Here are some recent press releases about our company and our market:

Introducing a Spectacular Weston Estate

Beth Dickerson and Julie Harrison of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty’s Back Bay office have listed a one-of-a-kind $24.5 million residence in Weston, Massachusetts. This meticulously designed Arts & Crafts inspired home, designed by renowned architect Jeremiah Eck, is a modern twist on the classic mountain lodge style home. This sun flooded estate is an architectural masterpiece, with slate roof, unique chimneys, and stone and mahogany façade. Located on Weston’s best sited parcel of land, this remarkable 33,000+/- square foot residence offers six bedroom suites, six powder rooms, and privacy on 13.5+/- acres of well landscaped and pristinely manicured grounds, including a cascading stone waterfall. Offering remarkable private amenities, including a pool with a cabana, a caterer’s kitchen, an in-home movie theater, a spa/barber shop, pet grooming room, a pub and a four-car garage, this estate is also situated adjacent to the Weston Country Club.

Private tours are now available for qualified buyers.

For more information, please contact Beth Dickerson, 857.362.1700, Beth.Dickerson@SothebysRealty.com or Julie Harrison 617.413.8332, Julie.Harrison@sothebysrealty.com.

About Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty

Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty is Boston’s largest independent real estate company. Founded in 1962 by Betty Gibson in Boston’s South End, the company has grown to six offices with over 150 agents.

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BOSTON REAL ESTATE FIRM SEES UPWARD MOBILITY

Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty is finding conventional successes in unconventional ways

BOSTON: Only a few weeks into the spring market, one Boston real estate firm is seeing tremendous success. Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty recorded 80 Under Agreements and over 100 sales transactions in January and February (source: MLS). The firm is ranked #5 in the state and has the #1 office in Boston’s Back Bay for 2010 sales-to-date. But their recent success is not just measured in sales figures. The firm has made some strategic moves over the last few years, making them the top-ranked Boston-based firm in the state. They expanded with office acquisitions in the Waterfront, Charlestown and Westwood areas. They also invested in the firm’s infrastructure, including additional marketing and relocation services for their clientele. “We saw the importance of offering the finest services to each client,” says Michael Hansen, President and Co-Owner. “We knew our clients would appreciate the special efforts we now provide.”

All the improvements have attracted highly successful sales associates. Once again, Gibson Sotheby’s recognized Beth Dickerson as their top agent in 2009, having sold the highest volume of sales. Dickerson’s average sale price was more than $3 million last year and she recorded the most expensive sale in Boston, a condominium on Beacon Street in the Back Bay that sold for $9.25 million. Co-Owner, Paul McGann, meets regularly with agents who are considering the firm. “Most often, agents who join us are already successful – but they are looking to go to the next level; to grow their business.” It is that growth potential that brought agents like Tammy DeWolfe to the company. After years in the business, she joined Gibson Sotheby’s Westwood office last month, citing the company’s support as a major motivating factor.

CEO and Co-Owner, Larry Rideout, continues to look for new ways to offer service to an expanding clientele. This month, the company launched a text-to-MLS service offered by Kwkly. This allows home buyers to text the address of any property for sale to get MLS information in seconds. They also have added an iPhone application and a GPS-based search function. “The percentage of Gen X and Gen Y home buyers is growing and they want immediate access to information,” says Rideout. “Our goal is to continue to find new ways to provide exceptional service.”

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Boston Real Estate Firm Goes Mobile

Local agency uses new technology to give clients MLS access on-the-go

BOSTON: Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty has announced that it is launching a new mobile service for Boston. Kwkly is a service provider that offers MLS access via text, GPS searches and an iPhone app – all allowing people to search for homes for sale by simply using their cell phone. This brings market information right into the hands of the user, no matter where they are. CEO, Larry Rideout, was very excited to be the first to offer this service in the Boston area. “Our clients are very savvy about real estate and technology. When I first saw how Kwkly worked, I knew our clients would love it. Now we can share this service with everyone in Boston.”

The text service works like this: the user texts the word “Gibson” to 59559. They are then prompted to give an address of a property that is for sale. The MLS info will be texted back to them in a matter of seconds. They will also receive a link to Kwkly’s GPS search service. If their cell phone has GPS abilities (as in Google Maps), they will be able to find the five nearest properties that are for sale and comparable recent sales. Lastly, iTunes App Store has two applications MA Homes and Boston Homes that users may download for use on their iPhone.

