Sotheby’s International Realty grows footprint with Chattanooga expansion

Sotheby’s International Realty has expanded its footprint in Tennessee with the addition of Realty Center of Chattanooga, which will now operate as Horizon Sotheby’s International Realty. This strategic move reinforces the brand’s commitment to luxury real estate growth in Tennessee, increasing its presence to six offices across the state.

Headquartered in Chattanooga, Horizon Sotheby’s International Realty will serve a broad region that extends from Athens, Tennessee, to Dalton, Georgia, and the Blue Ridge Mountains, covering key locations such as Monteagle Mountain, Ocoee, and Tellico. This expansion is part of Sotheby’s International Realty’s broader efforts to enhance its real estate franchise network, offering high-net-worth clients access to exclusive property listings and premium marketing strategies.

Philip White, President and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty, highlighted the importance of Chattanooga as a key luxury real estate market. He noted that the region, positioned at the crossroads of the Appalachian Highlands and the Deep South, has long been a destination for affluent buyers seeking luxury homes with a blend of authenticity and tradition.

What Does This Expansion Mean for Luxury Real Estate in Tennessee?

Tennessee has witnessed steady growth in its luxury real estate market, particularly in scenic locations such as Lookout Mountain and Tennessee River estates. The partnership with Horizon Sotheby’s International Realty enables Sotheby’s International Realty to capitalize on this demand, offering high-end buyers access to prestigious properties and international exposure.

Byron Kelly and Vanessa Mercer, the owners of Horizon Sotheby’s International Realty, bring a combined 35 years of expertise in luxury property sales. Their firm is expected to transform the Southeast Tennessee luxury real estate landscape by leveraging Sotheby’s International Realty’s global marketing reach and premium client services.

Kelly emphasized that Horizon Sotheby’s International Realty is committed to delivering top-tier service to homebuyers and sellers, ensuring that every client benefits from the firm’s exclusive marketing, international network, and professional expertise. The company currently has 92 real estate agents, with plans to expand further as it cements its position as a leading luxury real estate brokerage in Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.

How Does Sotheby’s International Realty’s Franchise Model Work?

Sotheby’s International Realty operates a global franchise system, allowing independently owned firms to benefit from the prestige and brand recognition of one of the world’s most respected luxury real estate companies. Since its founding in 1976, Sotheby’s International Realty has expanded to more than 1,100 offices in 83 countries and territories, providing high-net-worth individuals with access to luxury properties worldwide.

In 2004, Anywhere Real Estate Inc. entered a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s auction house to license the Sotheby’s International Realty name and build a global franchise network. Under this system, Sotheby’s International Realty provides its affiliates with operational support, business development resources, and marketing expertise, while each office remains independently owned and operated.

Horizon Sotheby’s International Realty will benefit from its association with Sotheby’s auction house, which has been a leader in fine art and luxury asset sales since 1744. This connection enhances the firm’s ability to attract elite buyers who seek high-end real estate investments in Tennessee’s growing luxury home market.

What Are the Advantages of Sotheby’s International Realty’s Expansion?

The expansion of Sotheby’s International Realty in Tennessee strengthens the company’s luxury property offerings and reinforces its ability to cater to affluent buyers looking for exclusive estates and high-value investments.

Horizon Sotheby’s International Realty will integrate Sotheby’s International Realty’s cutting-edge marketing tools, which include global property listings on sothebysrealty.com, international advertising campaigns, and access to a high-net-worth client base. These advantages position Horizon Sotheby’s International Realty as a leading luxury real estate brokerage in Chattanooga and beyond.

By aligning with Sotheby’s International Realty, Horizon Sotheby’s International Realty also gains entry into an elite network of independent sales associates, providing opportunities for referrals and global property exposure. Clients listing homes with Horizon Sotheby’s International Realty will benefit from a highly targeted marketing strategy, ensuring that luxury properties in Tennessee reach a discerning international audience.

What’s Next for Sotheby’s International Realty?

The expansion into Tennessee is part of Sotheby’s International Realty’s broader strategy to increase its presence in key luxury real estate markets across the United States. In December 2024, the company entered South Dakota by launching Grand Sotheby’s International Realty in Sioux Falls, marking its first affiliated office in the state.

As the luxury home market continues to evolve, Sotheby’s International Realty remains focused on expanding its network of franchise offices, enabling more independent brokerages to tap into world-class resources, branding, and clientele. The company’s ongoing growth highlights the increasing demand for high-end real estate services and the strength of its global real estate franchise network.

By bringing Horizon Sotheby’s International Realty into its ecosystem, Sotheby’s International Realty continues to reinforce its market leadership in the luxury property sector, ensuring that discerning buyers and sellers have access to unmatched real estate expertise and premier services.