American agents entice brits

Florida-based estate agents RSVP Associates have worked to improve cross-Atlantic relations with an affiliation with British agents Savills...

The tie-up has been designed to attract British buyers to the States to boost sales of its Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida luxury properties.

Savills was established in 1855, is listed on the London Stock Exchange, and has about 200 offices throughout the world. Already affiliated with Savills for several years, RSVP is now intensifying its efforts to create closer bonds with the prestigious British firm.

Albert Horrigan, Chief Executive for RSVP established the affiliation at a family event in London. Savills was impressed by Mr. Horrigan's understated demeanor, believing that it was a good fit with its British clients.

Mr. Horrigan believes that Savills' reputation, along with its nature as a strictly real estate rather than an auction business, fits well with RSVP's sales mission. He said, "The name carries a lot of weight over there, and it's really helped us, as when prospective British buyers come here to visit and see the Savills name, they know they are in good hands."

In order to expand its operations, RSVP has employed the services of Lindsay Bucknell, an agent who will specifically focus on the Savills affiliation. Ms. Bucknell's British contact network has already drummed up business for prospective buyers looking for luxury second homes in the Florida area.

She said,  "The English are definitely looking here. Florida is becoming a very popular destination again."

According to Ms. Bucknell, the more common luxury hotspots for British buyers, including Spain, Dubai and the Mediterranean, have lost some of their attraction with the collapse of the housing market. As a result, an increasing number of British citizens are investing in American destinations such as Florida.

Source: www.hotproperty.co.uk