Rideout says that Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty is always looking for the best way to offer assistance to their clientele. “We pride ourselves on our quality of service. This is one more way that we can provide what our clients want – immediate access to information.”

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Boston home sales rise in November

Boston home sales shot up in November of 2009 – especially in comparison to last year’s dismal numbers amidst the financial crisis. But, not solely based on 2008. November of 2009 was the best November since 2005. Some of the boost was due to the tax credit deadline, which had been in November – it has since been extended to April, 2010. But, it is most likely a combination of factors. Many experts have been suggesting that the Boston real estate market and several others have already turned a corner, making this a great time to buy.

To see the complete story, go to Boston.com. Search Boston homes for sale at Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Report on Cost vs Value: Improving Boston homes for sale

Improving your Boston home for sale? Well, Remodeling Magazine puts out an annual Cost vs Value report. This will help you assess which improvements improve resale and what percentage you are likely to recoup. For instance, the report finds that the cost of a major kitchen remodel is likely to be recouped by 72% in the resale of a Boston home.

To see the complete report, go to Boston home improvements. Search Boston homes for sale at Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Continued Growth for Local Firm

Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty recently announced that the firm has acquired Grancey &Company Real Estate in Charlestown’s Thompson Square

Boston (October 20^th) Despite the recent concerns about the economy, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty continues to grow and extend their reach throughout the Greater Boston area. The firm recently announced that they have acquired Grancey & Company Real Estate, and will remain in Grancey’s spectacular location in Charlestown’s Thompson Square. Through Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty’s recent expansion, they are now able to offer more opportunities and enhanced service to areas north of Boston. “We’ve strategically located our offices to offer the finest service in and around Boston. Charlestown is an area we’ve had our eye on for some time now. We are very excited about what this means for our company and our clients” said Larry Rideout, CEO and Owner of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty.

When asked about the timing of this expansion, Rideout was confident in the strength of the Boston real estate market. “We are the only firm in the top seven in the state of Massachusetts that is doing better than last year. We are very confident in our ability to help our clients succeed in this market. We offer a full portfolio of rentals, sales and relocation services. People are looking for advice, experience and full service. Our agents give them what they need.”

Founded in 1989, Grancey & Company Real Estate has serviced clients in Charlestown’s historic neighborhoods. Situated at the head of Boston's vibrant inner harbor, and across the Charles River from Beacon Hill and Back Bay, Charlestown borders Cambridge. Gibson Sotheby’s, founded in Boston’s South End as a boutique agency, has become a regional powerhouse – with its firm ranking boosted to #7 in the state of Massachusetts (source: MLS).

Gibson Sotheby’s Celebrates Its First Year Anniversary
Local firm finds remarkable success in global affiliation

BOSTON, DECEMBER 4, 2007:  “We never dreamed that we could achieve this kind of success in our first year. It is like an early holiday gift,” said Larry Rideout. He and his partners, Paul McGann and Michael Hansen, acquired Boston’s largest independent real estate company in November of 2006 and brought it into the Sotheby’s International Realty network one month later. “Sotheby’s international reach and high standards were just what Boston homeowners were looking for and they have welcomed us into their homes in the most remarkable way.”

In the months following that landmark announcement last December, the partners absorbed a Westwood office to reach out to suburban homeowner’s and then merged with Back Bay’s luxury powerhouse, Dickerson Real Estate. Then, the most successful Waterfront office joined them, followed by Lois R. Kunian Real Estate, a 27 year veteran of the business. They further enhanced their portfolio of services by building a relocation division that has now placed more than 400 referrals around the world, winning an award in October at the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate Fall Conference in Vancouver.  Gibson Sotheby's was one of only 8 award winners within the network of over 450 luxury real estate firms.

