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New York-based luxury firm Douglas Elliman is expanding its horizons beyond the United States and officially launching its services internationally, the company has informed Inman exclusively.
Operating under the banner “Elliman International,” the international division of Douglas Elliman Realty will be able to directly assist agents, clients and developers alike with their growing international needs in key markets globally without the assistance of third parties. Like the firm’s growth model stateside, as CEO and President Michael Liebowitz has mentioned in public speaking engagements, Elliman International will focus on “substance over scale.”
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Michael S. Liebowitz | Douglas Elliman
“Elliman International represents the natural progression of our legacy as America’s premier luxury real estate brokerage now becoming Global,” Liebowitz said in a statement. “From my first day as CEO, I recognized the need to establish our own international presence that preserves the high-level of service our clients expect. This isn’t just an expansion — it’s a transformation that positions Douglas Elliman as the truly global brand it is.”
The brokerage will focus expansion at first in high-demand luxury regions, including Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific and other emerging wealth markets, a press release said.
Liebowitz is leading the international expansion for the moment, according to Elliman, but the firm also plans to make one or more new hires in the near future to its core leadership team to help facilitate the firm’s international arm.
Susan de França | Douglas Elliman
“With the ever-evolving international landscape, our clients and developers increasingly view real estate as a global portfolio, not confined by borders,” Susan de França, president and CEO of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, said in a statement. “We are not waiting for partnerships to define us — we are forging ahead with our own global identity that reflects our commitment to and reputation for excellence at every touchpoint.”
Core services will be available for existing clients internationally immediately, and the firm is currently in talks with some agents and brokerages abroad. Physical office locations in select markets will also follow.
In 2009, Douglas Elliman created a formal partnership with London-based Knight Frank to help facilitate real estate services abroad. Knight Frank has agents in about 60 countries across six continents. The two companies also have collaborated for the last several years on an annual wealth report. Douglas Elliman said they will continue to work with Knight Frank on a referral basis following the international expansion.
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