Christie’s International Real Estate, a globally recognized leader in the luxury real estate market, has announced its strategic expansion into Austin, Texas. The new affiliate in Austin will be spearheaded by Jerry Mooty Jr., who is financially backed by the Jerry Jones family, the proprietors of the Dallas Cowboys Football Club. Mooty is not new to the real estate landscape; he also operates @properties Christie’s International Real Estate offices in Dallas and Frisco. The Austin venture is set to be operational by November 1, 2023, and will be co-managed by Romeo Manzanilla, a veteran in Austin’s real estate sector.
Jerry Mooty Jr. and Romeo Manzanilla will serve as the linchpins of the new Austin-based affiliate. Manzanilla, who will act as the principal, chief operating officer, and broker of record, has an impressive track record. He has previously led Texas operations for Compass and served as a broker at Realty Austin, where he scaled the firm from a mere 25 agents to over 600. Manzanilla is also a board member of Texas REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®.
The new affiliate aims to establish its headquarters in a prime Westlake/Barton Creek location. According to Mooty and Manzanilla, they have already secured commitments from several top-performing agents in Austin, signaling strong initial support for the venture.
The Austin affiliate will leverage @properties’ proprietary pl@tform™ technology, which allows agents to manage all aspects of real estate transactions and client relationships digitally. This technology will be complemented by the extensive network of Christie’s International Real Estate, which spans nearly 50 countries. The synergy between these resources has been previously demonstrated in the Dallas Metroplex, where Mooty successfully grew his startup to nearly 80 agents in less than two years.
The affiliate aims to redefine the luxury real estate experience in Austin by offering an unparalleled combination of network reach and technological prowess. “We plan to hit the ground running with Romeo and a fast-growing team of highly regarded agents to raise the bar for service in the Austin market, especially at the high end,” stated Mooty.
Austin, the capital city of Texas, is a burgeoning hub for technology companies and boasts a vibrant cultural scene, making it an attractive market for luxury real estate. The city is home to renowned brands like Dell, Apple, Facebook, IBM, and Tesla, further enhancing its global business profile.
The real estate brand maintains a symbiotic relationship with the iconic Christie’s auction house, which has been a global leader in the sale of fine art and luxury goods since 1766. This partnership creates unique opportunities for cross-promotion between high-end real estate, art, and luxury goods.
Since its acquisition by Chicago-based @properties in late 2021, Christie’s International Real Estate has been on an aggressive expansion spree. It has added affiliates in major U.S. markets like Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, and the San Francisco Bay. The brand is also making inroads internationally, with new affiliates in countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Malta, and Japan.
The entry of Christie’s International Real Estate into the Austin market is a strategic move that promises to elevate the luxury real estate landscape in the city. Backed by a strong leadership team and cutting-edge technology, the new affiliate is well-positioned to capture a significant share of Austin’s booming real estate market. With its global network and strong brand equity, Christie’s International Real Estate is poised for success in Austin, further solidifying its position as a global leader in luxury real estate.
