Christies vs. Sothebys

When it comes to luxury and estate home auctions, two names stand alone as the hands down greatest in the business: Sotheby’s real estate, and Christie’s Great Estates, the realty branch of legendary Christie’s auction house. And though both real estate companies carry the prestige and honor that comes from being associated with the world’s most respected auction houses, you should take the time to make sure that you choose the house that best represents your needs.

Founded in 1976, Sotheby’s International Realty is a luxury real estate network. Like Christie’s, Sotheby’s properties can be found around the world- from extensive parcels of land to historical homes, and everything in between. Both auction houses are dedicated to the marketing and sales of high end real estate, and both are known for catering to the most discerning of clientele.
The differences between the two real estate auction houses become apparent only upon deeper inspection. Perhaps the most notable of these discrepancies came to light during the current rocky economic situation. While Christie’s Auction house managed to remain steadfast, Sotheby’s faltered, having to cut ties with Sky Realty in order to regain their balance. In today’s turbulent realty market, it’s more important than ever to go with a company that can rise above the crisis- something to keep in mind as you make your choice.

Another area of importance to consider before you begin the search for your dream home is customer service. Traditionally, Sotheby’s takes a more aloof, distanced approach to home sales, while Christie’s places a heavier emphasis on client satisfaction.

Regardless of which auction house you decide to go with, make sure you have the highest caliber of real estate agent to work with. A realtor that is familiar with luxury and estate homes will be your greatest asset as you navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of high end realty auctions.