Sotheby's International Realty is a luxury real estate brokerage network, not a single office

Sotheby's International Realty is a brand that licenses independent real estate brokerages around the world to use its name and systems. It is not a single company with one headquarters you call — instead, it is a network of hundreds of separately owned offices in cities and resort areas globally. Each office is run by a local broker who has paid to affiliate with the Sotheby's brand and follow its standards.

If you are buying or selling a property and see "Sotheby's International Realty" on a listing or storefront, you are dealing with a local brokerage that has licensed the Sotheby's name. That local office employs the agents, handles the transaction, and takes the commission. Sotheby's International Realty itself provides the brand, the technology platform, training, and access to a network of other affiliated offices worldwide — useful if you are selling a high-end property and want exposure to international buyers.

The network focuses on luxury properties: high-value homes, estates, waterfront properties, and investment real estate in affluent markets. You will find Sotheby's offices in places like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, and resort destinations, but not necessarily in every town.

Key Takeaways

  • Sotheby's International Realty is a network of licensed local brokerages, not a single national company, so you work with the office in your area.
  • Each office is independently owned but uses Sotheby's technology, training, and brand standards, and can connect you to agents in other countries.
  • The network specializes in luxury and high-value properties rather than standard residential real estate.
  • To find a Sotheby's office near you, use the office locator on the main Sotheby's International Realty website, which lists all affiliated brokerages by region.
  • Commissions and fees are set by the local office, not by Sotheby's, so they vary by location and property type.

How the Sotheby's International Realty network is structured

Sotheby's International Realty operates as a franchisor: the parent company owns the brand and systems, and local brokers pay to license the name and use the platform. Each affiliated office is a separate business with its own broker, agents, and client relationships. The parent company does not employ the agents or handle individual transactions.

This structure means that when you contact a Sotheby's office to buy or sell, you are working with a local brokerage that happens to use the Sotheby's name and systems. That office is responsible for the transaction, the agents, and the service you receive. The value of the Sotheby's affiliation is the brand reputation, the shared technology (which connects listings across all offices), and the ability to market your property to a global network of other Sotheby's agents and their clients.

The network includes offices in the United States and more than 70 countries. If you are selling a luxury property, the local office can list it on the Sotheby's platform, which other offices worldwide can see and show to their international clients. This is particularly useful for properties in resort areas or for sellers who expect international interest.

Finding a Sotheby's International Realty office in your area

The main Sotheby's International Realty website has an office locator tool. Go to the home page, look for "Find an Office" or a similar link, and enter your city, state, or country. The tool will show you all affiliated offices in that region, along with their addresses, phone numbers, and websites.

Each office has its own website with listings, agent profiles, and contact information. You can call the office directly to speak with an agent about buying or selling, or you can browse listings on the Sotheby's International Realty main site, which aggregates properties from all affiliated offices. When you click on a listing, it will show you which local office represents that property and how to contact them.

If you are looking to sell, contact the office in your area and ask to speak with an agent who specializes in your property type or neighborhood. Agents at Sotheby's offices typically handle higher-value properties, so they are accustomed to working with sellers and buyers in the luxury market.

What services a Sotheby's office provides

A Sotheby's International Realty office provides the standard services of a real estate brokerage: listing your property for sale, marketing it to other agents and the public, showing it to potential buyers, negotiating offers, and coordinating the closing. Agents can also help you understand the local market, price your property, and prepare it for sale.

Because Sotheby's offices focus on luxury properties, many offer additional services tailored to high-value transactions. These may include professional photography and videography, staging consultation, international marketing, private showings, and connections to other professionals like estate attorneys, wealth managers, and luxury service providers. Some offices also have relationships with auction houses (Sotheby's the auction company is a separate entity, though the names are related) for properties that might benefit from that sales method.

If you are buying, agents at a Sotheby's office can show you listings from their own office and from other Sotheby's offices worldwide. They can also help you understand the luxury market in your target area, negotiate terms, and coordinate inspections and financing.

