@properties Christie’s International Real Estate Marks 25 Years of Excellence
This April, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate is celebrating a significant milestone as it commemorates its 25th anniversary. The company is honoring this occasion throughout the year with a variety of events and initiatives dedicated to its agents, staff, clients, and the communities that have aided in its growth and success.
Founding and Evolution
Established in April 2000 by co-founders Thad Wong and Mike Golden, @properties aimed to innovate within the real estate sector during the dot-com boom. Their distinct brand name, a fusion of the “@” symbol and the word “properties,” set them apart from traditional brokerage firms in Chicago.
Shaping a Brand Identity
In the wake of the Great Recession, @properties sought to rekindle interest in the benefits of homeownership by launching the tagline “Love where you live.” Wong later simplified this message to just one powerful word: “love.” This word was artistically rendered by local artist Matthew Hoffman on the exterior of the firm’s Bucktown office. The mural quickly became a popular photographic spot, symbolizing the brand’s ethos, and eventually adorned the prominent five-story wall of its headquarters in River West.
Current Footprint and Franchises
Today, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate stands as the largest brokerage in the Chicagoland region, with over 3,100 agents operating across 42 offices spanning Northern Illinois, Southeast Wisconsin, Northwest Indiana, and Southwest Michigan. The company has also expanded its reach with franchises in additional markets, including parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Texas, and even Washington, D.C. Notably, in 2021, @properties broadened its portfolio by acquiring the Christie’s International Real Estate network, establishing connections with luxury brokers across more than 50 countries.
Commitment to Relationships
Wong remarked, “Our goal from the start was to create a different kind of real estate brokerage, one built on relationships, collaboration, innovation and the best agent support in the industry.” This foundational philosophy has enabled agents to thrive, as emphasized by Golden, who noted, “We never say to ourselves, ‘We’ve figured it out.’ We’re constantly looking ahead, trying to figure out what to improve.”
25 Years of Love Celebration
The “25 Years of Love” celebration commenced last week with an anniversary event held in all offices. In alignment with this anniversary, @properties is enhancing its community engagement through the @ loves local initiative, which highlights local businesses. Upcoming festivities include an outdoor summer party at Chicago’s Salt Shed, featuring live entertainment and various activities for agents and staff.
To learn more about @properties and their offerings, visit atproperties.com.