Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate expands in Michigan

Birmingham, Michigan-based brokerage @properties REMI Christie’s International Real Estate is opening its 10th office in the state in July by expanding into the lakeside resort town of Traverse City.

The brokerage was launched in 2021 by Detroit-area natives Eric Walstrom and Alex Irrer, and it has grown from an initial operation of two offices.

Leading the new Traverse City office is longtime area agent Molly Buttleman, who recently joined the firm from Coldwell Banker.

Buttleman has earned the distinction as the area’s top-producing agent for more than a decade with $60 million in annual sales, according to her new company.

“Molly is a fantastic agent, with an incredible track record of sales in the region,” Walstrom said in a statement. “No one knows the Traverse City market better than she does, and we’re thrilled to have her on board.”

The move into Traverse City comes as the city experiences a surge in interest from luxury homebuyers. The demand is not only coming from nearby metro areas like Detroit and Chicago but from across the U.S., leaders added.

“@properties REMI’s affiliation with Christie’s International Real Estate will give the brokerage a distinct edge in the local market,” Walstrom said. “While Traverse City has grown into a premier destination for upscale buyers from around the country, we are really the first company in the market with a focus on this clientele.”

He and Irrer expect the office to hit $200 million in annual sales in 2025.

Buttleman will work alongside seven other agents, including Lydia Wiley, a top-producing broker who has been with @properties REMI in Traverse City for nearly two years.

Broker Ken Kleinrichert, a longtime Traverse City resident, will oversee growth of the new location.

Buttleman said the firm’s approach to real estate was a key factor in her decision to make the switch.

“@properties REMI Christie’s International Real Estate brings a fresh approach to real estate that elevates the buying and selling experience at every price point,” she said. “Their cutting-edge tech, industry-leading marketing and forward-thinking culture will enable me to serve my clients at an even higher level.”

Since launching four years ago, @properties REMI has doubled its annual sales volume in the past two years to $1.4 billion.