their clients convenient access to the auction house’s global luxury network, marketing partnerships, technology, and art sale services.
The East Hampton office, opening this month at 26 Park Place, will be managed by Sherri Balassone, vice president and broker of record. Balassone said Christie’s is eyeing further expansion in the Hamptons to “bring our exceptional service, marketing, and expertise to this important luxury market.”
Christie’s International Real Estate has been rapidly growing its presence in New York City and the tri-state area over the past decade. The firm sold 4,000 metro area homes last year and views the Hamptons as a natural next step.
“One of the most desirable luxury markets in the world, the Hamptons are important for our global brand,” said Chris Lim, president of Christie’s International Real Estate. “As a leading brokerage in New York, Christie’s International Real Estate Group is perfectly positioned to serve Hamptons buyers and sellers.”
The Hamptons join several luxury real estate markets where Christie’s International Real Estate has expanded recently, including Beverly Hills, Miami, London, the Swiss Alps, and the Caribbean. The brokerage was named Christie’s International Real Estate Affiliate of the Year twice, the highest honor in the luxury network.
East End real estate veterans Bonita DeWolf and Jane Babcook have both made the move to Christie’s. “I just felt ready for a change,” said DeWolf. “When Christie’s opened in East Hampton, and I met the owner and the broker of record, who are both fabulous people, and realized the world-wide connections that the brand has it just felt very exciting and energizing. And, our office is like a magnet; people walk by, do a double take when they see the Christie’s name and often just come in the door and start talking to us.”
“Christie’s new office in East Hampton presents an exciting opportunity for us to spearhead the formation of a dynamic team of agents. Together, we aim to deliver a service founded on values often absent in the industry: experience, ethics, and excellence. The esteemed Christie’s brand holds global recognition, and it is imperative that our clients have this prestigious backing when showcasing their properties. Our collaborative approach will ensure a level of service that sets us apart from others in the field,” said Babcook.
Christie’s International Real Estate Group has its sights set on further expanding its footprint throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to cement its leadership in high-end real estate.
