Sotheby’s International Realty announced Singapore will be home to its newest franchise. The new office, Singapore Sotheby’s International Realty, joins a Sotheby’s network of 8,000 sales associates in 400 offices worldwide. This event marks the continuation of a slew of new openings for Sotheby’s International Realty. Fledgling offices in Tokyo and Moscow have also joined their global nest of franchises.

The sizzling Singaporean luxury real estate industry is worth a look. In fact, real estate isn’t the only thing thriving in Singapore; it’s everything business. Just weeks ago the World Bank released its annual “Ease of Doing Business” report. Singapore, yes Singapore, topped the charts. New Zealand and the United States had to take a back seat. With a thriving business environment Singapore will continue its rapid accent into the luxury market.

Source: Realogy

Picture: Asianpassages

If you were listening on Monday you heard the real estate 800 pound gorilla stirring in the bushes. Realogy Corporation has entered into a long-term agreement (50 years) to license the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate brand from Meredith Corporation. Reology plans to launch the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate franchise July 1, 2008. Richard A. Smith, Realogy’s Vice Chairman and President, echoed the notion quality brands breed real estate success. "We are very pleased to add Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate to our family of real estate companies, and we are equally proud to be entrusted by Meredith with the stewardship of this well-known and respected brand that is so deeply tied to the concept of owning and improving one’s home."

The Better Homes and Garden’s brand has been a part of American culture since 1924 when Meredith Corporation first published the magazine. Today, the magazine boasts a circulation of 7.6 million and a readership of nearly 40 million. This move by Realogy adds another powerful brand to an already unparalleled collection. Realogy already owns Century 21, Coldwell Banker, and ERA (and it licenses Sotheby’s International Realty.) With the King of the Jungle making this kind of noise look for things to get exciting next summer when the brand launches.

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Source: WSJ

H/T: Unique Homes