“While many other companies have been downsizing, we’ve been growing,” said Owner, Paul McGann. “After acquiring the top company in the city and bringing in the centuries old Sotheby’s name, other agencies began calling us. We completed our 3 year plan in the first 10 months.” Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty more than doubled their agent base in first year, upgraded their offices and opened a new space at 69 Newbury Street. They exceeded last year’s sales volume by the end of August and raised sales by more than 36% over last year. Since January, their firm’s ranking has been boosted from number 16 to number 10 in the state (source: MLS). Their Rental Division, the largest in the city, was up 33% over last year. So what about the down market? “We haven’t seen it,” said Hansen. “We’ve been helping more people purchase homes this year than I can remember. We’ve seen the real estate market slow down a bit around the country. But, in and around Boston, homes are in high demand.”

The company has also participated in several events around the world to see how they might find new ways to service their clientele. “In the last year, we’ve been to New York, Connecticut, Scottsdale, Colorado, California, Grand Cayman, Canada, England…” said John Ranco, Gibson Sotheby’s Sales Manager. “In fact, we just got back from Las Vegas for the National Association of Realtors Convention. Last week I had the opportunity to visit our office in London & toured the Auction House at New Bond Street. Each trip is an opportunity to develop as individuals and as a company, knowing that local homeowners benefit from our professional growth and our personal investment in our service.“ Ranco notes that Sotheby’s global ties allow his Boston firm to reach out to the influx of international investors who are taking advantage of the powerful Euro.

The growth plan for Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty in 2008 is under wraps. “We have some very exciting plans in the works,” said Rideout. “Don’t be surprised if we complete our 5 year plan in the next 12 months.”

Gibson Sotheby's acquires successful, independent Back Bay real estate brokerage firm

September 20, 2007: Gibson Sotheby's International Realty announced today that it has acquired Lois R. Kunian Real Estate, Inc. The specific details of the deal were not disclosed. Her decision is based on Sotheby's extensive resources and her desire to tap into these on behalf of her clients. Mrs. Kunian has 26 years of experience in Boston real estate and has had tremendous success in representing hundreds of buyers and sellers. This year, one of her most notable sales was a gorgeous $3.5 million, turn of the century home in Newton with nearly 5000 square feet of living space and a separate gardener’s cottage, situated on nearly 1.3 acres. She also sold a 3200 square foot condominium high above the Charles River in Boston for $3 million.

As a successful Back Bay broker, Mrs. Kunian understands the value of a sophisticated international brand in the luxury market. "Sotheby's offers global exposure and a brand legacy that has taken 260 years to build – that is a perfect fit for me and my clientele.” Mrs. Kunian thinks many of the people who know her will be quite surprised that she has joined a larger firm. “I have operated a boutique agency on Marlborough Street for 26 years; and independence is very important to me. However, after meeting with Gibson Sotheby’s CEO and owner, Larry Rideout, I could see that Sotheby’s fosters that independent mindset in their agents. And they provide the support that we need to be able to build our business.” 

Rideout announced the Kunian acquisition last night during the grand opening of their new 69 Newbury Street location. A raffle was held to benefit the Women’s Lunch Place and attendees could have their photos taken with the 2004 World Series Trophy. This is just the latest in a series of acquisitions by Boston based Gibson Sotheby’s since being purchased by 3 local businessmen in 2006. Since last November, they have added an office in Westwood, Dickerson Real Estate in Boston’s Back Bay and the top ranked office in Boston’s Waterfront area. In addition to the new offices, the firm also added a Relocation Division and several well respected agents in both the Downtown and suburban market areas. Their sales force now boasts 150 agents and last month, Gibson Sotheby’s surpassed their sales figures from all of 2006.

"We sought out the number one real estate agency in the city of Boston: Gibson, and affiliated it with the most powerful global brand in the business: Sotheby’s,” says Rideout. “Since then, we’ve been approached by the finest agents and businesses in each area. Lois R. Kunian is one of those elite agents. She is held in the highest esteem in this industry. She has spent years building a reputation of honesty and capability and we are honored that she is now a part of our growing family.”

Gibson Sotheby's International Realty surpassed last year's total sales volume in August

BOSTON, September 11, 2006: Boston based Gibson Sotheby's International Realty announced today that they have surpassed their 2006 sales figures in only the first 8 months of 2007. "This is the result of the hard work and dedication of our agents and staff. We are very proud of what we have accomplished in only 10 months," says Larry Rideout, Gibson Sotheby's CEO and Owner. Rideout, Michael Hansen and Paul McGann purchased Gibson in November of 2006 and transitioned to the Sotheby's brand in December. Mc Gann states that the new affiliation has enhanced the former company. "We all believe very strongly in the power of what Sotheby's has to offer and we see it everyday. Our numbers are certainly showing it: we are up 43% over last year's sales."