Commission and fees at Sotheby's International Realty

Commissions and fees are not set by Sotheby's International Realty — they are set by each local office and are negotiable between you and that office. There is no standard Sotheby's commission rate. Typical real estate commissions in the United States range from 4 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent, but luxury properties and international transactions may have different structures.

When you contact a Sotheby's office to list your property, the agent will discuss commission with you. This is something you can negotiate. Some offices may charge a flat fee, a percentage, or a combination depending on the property and the services involved. Always ask for the commission structure in writing before you sign a listing agreement.

If you are buying through a Sotheby's office, the seller typically pays the commission, so you do not pay the buyer's agent directly. However, the agent's commission is built into the sale price, so it affects the overall cost of the property.

How Sotheby's International Realty differs from other luxury brokerages

Sotheby's International Realty competes with other luxury real estate networks like Christie's International Real Estate, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, and independent luxury brokerages in major markets. The main differences are brand reputation, the size and reach of the agent network, the technology platform, and the quality of marketing and service.

Sotheby's International Realty has a long history and strong brand recognition in the luxury market, which can help attract international buyers and justify higher prices for premium properties. The network is large and global, so if you are selling a property that might appeal to international buyers, the Sotheby's network can provide broad exposure. The technology platform connects all offices, so listings are visible across the network and agents can collaborate on transactions.

However, the Sotheby's name does not may provide a better outcome or higher price — that depends on the local agent, the property, the market, and the buyer pool. Some luxury markets have strong independent brokerages that may be more specialized or have deeper local knowledge than a Sotheby's office. It is worth interviewing agents from multiple brokerages before you decide.

What to expect when you work with a Sotheby's agent

When you list a property with a Sotheby's office, the agent will typically conduct a market analysis, discuss pricing, arrange professional photography and marketing, and show the property to other agents and buyers. The office will list the property on the Sotheby's platform and on major real estate websites like the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in your area. The agent will keep you updated on showings, feedback, and offers.

The timeline from listing to closing typically takes 30 to 90 days for a standard transaction, though luxury properties may take longer if they are highly specialized or priced at the top of the market. The agent will coordinate inspections, appraisals, and financing with the buyer's lender, and will work with a title company or attorney to prepare closing documents.

If you are buying, the agent will show you properties that match your criteria, provide market information, help you make an offer, and negotiate on your behalf. The agent will also coordinate inspections, appraisals, and your financing, and will guide you through the closing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sotheby's International Realty the same as Sotheby's auction house?

No. Sotheby's International Realty is a real estate brokerage network. Sotheby's the auction house is a separate company that sells art, jewelry, and collectibles. The two companies are not owned by the same parent company, though they share a name and some historical connection. A Sotheby's real estate office does not conduct auctions or sell art.

Can I list my property with Sotheby's International Realty if it is not a luxury property?

Sotheby's offices focus on luxury and high-value properties, so they may not list standard residential homes in average price ranges. However, this varies by office and market. Contact the office in your area to ask whether they would consider your property. If they decline, they may refer you to another brokerage that specializes in your price range.

How do I know if a Sotheby's office is legitimate?

Check the main Sotheby's International Realty website and use the office locator to confirm that an office is affiliated with the network. Verify the office's license with your state real estate commission. Be cautious of anyone claiming to represent Sotheby's who is not listed on the official website or whose license cannot be verified.

Can I sell my property internationally through Sotheby's International Realty?

Yes. If you own property outside the United States, you can contact the Sotheby's office in that country or region. The network operates in more than 70 countries, so there may be an affiliated office near your property. Use the office locator on the main website to find offices by country.

What happens if I am unhappy with my Sotheby's agent?

You can request a different agent from the same office, or you can end your listing agreement and work with another brokerage. Listing agreements typically have a term (often 90 days) and can be terminated early if both you and the broker agree. Review your listing agreement for the cancellation terms before you sign.