This past Monday, Houlihan Lawrence joined other leading real estate affiliates from around the country at Christie's Rockefeller Center headquarters for their Northeast Regional Conference. A great opportunity to share insights on today's luxury market, this event was open only to Christie's affiliates, an elite group of luxury specialists who like Houlihan Lawrence are leaders in their respective marketplaces.

Many of Houlihan Lawrence's sales associates attended to hear what's happening in the global luxury market and to build relationships with their peers at top real estate companies from around the nation. Speakers from Christie's Real Estate and Auction businesses reported on one of their most successful year's ever and announced plans for further global expansion into important markets such as Beijing, Moscow and Dubai.  Great news for Houlihan Lawrence as this continued expansion offers greater international exposure for our listings more than ever before.

Additionally, prominent experts reported on the ever-growing role of technology in the marketing of luxury properties and a panel of top salespeople, including Susy Glasgall of Houlihan Lawrence's Rye Office, reported on conditions in their local marketplaces.  Overall, the outlook was extremely optimistic and reports of the return of high-end  buyers were widespread, even in previously depressed markets such as Miami. We were especially pleased to hear that interest in the top properties in Manhattan seems to be continuing unabated as well, which always bodes well for our local region. We may be enroute to a stronger year in luxury real estate than originally predicted if this surge of activity continues.