Sotheby’s International Realty announced its expanding presence in the state of Georgia with the opening of Mountain Sotheby’s International Realty in Blue Ridge. The addition marks the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s eighth affiliated office in the state.
The office is owned by David Boehmig, president and CEO, and Jenny Pruitt, executive chairman, of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. The new location will be led by Lisa Johnson, executive vice president and managing broker, and will service the entire North Georgia mountain market. Johnson possesses 25 years of experience in residential real estate and maintains numerous leadership roles within the state of Georgia’s leading real estate association.
“Blue Ridge is considered the jewel of North Georgia,” said Philip White, president and CEO, Sotheby’s International Realty. “The market began developing years ago among retirees and second homeowners but became more popular for buyers looking for large outdoor space. The area also offers affordability compared to the surrounding areas and is within driving distance to Atlanta. The addition of the Blue Ridge office allows the company to further service their clients and I am thrilled to support their continued growth.”
“Given the demand we are seeing for homes in the North Georgia area, it made sense for us to expand to better support this growing market,” said Boehmig. “While the availability of mountain and lakefront homes are highly competitive, our company is able to provide on-the-ground knowledge, a white-glove level of service, and international marketing opportunities through our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty.”
Mountain Sotheby’s International Realty will have several agents supporting the new office who bring an extensive familiarity of the North Georgian market.
Sotheby’s International Realty also announced the opening of Great Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty, signifying the brand’s continued growth in the state of Michigan. The addition marks the brand’s seventh office in the state.
Great Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty is owned and operated by Dean Groulx and Wendy Groulx, who bring more than 60 years of collective experience to the company. Headquartered in the city of Elk Rapids, the office will serve the greater Traverse City area in Michigan including Alden, Bellaire, Elk Rapids, Elk Lake, Lake Leelanau, North Port, Suttons Bay, Torch Lake, and Traverse City.
“Greater Traverse City has a robust luxury home market,” said Philip White, president and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty. “It’s become attractive for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs and we’re seeing both U.S. and international buyers purchasing primary and secondary homes in the area. Our continued growth in the state enables our brand to service this growing market and I look forward to supporting Dean, Wendy, and the entire Great Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty team.”
“The Traverse City area boasts a lifestyle and culture that few other places can match,” said Groulx. “Our area has access to some of the largest and most pristine freshwater lakes and access to world-class entertainment and fine dining. Few real estate companies can match the background and experience of our brokers and sales associates, and our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty will offer sellers and buyers in the greater Traverse City area an experience like no other thanks to its prestige, global presence, and marketing capabilities.”
The company has plans for future growth in Alden, Bellaire, Traverse City, Northport, and Leelanau. Great Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty was launched in partnership with Russ Post, owner/broker of Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty.
The Sotheby’s International Realty® network currently has nearly 26,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 1,000 offices in 81 countries and territories worldwide. Mountain Sotheby’s International Realty 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 will benefit from an association with Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.