Rideout and his partners believe that a series of key acquisitions have only begun to realize their true potential. They are predicting even more success in the fall market. They acquired a Westwood office last November, Dickerson Real Estate in Back Bay this April and the top ranked Waterfront office in June. In addition to attracting some of the industry's most respected names, the luxury brand has attracted a more affluent clientele. Gibson Sotheby's has listed more than 50 homes valued at over $1 million since the December brand transition.

In February, they built an in-house Relocation Department to provide additional services to their growing clientele. "Boston is the eighth busiest city for relocation in the United States. And with the Sotheby's brand, there is a powerful network of more than 550 offices in 36 countries," remarks Gibson Sotheby's VP of Relocation Services, Tarin Patrick. Patrick believes the entrepreneurial spirit of the new ownership is an integral part of their success. "This organization is led by 3 creative thinkers. They have given me the freedom to create a portfolio of services that I know clients need - that has led to a growing number of corporate partnerships across the country." Patrick has handled more than 300 leads and has closed $25 million in sales in just 6 months.

Still, Michael Hansen says that there is much more that they plan to do. "We have a few very exciting things in the pipeline." He says that another major announcement is coming in the next 2 weeks. "This is a very exciting company to watch and it is even more exciting to be part of it."

GIBSON SOTHEBY’S GROWTH CONTINUES

New Waterfront Acquisition Increases Market Share

BOSTON, June 15, 2007: Gibson Sotheby’s continues its Boston expansion with the acquisition of ReMax Waterfront Realty, now to be known as Gibson Waterfront Sotheby's International Realty.  New, expanded offices are also opening this month on Newbury Street serving Back Bay and in Dorchester on Savin Hill, both of which will help increase the company’s market share.  Currently, Gibson Sotheby’s is ranked number 10 in sales volume in 2007 for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The waterfront office acquisition is projected to propel the firm to number seven in statewide ranking with more than a half a billion dollars in sales for 2007.

The new Gibson Waterfront Sotheby’s International Realty office is located at 220 Commercial Street, and specializes in the brokerage and marketing of residential properties primarily in the North End, Waterfront, Charlestown and all surrounding neighborhoods.  The office, led by Managing Partner Chris Tuite, operates with 20 experienced, full-time real estate professionals.  The team is currently ranked number one for total sales and listings in the North End/Waterfront.   

 “By creating this relationship we are able to better serve our customers and clients through high quality marketing which reaches beyond our neighborhoods and puts us squarely in the international market place for homes, while allowing our agents to focus on building high quality relationships with both buyers and sellers,” says Tuite.  “I am excited to be a part of such a growing and dynamic company.”

In the Back Bay, a brand-new Gibson Sotheby’s office is now open at 69 Newbury Street.  The 1700 square-foot newly renovated space houses 20 agents, including recent hires Beth Dickerson through the highly regarded acquisition of Dickerson Real Estate and Natalie Bassil a 20 year Back Bay veteran.  This office combines the resources of former offices at 227 and 115 Newbury and serves Back Bay and Beacon Hill. It also currently boasts two of the most notable listings in Boston, on Commonwealth Avenue and Mount Vernon Street at $14,950,000 and $14,995,000 respectively.

Serving Dorchester, Gibson Sotheby’s office has relocated to brand new space on Savin Hill at 119 Savin Hill Avenue.  This office of 18 agents covers the neighborhoods of Dorchester and Milton. The team will be launching a new 56-home, Lower Mills development named “Schoolhouse” in late June.

In addition to a growing sales force and office expansion, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty has become the Official Real Estate Company of the Boston Red Sox. “My partners and I are lifelong Sox fans. As business owners we saw a spectacular opportunity to be part of a 100-year-old New England legacy and a well respected organization,” says owner and general manager, Larry Rideout. The partnership with Boston’s beloved “boys of summer” benefits the Jimmy Fund in the form of annual donations and offers a new executive meeting venue at Fenway Park. The Gibson Sotheby’s Boardroom is perched above home plate in a section of the EMC Club. The well-appointed space is available for corporate functions before, after or during games.