Celia Dunn Sotheby's International Realty Comments on National Luxury Real Estate Survey for the Savannah and Low Country Market

Celia Dunn Sotheby's International Realty Comments on National Luxury Real Estate Survey for the Savannah and Low Country Market

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) — Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty, a luxury real estate firm serving Savannah and the Low Country, today provided local commentary on a national luxury realty study that found a large percentage of luxury home buyers are seeking to purchase an additional home within the next two years. The national study, entitled “Seeking a Luxury Lifestyle”, was commissioned by Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. and Architectural Digest and found that:

One in three Architectural Digest subscribers (36%) is planning to acquire a secondary/additional home within the next two years.

Of those who already own three or more homes, 49% percent plan to acquire an additional home within two years.

Of those who already own a second home, 35% plan to acquire a third home within two years.

In an indication that young affluent consumers are in the market for second homes, 44% of those under age 45 stated that they may acquire a second home in the near future.

“The Southeast coast is appealing to baby boomers as well as retirees and young families,” Celia Dunn said. Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty is well-positioned to show the many choices of lifestyles in Savannah and the Low Country, Mrs. Dunn said, because of the agents’ thorough knowledge about the area, including schools, churches and cultural attractions. “We have a wide diversity among our agents – they live everywhere from The Landings to South Carolina to Tybee to Pooler,” Mrs. Dunn said. “We cover all the bases.”

“Seeking a Luxury Lifestyle” found that waterfront property (75%) is the most sought after amenity when buying a secondary residence. Surprisingly, pool (5%) was the least significant amenity:

• Oceanfront/waterfront: 75%
• On/near ski slopes: 28%
• On/near golf courses: 48%
• Wine cellar: 18%
• Near aquatic activities: 45%
• Gourmet/large kitchen: 10%
• In-home fitness center: 34%
• Large backyard: 5%
• Media room/home theater: 32%
• Pool: 5%

The study also asked readers for their perceptions of the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand. Approximately 90% said that they have heard of the brand and, of these people, 86% said that they have a favorable impression. More than 70% of the respondents said that they expect a higher level of service from a Sotheby’s International Realty® sales associate than from other sales associates in the profession.

Celia also noted that the firms and the firm’s Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliation assist clients with their multiple homeownership needs through a white-glove service that connects clients with Sotheby’s International Realty® network brokers located in nearly 20 countries. The network’s global Web site, www.sothebysrealty.com, was specifically designed to allow users to search for homes around the world based upon their specific amenities and lifestyle choices.

Known for its tradition of integrity, Celia Dunn Sotheby's International Realty specializes in fine luxury residential and commercial properties in Savannah and the Low Country of Georgia and South Carolina. Founded in 1981, Celia Dunn Sotheby's International Realty is noted for outstanding service to its clients, thorough knowledge of Savannah and the South Carolina Low Country, and excellent staff, in addition to having one of the region's top property management departments. The owners are natives of Savannah who have more than 60 years' combined experience in real estate. The offices are located at 9, 13, and 17 West Charlton Street on Madison Square in Savannah and 6 Bruin Street in Bluffton, S.C.

For more information, call Celia Dunn Sotheby's International Realty at (912) 234-3323 or visit www.celiadunnsir.com. To contact the Bluffton office, call (843) 836-3900.